3-week Panama itinerary plan for summer

Hi there,

I’m planning a trip to Panama in the summer of 2026 (2 adults and 2 kids, ages 9 and 6).

Here’s my first draft for the itinerary. Could you give me some advice, please?

Day 1: Panama City + night 1 Day 2: Departure for the San Blas Islands (I don’t have a transfer company yet and I’m hesitant to drive there myself in an SUV) + 1 or 2 nights depending on the price Day 3 (or 4): Return to Panama City + departure for Isla Grande (maybe too much in one day, so maybe an extra night in Panama City and leave the next day for Isla Grande) For Isla Grande, should I go through Portobelo? Day 3 or 4: Isla Grande + night Day 4 or 5: From Isla Grande to Lake Gatun for an Embera immersion (I haven’t checked the travel time yet) + night Day 5 or 6: Departure from Lake Gatun to El Valle de Antón + 2 or 3 nights Day 7 or max Day 9: Head to the Gulf of Chiriquí and Boca Chica + 2 or 3 nights? Day 9 or max Day 12: Boquete + 2 nights Day 11 or 14: Bocas del Toro (one of the surrounding islands) + 2 nights Day 13 or 16: Return to Panama City by plane the day before the international flight. I don’t have all 21 nights planned yet, but there are still some details to work out with your help ;)

Also, is it possible to rent a car in Panama City and drop it off at the Bocas del Toro airport? (I think so...) Finally, what are the steps for driving back from Bocas del Toro to Panama City (to avoid the domestic flight)?

Thanks in advance!

Hi there, here are my notes below:

Hello,

I’m planning a trip to Panama in the summer of 2026 (2 adults and 2 kids, ages 9 and 6).

Here’s my first draft for the itinerary. Could you give me some advice, please?

Day 1: Panama City + night 1

Good idea to do 2 nights—3 would be too many, and this way you won’t be passing through Panama City multiple times.

Day 2: Departure for the San Blas Islands (I don’t have a transfer company yet and I’m debating whether to go by SUV myself) + 1 or 2 nights depending on the price

The rental vehicle must be a 4x4—keep in mind you’ll be paying for unused rental days, plus there’s an additional tax on the vehicle and parking fees from the Guna authorities. For transfers and stays: www.panamabubbletrips.com

Day 3 (or 4): Return to Panama City + departure for Isla Grande (maybe too much in one day, so perhaps an extra night in Panama City and leave the next day for Isla Grande)

From San Blas, there are two return times: either in the morning or in the afternoon. If you return in the morning, you’ll arrive around noon in the city, so you’ll have the afternoon to head to Isla Grande or somewhere closer.

For Isla Grande, should I go through Portobelo? Yes, I recommend spending a night near the forest at Casita Rio India (close to Isla Grande) Day 3 or 4: Isla Grande + night Day 4 or 5: From Isla Grande to Lake Gatun for an Emberá immersion (I haven’t checked the travel time yet) + night—I recommend the community near Sabanitas, on the way back, so about 1 hour’s drive from Portobelo. One night in a hut; by 2026, they’ll likely have the capacity to host a family under the same roof. For now, it’s more suited for 2 adults, but I think kids can stay too, even if it’s a bit tight. Contact: Overnight Emberá Indigenous Immersion - Panama Bubble Trips

Day 5 or 6: Departure from Lake Gatun to El Valle de Antón + 2 or 3 nights—I’d max it at 2 nights in El Valle Day 7 or 9 max: Head to the Gulf of Chiriquí and Boca Chica + 2 or 3 nights? Good idea Day 9 or 12 max: Boquete + 2 nights—okay Day 11 or 14: Bocas del Toro (one of the surrounding islands) + 2 nights—okay Day 13 or 16: Return to Panama City by plane the day before the international flight. Perfect, so you’ll need to leave the car in Almirante or Changuinola I don’t have all 21 nights planned yet, but there are still some details to work out with your help ;)

Also, do you know if it’s possible to pick up a rental car in Panama City and drop it off at the Bocas del Toro airport? (I’m guessing...) No, you’d drop it off in Almirante or Changuinola—not all agencies offer this option. I know AVIS and DOLLAR do, with a drop-off fee of around $250 Finally, what are the recommended stops for driving back from Bocas del Toro to Panama City (to avoid the domestic flight)? You’ll have already done these stops on the way there, unless you skip some on the way out and make different stops on the return. Santa Fe de Veraguas is really pretty, and Pedasí/Playa Venao/Combutal (though that adds a bit more driving).

Hi Mitchfrile,

Sorry for the late reply, and thank you so much for the tips—I’ll definitely keep them in mind! I’ll keep refining it.

See you soon. Audrey