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!
8 similar discussions in English
Planned arrival on Sunday evening, November 16, 2025, in San José. Staying 3 nights, then taking a bus to Tortuguero for 2 nights. Looking for a shared shuttle to La Fortuna for 2 nights, then a van-boat-van combo to Santa Elena for 2 or 3 nights. Heading to Quepos for 4 nights for day trips using local buses—Jaco, San Antonio, Uvita. After that, a full-day bus ride to Cahuita. I’m booking hotels as I go, which gives me the flexibility to stay longer in places I like. I’m looking for accommodations in city centers near restaurants and not too far from the bus station. Budget: 50 € for a room with a private bathroom (if you’ve got any great tips!). For my finale, I’ll cross the land border to Panama City for 4 days. Thanks for your suggestions! 😉
Hi everyone,
Planning a trip to Panama... Itinerary still in the works...
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this 3-week plan for February/March 2025:
Day 1: arrive in PC in the late afternoon
Day 2-3: PC
Day 4-5-6: Valle de Anton
Day 7-8-9: Santa Catalina
Day 10-11-12: Boquete
Day 13-14-15: Boca Chica
Day 16-17: Santa Fe
Day 18-19: Gamboa
Day 20: PC
Day 21: flight back to France at 2:00 PM
Thanks for your feedback
I’ve put together this information sheet based on my own experience, feedback from my clients, and reviews from travelers on various travel forums and social media.
I think it’s important to share the reality of these postcard-perfect little islands with their white sandy beaches and palm trees before you set off. That way, you can make the most of your trip to the San Blas Islands, know exactly what to expect, and decide if this destination is right for you.
The San Blas Islands are run by the indigenous Guna people. They have their own rules, and Panamanian law doesn’t really apply. Today, their main income comes from tourism, so please note that foreigners aren’t allowed to operate cabanas there. This means that as soon as you board their small boats, you’re in the hands of the Gunas, and it’ll be tough to complain about delays, logistical issues, or refunds. Wait times can be long, and the Gunas are pretty informal—at first glance, they might even seem unwelcoming. But you have to understand that their culture and way of life are simply different from yours.
You’ll find plenty of tour operators offering day trips or one- or two-night stays on the same islands at different prices. I think all these listings create confusion and uncertainty for travelers. You can book with operators who care about their clients and deal directly with them, while others act only as intermediaries or booking systems between travelers, the Gunas, and transport companies without providing any follow-up during your stay. Don’t forget that all the San Blas Islands are beautiful, and your choice shouldn’t be based on which of the 365 islands is the prettiest, but on the hospitality of the Guna family, the accommodation, and the service they provide. I also recommend avoiding San Blas on weekends and public holidays.
To explain the sometimes "low" level of service mentioned in traveler reviews, you need to understand that the San Blas Islands are very basic and rustic—that’s also the charm of the experience, which, for some of you, will push you out of your comfort zone. Not all huts have electricity, or even light. If you want to charge your phone, ask the island owner, who might charge you a small fee. Needless to say, WiFi isn’t available on all islands.
Not all Gunas working there have studied hospitality management, logistics, gastronomy, or tourism. There’s been a big "boom" in the last 10 years, and they haven’t been trained for it.
Regarding the 4x4 road transport, expect to be a bit cramped since the car can fit 6 passengers. Also, you might face delays, or the car might already be waiting for you because the pickup route can change, and sometimes other passengers are late, causing delays. To avoid this, I recommend paying extra for private transport—it’ll make your trip smoother and save you frustration before arriving in San Blas, as well as on your return to Panama City, which can sometimes be chaotic.
Stay flexible! Expect delays, lack of communication, waiting for someone or something without knowing why, rustic cabanas, no fish but pasta instead (yes! sometimes the fish season is low!), fried eggs and bread for breakfast—but in the end, everything works out if you can accept these little inconveniences. Just enjoy the adventure!
Finally, the San Blas Islands have a waste collection problem, so you might see trash on the islands, especially during the summer season due to strong currents. Most of the waste comes from the sea and the mainland. For the sake of the island, please take your trash with you.
I think it’s important to share the reality of these postcard-perfect little islands with their white sandy beaches and palm trees before you set off. That way, you can make the most of your trip to the San Blas Islands, know exactly what to expect, and decide if this destination is right for you.
The San Blas Islands are run by the indigenous Guna people. They have their own rules, and Panamanian law doesn’t really apply. Today, their main income comes from tourism, so please note that foreigners aren’t allowed to operate cabanas there. This means that as soon as you board their small boats, you’re in the hands of the Gunas, and it’ll be tough to complain about delays, logistical issues, or refunds. Wait times can be long, and the Gunas are pretty informal—at first glance, they might even seem unwelcoming. But you have to understand that their culture and way of life are simply different from yours.
You’ll find plenty of tour operators offering day trips or one- or two-night stays on the same islands at different prices. I think all these listings create confusion and uncertainty for travelers. You can book with operators who care about their clients and deal directly with them, while others act only as intermediaries or booking systems between travelers, the Gunas, and transport companies without providing any follow-up during your stay. Don’t forget that all the San Blas Islands are beautiful, and your choice shouldn’t be based on which of the 365 islands is the prettiest, but on the hospitality of the Guna family, the accommodation, and the service they provide. I also recommend avoiding San Blas on weekends and public holidays.
To explain the sometimes "low" level of service mentioned in traveler reviews, you need to understand that the San Blas Islands are very basic and rustic—that’s also the charm of the experience, which, for some of you, will push you out of your comfort zone. Not all huts have electricity, or even light. If you want to charge your phone, ask the island owner, who might charge you a small fee. Needless to say, WiFi isn’t available on all islands.
Not all Gunas working there have studied hospitality management, logistics, gastronomy, or tourism. There’s been a big "boom" in the last 10 years, and they haven’t been trained for it.
Regarding the 4x4 road transport, expect to be a bit cramped since the car can fit 6 passengers. Also, you might face delays, or the car might already be waiting for you because the pickup route can change, and sometimes other passengers are late, causing delays. To avoid this, I recommend paying extra for private transport—it’ll make your trip smoother and save you frustration before arriving in San Blas, as well as on your return to Panama City, which can sometimes be chaotic.
Stay flexible! Expect delays, lack of communication, waiting for someone or something without knowing why, rustic cabanas, no fish but pasta instead (yes! sometimes the fish season is low!), fried eggs and bread for breakfast—but in the end, everything works out if you can accept these little inconveniences. Just enjoy the adventure!
Finally, the San Blas Islands have a waste collection problem, so you might see trash on the islands, especially during the summer season due to strong currents. Most of the waste comes from the sea and the mainland. For the sake of the island, please take your trash with you.
Hi there,
I have a few questions about Panama. I’ve heard that it’s possible to travel from Panama to the San Blas Islands.
1- Does anyone have information about small plane transport to the islands? I understand it’s possible to fly to one of the main islands, but there might also be other drop-off points for visiting more remote islands. We’re traveling with kids and would prefer to avoid a 5 AM wake-up and a mountain car ride if possible.
2- Regarding our route through the country: we’ve noted the issues with renting a car. We’ve seen that a common itinerary is to fly directly to Bocas del Toro afterward, then return in stages by bus or rental car.
We imagine taking the bus would be really long and tiring (especially with a child). If we rent a car all the way to the west of the country, do you have any recommendations? (e.g., options to rent there and drop it off at the airport or in Panama City, names of local agencies?)
Thanks in advance!
I have a few questions about Panama. I’ve heard that it’s possible to travel from Panama to the San Blas Islands.
1- Does anyone have information about small plane transport to the islands? I understand it’s possible to fly to one of the main islands, but there might also be other drop-off points for visiting more remote islands. We’re traveling with kids and would prefer to avoid a 5 AM wake-up and a mountain car ride if possible.
2- Regarding our route through the country: we’ve noted the issues with renting a car. We’ve seen that a common itinerary is to fly directly to Bocas del Toro afterward, then return in stages by bus or rental car.
We imagine taking the bus would be really long and tiring (especially with a child). If we rent a car all the way to the west of the country, do you have any recommendations? (e.g., options to rent there and drop it off at the airport or in Panama City, names of local agencies?)
Thanks in advance!
When planning a trip to Panama, you often hear about Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, or even San Blas. Yet, there’s a region that remains relatively under the radar in travel guides: the Arco Seco.
Located on the Pacific coast, between the provinces of Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos, the Arco Seco enjoys a generally drier climate than the rest of the country. Even during the rainy season, you’ll often find more sunshine here than in other parts of Panama.
For travelers who love alternating between beaches, nature, hikes, and local discoveries, this region is definitely worth a detour.
A few ideas for visits:
• The beaches of La Ensenada, El Palmar, Punta Barco, and Coronado
• Surfing at El Palmar, one of the most well-known spots on the Pacific coast
• Kitesurfing at Punta Chame, which is highly reputed!
• El Valle de Antón, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, with its hikes, waterfalls, artisan market, and hot springs
• Various hikes offering stunning panoramas
• The waterfalls in the San Carlos and El Valle areas
• Golf at Vista Mar or Coronado
• Fishing villages where you can still buy freshly caught fish directly from local fishermen
What I particularly love about this region is that it lets you discover a more authentic and peaceful side of Panama while remaining easily accessible from Panama City.
I’ve been living in San Carlos for several years now, and I’m still discovering new places, trails, beaches, and hidden gems.
If anyone is planning a trip to this region and has questions, I’d be happy to share my favorite spots and personal recommendations.
Looking forward to exchanging tips with you!
Joëlle
Located on the Pacific coast, between the provinces of Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos, the Arco Seco enjoys a generally drier climate than the rest of the country. Even during the rainy season, you’ll often find more sunshine here than in other parts of Panama.
For travelers who love alternating between beaches, nature, hikes, and local discoveries, this region is definitely worth a detour.
A few ideas for visits:
• The beaches of La Ensenada, El Palmar, Punta Barco, and Coronado
• Surfing at El Palmar, one of the most well-known spots on the Pacific coast
• Kitesurfing at Punta Chame, which is highly reputed!
• El Valle de Antón, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, with its hikes, waterfalls, artisan market, and hot springs
• Various hikes offering stunning panoramas
• The waterfalls in the San Carlos and El Valle areas
• Golf at Vista Mar or Coronado
• Fishing villages where you can still buy freshly caught fish directly from local fishermen
What I particularly love about this region is that it lets you discover a more authentic and peaceful side of Panama while remaining easily accessible from Panama City.
I’ve been living in San Carlos for several years now, and I’m still discovering new places, trails, beaches, and hidden gems.
If anyone is planning a trip to this region and has questions, I’d be happy to share my favorite spots and personal recommendations.
Looking forward to exchanging tips with you!
Joëlle
Hi there,
After a lot of hesitation about our Central America destination (trip in July), we finally decided on Panama.
For this country, we're looking for info to fine-tune our itinerary.
To avoid spending entire days in the car, does anyone have any firsthand experiences or suggestions for towns or villages to stop at: Between Panama City and Valle de Anton? Between Valle de Anton and Pedasí (Santiago, Parita, Chitré)? Between Pedasí (or another nearby village) and Santa Catalina? Is Isla Cébaco worth the detour? (How do you get there?) Is there another departure point for Coiba (other than Santa Catalina)? Between Santa Catalina and David (is Boca Chica worth the detour?) Between David and Boquete? Between Boquete and Bocas del Toro?
Also, we’ve seen that Panama is known for its waterfalls, some of which look stunning—like Cascada Macho de Monte and La Silampa.
Do you know of any waterfalls that are easy to access (we’re traveling with a child) and don’t require hours of hiking?
Thanks in advance if you can help! (Of course, we’re researching everywhere, but nothing beats real-life experiences.) :)
After a lot of hesitation about our Central America destination (trip in July), we finally decided on Panama.
For this country, we're looking for info to fine-tune our itinerary.
To avoid spending entire days in the car, does anyone have any firsthand experiences or suggestions for towns or villages to stop at: Between Panama City and Valle de Anton? Between Valle de Anton and Pedasí (Santiago, Parita, Chitré)? Between Pedasí (or another nearby village) and Santa Catalina? Is Isla Cébaco worth the detour? (How do you get there?) Is there another departure point for Coiba (other than Santa Catalina)? Between Santa Catalina and David (is Boca Chica worth the detour?) Between David and Boquete? Between Boquete and Bocas del Toro?
Also, we’ve seen that Panama is known for its waterfalls, some of which look stunning—like Cascada Macho de Monte and La Silampa.
Do you know of any waterfalls that are easy to access (we’re traveling with a child) and don’t require hours of hiking?
Thanks in advance if you can help! (Of course, we’re researching everywhere, but nothing beats real-life experiences.) :)
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to Central America and South America, but we’re still unsure about the destination. It’s for a trip in July 2025, so weather is definitely a factor. For Ecuador, the weather seems favorable, but my wife knows an Ecuadorian woman who told her that the security situation has really deteriorated, especially on the west side (beaches, etc.).
Has anyone traveled to Ecuador recently (in 2025) and could share their experience? (security situation, recommended itineraries)
In terms of things to see (typical villages, landscapes), weather, and prices, Ecuador seems more appealing to us than Costa Rica or Panama, which we’re also considering.
We’re planning a trip to Central America and South America, but we’re still unsure about the destination. It’s for a trip in July 2025, so weather is definitely a factor. For Ecuador, the weather seems favorable, but my wife knows an Ecuadorian woman who told her that the security situation has really deteriorated, especially on the west side (beaches, etc.).
Has anyone traveled to Ecuador recently (in 2025) and could share their experience? (security situation, recommended itineraries)
In terms of things to see (typical villages, landscapes), weather, and prices, Ecuador seems more appealing to us than Costa Rica or Panama, which we’re also considering.
