From Coffee Highlands to Island Paradise: A 10-Day Self-Guided Panama Itinerary
What if one destination could deliver a glittering skyline, a world-famous engineering marvel, cool mountain air scented with coffee blossoms, and a barefoot island escape, all in just 10 days? Panama does exactly that.
Compact yet incredibly diverse, this is a country where dramatic contrasts unfold within a few hours of travel. You can wake up overlooking the Pacific skyline, sip award-winning Geisha coffee in the highlands the next day, and end your journey with your toes in Caribbean or Pacific sand. Even better, you can do it at a relaxed pace, without constantly packing and unpacking.
Hiking at Sendero Artillería, Boquete – Credits: visitpanama.com
Coronado, Playa Blanca & the Pacific Coast: Easy Beach Escapes from Panama City
By Peter Strub, February 23rd, 2026
You’ve explored the colonial charm of Casco Viejo, watched ships glide through the Panamá Canal, and felt the vibrant rhythm of Panamá City. Now it’s time to slow down, just 90 minutes away on the Pacific Coast. Coronado and Playa Blanca offer the perfect beach escape to complete your journey. Start designing your personalized Panamá itinerary today with our Trip Planner and turn your travel ideas into a seamless, self-guided adventure.
Boquete or El Valle? Choosing Panama’s Perfect Mountain Escape
By Peter Burts, February 5th, 2026
Panama is best known for its tropical beaches, dense rainforests, and the iconic Panama Canal. Yet beyond the coastline and the capital lies a lesser-known side of the country—one defined by cooler temperatures, misty landscapes, and lush mountain scenery. For many travelers, discovering Panama’s highlands becomes an unexpected highlight. Already planning a trip to Panama? Speak with our travel specialists and start designing a custom itinerary that includes the perfect mountain escape.
Panama City Beyond the Canal: A Self-Guided Traveler’s Playbook
By Peter Burts, January 21th, 2026
Panama City is often introduced to the world through one monumental achievement: the Panama Canal. And while the Canal is undeniably impressive, focusing only on it sells the city short. Panama City is far more than a gateway or a brief stopover. It is a vibrant, multi-layered destination where history, culture, cuisine, and nature intersect—rewarding travelers who are willing to look beyond the obvious. Looking for the freedom to explore Panama City at your own pace, without missing the experiences that truly matter? Start chatting with our interactive trip planner now and unlock a personalized Panama adventure tailored just for you!
Where Is Panama & Why It’s the Perfect Base for a Custom Multi-Region Trip
By Peter Burts, January 7th, 2026
When travelers begin imagining a longer journey—one that combines vibrant cities, rich culture, immersive nature, and time to slow down—the first real challenge is often deciding where to start. That choice matters more than many realize. The right starting point can simplify logistics, deepen experiences, and set the tone for the entire trip. This is where Panama quietly excels. Design your Panama itinerary with local experts.
Retiring in Panama
By Silvanna Pacheco, July 14th, 2025
Panama has emerged as a premier destination for retirees, topping the list on the 2025 International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index. Its affordability, welcoming expat community, and attractive government incentives makes it such a desirable destination. Here’s a closer look at what makes Panama so great:
Boquete Panama: A Mountain Oasis
By Silvanna Pacheco, August 22, 2024
Nestled high in the Chiriqui Province, Boquete offers a refreshing escape from Panama’s lowland heat and humidity. Its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and natural wonders have captivated both locals and international visitors, making it a popular destination for tourists and retirees.
Indigenous Culture in Panama
By Ana Cetina, Jul 6, 2023
When we read about the indigenous people of America, we typically read about the natives from the United States, the Incas, Mayas, Aztecas, or Olmecas. But there are other indigenous tribes in America that are less well-known, such as the indigenous people of Panama. Panama’s indigenous peoples contribute significantly to the richness and complexity of the nation’s unique cultural tapestry. Due to the presence of more than seven different aboriginal groups within its borders, Panama presents a rare opportunity to discover and appreciate the lively traditions and rituals of these ancestral societies.
Panama Railroad
by Ana Cetina, Oct 9, 2018
Imagine going from the Pacific to the Caribbean in historic railroad wooden cars admiring lush jungle and a waterway. This is what the Panama Railroad allows you to do in luxurious passenger cars. All cars are reminiscent of the Golden age of railway travel, with luxurious Wood paneling, carpeted floors, tables, soft lamp lighting, air conditioning, bathrooms, wooden blinds, large Windows and open air viewing decks. There is a remodeled Southern Pacific Dome car that allows travelers to see not only through the windows but also thru the dome. Before the railroad existed people had to cross by foot or mule in path ways built by Spain across a very complex topography.
