19-Day Panama Epic Journey & Luxury Escape
Panama is much more than its famous canal; it is a land of vibrant contrasts where soaring skyscrapers meet colonial history, and emerald rainforests fringe turquoise seas. This 19-day itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks 'Epic Journeys' combined with the finest 'Luxury Escapes,' ensuring every transition is seamless and every stay is extraordinary.
From private catamaran charters in the Guna Yala to exclusive Geisha coffee tastings in the Chiriquí highlands, you will traverse the country via domestic flights and private transfers. Prepare for a deep dive into Panama’s rich biodiversity and sophisticated urban culture while enjoying world-class gastronomy and secluded boutique retreats.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Panama City, Panama - Arrival in the Hub of the Americas
Luxury Transfer to Casco Viejo
Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), meet your private chauffeur for a comfortable transfer to the historic district. Check into a restored colonial mansion turned luxury hotel.
Casco Viejo Sunset Walk
Explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter, visiting the Golden Altar at San Jose Church and the Plaza de la Independencia.
Gourmet Welcome Dinner at Caliope
Indulge in a fusion of international techniques and Panamanian ingredients at one of the most celebrated fine-dining rooms in the city.
Rooftop Cocktails at Lazotea
Enjoy panoramic views of the modern Panama City skyline against the backdrop of colonial architecture.
Day 2: Panama City, Panama - Engineering Marvels & Modernity
Miraflores Visitor Center VIP Tour
Witness the operation of the Panama Canal from a private viewing platform as massive vessels transition between oceans.
Lunch at the Amador Causeway
Dine at the tip of the causeway with cooling ocean breezes and views of the Bridge of the Americas.
Biomuseo: Frank Gehry’s Masterpiece
Explore the colorful museum dedicated to Panama’s unique biodiversity and its role in changing the world's climate.
Dining at Maito
Experience the 'Chombasia' tasting menu at Maito, consistently ranked among the best restaurants in Latin America.
Day 3: Panama City, Panama - History & High-End Shopping
Panamá Viejo Ruins
Walk through the ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519 and destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan.
Lunch at Fonda Lo Que Hay
Enjoy elevated Panamanian soul food in a vibrant, casual-chic setting within Casco Viejo.
Multiplaza Luxury Shopping
Visit the Luxury Avenue at Multiplaza Mall for exclusive international brands and personalized shopping services.
Jazz Night at Danilo’s Jazz Club
Immerse yourself in world-class music founded by Grammy-winner Danilo Pérez.
Day 4: San Blas Islands, Panama - Sailing into Paradise
Private Charter Flight to Guna Yala
Take a private light aircraft from Albrook Airport to the remote San Blas archipelago, skipping the bumpy road journey.
Boarding a Luxury Catamaran
Meet your crew and board a private sailing catamaran fully equipped with water toys and a professional chef.
Anchorage at Cayos Limones
Swim in crystalline waters and enjoy a fresh lobster lunch prepared on board.
Paddleboarding the Lagoons
Glide over calm, transparent waters through various uninhabited islets.
Day 5: San Blas Islands, Panama - The Outer Cays
Sailing to Cayos Holandeses
Venture further out to the most pristine islands in the archipelago, known for their white sand and isolation.
Snorkeling the Barrier Reef
Discover vibrant coral gardens and a variety of tropical fish in the protected reefs of the outer cays.
Beach Picnic on a Deserted Islet
Enjoy an exclusive setup on the sand with chilled champagne and local delicacies.
Stargazing from the Deck
With zero light pollution, the night sky over San Blas offers an unparalleled celestial display.
Day 6: San Blas Islands, Panama - Guna Yala Culture
Cultural Visit to a Guna Community
Learn about the traditions, Molas (textile art), and governance of the indigenous Guna people.
Island BBQ Lunch
Feast on traditionally prepared coconut rice and fresh catch of the day on the beach.
Final Swim at Natural Pool
Relax in the waist-deep 'piscina natural' in the middle of the ocean, often filled with starfish.
Farewell Sunset Cruise
Enjoy a slow sail as the sun dips below the Caribbean horizon.
Day 7: Boquete, Panama - Into the Highlands
Charter Flight to David
Fly from the islands back toward the mainland, then take a connecting flight or private jet to David, Chiriquí.
Private Transfer to Boquete
Ascend into the misty highlands of Boquete, characterized by coffee plantations and cloud forests.
Lunch at The Rock
Dine at this iconic riverside restaurant known for its exquisite comfort food and scenic gardens.
Spa Treatment at The Haven
Unwind from your travels with a deep tissue massage using locally sourced volcanic stones.
Day 8: Boquete, Panama - The Geisha Experience
Exclusive Coffee Estate Tour
Visit Finca Lérida or Elida Estate for a private tour of the world-famous Geisha coffee production process.
Picnic in the Coffee Groves
Enjoy a catered lunch among the rows of coffee trees with views of the Baru Volcano.
Birdwatching in the Cloud Forest
Search for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal with a private naturalist guide.
Tasting Menu at Colibri
Experience innovative highland cuisine that highlights the agricultural bounty of Chiriquí.
Day 9: Boquete, Panama - Adrenaline & Nature
Hanging Bridges Walk
Traverse high-altitude suspension bridges for a bird's-eye view of the forest canopy.
Private 4x4 Baru Volcano Ascent
Take a rugged private vehicle to the summit of Volcan Baru, the highest point in Panama.
Champagne Toast at the Summit
If the weather is clear, see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at once.
Relaxing by the Fireplace
Enjoy the cooler mountain air with a fine wine by the fire at your lodge.
Day 10: Boquete, Panama - Culinary Workshops
Organic Farm Tour
Visit a sustainable farm to learn about highland agriculture and harvest your own vegetables.
Farm-to-Table Cooking Class
Prepare a traditional Panamanian lunch with a modern twist under the guidance of a local chef.
Honey & Chocolate Tasting
Sample the unique honey produced by mountain bees and artisan chocolates from the region.
Dinner at Butcherhouse Boquete
Savor the finest cuts of dry-aged beef in an elegant, rustic setting.
Day 11: Bocas del Toro, Panama - Caribbean Sophistication
Private Shuttle to Bocas del Toro
Take a scenic private drive over the continental divide to Almirante followed by a private boat to Isla Colon.
Check-in at Nayara Bocas del Toro
Experience the ultimate in luxury overwater bungalows on a private island near Bocas.
Alfresco Lunch by the Pool
Enjoy light Caribbean fare as you settle into your island retreat.
Kayaking the Mangroves
Explore the intricate root systems of the surrounding mangroves directly from your villa.
Day 12: Bocas del Toro, Panama - The Zapatilla Cays
Private Yacht Charter
Spend the day exploring the Bastimentos National Marine Park on a luxury motor yacht.
Zapatilla Cays Exploration
Visit these legendary uninhabited islands for world-class swimming and soft white sands.
Onboard Seafood Lunch
Feast on a custom menu of grilled shrimp and fresh snapper served on deck.
Dolphin Bay Observation
Observe the local bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat in a responsible, low-impact manner.
Day 13: Bocas del Toro, Panama - Surf & Sand
Private Surf Lesson at Red Frog
Whether a beginner or advanced, enjoy the waves at one of Panama’s most beautiful beaches.
Lunch at Palmar Beach Club
Relax with a tropical cocktail and fresh tacos at this upscale beach club.
Sloth Watching Tour
Visit a protected area to see three-toed sloths in the wild with an expert guide.
Dinner at Guacamayo
Dine at your resort’s signature restaurant, focusing on refined Caribbean-Asian fusion.
Day 14: Bocas del Toro, Panama - Hidden Reefs
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling at Polo Beach
Discover the less-visited reefs on the northern side of Isla Bastimentos.
Lobster Lunch on the Beach
Enjoy a rustic yet luxurious lunch prepared by a local Guna family on a secluded beach.
Biking through Isla Colon
Take high-quality cruisers to explore the jungle roads and hidden coves of the main island.
Sunset Yoga Session
Practice mindfulness on a deck overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Day 15: Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama - Private Island Bliss
Flight to David and Private Transfer
Fly from Bocas del Toro back to David and transfer to a private pier for the boat to Isla Palenque.
Check-in at Isla Palenque
Enter a world of barefoot luxury on a 400-acre private island with seven secluded beaches.
Island Nature Hike
Walk the well-maintained trails to spot howler monkeys and rare tropical birds.
Beachfront Dining
Enjoy a candlelit dinner with your toes in the sand, featuring the best of Pacific seafood.
Day 16: Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama - Marine Wonders
Island Hopping in Chiriquí National Park
Charter a private boat to explore the dozens of uninhabited islands in this protected marine zone.
Whale Watching (Seasonal)
From July to October, witness the spectacular humpback whales that migrate to these warm waters.
Gourmet Picnic at Isla Gámez
Relax on a perfect sandbar with a fully catered lunch and snorkeling gear.
Hammock Time at the Resort
Embrace the 'slow travel' philosophy as you watch the Pacific tides.
Day 17: Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama - Sustainable Luxury
Guided Kayaking in the Estuaries
Explore the calm waters surrounding the island, spotting marine life and coastal birds.
Cooking Demonstration
Learn how to make Panamanian ceviche using traditional Pacific recipes and fresh citrus.
Tide Pool Exploration
Discover the micro-ecosystems left behind by the receding Pacific tides at low tide.
Farewell Island Feast
A multi-course dinner celebrating the diversity of Panama’s Pacific coast flavors.
Day 18: Panama City, Panama - Final Urban Night
Flight Back to Panama City
Fly from David to Albrook and transfer to a luxury hotel in the modern business district.
Lunch at Intimo
Experience 'Kitchen of the Neighborhood' philosophy at this award-winning establishment.
Souvenir Shopping at Karavan Gallery
Pick up high-end, authentic Panamanian crafts and art pieces to take home.
Farewell Dinner at Makoto
Enjoy world-class Japanese cuisine with a Panamanian twist overlooking the city skyline.
Day 19: Panama City, Panama - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast at the Hotel
Enjoy a final spread of tropical fruits and Panamanian coffee.
Final Walk along Avenida Balboa
Take in the views of the bay and the skyscrapers for one last time.
Luxury Airport Transfer
A private driver will transport you to PTY airport for your departure flight.
Departure from Tocumen International
Check in early to enjoy the VIP lounges at the airport before your journey home.
Best Time to Visit Panama
The ideal time to visit Panama is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April. This period offers the most sunshine and is perfect for exploring both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, as well as the highlands. However, if you are a nature enthusiast specifically looking for whale watching, the rainy season (July to October) is the prime time for humpback sightings in the Gulf of Chiriquí.
Currency & Money
Panama uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency, although the local currency is technically the Balboa (at a 1:1 exchange rate). Credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, high-end restaurants, and shops in Panama City, Boquete, and Bocas del Toro. However, it is essential to carry cash for smaller purchases and when visiting more remote areas like the San Blas Islands. Tipping is customary at around 10% in restaurants.
Getting Around Panama
For a luxury itinerary, domestic flights are the preferred method of intercity travel, connecting Panama City to David (for Boquete) and Bocas del Toro via Air Panama. Private chauffeurs and air-conditioned luxury vans are recommended for city transfers and mountain routes. Between islands, private boat charters and catamarans offer the most exclusive and comfortable experience, while Panama City’s modern Metro and Uber are convenient for quick urban trips.
