Luxury holidays to Panama

Panama From the Panama Canal and city skyline to jungle, islands and Pacific beaches

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Panama with True Travel

The tropical crossroads of Panama

You can’t think of Panama without thinking of its canal. A meeting point between two continents and two oceans, it has made Panama a crossroads of the world. But there’s far more to this little country than one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering. Venture beyond the canal and you’ll find dense rainforest teeming with wildlife, palm-fringed Caribbean islands, volcanic highlands and Pacific beaches, all within surprisingly easy reach. Explore the vibrant streets of Panama City, cruise the canal as ships make their passage between oceans, or head into the jungle to discover communities and wildlife far from the usual tourist trail. Then retreat to private island hideaways, elegant city hotels and intimate jungle lodges, bringing a little luxury to a country made for exploration.

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Specialist Tip

Panama is far more than its canal. Head to the San Blas Islands for pristine indigenous Caribbean culture, or the cloud forests of Boquete for hiking and birdwatching.

Evie Oswald, Latin America Programme Manager

Journeys we love

Luxury Panama holidays

Each of our journeys starts from a conversation. Every detail, from the route to the hotels, is built and rebuilt around you until it fits. To provide you a taste of what True Travel can create, our team of global destination specialists have created a selection of suggested journeys, from our recent travels. Get in touch to start planning your next adventure.

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Panama

Panama: Casco Viejo to Bocas del Toro

Panama brings together three very different settings over 12 days, from the historic streets and waterways of the capital to the cloud forests of the highlands and the Caribbean islands…

Panama | Colombia

Colombia & Panama: Coast, Canal & Private Islands

Combine the Caribbean character of Cartagena with the islands and waters of Panama on a 15 day journey that moves between historic cities and remote shores. In Cartagena, explore the…

EXPLORE PANAMA

Places in Panama

Our Favourite Places Boquete and Chiriqui The Chiriqui highlands around Boquete offer a genuinely cool break from the heat and humidity found across most of Panama. Rich volcanic soil here supports thriving cacao, coffee and tropical fruit production, and the region has become known among serious coffee drinkers for some particularly sought-after beans. It is a good place to slow down, walk through farmland and highland scenery, and taste the results firsthand.

HOW WE TRAVEL DIFFERENTLY

True Experiences in Panama

Explore a selection of our hand-picked experiences our Travel Designers can build into your holiday, from transiting the Panama Canal to private guided bird watching in Boquete.

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Panama

Kayaking and snorkelling in San Blas

Explore the unspoiled San Blas Islands by kayak and snorkel, travelling between tiny palm-fringed islands and clear Caribbean waters. Swim over colourful reefs, discover secluded beaches and meet local Guna communities while experiencing one of Panama’s most pristine archipelagos.

Panama

Sail the Panama Canal

Transit the Panama Canal by boat, travelling through the historic locks and experiencing first-hand how this engineering landmark connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Learn about the canal’s history and operation while watching ships navigate the locks alongside you.

Panama

Birdwatching in the Boquete highlands

Explore the cool, green highlands of Boquete on a guided birdwatching excursion, looking for colourful tropical species in cloud forest and mountain habitats. With an expert naturalist, learn to identify the calls and behaviour of the birds that make this region a favourite with birders.

Panama

Snorkelling in Bocas del Toro

Snorkel in the clear Caribbean waters of Bocas del Toro, exploring coral reefs and sheltered bays alive with tropical fish. Travel by boat between islands and reefs with a local guide, with time to swim and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the archipelago.

Panama Accommodation

A Taste of Where We Stay

Some places you stay are simply somewhere to sleep. Others become part of the story and a great place can linger in your memory long after you’ve left. Perhaps it’s waking to the sound of the ocean in the San Blas Islands, stepping out into the stillness of the wilderness in Boquete or returning to a beautifully restored finca after a day exploring. We seek out the hotels, lodges and fincas that add something to the journey, choosing each for its setting, character, service and sense of place. Explore some of our hand-picked luxury accommodation, discovered through our own travels and trusted relationships.

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Nayara Bocas del Toro

The islands of Bocas del Toro offer a different side of Panama, where Caribbean waters and tropical islands shape daily life. Built on stilts above the water, Nayara Bocas del Toro features a collection of overwater villas surrounded by mangroves. Days can be spent snorkelling, kayaking and exploring the islands that make up this corner of the country.

Central Hotel Panama

Few hotels are better placed for exploring Casco Viejo than Central Hotel Panama. Overlooking Plaza de la Independencia, Central Hotel Panama places guests in the heart of this UNESCO-listed district, with the Presidential Palace, Panama Canal Museum and lively cafés all within easy reach. Originally opened in 1874, the hotel remains one of the city's most historic addresses.

Islas Secas

Off Panama's Pacific coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Islas Secas occupies a collection of private islands surrounded by rich marine life and protected waters. With access to nearby Coiba National Park, this is one of the country's best locations for diving, snorkelling and wildlife encounters, particularly during humpback whale season. Accommodation is spread across a small number of ocean-facing casitas, while days are spent exploring by boat, on the water or enjoying fresh seafood and locally sourced produce back on shore.

Finca Lerida

Coffee has been grown at Finca Lérida for more than 90 years, and the estate remains one of the best-known properties in Panama's Boquete Highlands. Set on the slopes of Volcán Barú, it is surrounded by forest and coffee plantations, with hiking trails, birdwatching and plantation tours all easily accessible. Rooms and suites are spread throughout the grounds, many with views across the valley, while the restaurant serves Panamanian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and, naturally, some of the region's finest coffee.

True Travel Journal

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From finding the right guide to unlocking hidden doors along Rome’s cobbled streets, to knowing which room offers a front-row view of Patagonia’s mountains at first light, or where to find Kyoto’s best counter seat, our journals are filled with the kind of insight that comes from years of travelling, planning and exploring.

Explore destination guides, travel news and stories from our specialists’ travels around the world, from new hotels and destinations to the experiences worth seeking out. Discover fresh ideas and insider knowledge to inspire your next trip.

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Zambia

What our guests say

From the travel and transfers to the lodging, it was the most magical and perfect trip that we will remember for the rest of our lives. The hotels were beautiful and luxurious, with the most amazing staff. Every day was 10/10, and the trip was so well balanced with adventure and relaxation.

Amy, UK

It was one of the best trips I've ever done, and 95% of that was down to True Travel and their team. The organisation was perfect, as was each destination and guide. I hope I can travel again with them soon.

Fatima, Spain

True Travel arranged all our internal flights and transport, which ran like clockwork. Each accommodation was lovely, as was being able to explore Ecuador's varied regions and amazing people, culture and animals. As usual, True Travel delivered a seamless trip.

Jane, UK

My sister and I spent 12 days in Cambodia, planned by True Travel. Everything went perfectly. We stayed in four different amazing locations, had wonderful guides and drivers, and did so many different activities. The team at True Travel were really easy to deal with and great at communicating.

Jill, USA

Best trip ever. This trip was awesome. We were treated like royalty. We were taken care of from beginning to end. We saw everything we expected and then some. The accommodations were fabulous. I could go on forever, but just to say everything was planned to perfection to the finest detail. I hope to use them again and will recommend True Travel to everyone. A trip we'll never forget.

Jean, USA

The True Travel team provided excellent service throughout, from initial planning and finalising the details to support during the trip. They were extremely knowledgeable about Australia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, boutique hotels and restaurants. Their local partner was always on hand to help with any issues or changes. Using True Travel meant I could relax and enjoy the trip without worrying about the logistics or small details.

Liza, USA

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Quick Answers

Common Questions

How does visiting the Panama Canal actually work, and can I watch a ship transit?

The Miraflores Locks visitor centre near Panama City offers viewing platforms where you can watch ships transit the canal, though exact timings are unpredictable and depend on canal traffic and scheduling rather than a fixed timetable. Checking the visitor centre’s live schedule information on the day, rather than planning around a guessed transit time, gives the best chance of a good viewing window.
What currency is used in Panama?

Panama uses the US Dollar directly for paper currency, with its own Balboa existing only as coinage pegged exactly to the dollar, making this one of the most currency-simple destinations for US travellers anywhere in the region. UK and other international visitors simply treat it as a US dollar economy without any local currency to learn.
Why is Panama's time zone different from neighbouring Costa Rica?

Panama operates on Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5) year-round, a full hour ahead of Costa Rica’s UTC-6, despite the two countries sharing a border. This is worth checking specifically if your itinerary combines both countries, since flight and activity timings need to account for the shift.
What language is spoken in Panama?

Spanish is the official language, though English is unusually widely spoken here compared with several Central American neighbours, a legacy of the historic US presence around the Canal Zone and Panama’s large expatriate community. This makes Panama one of the more linguistically comfortable Spanish-speaking destinations in the region.
Can I drink the tap water in Panama?

Yes, tap water in Panama City is treated to a high standard and safe to drink. In more remote areas, including some parts of the Guna Yala archipelago, bottled or filtered water is the sensible default instead.
Should I carry cash or are cards widely accepted?

Cards are widely accepted in Panama City’s hotels and restaurants, but Guna Yala and more rural areas lean more heavily on cash. Since the currency is effectively US dollars throughout, no conversion is needed, only the practical question of card versus cash access.
Is tipping expected in Panama?

A 10 percent tip in restaurants is customary, and guides on Canal tours or excursions to Guna Yala are typically tipped directly in cash. This follows a broadly similar pattern to tipping elsewhere in Central America.
What plug sockets are used in Panama?

Panama uses Type A and Type B sockets, the same flat two or three-pin design used in the US, running at 120V. This applies consistently throughout the country, so US travellers can generally use their own devices without an adapter.
Is the Panama hat actually made in Panama?

No, despite the name, the Panama hat originates from Ecuador, where it’s still traditionally woven, and it only became associated with Panama after canal workers and travellers passing through popularised it in the early twentieth century. It’s a genuinely common misconception worth knowing before buying one as a “Panama” souvenir.
What should I know about visiting San Blas (Guna Yala) and its indigenous Guna communities?

Guna Yala is a semi-autonomous indigenous territory with its own entry fee and customs separate from mainland Panama, home to the Guna people who are known for their intricate mola textile art, traditionally handmade and sold directly by the artisans themselves. Asking before photographing individuals and purchasing molas directly from Guna sellers, rather than intermediaries, both show genuine respect for the community’s autonomy and craft.

Panama From the Panama Canal and city skyline to jungle, islands and Pacific beaches

The tropical crossroads of Panama

Panama With Us

Luxury Panama holidays

Panama: Casco Viejo to Bocas del Toro

Colombia & Panama: Coast, Canal & Private Islands

Places in Panama

True Experiences in Panama

Kayaking and snorkelling in San Blas

Sail the Panama Canal

Birdwatching in the Boquete highlands

Snorkelling in Bocas del Toro

A Taste of Where We Stay

Nayara Bocas del Toro

Central Hotel Panama

Islas Secas

Finca Lerida

Read all about it