Self-drive tour - Charms of Panama
From the volcanic crater of El Valle to the crystal-clear waters of Bocas del Toro, Panama reveals its many faces between two oceans.
Duration
17 days
From
€2,927/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This Panama circuit lets you discover a complete itinerary, between the must-sees of Panama City and regions with varied atmospheres: a stopover in El Valle de Antón, the Azuero peninsula, the Pacific coast at Santa Catalina, the cooler mountains of Boquete, then the Caribbean with the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
The organization is designed to give you free time, while benefiting from the support of a professional and attentive local agency when you need it.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Panama City!
Aéroport Tocumen → Panama City
Upon your arrival in Panama, you discover Panama City, a city marked by its canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
In the distance, skyscrapers draw a contemporary skyline, while below, the cobbled streets of Casco Viejo recall the colonial past of the capital.
For your arrival, a private shuttle awaits you at the airport and takes you directly to your hotel.
Casco Viejo and Miraflores Locks in Panama City
You are heading off to discover Casco Antiguo, also called Casco Viejo, Panama's historic district inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 and marked by its Spanish colonial architecture.
You can explore it on foot or by bike, strolling between local shops, churches and squares. You will also be able to discover the Santo Domingo convent, the Mola Museum (Mola Museum) or the fish market, where you can taste a ceviche on site or to take away.
You continue your discovery of the Panama Canal by heading to, with a guide or independently, the Miraflores locks, on the Pacific side, to observe the passage of large cargo ships.
Night at the Hotel Central Panama 4*, with breakfast included.
Route to El Valle de Antón
In the morning, you pick up your rental car and drive for approximately 2 hours to reach El Valle de Antón. This village with its cooler climate is located in the heart of a dormant volcano crater, an ideal setting for a change of pace.
Along the way, you can take a break as you wish, either at the Chame Canyons (El Valle de Antón), or at an Abuelo rum distillery.
2 nights at the Golden Frog Inn Boutique Hotel 3*
Nature and walks in El Valle
You take advantage of this day to discover El Valle de Antón at your own pace. You can explore a tropical forest dotted with suspension bridges, which lead you to a waterfall.
Several accessible hiking trails also allow you to explore the surroundings, with some itineraries adapted for young walkers from 4 years old.
For a more relaxed experience, you can rent bikes and explore the green streets of the village from the main avenue.
Among other possible visits, you can choose between the butterfly greenhouse, the serpentarium or the local market, where you will find crafts, local specialties and fresh fruit.
Azuero: Road to Pedasi
You will continue your itinerary by car to the Las Tablas province, in the heart of the Azuero Peninsula. On the way, you will pass through Chitré, a city known for the manufacture of handmade Panamanian hats, before reaching Pedasi, your starting point for exploring the region.
From Pedasi, several activity ideas are available to you to discover the surroundings:
beaches suitable for surfing, such as Playa Venao
Isla Iguana, an island home to turtles, iguanas and tropical fish (60 USD per person)
turtle hatching on Cañas Island, approximately 1 hour drive away (September to February) (20 USD per person)
the Cambutal and Torio forests, still rarely visited
3 nights at Casa Lajagua 3* sup
Santa Catalina and Coiba Island
You head towards Santa Catalina. Upon arrival, you discover a small town with a laid-back atmosphere, featuring charming streets, welcoming locals and an authentic spirit.
Here, the Pacific Ocean sets the tone: the black sand beaches and reefs attract surfing enthusiasts.
Santa Catalina is also a departure point to explore the surrounding area, notably the Coiba Island, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, accessible in approximately 2 hours by boat.
The island is renowned for its marine landscapes and possible sightings of coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, humpback whales and whale sharks.
NB: a full-day snorkeling excursion to Coiba is scheduled for the next day
2 nights at Hôtel Villas Coco 3* sup
Boquete, Mountains and Trails
On the way to Boquete ! You will leave your hotel in the morning to reach this village with a cooler climate, where vegetation becomes denser, in the heart of a landscape of mountains and volcanoes.
The region is dominated by Barú volcano, the highest point in Panama at 3,475 m altitude. In the highlands of Chiriquí and Boquete, the landscapes lend themselves to outdoor exploration, between relief and mountain atmosphere.
Once there, you can put on your hiking shoes and set off on the trails in the region, between forest and waterfalls. They are marked and maintained if you wish to explore them independently.
If you prefer, guidance by a guide is available: your hotel receptionist can help you arrange it.
And if you fancy more dynamic activities, you can also enjoy options such as zip-lining above the canopy, rafting or suspension bridges directly from the hotel.
2 nights at the Boquete Garden Inn 3* superior hotel
Towards Bocas del Toro
In the morning, you will return your rental car to David (allow a maximum of 1 hour of driving). Then, your private driver will pick you up directly at the rental agency to head to the Almirante port.
After approximately 3.5 hours of travel across the country, you will arrive at the port, from where you will take a water taxi (*7 USD per person) to Colón Island.
Our assistant will be waiting for you there to accompany you, in less than 15 minutes by boat, to Carenero Island.
Welcome to the Caribbean!
Night at Casa Acuarios Hotel 4*
Bocas del Toro, Caribbean Stopover
On the northwest coast of Panama, near the border with Costa Rica, Bocas del Toro welcomes you in a tropical atmosphere, between the Caribbean Sea and omnipresent nature.
The archipelago consists of nine large islands and numerous islets, bathed by warm and crystal-clear waters. Palm-lined beaches alternate with more wooded areas, where tropical vegetation takes center stage.
At sea, the depths attract diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, thanks to coral reefs, tropical fish and starfish.
Here are some activities you might enjoy, and which we can help you book:
Electric bike rental to explore the main island and reach La Piscina and Playa Estrella, with the possibility of observing howler monkeys, sloths and tropical vegetation along the way
Red Frog Beach : 10 minutes by boat, then 15 minutes walk on a maintained trail ; possibility to continue approximately 30 minutes to reach Polo beach
Diving: half-day formats, with 2 dives at 2 different sites
Bioluminescence : observation of plankton producing blue light in the darkness of the sea
Visit to a cacao plantation, an essential product of the region
The Zapatillas islands : relaxation and snorkeling
3 nights at Hotel Casa Acuarios 4*
Return to Panama City
During the day, you will leave your hotel by boat, then take a domestic flight to reach the capital.
NB: flights available at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM
After approximately 1 hour of travel, you will arrive in Panama City, in the heart of the colonial district.
If you wish to do some shopping before your return, you can easily find small souvenirs on site.
Night at Hotel Central Panama 4*.
See you soon in Panama!
Panama City → Aéroport Tocumen
The day is free. You will check out at 12pm, and your luggage can be kept at reception so you can enjoy the remaining time with complete ease.
Your departure for Tocumen International Airport is scheduled in the afternoon or evening, approximately 3 hours before your flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The international flight
- Optional excursions on site
- The Almirante-Isla Colon water taxi (*7 USD per person)
- Travel Insurance
Included
- 16 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar with breakfasts included
- Private transfers between airport-hotel and hotel-airport
- 9-day car rental typical 4x2 with comprehensive insurance
- The excursion to Coiba Island on 02/12
- The return flight Bocas del Toro - Panama City
- English-speaking on-site assistance during the day
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Panama for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Panama, your passport must be valid for at least three months after your entry date and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 180 days upon entry to the territory, at the discretion of Panamanian immigration authorities.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay (generally USD 500 or equivalent),
a hotel reservation for the duration of the stay.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Panama from France, Switzerland or Canada, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required on entry.
As a precaution, it is recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure. The following vaccinations are generally advised:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
update of routine vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis).
Malaria precautions may be recommended in certain rural or forested areas. Consult a healthcare professional to assess the risk according to your itinerary.
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Panama in their country of residence.
To take part in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for you to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the traveller is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The traveller must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
No, French nationals can stay up to 180 days in Panama without a visa. A valid passport for at least 3 months after entry, a return ticket and 500 USD per person (or equivalent proof of funds) may be required upon arrival. Confirm with the consulate.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €160 and €270 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport, and activities. International flights (€800–1,200 return) are additional. Panama is an ideal platform to combine city, canal, and archipelagos (San Blas, Bocas).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Panamá Province
Explorer of Panama's Passages, based in Panama City
Panama is a country of passages and contrasts. What I love is helping travelers discover its invisible connections, between ocean, forest, city and local cultures.
— Sophie
