From the striking skyline and colonial charm of Panama City to the iconic sights of the Panama Canal and lush, tropical landscapes.
A tour to Panama offers extraordinary contrasts and unforgettable moments that will stay with you long after you return home.
Panama is a country where modern city life, fascinating history, and unspoilt nature blend seamlessly together.
In Panama City, you can marvel at sleek futuristic skyscrapers while soaking up the atmosphere of the old colonial quarters that offer a unique glimpse into the country’s past.
Not far from here, the world-famous Panama Canal awaits to leave you speechless. Here, you can witness one of the greatest engineering feats in history up close – and even explore the fascinating wildlife of the surrounding jungle on a leisurely boat trip along the canal.
“I think Panama is an ideal choice if you want to experience a bit of everything. It’s incredible that one moment you can be standing in the heart of a modern metropolis surrounded by towering skyscrapers in Panama City, and the next, you can be gliding across Gatún Lake through lush rainforest teeming with wildlife. Panama offers an exciting mix of vibrant city life in Panama City, colourful cobbled streets in Casco Viejo, breathtaking rainforest flora and fauna, and of course, the iconic Panama Canal.”
– Nadia, travel expert and Product Manager for Panama.
Our tours to Panama take you to the capital, Panama City, where you can experience the vibrant Central American metropolis up close.
Please note: at present, we only offer Panama in combination with Costa Rica.
Below, you can read more about some of the highlights awaiting you in Panama’s largest city.
In Panama City, you’ll discover one of Latin America’s most fascinating capitals – a place where modern city life, colonial history, and tropical charm blend beautifully together.
This lively metropolis will impress you with its soaring skyscrapers stretching majestically towards the Pacific Ocean, reflecting Panama’s status as one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America. Yet, just a few steps away, the scene changes dramatically as you find yourself wandering through cobbled streets lined with colourful colonial buildings in the city’s historic district, Casco Viejo.
It’s impossible to talk about Panama City without mentioning the iconic Panama Canal. This impressive feat of engineering links two oceans, allowing global trade to flow in a constant stream that has turned the city into an international hub.
Casco Viejo, also known as “the old quarter”, forms the historic heart of Panama City. The district, listed on the UNESCO world heritage list, was founded in 1673 after a violent pirate attack left the original settlement, Panama Viejo, in ruins. The new area, located 8 kilometres from the original site, was chosen strategically for its more easily defensible position.
Today, the neighbourhood is famous for its charming cobblestone streets and colourful buildings, where the spirit of the colonial era can still be felt. One of the true highlights is the historic San José Church, renowned for its magnificent golden altar, which, miraculously, was spared during the pirates’ plundering of Panama Viejo.
Beyond its ever-present history, Casco Viejo captivates visitors with its many galleries, artisan markets, and vibrant food scene. Why not sample some of the country’s delicious specialities at one of the many rooftop terraces, where you can take in a breathtaking panoramic view of both the Pacific Ocean and Panama City’s striking skyline?
The Miraflores Locks form part of the Panama Canal’s system of locks, which each year allows more than 14,000 ships to travel between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans without having to round the southern tip of South America.
As the central section of the Panama Canal lies 26 metres above sea level, ships cannot simply sail straight through, and this is where the lock systems come into play. Acting as gigantic water elevators, the locks lift and lower the ships, allowing them to overcome the difference in height within the canal system.
From the panoramic viewing deck, you can watch the enormous vessels as they navigate through the locks and experience how the whole world quite literally floats by before your eyes.
If you dream of sailing through the Panama Canal itself, you have the chance to do so on one of our optional tours. Here, you’ll sail partway through one of the world’s most remarkable feats of engineering.
The route takes you past the iconic Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks before reaching Culebra Cut – the dramatic stretch where the canal carves its way through Panama’s mountainous highlands, and which proved to be the greatest challenge during construction. Along the banks, you may be lucky enough to spot large crocodiles basking on the sandbanks before the canal opens out into the vast Gatún Lake. The cruise ends in Gamboa.
Treat yourself to a boat trip on Gatún Lake and enjoy a truly unique perspective of the fascinating ecosystem that surrounds one of the world’s busiest waterways.
From the port in Gamboa, you’ll glide out onto the expansive lake, which forms a central part of the Panama Canal. As you sail, you’ll pass through a section of the canal itself, where you can experience the striking contrast between enormous cargo ships on one of the world’s key trade routes and the surrounding lush rainforest.
Soon, however, you’ll swap the busy shipping traffic for peaceful nature as the boat winds its way past forest-clad banks and small islands. Wildlife thrives here, and with a bit of luck you may spot monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and iguanas – and if you keep your eyes on the treetops, there’s a good chance you’ll glimpse some fascinating birds too. Don’t forget your binoculars!
At present, we offer Panama City in combination with a tour of Costa Rica.
Despite its modest size, Costa Rica boasts extraordinary biodiversity, making it a true paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Experience the country’s rich wildlife in Costa Rica’s national parks, where monkeys, sloths, and toucans coexist in landscapes ranging from rainforests and waterfalls to volcanoes and crater lakes.
In the lively capital, San José, you can immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s culture and history as you explore fascinating museums and meander through charming colonial districts. Treat yourself to delicious local coffee at a cosy pavement café and savour the flavours of Costa Rica.
Complete your adventure with a beach holiday in Costa Rica, where white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are waiting to welcome you in Manuel Antonio.
When visiting Panama for the first time, it’s natural to have lots of questions. That’s why we’ve gathered answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Panama.
Yes, Panama is generally a safe country to visit and is considered one of the safest destinations in Latin America. Your safety is important to us. We follow the travel advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and would never send our guests to destinations that are not deemed safe to travel to.
No matter where you travel in the world, we always recommend that you follow official advice and exercise good common sense while travelling: avoid walking alone after dark, steer clear of deserted areas, and keep a close eye on your valuables.
No, as a British citizen, you do not need a visa if your stay in Panama is less than 90 days.
To enter Panama, you must hold a valid UK passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months after your return home.
Note: It is your own responsibility to check whether you need a visa for any transit airports along the way. If you are unsure or have any questions, you are always welcome to reach out to our travel specialists.
You can read more about the entry requirements for Panama on our practical information page or on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s website.
The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season, which lasts from December to April, when the weather is sunny and the skies are clear.
Although most travellers prefer to visit during the dry season, there are also advantages to travelling in the rainy season, which runs from May to November. At this time of year, nature is at its greenest and most lush, and you will typically experience fewer crowds at the country’s attractions and benefit from lower prices.
The best time to visit Panama depends entirely on what you want from your tour.
At TourCompass, we’re experts in creating tours that bring unforgettable memories you’ll treasure for life.
When you book a tour with us, you don’t just get the freedom of travelling independently – you also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having an experienced tour operator behind you. We take care of your flights, hotels, and a thoughtfully planned itinerary, so you can focus on enjoying your journey without worrying about the details. Our programme in Panama is based on our own experiences in the country. We’ve handpicked the must-see highlights and deliberately allowed time for you to explore your favourite spots independently or add one of our carefully selected optional tours.
If you have any questions or need assistance during your trip, our experienced travel specialists and local partners are always available via our 24-hour emergency hotline. So you can head off on your adventure with confidence, knowing that we’re with you all the way.
Vibrant city life, historic charm, and breathtaking nature – these are just some of the incredible experiences that await you on a tour to Panama.
Ready to explore Panama’s fascinating contrasts? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our travel specialists, who are ready to help you embark on your next great adventure.
Travelling with TourCompass gives you peace of mind – we’re with you all the way!
TourCompass – from tourist to traveller
You can check out the itinerary and dream yourself away in photos and videos of all our tours. You can read more about accommodation, combination options and all the practicalities – and see prices and departure dates for the next 18 months.
You are always welcome to call or write to us. We are here to answer all your questions, listen to your wishes and provide you with honest and competent advice based on our extensive travel experiences with Africa, Asia and Latin America.
You will receive a detailed quote for the tour, which you can save, print out or share with your travelling companions. If you decide to go ahead and book the tour, you can do this easily via the quote itself.
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
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