The Best Day Trips From Panama City

The best thing about Panama City is that it is an easy short drive or boat trip away from lots of diverse and beautiful locations. From Caribbean beaches to lush green mountains, from the jungle to stunning islands, here is a selection of the best day trips from the city.

1. Gamboa Rainforest

Park

If you long for the jungle whilst in Panama City, then head off to the Gamboa Rainforest. Only 30 minutes away from the city centre, the park offers a completely natural and cultural experience that includes boat tours along the Chagres Rivers and in Gatun Lake. You can spot wildlife on the river banks, visit Emberá indigenous tribes and spend time in the comfort of a great resort.

Gamboa Rainforest, Corregimiento de Cristobal, IA 5, Panama City, Panama

Aerial Tram in Gamboa, Panama | Courtesy of Gamboa Rainforest Resort

2. Taboga Island

Taboga Island, also referred to as the ‘island of flowers’, is Panamanians’ number one day trip destination from Panama City. Only 20 minutes away from the Amador Causeway, the green island is home to pelicans, and defining features include beaches and rocky shores.

Taboga Island, Panama

Taboga Island | © Editorpana / WikiCommons

3. Coronado

Located on the Pacific Coast, west of Panama City, Coronado is a beach town that offers all the modern comforts of the city and all the small pleasures of a holiday destination. A little more than one hour away from the capital, it is also home to numerous resorts that have private access to the beaches.

Coronado, Panama

Playa Rio Mar, San Carlos, Panama | © Ayaita / WikiCommons

5. Colón

Colón is a decadent colonial city that was forgotten after the completion of the Canal. Being a tax-free zone, it remains an appealing destination for both local and foreign visitors who flock to the city with the main purpose of shopping. Created in 1948, the Zona Libre is a materialistic enclave that generates huge revenues and is a favourite day trip for many.

Colón, Panama

Colon Free Zone, Panama | © Administración de la Zona Libre de Colón / WikiCommons

6. Portobelo

The port city of Portobelo, on a Caribbean beach near Colón, used to be one of the most important harbours of Latin America. With beautiful beaches, islands and historical landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is a great destination for a day trip from Panama City, whether you are looking to snorkel, scuba dive, or relax on the beach.

Portobelo, Panama

San Geronimo, Portobelo | © Edwin Bermudez / WikiCommons

7. Contadora Island

One of the beautiful islands in the Pearl Archipelago, Contadora Island is one of the most popular and astonishing day trips from Panama City. Home to some solitary beaches, boutique hotels, and gourmet restaurants, the island has kept a rugged allure thanks to the wild vegetation and the absence of cars, making it a perfect retreat.

Contadora Island, Panama

Contadora Island, Panama | © Martina Gili

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.