One week in Panama is enough to see two oceans, a world wonder and one of the wildest marine parks on Earth. Here's a proven 7-day Panama itinerary that balances city, culture and nature â with Coiba National Park as the highlight.
Days 1â2: Panama City
Land in the capital and dive in: watch giant ships cross the Panama Canal at the Miraflores locks, wander the colonial streets of Casco Viejo, and walk the Cinta Costera at sunset. Two days is plenty for the highlights.
Day 3: Travel to Santa Catalina
Head west (5â7 hours by car or bus) to Santa Catalina, the laid-back surf town that serves as the gateway to Coiba. Arrive by evening, enjoy a seafood dinner and an early night â your tour meets at 8:00 AM.
Days 4â5: Coiba National Park
The heart of the trip. Day 4: the Coiba Island Tour â snorkeling at Coco Grande, Coco Pequeño and Turtle Island, with turtles, reef sharks and hundreds of tropical fish. Day 5: whale watching in season (JuneâOctober), a private tour, or a beach and surf day in town.
Day 6: Slow morning + return
One more Santa Catalina sunrise, a swim at Playa El Estero, then travel back toward the capital â or continue on to Boquete's highlands if you have more time.
Day 7: Last taste of the city
Souvenirs at the Mercado de Mariscos, a final rooftop dinner in Casco Viejo, and home with a camera full of whales and reefs.
Make Coiba the centerpiece
Most travelers tell us the same thing: Coiba was the best day of their entire Panama trip. Book your Coiba tours in advance â especially in whale season â and build the rest of the week around them.