Overview
Take a trip to Panama City on your Panama Vacation
Panama City is the political and administrative centre of the country and is also its capital and largest city. Located in the Pacific entrance of the world-famous Panama Canal, Panama City hosts many high-rise buildings yet is surrounded by tropical rainforests to be enjoyed on Panama vacation.
The city was founded in August 1519 by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila. It became a stopover point on the trade route from which all the gold and silver that Spain took from the Americas passed through. It was also the starting point for the expeditions that eventually conquered Peru’s Inca Empire. Pirate Henry Morgan destroyed the city by setting fire to it in 1671 and the inhabitants were forced to resettle 8 km (4.9 mi) away. This new city was re-established on 28 January 1673 and the old city’s ruins are a popular tourist destination. Panama City became the capital of the country upon independence from Colombia in 1903.
Today Panama City is by far the wealthiest city in Central America. With the completion of the Panama Canal in 1914, the city became a hub for international business. Despite being a modern and cosmopolitan area, Panama City still maintains ties to its past including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Panamá Viejo, the site of the original city. Not far from comfortable hotels visitors on Panama vacations have the opportunity to embark on journeys through the spectacular rainforest making Panama City a destination that truly has it all.
At a Glance
Languages
SpanishCurrency
Panamanian Balboa (PAB)Trending Trips
Unforgettable Journeys.9 Trips Found
Showper page
9
9 Trips Found
Best of Costa Rica & Panama
Bocas del Toro, Panama City, and San JoseA mixed guided journey through Costa Rica and Panama, weaving rainforest canals, colonial charm and Caribbean shores into a dreamy escape for curious travellers
12 days
From US$4,759/p.p.
Request a Quote
Skyline & Sand: Panama City & Bocas del Toro
Panama City and Bocas del ToroExperience the best of Panama on this unforgettable journey, featuring an exciting boat tour near the Panama Canal, wildlife viewing in the rainforest, and leisure time on the idyllic beaches of Bocas del Toro.
8 days
From US$2,833/p.p.
Request a Quote
Highlights of Panama: City, Jungle & Coast
Panama Canal and Panama CityExperience the culture and stunning landscapes of Panama on this journey, from the bustling streets of Panama City to serene beaches and lush jungles.
9 days
From US$3,189/p.p.
Request a Quote
Deluxe Panama: Panama City, Boquete & Bocas
Panama City and Bocas del ToroDiscover Panama’s vibrant culture and diverse landscapes on this independent journey, from the Panama Canal and Boquete’s coffee farms to the beaches of Bocas del Toro.
11 days
From US$5,212/p.p.
Request a Quote
Classic Panama: City, Highlands & Caribbean
Panama City and Bocas del ToroVibrant cultures and stunning ecosystems await in Panama, where historic cityscapes meet lush rainforests and azure beaches.
11 days
From US$3,357/p.p.
Request a Quote
Discover Panama: Panama City & Santa Clara
Panama CityVenture into Panama’s history while marveling at the engineering wonder of the Panama Canal. From lush rainforests to serene beaches, unforgettable moments await.
7 days
From US$1,580/p.p.
Request a Quote
Panama & Colombia In Style
Cartagena and Panama CityFrom lush jungles to city streets, this journey unfolds across Panama and Colombia's Caribbean coast. Seek wildlife on the canal, then relish Cartagena's lively nights.
7 days
From US$3,374/p.p.
Request a Quote
Panama City Escape
Panama CityDelve into Panama's culture and history, from the ancient ruins of Panamá Viejo to a culinary workshop. Finish with breathtaking wildlife adventures along the Canal.
6 days
From US$2,413/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Best of Costa Rica & Panama
Bocas del Toro, Panama City, and San JoseA mixed guided journey through Costa Rica and Panama, weaving rainforest canals, colonial charm and Caribbean shores into a dreamy escape for curious travellers
12 days
From US$4,759/p.p.
Request a Quote
Skyline & Sand: Panama City & Bocas del Toro
Panama City and Bocas del ToroExperience the best of Panama on this unforgettable journey, featuring an exciting boat tour near the Panama Canal, wildlife viewing in the rainforest, and leisure time on the idyllic beaches of Bocas del Toro.
8 days
From US$2,833/p.p.
Request a Quote
Highlights of Panama: City, Jungle & Coast
Panama Canal and Panama CityExperience the culture and stunning landscapes of Panama on this journey, from the bustling streets of Panama City to serene beaches and lush jungles.
9 days
From US$3,189/p.p.
Request a Quote
Deluxe Panama: Panama City, Boquete & Bocas
Panama City and Bocas del ToroDiscover Panama’s vibrant culture and diverse landscapes on this independent journey, from the Panama Canal and Boquete’s coffee farms to the beaches of Bocas del Toro.
11 days
From US$5,212/p.p.
Request a Quote
Classic Panama: City, Highlands & Caribbean
Panama City and Bocas del ToroVibrant cultures and stunning ecosystems await in Panama, where historic cityscapes meet lush rainforests and azure beaches.
11 days
From US$3,357/p.p.
Request a Quote
Discover Panama: Panama City & Santa Clara
Panama CityVenture into Panama’s history while marveling at the engineering wonder of the Panama Canal. From lush rainforests to serene beaches, unforgettable moments await.
7 days
From US$1,580/p.p.
Request a Quote
Panama & Colombia In Style
Cartagena and Panama CityFrom lush jungles to city streets, this journey unfolds across Panama and Colombia's Caribbean coast. Seek wildlife on the canal, then relish Cartagena's lively nights.
7 days
From US$3,374/p.p.
Request a Quote
Panama City Escape
Panama CityDelve into Panama's culture and history, from the ancient ruins of Panamá Viejo to a culinary workshop. Finish with breathtaking wildlife adventures along the Canal.
6 days
From US$2,413/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
U.S. dollars are used interchangeably with Panamanian balboas (at a 1:1 rate). There’s no need to exchange currency if you’re carrying U.S. cash.
Many assume Panama is just about the canal. In reality, it’s also a paradise for beaches, highlands, and indigenous culture — from Caribbean islands like the San Blas to the coffee region of Boquete.
Panama has more bird species than the United States and Canada combined — over 1,000. For birdwatchers, it’s one of the richest destinations in the world.
A visit to an Emberá indigenous village along the Chagres River is a cultural highlight — arriving by dugout canoe, sharing traditional food, and learning about their way of life in the rainforest.
Globetrotters should ensure they visit Isla Coiba, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a penal colony, today it’s one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Americas, often compared to the Galápagos for its marine biodiversity.
panama vacation
Panama City is typically the starting point of ...
panama tours
panama vacations packages
Kuna indian Balboa Park
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
Panama CityOccasional Showers
33°C / 92°F
97mm / 3.8"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
-
Travel Stories
Get Inspired About Your Trip to Panama
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
ExcellentBased on 5,245 ReviewsAthul Ajay was our travel agent and he was excellent from the beginning to the end of planning our trip. Great at communicating and replying back too. Sabrina GaffoglioIsabella Luu made the arrangements for our trip to Scotland and all aspects of the trip and stay were excellent. Our assistance at the airports were very good as all were alerted to our needs. Our ride services were excellent. Isabella was always available to answer any questions that we had in a knowledgable and prompt manner, which is always very important to me.Audrey HenryHad an excellent tour of Australia, thanks to our travel specialist Katie Stephenson. She was patient as we kept modifying our plans. Got support from Goway and Katie when there was a need to rebook a tour midway through, all handled easily by Goway.Ron PrestonWe went on a highly customized comprehensive (though quick tour) of England and a bit of Scotland through Goway. Ingrid Aird did an amazing job of planning and arranging every detail with her deep experience, insight, thoughtfulness and creativity, tuning into the needs of each traveler; and she did so even though our decision to travel was rather spontaneous and last minute! Our family had the best time! We look forward to working with Ingrid and Goway again!Vilja BreilingWe used Goway to put together an itinerary for East Africa , and Zanzibar . Everything was great and went smoothly DawnI can't tell you enough how much I love to work with Callie. She is a life saver and I love how attentive she is. Every time I give her an itinerary for a client- she really knocks it out of the park with the proposal. If there are any issues- she is on it right away. Her work ethic is outstanding.Michelle LabarcaI had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie WilliamsWe were trying to navigate Swiss Travel Center to book a 10 day train trip through Switzerland. It was exactly what we wanted but navigating their site was extremely difficult for us. Goway Travel picked up on our plight and put us in contact with Jacqueline Fagooli, one of their agents. From there on everything was so smooth. Their efficiency, communication, and thoroughness were beyond our expectations. The trip was fabulous and kudos to Jacqueline and Goway for their help in making it so.Carolyn McCormackThe destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years.
If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek TravelWe had a wonderful and amazing two weeks in North-West Scotland. Shoutout to Jacqueline at Goway Toronto and the driver/guides with Rabbie's minibus tours (Stefan and Willie). Well-chosen hotels and no worries with dietary requirements; every detail was taken care of. Thank you!
Ben Daube
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified