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
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Panamanian Balboa (PAB)Trending Trips
Unforgettable Journeys.9 Trips Found
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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$4,617/p.p.
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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$2,984/p.p.
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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$3,408/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$5,562/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$3,505/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$1,665/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$3,788/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$2,509/p.p.
Request a Quote
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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$4,617/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$2,984/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$3,408/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$5,562/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$3,505/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$1,665/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$3,788/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$2,509/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.
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Panama CityFrequent Showers
32°C / 90°F
105mm / 4.2"
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