Self-drive Panama - Nature and islands
From the Panama Canal to the Caribbean islands, a self-drive tour between volcanoes, dormant craters and coral reefs
Duration
14 days
From
€2,273/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This circuit offers you a balanced discovery of Panama, between the essentials of Panama City and cooler nature stops in El Valle de Antón and Boquete, before a Caribbean break in Bocas del Toro on Bastimentos Island.
An itinerary designed for traveling independently by car, while enjoying transfers and local support when needed.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Panama City!
Aéroport Tocumen → Panama City
Upon your arrival in Panama, you discover Panama City, a city marked by its canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
In the distance, skyscrapers draw a contemporary line, while below, the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo recall the capital's colonial past.
For your welcome, a private shuttle awaits you at the airport and takes you directly to your hotel.
Panama Canal and Casco Viejo
Anyone who hasn't seen the Canal De Panama doesn't really know the country!
This morning, at 7:45 AM, you depart from the Pacific side to discover the Esclusas de Miraflores. On site, you observe the passage of heavy-tonnage vessels through the locks, complemented by a film retracing the history of the canal's construction to the present day.
The morning continues with a boat tour on the Lago Gatún, which covers part of the canal. This navigation is an opportunity to watch for tropical animals that can be observed: howler monkeys, tamarins, capuchins, sloths and toucans.
You then return for a free lunch.
In the afternoon, it's time for the old town: Panama is also the Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo). Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, this colorful and cosmopolitan district showcases Spanish colonial architecture. You can stroll through small local shops, churches and squares, as well as the Santo Domingo Convent or the Museo de la Mola (Mola Museum).
Night at the Hotel Central Panama 4*.
Route to El Valle de Antón
Once you have picked up your rental car, you head off on the road for approximately 2 hours to reach Anton Valley. This region with a cooler climate is located in the heart of a dormant volcano's crater, an ideal setting for a change of scenery.
Along the way, you can plan stops according to your preferences:
pineapple agritourism farms
the Chame Canyons (El Valle de Antón), with fresh waters, where you can swim
Upon arrival, note that hotel check-in is not possible before 2 PM.
Night at the 3* Golden Frog Inn Boutique Hotel.
El Valle: trails and waterfall
You take advantage of this day to discover El Valle de Antón at your own pace. You can explore a tropical forest dotted with suspension bridges, which lead you to a waterfall.
Several accessible hiking trails also allow you to explore the surrounding area, with some itineraries suitable for young hikers from 4 years old.
For a more peaceful discovery, you can rent bikes and explore the green streets of the village from the main avenue.
Among other possible visits, you can choose between the butterfly greenhouse, the serpentarium or the local market, where you will find crafts, local specialties and fresh fruit.
Santa Catalina and Coiba Island
Vallée d'Antón → Santa Catalina
On the way to Santa Catalina! Along the route, you can make a stop at the village of La Pintada to discover the making of Panamanian hats.
Upon arrival, Santa Catalina reveals itself with its small streets, welcoming locals and a relaxed atmosphere.
Facing the Pacific, the black sand beaches and reefs attract surf enthusiasts. And beyond the waves, the village is also a starting point for exploring the surroundings, notably Coiba Island, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, accessible in approximately 2 hours by boat.
On the sea side, the excursion allows you to observe a rich marine world, between coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, humpback whales and whale sharks.
NB: day excursion to Coiba with snorkeling included, with English-speaking guide
2 nights at Villas Coco Hotel 3* superior.
Boquete, Volcanoes and Nature
On the way to Boquete ! You will leave your hotel in the morning to reach this village with a cooler climate, where vegetation becomes denser, in the heart of a landscape of mountains and volcanoes.
The region is dominated by the Barú volcano, the highest point in Panama with an altitude of 3,475 m. In the highlands of Chiriquí and Boquete, the landscapes are perfect for outdoor exploration, between reliefs and mountain atmosphere.
On site, you can put on your hiking shoes and set off on the trails in the region, between forest and waterfalls. They are marked and maintained if you wish to explore them independently.
If you prefer, guidance by a guide is available: the receptionist at your hotel can help you organize it.
And if you feel like more dynamic activities, you can also enjoy, directly from the hotel, options such as zip-lining above the canopy, rafting or suspension bridges.
2 nights at the Boquete Garden Inn 3* sup hotel
Heading to Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro
In the morning, you will return your rental car in David (allow a maximum of 1 hour driving time). Then, your private driver will pick you up directly at the rental agency to take you to the Almirante port.
After approximately 3 hours 30 minutes of travel across the country, you will arrive at the port, from where you will take a water taxi (*7 USD per person) to Colón Island.
Our assistant will be waiting for you there to accompany you, in less than 15 minutes by boat, to Carenero Island.
Welcome to the Caribbean!
Night at Hotel Palmar Beach Lodge 4*
Bocas del Toro: beaches and snorkeling
On the north-west coast of Panama, near the border with Costa Rica, Bocas del Toro welcomes you in a tropical atmosphere, between the Caribbean Sea and omnipresent nature.
The archipelago consists of nine large islands and many small islands, bathed by warm and crystal-clear waters. Palm-lined beaches alternate with more wooded areas, where tropical vegetation plays a central role.
At sea, the depths attract diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, thanks to coral reefs, tropical fish and starfish.
Here are some activities you might enjoy, and which we can help you book:
Electric bike rental to explore the main island and reach La Piscina and Playa Estrella, with the possibility of observing howler monkeys, sloths and tropical vegetation along the way
Red Frog Beach: 10 minutes by boat, then 15 minutes walk on a maintained trail; possibility to continue for approximately 30 minutes to reach Polo beach
Diving: half-day formats, with 2 dives at 2 different sites
Bioluminescence: observation of plankton producing blue light in the darkness of the sea
Visit to a cacao farm, an essential product of the region
Zapatillas Islands: relaxation and snorkeling
3 nights at the Palmar Beach Lodge Hotel 4*
See you soon in Panama!
During the day, you will leave your hotel by boat, then take a domestic flight to reach the capital.
Available flights returning to Panama City: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
After approximately 1 hour of travel, you will arrive at Panama City, in the heart of the colonial district.
If you wish to do some shopping before your return, you will be able to easily find small souvenirs on site.
Panama City → Aéroport Tocumen
The transfer to the international airport is scheduled 3 hours before your evening flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flight
- Optional excursions on site (hiking, birdwatching…)
- English-speaking guide in Panama City (+90 USD per half-day, +120 USD per day)
- Free Travel Commission to add
- International ACH fees
- Everything not listed under "This price includes"
Included
- 13 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar, on a breakfast included basis
- Private airport-hotel transfers
- Excursions on days 02 and 07 with English-speaking guide
- Car rental type 4x2 (Hyundai Creta or similar) with comprehensive insurance
- Domestic return flight Bocas del Toro – Panama
- Travel insurance on site
- English-speaking telephone assistance during the day
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Panama for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Panama, your passport must be valid for at least three months after your entry date and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 180 days upon entry to the territory, at the discretion of Panamanian immigration authorities.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay (generally USD 500 or equivalent),
a hotel reservation for the duration of the stay.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Panama from France, Switzerland or Canada, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required on entry.
As a precaution, it is recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure. The following vaccinations are generally advised:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
update of routine vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis).
Malaria precautions may be recommended in certain rural or forested areas. Consult a healthcare professional to assess the risk according to your itinerary.
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Panama in their country of residence.
To take part in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for you to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the traveller is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The traveller must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
No, French nationals can stay up to 180 days in Panama without a visa. A valid passport for at least 3 months after entry, a return ticket and 500 USD per person (or equivalent proof of funds) may be required upon arrival. Confirm with the consulate.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €160 and €270 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport, and activities. International flights (€800–1,200 return) are additional. Panama is an ideal platform to combine city, canal, and archipelagos (San Blas, Bocas).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Panamá Province
Explorer of Panama's Passages, based in Panama City
Panama is a country of passages and contrasts. What I love is helping travelers discover its invisible connections, between ocean, forest, city and local cultures.
— Sophie
