10-Day Panama Family Travel Itinerary
Trip Overview
- Duration: 10 Days
- Best Travel Season: Dry Season (December – April) – Warm weather, minimal rain, and great beach conditions
- Ideal For: Families looking for adventure, wildlife, and tropical beaches
- Family-Friendliness: Excellent – Safe destinations, eco-adventures, and beautiful islands
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrive in Panama City & Explore the Canal
Stay: Central Hotel Panama – A family-friendly stay in Casco Viejo
Getting There: Fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
✅ Highlights:
- Walk through Casco Viejo – Panama’s charming old town full of history, markets, and cafes
- Visit the Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks) – Watch massive ships pass through the canal
- Explore Biomuseo – A kid-friendly museum about Panama’s biodiversity
- Stroll along the Amador Causeway – Great views and fun bike rentals
Family Tip: Casco Viejo is best explored in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Day 3-4: Jungle Adventures in Gamboa
Stay: Gamboa Rainforest Resort – An eco-lodge surrounded by nature
Getting There: 40-minute drive from Panama City
✅ Highlights:
- Take a boat tour on Gatun Lake – Spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds
- Visit the Sloth Sanctuary & Butterfly Farm – A hit with younger kids
- Explore Soberanía National Park – A great place for an easy jungle hike
- Ride the Aerial Tram – A scenic way to see the rainforest from above
Family Tip: Bring binoculars for better wildlife spotting in the jungle.
Day 5-6: Island Escape to Bocas del Toro
Stay: Red Frog Beach Island Resort – A beachfront eco-resort
Getting There: Fly from Panama City to Bocas del Toro (1-hour flight)
✅ Highlights:
- Relax at Red Frog Beach – Soft sand, gentle waves, and tropical scenery
- Go snorkeling in Starfish Beach – A calm bay with crystal-clear water
- Take a dolphin-watching tour – A great activity for families
- Visit Bastimentos Island – A quieter spot with beautiful beaches
Family Tip: Book a beachfront cabana for an unforgettable island experience.
Day 7-8: Mountain Retreat in Boquete
Stay: The Riverside Inn – A cozy family-friendly lodge
Getting There: Fly from Bocas del Toro to David, then a 1-hour drive to Boquete
✅ Highlights:
- Walk the Pipeline Trail – A family-friendly jungle hike
- Visit a coffee farm – Learn how Panama’s famous coffee is made
- Go river rafting – An adventure for older kids and teens
- Soak in Caldera Hot Springs – A relaxing natural experience
Family Tip: Boquete’s climate is cooler than the rest of Panama, so pack a light jacket.
Day 9-10: Relax on the Pearl Islands
Stay: Contadora Island Inn – A family-run beachfront stay
Getting There: Ferry from Panama City (1.5 hours) or a short domestic flight
✅ Highlights:
- Swim and snorkel at Playa Larga – White-sand beaches with clear water
- Take a whale-watching tour (July–October) – A magical experience for families
- Enjoy fresh seafood by the beach – Some of the best in Panama
- Explore uninhabited islands – Boat tours offer secluded beach spots
Family Tip: Stock up on essentials in Panama City before heading to the islands, as options are limited.
Read our packing guide: Panama Packing Guide
Accommodation & Transport Tips
Best Family Hotels & Airbnbs: Stay in eco-lodges, beachfront resorts, and cozy mountain inns
Getting Around: Domestic flights save time, but renting a car is ideal for exploring Boquete and Panama City
Best Budget Tip: Eat at local fondas (small restaurants) to save on food costs
Estimated Budget Breakdown
Accommodation: $50–$250 per night (varies by location)
Food: $5–$25 per meal (local restaurants vs. tourist spots)
Transport: $20–$100 per journey (domestic flights, ferries, taxis)
Activities: $10–$50 per excursion (boat tours, national park fees)
How to Pack for Panama’s Dry Season
Light, breathable clothing – Hot and humid climate
Comfortable walking shoes – Essential for city walks and jungle hikes
Swimwear & snorkel gear – For beach and island adventures
Sun protection – Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
Bug spray – Mosquitoes are common near rainforests and lakes
For the full guide read our Panama Packing Guide
Final Thoughts
Panama is a diverse and family-friendly destination, offering a mix of culture, adventure, and stunning nature. This ten-day itinerary is designed to provide the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for families.
Modify for toddlers: For a slow pace spend extra time in Panama City
Modify for teens: Add adventure activities like scuba diving or white-water rafting
Shorten itinerary: Stick to Panama City, Gamboa, and Bocas del Toro for 7 days
Would you visit Panama with your family? Let us know in the comments
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