A 10-Day Family trip to Panama in January: mountains, beaches,and culture
Panama offers the perfect blend of of adventure, activity, culture, and relaxation
If you happened to read my most recent blog, you know that we love to travel in January — and this year was no different, with one exception: we brought the kids.
In recent years, we’ve done empty-nester, big bucket-list trips like Australia and New Zealand and even Antarctica. But this year, January worked best for our college-age kids, so we stayed a little closer to home and explored a new country: Panama.
Panama is a quick, four-hour direct flight from Atlanta, and many cities in the U.S. offer direct flights as well — making it a very easy international destination. Another big bonus to traveling to Panama in January is that it’s the start of their dry season (also known as summer). To be fully transparent, Panama is never completely dry, but January brings significantly less rain, making it a great time to visit.
Our family — myself, my husband, and our two college-age kids (22 and 20) — chose Panama because we’ve learned over the years that we need variety when we travel. We don’t like staying put for days on end, but on the other hand, we also don’t want to be so busy that we come home more tired than when we left.
Panama offered the perfect blend of adventure, activity, culture, and relaxation. Below, I’m sharing our 10-day Panama itinerary, and I hope it inspires you to consider this incredible destination. It’s truly a place we all fell in love with — and agreed we could absolutely see ourselves returning to.
Panama is the perfect place to go if you love variety the way my family does. There’s history, culture, adventure, and relaxation!
If you’re planning a trip to Panama and want to jump to specific parts of our itinerary, feel free to use the table of contents below. Otherwise, grab a coffee and read straight through — this was one of those trips best experienced as a story.
Our 10-Day Panama Itinerary at-a-Glance
Day 1- 3: Boquete
Waterfall Hikes
Ziplining
Coffee Farm Tour.
Day 4-7: Bocas del Toro
Overwater Bungalows, Water Adventures and True Relaxation
Day 8-10: Casco Viejo
An introduction to an Indigenous Tribe
A boat tour and lunch on Gatun Lake
A private VIP tour of the Panama Canal
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BOQUETE: MOUNTAINS,ADVENTURE AND COFFEE!
After landing in Panama City, we boarded a short domestic flight to David before making the one-hour drive into the mountains to Boquete. Almost immediately, the landscape changed. The air felt cooler, the greenery more lush, and the pace noticeably slower. Known for its cloud forests, coffee farms, and microclimates, Boquete felt like a completely different side of Panama—and exactly the reset we needed after the holidays.
We stayed at Panamonte Inn, a charming, recently renovated hotel located right in town. It was easy to walk into Boquete from the property, and having an excellent restaurant on-site made mornings and low-key evenings especially convenient. Our Junior Suite connected to the kids’ room, which gave us space to spread out but still feel together. With a small sitting area and balcony, our room became a natural gathering spot between adventures.
Day 1: Three Waterfalls Hike and a Bee & Butterfly Sanctuary
Our first full day in Boquete started with a hike to the Three Waterfalls Trail. If you’ve read some of my other trip recaps, you know that when I announce we’re hiking on vacation, it’s not always met with enthusiasm—especially after Patagonia. Thankfully, this hike was a different story.
At just over three miles, it offered a mix of easy walking and more adventurous moments, including muddy stretches, light scrambling, and a few rope-assisted crossings. Nothing felt unsafe, but it kept things interesting. Some of us embraced the mud more than others (my daughter could have done without it), but by the end, we all agreed it was a great balance of challenge and fun.
A few quick things worth knowing if you plan to do this hike: waterproof hiking shoes are a must, pants are helpful, and it’s best to start early to avoid crowds. Our guide also shared that the best route is visiting Waterfall 2 first, then 3, and ending at 1—a small detail that made a big difference.
After the hike, we headed back into town for lunch at Sugar and Spice, then spent the afternoon visiting a local bee and butterfly sanctuary. It was surprisingly fascinating. We learned about the role these species play in Panama’s ecosystem, tasted local honey, and saw some of the most colorful chrysalises I’ve ever seen. It was an easy, educational way to slow the pace after a muddy morning.
Helpful tips for this hike:
Wear waterproof hiking shoes with good traction
Expect mud (don’t wear white!)
Pants are better than shorts
Bring water, a hat, and be rain-ready
The trail is well-marked and can be done without a guide, but having one was helpful. Crowds were minimal, especially since we started early.
A stop at one of the waterfalls on our hike in Panama.
Day 2 Itinerary: ziplining & hanging bridges in a cloud forest
Because I promised only one hike, day two was all about adventure in a different way: ziplining through a cloud forest with Tree Trek Boquete. It was something we had never done before, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our time in Panama.
The morning started with a pickup from our hotel and a drive up into the mountains. Tree Trek’s team was professional, friendly, and incredibly thorough. After gearing up and completing safety training, we loaded into an all-terrain vehicle and headed higher into the forest.
What we didn’t fully anticipate was the weather. While Boquete itself was warm, the mountaintop was cold, rainy, and windy. We were wildly underprepared—t-shirts, no real jackets, and a quick lesson learned. Thankfully, one of the guides went out of his way to lend my son an extra coat, which saved the day.
Once we started, there was no turning back. The course includes 12 zip lines, some of the longest and highest in Panama and Central America. They’re fast, back-to-back, and offer incredible views of the forest below. The guides kept things fun and moving, and we felt completely safe the entire time.
After ziplining, we added on the hanging bridges walk, a guided three-mile loop with six suspension bridges. While it was a nice way to see more of the forest, it was slower-paced with a lot of waiting due to group size. I’m glad we paired it with ziplining, but on its own, it wouldn’t have felt like enough.
Lunch was included back at the property, and by the time we returned to Panamonte Inn, we were more than ready for a quiet evening. Dinner at Blue Fin Sushi capped off a full, satisfying day.
Despite warm weather in town, the top of the mountain was cold, rainy, and windy. Learn from us and bring:
A rain jacket with pockets
Closed-toe shoes
Pants instead of shorts
A zippered crossbody bag
Day 3 Itinerary: coffee tour & drive to bocas del toro
Our final morning in Boquete started at Lérida Estate Coffee Plantation, where we took a private tour with our guide, Cesar. Even for a family of non–coffee drinkers, the experience was engaging and informative. We learned about the coffee-growing process from start to finish, tasted several varieties, and enjoyed a light snack at the café.
Lérida is a family-owned plantation and produces Geisha coffee, a highly sought-after variety, especially in Japan. The tour lasted just over an hour and felt like the perfect introduction to Panama’s coffee culture before moving on.
From there, we began the long journey to Bocas del Toro—a drive I wish I had been more prepared for. Crossing the Continental Divide means winding, bumpy roads and limited places to stop. If motion sickness is an issue for you, learn from my mistake and plan ahead.
Despite the long drive, Boquete ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip. It offered adventure without feeling rushed, cooler mountain air, and a side of Panama that surprised us all in the best way.
Important tip: If you get motion sickness, prepare ahead of time. Trust me on this one..
ITINERARY: DAY 4-7 OVERWATER BUNGALOWS AT NAYARA BOCAS DEL TORO
After our long car ride (which took just as long as our flight from Atlanta), we finally made it to our boat stop for Nayara Bocas del Toro. A small resort boat was waiting for us to take us to the island, which is located off of Isla Cristobal.
The boat ride took about 40 minutes and included a small mishap when the fuel line wasn’t working efficiently. Another boat was brought out to meet us, we switched boats, and arrived safely at the resort shortly after. From there, we were warmly greeted by the staff and able to officially begin four days of rest and relaxation.
Most of our time at Nayara was intentionally slow. Our days were spent enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner on property, paddleboarding, sunning on the porch of our overwater bungalow, taking walks around the resort, reading, and enjoying spot treatments. After a busy holiday season, this pace felt exactly right.
There are a few important things to know about Nayara Bocas del Toro, especially when deciding if it’s the right fit for your travel style.
The resort is adults-only and all-inclusive, and while it’s best suited for couples, it also works well for small groups of friends or families traveling with older children (18+). All rooms feature king beds, which cannot be separated into twins — something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with friends or family members.
Dining at Nayara Bocas del Toro
There are two restaurants on property. The Coral Café is where breakfast and lunch are served each day, while The Elephant House offers a fine dining experience in the evenings.
Breakfast and lunch menus remain the same throughout the stay, though there are often daily specials to add variety. Dinner at The Elephant House changes nightly, with two to three entrée options offered each evening. If nothing appeals to you, the staff is always happy to accommodate special requests.
As a family, we all agreed that for an all-inclusive resort, the food was very good. The wine list was impressive, and there was also an extensive mocktail menu — one we found ourselves enjoying even more than cocktails.
Activities & Experiences
Nayara does offer a selection of daily activities included in your stay, such as yoga classes, dance lessons, and painting and wine experiences. While we didn’t participate in these, they’re a great option if you enjoy scheduled activities.
The resort also offers shared and private boat excursions to explore the surrounding islands. One of our favorite amenities, however, was the ability to request kayaks or paddleboards delivered directly to your overwater bungalow. These are included in the cost of your stay and typically arrive within 20 minutes of requesting them. You can keep the equipment for the duration of your stay, making it easy to get out on the water whenever the mood strikes.
Spa & Accommodations
There is currently a small spa on property, with plans underway to build a larger overwater spa that will include more space to relax before and after treatments. For now, spa visits are more of a “come and go” experience rather than a full spa day.
Nayara Bocas del Toro is best known for its overwater bungalows, and there are more than 20 of them on property. The bungalows include a glass floor section to watch fish below, spacious porches with a private pool and fire pit, and large bathrooms. The rooms themselves are incredibly spacious and comfortable.
In addition to the bungalows, the resort also offers three treehouses, which are a great option for larger groups or travelers looking for a unique lodging experience with shared gathering space.
Helpful Things to Know Before You Go
If I had to make one recommendation, it would be to stay three nights. We stayed for four and felt that one night may have been more than necessary, simply because there isn’t a lot to do — which, depending on what you’re looking for, could be a good thing.
When departing, guests fly out of BOC Airport, and the hotel handles all transportation, including the boat ride back to the mainland, making the process very smooth.
Even during the dry season, Nayara Bocas del Toro is known for rain. We experienced a mix of rain and sunshine, with rain more common in the mornings and brighter afternoons that made for lovely days. Because of this, bug spray is essential, especially at dawn and dusk — though the resort provides it if you forget to pack it.
The weather actually added to the overall sense of relaxation, something we didn’t mind at all after such a busy holiday season.
What truly sets Nayara apart, though, is the staff. They are friendly, attentive, and incredibly welcoming. The general manager, Scott, even stopped by our table twice during dinner to introduce himself and say hello.
One of the most special things about Nayara Bocas del Toro is how quickly the staff learns your name. They make a genuine effort to recognize and greet you daily, which makes you feel less like a guest and more like part of a small community.
And if you ever go, I hope you have the pleasure of meeting Gilberto. He was truly a remarkable human and made our stay unforgettable. We looked forward to seeing him every evening.After arriving at the dock, a boat took us to Nayara Bocas del Toro, located off Isla Cristobal. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcomed and cared for.
My honest recommendation: Three nights would be perfect. Four felt slightly long, but ideal if true rest is your goal.
Even in dry season, expect some rain — mostly mornings — and bring bug spray (the resort provides it).
DAY 8: ARRIVING IN CASCO VIEJO, PANAMA CITY
After a pretty easy travel day—especially compared to arriving in Bocas del Toro—we made our way to Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City, where we would spend three days exploring the city. One of the things we loved most about this trip was the change of scenery every few days. Going from mountains, to beach, to city felt like a really good blend for our family. We were never in one place for too long and were always ready for a new adventure, which Panama had plenty of.
After arriving at Hotel La Compañía Casco Antiguo, we settled in and had lunch at El Santuario, one of the many restaurants on property. We all loved our meal. This also happens to be where we enjoyed a huge buffet and à la carte breakfast each morning during our stay.
This hotel has so much history and style, and we truly loved our time here. Thanks to my advisor perks, my husband and I were upgraded to a suite and had a beautiful balcony overlooking the courtyard, which made our stay feel even more special.
That afternoon, we explored Casco Viejo on foot. This area of Panama City is very walkable, clean, and safe. My husband grabbed some cigars, and we walked along the historic seawall to take in views of the Panama Canal and the modern skyline of Panama City.
A wander with no direction or mission felt like the perfect introduction to Casco Viejo.
Day 9: Visiting an Indigenous Village Near Panama City
On our first full day in Panama City, we met our guide and headed to Colón, where we met our tribe representative and boarded a kayak to spend the morning with the Emberá Quera Tribe.
The 30-minute kayak ride along the river was beautiful, and along the way our guide taught us about native birds, flora, and fauna. We even saw the local monkey—she came out to greet us when called.
This experience was truly special. Our visit began with a conversation with a tribe leader, followed by a traditional lunch of fish and fruit. Afterward, we were able to shop at their local market and see the handmade items they create, from baskets and masks to jewelry and artwork.
The tribe then performed several traditional dances and invited us to join in—thankfully, it was more like walking in a circle than dancing our backsides off.
Before leaving, we toured the village and learned more about daily life, traditions, and what a typical day looks like for the Emberá people. It was a meaningful opportunity to immerse ourselves in a culture we had never experienced before.
We left with local goods, full bellies, and a beautiful introduction to a way of life far different from our own.
Day 10: Gatún Lake Boat Tour & VIP Panama Canal Experience
Our final day in Panama City brought us back to the water for a guided boat tour of Gatún Lake, part of the Panama Canal system. After a 40-minute drive, we met our boat driver and set out on a three-hour private tour to explore the lake’s islands and spot local wildlife.
It truly felt like we had the lake to ourselves. We saw only a few other boats and never lingered in the same area for too long.
We spotted several species of native monkeys and even witnessed one jump onto another boat and steal a passenger’s bag. While it was funny in the moment, it also highlighted how important it is to protect wildlife and maintain healthy boundaries. Our guide was very intentional about keeping distance and not allowing animals near our boat.
Lunch was provided onboard, and we enjoyed sandwiches, snacks, and what quickly became our new favorite discovery—plantain chips and hummus—while tucked into a quiet corner of the lake.
As part of the tour, we also spent time cruising along the Panama Canal, an unforgettable experience that allowed us to ride alongside massive cargo ships from the water.
Afterward, we headed to the Panama Canal Visitor Center, where our experience began with the IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman. From there, we joined a VIP Panama Canal tour, which was absolutely worth it.
While most visitors stood packed onto distant viewing platforms, we were escorted through gates with a private canal guide and walked right up alongside the ships. We were the only ones standing at the dock wall as a massive cargo ship passed through the locks. My husband—who loves history, engineering, and construction—absolutely geeked out over the experience.
That evening, we wrapped up our time in Panama City with dinner at Afrodisíaco Italian Modern Kitchen, a perfect ending to an unforgettable few days.
Final Thoughts on Traveling to Panama
As I shared at the beginning, our trip to Panama was truly one of our family favorites. If you’re looking for a destination that offers a thoughtful blend of adventure and ease—along with rich culture, history, architecture, and outdoor experiences—Panama is an ideal choice.
I’ve come to love smaller countries because you can experience so much in a relatively short amount of time. Whether it’s Portugal, Slovenia, or now Panama, there’s something special about a place where, in just 10 days, you can move through distinctly different landscapes and feel genuinely connected to the destination.
Of course, you can never see everything on a first visit, but we left Panama feeling like we had truly experienced it—and with a strong sense that we’d happily return again.
Celebrate & Explore Panama!
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