How to Spend 10 Days in Panama: City, Islands, & Nature

Last Updated on May 12, 2026

Before my partner and I headed to Panama, I assumed we were heading into ten straight days of heat. Caribbean water, humidity, and constant sun!

And yes, there was plenty of that. But one evening in El Valle de Anton, high in the crater of an extinct volcano, I found myself wearing every layer I had brought, wrapped in an extra duvet and laughing at how I’d completely overlooked the fact that Panama is home to cooler mountain climates, too.

This experience actually sums up an important fact about Panama. It is geographically compact, but it holds far more variation than you expect, and that variation applies to everything from the landscapes to cultural diversity. 

This 10 day Panama itinerary is designed with this in mind. I’ve planned a route that brings you to three very different regions of Panama, while also minimizing transit time by focusing on places that are relatively close together. 

There are no domestic flights, and no marathon bus days that take you across the country. Instead, the route connects Panama City, Guna Yala, and El Valle de Anton, giving you a mix of history, biodiversity, hiking, and lived cultural context.

Below, I’m covering the practical basics to know before visiting Panama, and then breaking down exactly how to spend each day (based on our experience!). You can follow this itinerary exactly as it’s written, or adapt it to your own pace and preferences.

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Getting to Panama

Most international travelers will fly into Tocumen International Airport, which is Panama’s main international airport. It’s well connected to cities across North America, Europe, and Latin America, and is a major regional hub.

From the airport, you can take an official taxi or Uber into Panama City. We used Uber and found it straightforward. The ride into central neighborhoods like Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo typically takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

There are domestic airports in other parts of the country, and domestic flights are available if you are heading to places like Bocas del Toro. But for this itinerary, we kept everything overland. It simplified logistics and in our experience, it reduced travel days that would have eaten into our 10 days in Panama.

When to Visit Panama

Panama has a tropical climate with a wet and dry season rather than four distinct seasons.

Panama’s dry season typically runs from December to April. The rainy season usually runs from May through November. Temperatures are warm throughout the year, with daytime highs often hovering in the high 20s to low 30s°C (80s to low 90s°F), especially in lowland areas. That said, climate patterns are shifting, and weather does not always follow the trends of the past.

We visited during what’s often described as one of the “best” months (February). But still, we experienced a significant windstorm in Guna Yala and heavy rain in Panama City. It was just a brief disruption to our trip, but I think this shows how important it is to have flexibility when traveling anywhere.

How to Get Around Panama

In Panama, you can get around using domestic flights, public buses, private transfers, and shared shuttles. For this itinerary, everything is overland. We chose places that were relatively close to each other to avoid losing entire days to transit.

Within Panama City, Uber operates reliably. Taxis are available in most towns. We preferred Uber in the city to avoid negotiating fares.

Between destinations, we used public buses and pre arranged transfers for Guna Yala. Public buses cost a few dollars, and run frequently between major hubs. Private transfers are more expensive but are often necessary for places like Guna Yala, where road access is limited and regulated by the Guna authorities.

Basics to Know Before You Go To Panama

From visa requirements to currency and language, there’s some essential basics you’ll want to know before you head to Panama. 

Visas

Visa requirements for Panama depend on your nationality, so always double-check with an official government source before booking.

We are Canadian, and so we were lucky to be able to take advantage of the fact that Panama offers visa-free entry. Many travelers from North America and Europe (including Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and most EU countries) can enter Panama visa-free for tourism, typically for up to 90–180 days. 

You’ll usually need:

• A passport valid for at least three months beyond your arrival date
• Proof of onward or return travel
• Evidence of sufficient funds (often around $500 USD, though this isn’t always requested)

If you’re from a country that requires a visa, you’ll need to apply in advance through a Panamanian consulate. Processing times and required documents vary, so be sure to plan ahead.

Currency

Panama uses the Balboa and the U.S. Dollar. But we found that in general, we were relying on USD.

This is because Balboa exists primarily in coin form. There are no Balboa paper bills in circulation, they aren’t printed anymore. Whereas U.S. bills are accepted everywhere.

In Panama City, card payment is widely accepted. Outside the city, especially in smaller towns or Indigenous territories, cash is essential. You’ll want to bring small bills, because often vendors won’t have the cash on hand to break larger ones. 

Drinking Water

Tap water in Panama City is generally considered safe to drink. But outside the city, it is better to stick to bottled or filtered water.

I wanted to reduce my plastic waste and so I avoided buying bottled water by using a Lifestraw bottle for the entire trip. On hot days, I easily drank three bottles worth of water. Over ten days, that adds up to a significant amount of plastic avoided. I definitely recommend getting a filteration water bottle, it’s a simple way to travel more sustainably.

Language

Spanish is the dominant language in Panama, but in addition, multiple Indigenous languages are spoken across the country, including Guna, Ngabere, Embera, and others.

You’ll find that English is widely spoken in Panama City, especially in tourism and business settings. Outside the capital, English is less common. You can get by without Spanish, but knowing the basics makes a difference. Simple phrases, numbers, and greetings go a long way.

Day 1: Settle Into Panama City 

It’s your first day in Panama, so you’ll spend this day settling in. Fly into Panama City, grab a taxi or Uber to your hotel, and keep your first day relaxed. 

A lot of tourists choose to stay in Casco Viejo, the historic quarter founded in 1673 after the original city was destroyed by pirates. Today, Casco is gentrified, walkable, and filled with boutique hotels, rooftop bars, cafés, and short term rentals.

It is also one of the clearest examples of how gentrification and tourism reshapes a neighborhood.

In the 1990s, Casco Viejo was largely disinvested and stigmatized. Over the past two decades, public funding, foreign investment, and tourism have transformed it. Buildings were restored. Property values rose. Boutique hotels replaced long term housing. Many longtime residents were pushed out through rising rents and evictions, while others remain in buildings that have not yet been renovated.

You will notice this contrast quickly. A polished rooftop bar or boutique hotel can sit right beside an apartment block that hasn’t been repaired in decades. 

Staying in Casco is convenient and beautiful in many ways. If you do, try to:

• Choose locally owned accommodations when possible
• Be mindful that this is still a residential area
• Keep noise down at night
• Avoid treating the neighborhood like a themed backdrop

We decided to stay in Bella Vista, which is a neighborhood in central Panama City known for its mix of residential high rises, local restaurants, and easy access to the Cinta Costera waterfront. We booked into the Waymore Hotel Spa & Casino, because it was reasonably priced and in a good location.

The property has a pool and spa where you can unwind, an on-site restaurant and café, and even a casino and bar. We aren’t gamblers, so we didn’t check this out, but it’s your speed then it’s nice to have that so close. Waymore Hotel Spa & Casino is also close to shops, eateries, and transit options, which made getting around the city on foot or by ride-hail really easy.

On your first night, stick close to where you are staying for a relaxed evening. If you stay in Casco Viejo, you can walk to Plaza Bolívar, Plaza de la Independencia, and the waterfront edge near the sea wall without needing a plan.

If you have the energy, walk toward the start of the Cinta Costera. Even a short stretch gives you a clear view of the skyline rising behind Casco’s colonial buildings. It helps you see the contrast between this historic district and the larger, modern city.

For dinner, look for a mid range restaurant with a mix of locals and visitors. Order sancocho, Panama’s chicken soup with cilantro and root vegetables, or fresh fish with patacones and a simple salad. If you prefer something casual, there are small cafés and family run spots tucked along the side streets where the menus are short and the portions are generous.

We really enjoyed our meal at Arepa Loca, which is just on the outskirts of Casco Viejo. We ordered their chicken arepas, and they did not disappoint. 

Day 2: Learn History in Panama City Museums 

On your second day in Panama, you’ll get to know the city. Spend this day visiting some of the city’s best museums so that you can learn about the country’s history, biodiversity, and Indigenous heritage.

Learning all of this at the start of your trip gives you a great foundation for understanding your experiences as you travel to other parts of Panama.

Start at the Mola Museum

From there, head back toward Casco Viejo and stop at the Mola Museum. It is small and free to visit, which makes it easy to spend an hour without feeling rushed.

The museum focuses on molas, the layered textile panels created by Guna women. Guna is an Indigenous group of Panama, many of whom live in Guna Yala (the San Blas Islands). 

In this museum, you can see how designs are cut, stitched, and reversed. You learn how patterns evolved over time, including how outside influences found their way into the artwork.

If you are planning to visit Guna Yala later in your trip, this stop matters. It gives you a baseline understanding so that when you see molas for sale, you recognize them as cultural expression and labor, not souvenirs detached from context.

Visit the Biomuseo

The Biomuseo is located along the Amador Causeway. Designed by Frank Gehry, the building itself is hard to miss, thanks to its sharp angles and bright panels which reflect the ocean.

Inside, the focus shifts away from engineering and toward geology and ecology. The exhibits explain how the formation of the isthmus of Panama changed the planet. When this narrow strip of land rose from the sea millions of years ago, it connected North and South America. Plants and animals migrated, ocean currents shifted, and climate patterns changed.

This museum reframes Panama as more than a transit point for ships. This is a place that reshaped global biodiversity long before the Canal existed.

Stop by the Miraflores Visitor Center

In the afternoon, make your way to the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal. This is located on the Pacific side of the Canal, about 20 to 30 minutes by car from central Panama City, depending on traffic.

It sits directly beside the Miraflores Locks, one of the main lock systems ships pass through as they are raised or lowered between sea level and Gatun Lake, which means you are watching the Canal’s operations from right alongside the action rather than from a distance.

The Panama Canal is often described as an engineering marvel, which it is. It is also a political story shaped by foreign intervention, labor exploitation, disease, and eventual Panamanian control. 

From the viewing platforms at the Miraflores Locks, you can watch ships pass through the system. Some carry up to 13,000 containers! 

The Canal is special because it saves vessels roughly 8,000 miles compared to sailing around the southern tip of South America. Each ship is guided by Canal pilots for the entire transit, which takes about ten hours from ocean to ocean. 

We learned that this is precise work. You can see how carefully the ships are raised and lowered through the lock chambers using water rather than brute force excavation.

Before you go, check the transit schedule online. Timing your visit with an actual ship moving through makes the experience more tangible. There is also an IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman that walks through the Canal’s history in accessible terms.

What struck me most was not just the scale, but the complexity of the engineering of the Canal. Panama did not carve a sea level trench across the country. It built a lock system that works with elevation and freshwater lakes. This decision shaped the landscape and still shapes the economy.

Today, Panama has one of the stronger economies in the region, in large part because of the Canal’s role in global trade. But it’s important to know that this economic growth has not been evenly distributed, which you can see in the city itself.

By the end of day two, you will likely be tired. Go back to your neighborhood for a rest before heading out for dinner. If you want something traditional, consider dinner at El Trapiche. It is a long running Panamanian restaurant known for serving classics like ropa vieja, carimañolas, and fresh juices in a casual setting. 

Day 3: Nature Walk, Markets, and Coffee

On day 3 in Panama City, head out to experience the city’s nature, markets and coffee. Start early and head to Cerro Ancon.

Cerro Ancon

Cerro Ancon is the tallest hill that rises above the dense urban city. The trail is free and straightforward, about four kilometers out and back on a paved road that steadily climbs. 

The main entrance is at the base of the hill on Avenida Omar Torrijos Herrera, near the Mi Pueblito cultural complex. It’s easiest to get there by Uber, as parking is limited and the road up is not open to regular vehicle traffic.

At the entrance, you will sign in with security. They also enforce a rule that you cannot bring disposable plastic water bottles. If you show up with one, you will be asked to leave it at the gate and collect it on your way down. Bring a reusable bottle instead.

The walk up is quiet. You will likely pass joggers, a few birdwatchers, and maybe the occasional coati crossing the road. It does not feel far from the city, but it feels removed from traffic and construction noise.

At the top, you have a fantastic view of the skyline of Panama City stretching along the bay, the curve of the Bridge of the Americas, and, in the distance, sections of the Panama Canal. If you time it right and look carefully, you may spot ships inching through the locks!

Panama City Fish Market (Mercado De Mariscos)

After the hike, head back down and either walk or take an Uber or cab to the Panama City Fish Market (Mercado de Mariscos). It is informal and busy, especially around lunchtime. 

Start by visiting the actual fish market, which is inside the main building. You’ll see vendors selling freshly caught fish and other seafood, mostly to locals. After walking around the market, head to the strip of restaurants just outside to enjoy lunch.  

We ate at a spot called Last Perlas. We ordered small cups of ceviche first, just to taste, and then a larger plate to share. The fish was cold and bright with lime. If someone in your group is not in the mood for seafood, some stalls offer bistek picado, fried fish plates, and simple options like chicken fingers. 

After lunch, walk or grab a ride to Casco Viejo to taste coffee. 

A serving of ceviche and inside the fish market

Unido Coffee Roasters

Panama produces some of the highest quality (and highest priced) coffee in the world, including Geisha beans that are exported globally. 

We loved UNIDO because they take their coffee seriously, especially their pour overs. If you have never ordered a pour over before, it is a slower, more deliberate way of brewing coffee by hand. 

The barista pours hot water over freshly ground beans in controlled stages, adjusting the temperature and the speed of the pour so the water extracts flavor evenly. The result is a cup that tastes more distinct, where you can actually notice subtle differences in the beans rather than just getting a generic strong coffee.

When you order a pour over at Unido, you can watch as they very carefully prepare it. It takes some time for a pour over coffee to be ready, but the wait is worth it! 

We popped into Unido several times to try their various coffees. If you’re a big fan of coffee, it’s worth checking out some of the other coffee shops in the city too, like Sisu Coffee Studio. 

After a day of walking, markets, and coffee, spend some time wandering with no plan, and then head for dinner. For a nice rooftop meal, head to Selva Azul. We really enjoyed their nachos! 

Enjoying a pour over coffee at Unido Coffee Roasters.

Day 4: El Chorillo Walking Tour and a Chocolate Tasting 

By day four, you have walked through Casco Viejo’s restored streets, visited museums and markets, and climbed above the skyline. This is the day to step a few blocks further and learn about another part of the city, on a walking tour of El Chorrillo.

El Chorrillo sits directly beside Casco Viejo, but this neighborhood tells a very different story. For years, a physical wall divided El Chorrillo from the old town, where Americans and Spanish residents lived during the Canal era. 

Many Afro Caribbean workers who came to build the Panama Canal settled here, close to the work but separated socially and spatially. That separation did not disappear when the Canal Zone ended.

In 1989, during the U.S. invasion of Panama, El Chorrillo was heavily bombed. Entire blocks burned, while residents hid inside Santa Ana Church. This history is not abstract. It shapes how the neighborhood is perceived and how opportunities have developed since.

We booked our walking tour through LocalInPTY, and our guide Christian did not romanticize the neighborhood. Throughout our 3 hour walking tour, he explained the history of El Chorrillo, how gentrification is impacting the neighborhood, and how people live in El Chorrillo today.

We stopped outside the Jesús “Master” Gómez boxing gym, where parts of the film Hands of Stone were shot. The movie tells the story of Roberto Duran, one of Panama’s most famous athletes. Boxing remains part of the neighborhood’s identity, and locals are very proud of Duran and other athletes that were born there.

Christian also pointed out visual examples of how gentrification is creeping into El Chorrillo. With its proximity to Casco Viejo, developers and investors are slowly overtaking the neighborhood, looking to redevelop historic buildings into hotels and restaurants. Unfortunately, this gentrification means that the locals of El Chorrillo will likely be displaced. 

Christian pointed to a street where you could see on one end how the buildings had been restored and converted into boutique hotels, whereas the other end of the street was still residential buildings. 

Much of what we learned on this walking tour was dark, but I think it’s important to learn the realities of the places we visit. Panama City has much wealth, due to its banking industry and the canal. But not everyone benefits. 

The country has high levels of income disparity, and a walking tour of El Chorrillo gives you insight into how this disparity impacts the residents of the city. 

After your walking tour, spend the afternoon wandering on foot around the city. I recommend walking along Av. Central Espana. This is a historic pedestrian shopping district in Panama City, where you can pop into local shops. 

If you walk far enough along it, you’ll eventually reach San Felipe Public Market, which is worth popping into. This market sells fresh produce and meat. 

Lastly, if you’d like to enjoy an afternoon activity, book yourself in for a coffee or chocolate tasting (or a combined tour!). These are usually short experiences, so you should have time to fit it in.

I recommend this Geisha Coffee and Chocolates Pairing in Panama City. This experience walks you through a guided tasting of Panama’s prized Geisha coffee alongside locally made chocolates, with explanations about growing regions, processing methods, and flavor profiles. 

You learn why Panamanian Geisha commands such high prices internationally, and how climate and elevation shape both the coffee and cacao.

For dinner, head to Cafe Coca Cola, one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the city. Open since 1875, it has fed politicians, dockworkers, tourists, and Canal employees, and its walls carry that layered history. 

Order the ropa vieja, slow cooked shredded beef in tomato sauce served with rice and plantains. It is simple, filling, and the perfect traditional meal to order in a place that has been serving everyday Panama for well over a century.

Day 5: Head to Guna Yala

On your fifth day, you will leave the city early and head toward Guna Yala, an Indigenous governed coastal territory on Panama’s Caribbean side made up of hundreds of small islands and a narrow strip of mainland.

What not to do in Panama? Misname Indigenous territories.

You will often see this region marketed under its colonial name, San Blas. It is worth making the effort to use its Guna name instead, because names carry history. “San Blas” reflects Spanish colonial influence, while Guna Yala reflects the language and governance of the Guna people themselves.

The Guna are one of Panama’s seven Indigenous nations, alongside the Emberá, Wounaan, Ngäbe, Buglé, Naso, and Bribri. Guna Yala is an autonomous comarca, meaning the territory is governed by Guna authorities under their own legal and political structures. 

Visiting here is not the same as visiting a beach town. You are entering Indigenous land with its own leadership and rules.

There are more than 300 islands scattered along this stretch of Caribbean coast. Some islands were nicknamed by foreign sailors, which is why you may hear names like “Dog Island.” Guna communities have their own names for islands, though not every small sandbar has a formal designation. The naming differences are another reminder of layered histories.

You can arrange accommodation directly with a family on one island, book a day trip from Panama City, or organize a multi-night stay on a single island. All are valid options depending on your time and budget. We decided to book a three day inclusive tour for a more in depth experience.

We went specifically with Victor from LocalinPTY because he is from Guna Yala and still lives there today. His tours are built to balance relaxation and beach time with education. You still swim and rest in hammocks, but you also learn about Guna history, governance, cultural practices, and daily life in the territory.

Booking with a small operator (like Victor!) who is local to the region is a great way to support responsible travel, because it ensures that the money you pay flows into the community you’re visiting. When you book with an agency out of Panama City, only a portion of the money you pay stays in Guna Yala.

Inclusive tours like this typically cover round trip transport, all your meals, simple island accommodation, and visits to both visitor focused islands and inhabited community islands. 

There are broadly two kinds of islands you will encounter. Some are set up primarily for visitors, with beach chairs and snorkeling stops. Others are where Guna families live year round. Many operators focus only on island hopping and swimming. 

Choosing a tour that includes time in a community shifts the experience from pure scenery to something more educational.

Transfers to Guna Yala usually depart around 5:00 am. A driver will pick you up at your hotel and begin the roughly two and a half hour journey to the port along winding mountain roads. 

By mid morning, you will transfer to a small boat and head out across the water toward the island that you’ll be staying on. On our first day, we got to settle into our accommodations, and then we went by boat to 3 different islands. It was a slow, relaxing day, a perfect start to visiting Guna Yala. 

Day 6: Community Tour & Island Hopping

On day six, we visited the community islands of Nalunega and Wichub Wala. These are small communities, typically made up of around 200 people or roughly 30 to 40 families, and in most cases each island functions as a single, distinct community with its own leadership and internal structure.

Our guide, Victor, walked us around, introducing us to his family members and friends, and pointing out buildings and providing context about how life is lived in these communities.

In one community kitchen, we watched as large amounts of fish were slowly smoked over open fires. The fish had been caught earlier that morning and were now being preserved in a method that has long been practical in an island environment without widespread refrigeration. 

We also spent time observing how molas are made. A mola is a traditional Guna textile panel created by layering different colors of fabric and cutting away sections to reveal intricate patterns beneath. Molas are worn by Guna women as part of traditional dress, but these days they are also sold to visitors. 

One of the most important things we learned was how each community governs itself. Guna Yala operates under a broader autonomous structure, but individual islands make their own decisions about certain rules, businesses, and shared resources. Traditions and policies can vary from one island to another.

In Wichub Wala, for example, the main store and market are community owned, and profits are shared among residents. In Nalunega, the primary store is owned by a single family. Neither model was presented as better or worse. They just reflect different local decisions about how to structure economic life.

After visiting these two communities, we spent the rest of the day visiting various small islands around Guna Yala, before heading back to our accommodations for dinner. 

Day 7: Snorkelling, Swimming, and Relaxing 

On your final day in Guna Yala, you’ll soak up the sun on the tourist islands.

One of my favorite island stops was an island called Icodub. It was small enough that you could circle it in 15 minutes! 

I loved watching the pelicans that hover just off the shore of this island, hunting for seafood. There were several of them that would circle above the ocean, eventually diving quickly into the water to grab a fish.  

We also visited Isla Perro, one of the better known snorkeling spots in the area. Just offshore there is a sunken shipwreck that has become part of the reef. You can swim out from the beach and circle the structure, spotting small fish moving in and out of the metal frame. 

It is accessible even for beginner snorkelers, as long as you are comfortable in open water. Back on land, the beach is wide enough to stretch out with a towel and rest between swims.

Later, we stopped at the Natural Pool, a shallow sandbank where the water barely reaches your waist. Boats anchor in a loose circle, and then you can step down into the clear, warm water for a swim. Nearby, there is an especially tiny island, little more than a patch of sand with a few palms!

Enjoy this slow day in Guna Yala, because the next morning, you’ll head back to Panama City and then on to your next stop in this itinerary. 

Day 8: Return to Panama City, Transit to El Valle de Anton

After breakfast in Guna Yala, you will transfer back to Panama City by 4×4. 

It is worth asking your driver in advance to drop you directly at Albrook Bus Terminal since you are heading straight onward to your next stop: El Valle de Anton. This saves time and avoids crossing the city twice.

Before boarding your bus, grab lunch inside the station. There are casual local counters alongside familiar chains, and it is an easy place to pick up something quick for the road. 

Buses to El Valle typically depart every 30 minutes. Ours left from bus bay 53, though that can change, so confirm on arrival. The ride takes around 2.5 hours and costs approximately $4.50 USD. 

Today will be a full day of transit, first from the islands back to the capital, then inland toward the mountains. But by mid to late afternoon, you will arrive in beautiful El Valle de Anton!

El Valle sits inside the crater of an extinct volcano, making it one of the largest inhabited volcanic craters in the world. 

At roughly 600 meters above sea level, it has a cooler climate than Panama City, and so it’s long been a popular weekend getaway for Panamanian families that live in the city. The town is known for hiking trails, waterfalls, birdlife, and its market, where local vendors sell produce, crafts, and plants. 

For a simple and central place to stay, I recommend Residencial El Valle. It is right in the middle of town, walkable to restaurants and trailheads. The owner, Enrique, is Panamanian and incredibly hospitable. 

When we mentioned that we were chilly at night, he laughed and said, “But aren’t you Canadian?” before returning with an extra duvet. The cooler evenings are part of the appeal here, and we appreciated them after several days in Guna Yala!

On your first afternoon, resist the urge to pack in activities. Settle into your hotel and then walk the main road. Be sure to look all around you, because you’ll be able to see how the crater rises up around the town, which is very cool to see!

For dinner, walk over to La Ranita Gourmet. We liked this restaurant because they serve some classic Panamanian dishes, like patacones and sancocho. This restaurant is also home to three very friendly dogs!

Day 9: Hike India Dormida

On day 9 in Panama, you’ll go on a beautiful hike: India Dormida. This name translates to ‘Sleeping Indian Woman,’ named for the mountain’s silhouette, which resembles a woman lying on her back. The outline is especially clear from town, so be sure to take a look before you start the hike.

Start your morning with breakfast at Pausa Cafe, which is conveniently on the way to the trailhead. It is an easy place to fuel up with coffee and something substantial before a few hours on your feet.

The trailhead is called Piedra Pintada, which is how it appears on Google Maps. It is about a 20 minute walk from the centre of town, making it easy to reach on foot, however, you can also go by taxi if you like. 

At the entrance to the hike, you will pay a small fee. There are walking sticks available to rent, which I recommend if it has rained recently or if you prefer extra stability on the descent.

The trail is an out and back route, roughly 3.5 to 4 kilometres round trip depending on how far along the ridge you continue. Plan for about 2 to 3 hours total, though it can take longer if you take it slow or stop often. 

La India Dormida is considered moderately difficult, mostly because you are climbing uphill for much of the first half, then navigating a steady downhill on the way back. The terrain varies between packed dirt, stone steps, exposed roots, and sections of narrow ridge. After rain, it can be muddy and slippery.

Early in the hike, you will pass three waterfalls. Yes, you can swim, but I suggest saving that for the return when you are hot and ready to cool off. The pools are refreshing and so they feel especially nice after the climb to the ridge!

Along the way, you will also encounter Indigenous petroglyphs etched into rock faces near the river. These carvings are believed to predate Spanish arrival and are attributed to pre-Columbian communities who lived in this region. 

Their exact meanings are still debated, though many researchers believe they held spiritual or ceremonial significance. 

As you climb higher, the vegetation thins and the wind picks up, especially along the ridge. Be cautious here. Gusts can be strong, and footing is narrower in certain sections of the trail.

At the summit, you’ll be amazed by the panoramic views across the volcanic crater that holds El Valle de Anton. You can see the curve of the surrounding mountains and the patchwork of homes and farmland below. 

A few practical notes for this hike: Start earlier in the day to avoid afternoon heat and to give yourself plenty of daylight. Bring enough water and snacks, and be sure to pack in and pack out. Let someone know where you are headed, especially if you go alone. Do not approach or feed wildlife, and stay on marked paths to reduce erosion.

On your way down, take your time. When you reach the waterfalls again, this is your moment to cool off! I carried my swimsuit in my backpack, and changed into it behind a tree. Bring a small towel so that you can dry off afterward, for the walk back to your hotel. 

If you are less experienced on trails or simply feel more comfortable with local support, you can book a private hiking guide for India Dormida. This private hiking experience pairs you with a knowledgeable local guide who can set the pace, share context about the landscape and petroglyphs, and help you navigate steeper or muddier sections with more confidence. 

After hiking La India Dormida, you’ll be ready for a shower and a meal. Take the rest of the day slow. If you’re up for it, you can visit the local market in El Valle, which runs daily and expands on weekends.

The market is a mix of produce stands, handmade crafts, plants, and small food vendors. You will find tropical fruit grown in the surrounding highlands, woven baskets, molas, and carved souvenirs. 

Day 10: Morning in El Valle de Anton, and Back to Panama City 

Spend your final morning in El Valle de Anton however you like!

You could rent bikes and cycle through town and into the surrounding countryside. The roads are relatively quiet, and it is an easy way to see more of the crater landscape. As you wander, keep an eye out for wildlife. We spotted several roadside hawks while in El Valle de Anton, which was cool!

You could head out for another short hike if your legs are up for it. Or you could sleep in, linger over a late breakfast, and enjoy another coffee at Pausa Cafe. 

Around noon, make your way to the bus stop in the centre of town to catch the bus back to Panama City for your flight home. The stop is right next to the El Valle Market, so it is easy to find. Buses run regularly, and the journey takes roughly 2.5 hours depending on traffic.

El Valle de Anton

A Slow Travel Itinerary for Panama

You might notice that this 10 day Panama itinerary does not include Bocas del Toro or Boquete. That is intentional.

Both are popular stops, and for good reason. But adding them would mean more long transit days, eating into the time you have to actually enjoy Panama. 

This itinerary is designed around proximity and a slow travel approach to the trip. Panama City, Guna Yala, and El Valle de Anton are close together, and in visiting all three places, you’ll experience a meaningful mix of history, Indigenous governance, biodiversity, hiking, and everyday urban life without constantly packing and unpacking your bag.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to see more. But if you only have 10 days, I hope you’ll consider this itinerary. Instead of rushing between regions, this route invites you to move at a slower pace. It’s exactly how my partner and I spent our 10 days, and it gave us an experience in Panama that was fun, educational, and not hurried.

Want to have a more thoughtful trip? Here are some of my responsible travel tips to get you started.

• Learn the main tips for being a responsible tourist.
• Use sustainable tourism tips to travel eco-consciously. 
• Choose responsible wildlife tourism experiences.
• Travel to places that aren’t facing overtourism to reduce your impact.
• Be aware of cultural appropriation and avoid it. 
• Use second city tourism when you do want to visit more popular places.
• Be thoughtful in how you shop for souvenirs.
• Take and share photos and videos respectfully.
• Avoid tourism leakage by supporting local businesses.
• Consider your travel privileges.