An explosion of wildlife, adventure, culture and relaxation
From swimming with turtles in translucent blue seas to trekking through some of the world’s best rainforests, roaming captivating cities to visiting one of the seven indigenous groups. Panama is an explosion of wildlife, adventure, culture and relaxation all on a narrow stretch of land.
Sitting as the narrowest point between North and South America and flanked by the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Panama has long been a melting pot of cultures – even before the construction of its colossal canal. A pre-Columbian history through to the Spanish colonial era, along with influences from Africa, India, China, France and indigenous cultures, have led to one of the most fascinating and welcoming cultures in Central America.
The name Panama means ‘an abundance of fish and butterflies’ in the indigenous language and as home to the largest rainforest in the western hemisphere outside of the Amazon, it’s a concept visitors are quick to discover for themselves.
As a land surrounded by sea, the country is far from short of beaches, but some of its best lie on the numerous islands off the main land. The Gulf of Chiriqui marine park is also a great spot for whale watching.
Because of its unique geographical location and its famous canal, the country’s capital is a buzzing, sociable hub and is one of the most advanced cities in the region.
Highlights
Follow a circuit of six hanging bridges in Boquete’s Río Cristal Private Reserve, enjoying breathtaking views of rivers, waterfalls and the majestic Volcán Barú
Head out on a thrilling 4×4 off-road Jeep adventure up Volcán Barú, with snacks and refreshments along the way
Get a taste for desert island life on the peaceful Playa Christina, swimming, sunbathing and hiking
Go island hopping in Chiriqui National Marine Park, with time for snorkelling
Jennifer Richt
Senior Travel Designer
Being the financial hub of Latin America Panama City is a modern business epicenter. The competing skyscrapers dominate the horizon, you could easily mistake the capital’s skyline for one in the states. Excellent restaurants are popping up through the city making it the perfect base to see the canal, which is not to be missed. However what stuck me the most was that we could drive for a couple of hours out of the city, take a canoe ride and then reach the middle of the rainforest to meet the Embera Indians. It’s the clashing of two extreme worlds which makes Panama fascinating.
Jennifer Richt
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Panama
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip Inspiration
Where to go
Bocas del Toro
With its turquoise waters, lush rainforests and laid-back island vibe, Bocas del Toro is the perfect getaway if you're looking to simply unwind or dive headlong into nature.
Discover moreChiriqui
Nature’s own adventure playground, the Gulf of Chiriquí, on Panama’s Pacific coast, could have been built for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Discover morePanama City
Explore one of the oldest cities in Latin America and discover how it has weathered and grown under its tropical climes to become one of Central America’s most cosmopolitan and multicultural cities.
Discover moreMeet your Latin America team
When to Visit
The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season, which is particularly pronounced on the Pacific coast, and runs from late December to April. Temperatures are hot, around 32°C (89.6°F) and there’s plenty of sunshine. These are the perfect conditions for outdoor activities such as visiting the Panama Canal, in Panama City, hiking in the mountains or lounging on pristine beaches.
Panama’s climate is characterised by tropical conditions all year round; warm temperatures with rain showers. There’s a fairly pronounced distinction between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, with the Caribbean coast seeing more rainfall overall, with afternoon showers common throughout the year.
Lush landscapes
May–December
Beach breaks
January–February
Festivals and carnivals
February
Plan your trip to Panama
Whatever you want from your adventure in Panama, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Every detail was to be taken care of and the trip had no hitches. Alll of the hosts, drivers and guides were wonderful.
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.