Panamá Bound: A Memorable 5 Day 4 Night Getaway

I just spent an unforgettable weekend in Panama City, Panamá, on a girls' trip. It truly was the perfect getaway! Our trip lasted from Thursday evening to Monday morning, and with direct flights from my preferred airport, I scored roundtrip tickets on Copa Airlines for just 400 USD. Score!

Copa Airlines, operating out of its main hub at Tocumen International Airport, is a major connector for flights between North and South America and one of Latin America's leading airlines. The best part? I successfully bid for an upgrade to business class for the flight to Panamá. It was my first time flying business class, and I felt like a million bucks!

Flying Business Class with Copa Airlines

Sitting in Copa’s business class offered early boarding, fully reclining seats, power outlets, a 16-inch touchscreen with entertainment, personalized service, inflight meals, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Copa’s business class seats are equivalent to a US first-class domestic experience, with comfortable seating and ample legroom. The lack of Wi-Fi was offset by the personal entertainment options.

Meal choices included chicken and rice or vegetarian ravioli in cheese sauce. Being vegan and allergic to dairy, I was glad I packed my own meal. I also had two mimosas during the flight, my inflight drink of choice.

"Day 1":  Arrival in Panama City

We landed at Tocumen Airport around 8 PM. The walk from the arrival gate to customs and immigration took about 12 minutes, so be prepared to walk once you land. Getting through customs was a breeze, and we quickly found our driver waiting for us with a sign. Booking transportation in advance is highly recommended, especially if you don’t have internet access to call an Uber. A local advised us to avoid the yellow taxis, as they aren’t metered and often overcharge tourists. Our pre-booked ride from booking.com cost 23 USD for a 30-minute trip to our hotel, which we split between the two of us.

Staying at Gran Evenia Hotel

We stayed at the Gran Evenia Hotel, a 5-star hotel located in the Bella Vista neighborhood of Panama City. Luxury accommodations are much more affordable here than in the US. My share of the bill for a 4-night stay was just 208.50 USD.

First Night in Panama City

On our first evening, we dined at the hotel’s El Jardín de Gaudí Restaurant. The name truly reflects its ambiance—a small, charming garden setting. We sipped on beautifully crafted red summer sangrias, a classic red sangria with a citrusy twist. Bestie enjoyed chicken skewers and a veggie wrap, while I had some classic French fries since I was still full from my meal on the plane. Not the most authentic Panamanian meal, but it hit the spot!

After unwinding at the restaurant, we made our way upstairs to the Bella Vista Skybar, the hotel's rooftop bar and pool. The view was breathtaking, and the vibrant atmosphere set the perfect tone for our evening. We chatted over some cocktails, enjoying the music until the bar closed. It was the perfect end to our first night in Panama City.

Knowing we had big plans for our trip in Panamá, we headed back to our room to rest up. With an early start planned for 8:00 AM the next day, it was time to get some sleep and prepare for our adventures ahead.

Day 2 : First Morning in Panama: Hitting the Ground Running

Our first morning in Panama was action-packed! At 8 AM, we were ready for our private tour for two, booked through Airbnb Experiences. Our tour guide, a friendly local Panamanian, met us at our hotel. Keep in mind that the rainy season lasts until November, so it was raining and muggy while we waited for our guide. The private tour was a great touch; our guide drove us around in her vehicle, making us feel more like locals than tourists.

Exploring the Panama Canal

Our first stop, the Panama Canal Museum, just a 20-minute drive from Gran Evenia. The Panama Canal is a vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. On the way, we passed Albrook Mall, one of the largest malls in Central America.

At the Panama Canal, our admission included access to the IMAX movie narrated by Morgan Freeman and a chance to see ships pass through the canal. The Panama Canal operates like a series of water elevators, lifting and lowering ships through the canal, a process that takes about 8 hours. Watching the IMAX movie first is a must—it gives you a deep appreciation for the engineering marvel and its historical significance. Seeing the massive ships navigate the narrow passage was incredible.

Strolling the Amador Causeway

Next up, the Amador Causeway. This scenic route connects Panama City's mainland to four small islands in the Pacific Ocean. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities like walking, biking, and rollerblading, offering stunning views of the Panama Canal and the city skyline. We visited at the perfect time, catching a line of ships waiting to enter the canal. Luckily, the rain had stopped, allowing us to take advantage of some fantastic photo ops.

Discovering Casco Viejo

Our final stop, Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or the Old Quarter. This historic district is the heart of Panama City, with charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings. Architectural gems like the Metropolitan Cathedral and San Jose Church add to its allure. We were captivated by Casco Viejo's rich history and vibrant atmosphere.

Our guide took us through the town, where we shopped for souvenirs and bought handmade jewelry from local indigenous tribes. We loved Casco Viejo so much that we asked our guide to leave us there rather than taking us back to the hotel. The weather had cleared up dramatically, making it seem as if it had never rained. However, Panama's humidity is like no other—I’m from Florida, and even I was surprised by the intense humidity here.

We made our way to Dodó Bon Pan Café, a quaint French-themed restaurant. I had a mimosa, and Bestie enjoyed a red sangria. The menu was extensive, offering both vegan and non-vegan options, and we both opted for delicious sandwiches. After lunch, we continued to explore, picking up more souvenirs for our families.

We ended our afternoon at Mojitos Casco Pty, where they make delicious mojitos and smoothies and sell souvenirs. Don't be surprised if you see me wearing a Panamá shirt in the future!

A Night Out in Panama City

After refreshing, we headed to Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar, a short walk from our hotel. They have an excellent happy hour and make all their drinks in-house. These crafted cocktails were delicious and fresh. I ordered a mojito, and Bestie had their take on a piña colada. Both drinks were so good that I wished we had ordered a second round.

Next, it was time to savor some authentic Panamanian food at El Trapiche. This family-owned restaurant, established in 1983, has an extensive menu at extremely affordable prices. They even offer vegan options. I ordered three empanadas and a drink for 7 USD, and my bestie had an empanada, a chicken and rice plate, and a drink for 12 USD. Our meal was filling and delicious. I purposefully avoided researching Panamanian cuisine before our trip because I wanted to experience it firsthand. Panamanian food is a delightful mix of Spanish, Indigenous, and African influences.

After our taste of Panama, we headed to La Rana Dorada, a cozy craft brewery with a variety of beers. This small spot felt like a local college bar. We each got two drinks from their large menu and enjoyed the casual, vibrant atmosphere.

We wrapped up our evening at Salvaje, a Japanese fusion restaurant with fantastic entertainment. A 15-
minute ride from La Rana Dorada, the Uber fare was just 8 USD for an 8-mile ride. Salvaje offers a mix of dinner and a show, with performers dancing and entertaining the crowd every 15 minutes. Despite not being very hungry after El Trapiche, we ordered two vegan sushi rolls. The rolls, filled with fresh vegetables, of course, were delicious.

By this point, it was late, and time to return to our home away from home to rest up for the next day's adventures.

Day 3: Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island

Another early adventure awaited us on Day 3. We embarked on a 6-hour all-inclusive catamaran cruise to Taboga Island, a beautiful volcanic island located in the Gulf of Panama, about 12 miles from Panama City. The only way to get there is by ferry or catamaran.

The morning started off rainy and muggy, but miraculously, the skies cleared up just in time. Onboard the catamaran, we lounged on large nets at the front of the boat, enjoying front-row seats to the stunning views of blue skies, blue waters, and Taboga Island. The catamaran took us to a remote part of the island where we swam and enjoyed the water for about 30 minutes before docking on the island.

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by locals advertising their businesses. I couldn’t resist a piña colada in a pineapple for 7 USD with free refills! Pineapple in hand, we headed to the beach and rented a chair for 5 USD to put our stuff down. My bestie was already splashing around in the water while I was still settling down. Suddenly, we decided to go jet skiing! I quickly stashed my belongings, including my beloved pineapple, and hopped on the back of the jet ski.

My bestie drove the jet ski like a pro, and we sped across the water. In the midst of the excitement, my hat flew off into the sea. Despite our efforts to retrieve it, it was gone. RIP hat! The sea claimed another hat from my bestie too, making it 0 for us and 2 for the sea.

After our 30-minute jet ski ride, it was almost time to return to the boat. A tip for Taboga Island: bring change for the bathrooms and showers. The price varies, so having a few quarters or Balboa coins handy is wise.

We grabbed our free piña colada refills and headed back to the catamaran, feeling bittersweet. Our time on Taboga Island made me want to return to Panama and explore more. The ride back was lively, with the catamaran crew leading dances, pouring shots, and turning up the music.

After our 6-hour excursion, we returned to the hotel to eat, relax, and unwind. Being out in the sun for so long can be exhausting, but we had another event lined up for the evening—a bar crawl in Casco Viejo.

Bar Crawl Adventure in Panama City

Our bar crawl kicked off at an unexpected spot called The Bakery. Despite its name, it served as the check-in point for participants, where we received wristbands and had the chance to mingle. The crawl promised a drink at each of the five locations on the itinerary.

At the first two spots, we had the liberty to choose our drinks. I opted for a vodka cranberry, while Bestie went for a vodka soda. The next two locations surprised us with handcrafted cocktails, adding a touch of sophistication to the experience. The grand finale awaited us at the last venue, where we were greeted with tequila shots to cap off the night.

Unfortunately, we weren't informed of the names of most of the bars, but one standout was the nightclub we visited. The energetic atmosphere, fueled by great music and enthusiastic dancers, made it a memorable stop.

Another highlight was Chupito 507, a place that truly —literally. The bartenders wowed us with their drink-making skills, setting the bar ablaze and performing captivating fire tricks. It was quite the show.

Our next stop provided a more laid-back ambiance, doubling as a bar and restaurant. This setting made it easier to socialize, and we even had the pleasure of meeting fellow Floridians.

By this point, after 14 hours of nonstop fun, hunger started to set in. Regrettably, we decided to cut our crawl short and skipped the last destination. Instead, we opted for some Caribbean cuisine in Casco Viejo before retiring for the night at our hotel.

Day 4: A Relaxing Day in Panamá

Today marks our last full day in Panamá, and I’m feeling a bit sad about it. But, we decided to take it easy today. We slept in, which was much needed after our packed itinerary. We took our time getting ready and finally settled on lunch at Dinastía Tang, a Chinese restaurant with a wide variety of vegan and non-vegan options.

I love exploring Chinese restaurants in different countries; they often have unique flavors and sometimes taste even better than what I can find back home. Dinastía Tang serves small plates meant to be shared, and the menu is in Spanish with pictures but no descriptions, so you pick with your eyes. I couldn’t decide what to order, so I went for several dishes, including their tofu frita (fried tofu roll) and adorable bao buns that looked so fluffy I could sleep on them. The drinks had fun names like Triste y Afortunado (Sad and Lucky) and Amargado Sin Causa (Bitter without Cause). I chose the Amargado Sin Causa, a delicious lychee drink that the server unveiled from a smoking glass case. Yummy! The food at Dinastía Tang was delicious, and I can’t wait to go back.

Cocktails at Blame Kiki

After our filling meal, it was time for a few cocktails at Blame Kiki, an Italian restaurant with delicious cocktails and an Instagram-worthy ambiance. I ordered the Pineapple Express, a delightful pineapple tequila cocktail, and bestie had the Amore Mio, a fruity red mimosa. The food on the menu looked tempting, but I was too full from lunch to try anything.

Weather Changes Our Plans

We had planned to take a walk along the water and revisit a rooftop bar in Casco Viejo, but the weather
took a turn for the worse. Remember, it’s the rainy season, and we definitely witnessed that! With the rain pouring down, we changed our plans and headed back to our hotel to relax. We went to our own rooftop bar, Bella Vista. Part of the rooftop is covered, so we were fortunate to stay out of the rain while enjoying views of the city and sipping cocktails.

Last Dinner in Panamá

After two drinks each, it was time for our last dinner in Panama. We chose Sugoi Caribbean Sushi, just a short walk from our hotel. The name intrigued us, though the food turned out to be more Japanese fusion than Caribbean. We ordered two
vegan sushi rolls to go and then stopped by El Trapiche because bestie needed more chicken and rice. With our meals in hand, we headed back to the hotel to pack and rest up before our early morning departure.

Day 5: Heading Home

No sleeping in today because we needed to head to the airport early for our 9:30 AM flight. We left the hotel around 7:00 AM, and fortunately, for a Monday, the traffic was pretty mild. The security checkpoint was similar to airport security in the US, but what surprised me was an additional security screening at the gate for flights to the United States. There’s an extra X-ray scanner and metal detector, and an employee goes through all your things to ensure nothing prohibited is brought on the plane. Unfortunately, any beverages bought outside this screening, like my water from Wetzel’s Pretzels, had to be thrown out.

Final Flight

Sadly, I wasn’t upgraded for this flight, so I sat in economy. There was no in-seat entertainment, and I didn’t bring any, so I spent the flight catching up on sleep. My trip to Panamá was absolutely amazing. Highlights include our visit to the Panama Canal and Tobago Island. Panamá has such rich history, culture, and beautiful scenery. I’m so happy to have visited, and I can’t wait to return to explore Bocas del Toro, the San Blas Islands, Monkey Island, and revisit Tobago Island and Dinastía Tang.

Looking Back and Looking Forward

As I reflect on this trip, I'm filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories created. From the bustling streets of Panama City to the serene waters of Tobago Island, every moment was a reminder of the beauty and vibrancy of this country. I learned so much about Panamanian culture, tasted incredible food, and met wonderful people along the way.

For those of you considering a trip to Panamá, I can't recommend it enough. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, there's something here for everyone. Don't forget to check out the Panama Canal, explore Casco Viejo, and indulge in the local cuisine.

I'm already dreaming about my next adventure, and Panamá has set the bar high. Until then, I'll be reminiscing about the sunsets, the laughter, and the unforgettable moments spent with my bestie. Thank you, Panamá, for an incredible journey. Until next time!

Where to Land with Dan Next

Keep following along for tips, stories, and guides that will help you plan your own unforgettable journeys.

Thank you for joining me on this Panamanian adventure. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me. Stay curious, keep exploring, and I’ll see you on the next adventure!