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From visiting the Panama Canal to getting up close with wild monkeys, Panama is the ultimate tropical destination with plenty to do. Here’s the perfect way to spend 3 days in Panama!
Day 1: Panama Canal + Casco Viejo
For your first day in Panama, check out the two top attractions: the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal, one of the seven industrial wonders of the world, is a must-see while you’re in Panama. The canal cuts through Panama, creating a shortcut for ships that previously had to sail around the southern tip of South America. Ships navigate through a series of locks in the canal, where they are raised up above sea level to sail across Gatun Lake, then lowered back down to sea level.
Visitors can watch ships transit through the canal locks at two spots: the Miraflores Visitor Center and the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center. The Miraflores Visitor Center, located on the Pacific Ocean side of Panama, is the closest option for those staying in the Panama City and Casco Viejo areas. The center consists of observation decks to watch the canal in action as well as a museum focusing on the history of the canal. The entry fee is 10 USD per adult. We recommend you budget one to two hours to spend at the center. When you’re ready to head back to the city, there are usually plenty of taxis waiting outside.
The Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center is located on the Atlantic Ocean side of Panama, about an hour drive from Panama City. From the observation deck, visitors are able to see Gatun Lake, the locks, and the Atlantic Ocean. On a typical day, you could see a handful of ships waiting on both sides of the locks for their time to sail through. The Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center is close to Fort San Lorenzo, which we highly recommend checking out while you’re in the area. You can combine visiting the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center and Fort San Lorenzo by going on an ocean to ocean tour, which is detailed below in the day two itinerary.
Check out our Guide to Visiting the Panama Canal for more information!
Casco Viejo
For the second half of the day, spend some time exploring Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo. Completed in 1673, this charming historic district is home to stunning architecture and some of the best food in Panama. The area was designated as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site in 1997. We recommend you start at Plaza de la Independencia, which is home to the Panama Canal Museum, Panama History Museum, and Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama. Next head over to Plaza Bolivia, a space dedicated to Simon Bolivar. Bolivar was a political leader who urged Latin America to break free from Spanish rule. Continue onto the Museum of Colonial Religious Arts, housed inside the ruins of the Santo Domingo Convent. The ruins are free to explore and are one of the most beautiful sites in Casco Viejo.
You can then wrap up your tour of Casco Viejo at Plaza de Francia. The plaza tells the story of the role of the French in the construction of the Panama Canal. On one side of the plaza you’ll find a monument to Carlos Finlay, a Cuban doctor who discovered that mosquitoes transmit yellow fever – a disease that greatly affected those who helped construct the canal. The plaza offers stunning views of both Casco Viejo and the financial district of Panama City.
Our Casco Viejo Walking Tour post has more information – with a map included!
Day 2: Ocean to Ocean + Jungle Tour
One of the most exciting things to do in Panama is get out of the city and experience its tropical landscape. We recommend doing this by going on an Ocean to Ocean and Jungle Tour. This tour through Viator is a great option, taking you to see sites on the Pacific and Atlantic sides of Panama! You’ll start by heading out to Gatun Lake, where you’ll take a boat ride across the lake to reach Monkey Island.
Monkey Island is actually a collection of small islands where you can get up close and personal with, you guessed it, monkeys! Capuchins, howlers, and tamarins are the most common types of monkeys to see. Monkey Island was by far our favorite place in Panama.
Next, you’ll head towards the city of Colon. Keep your eyes peeled on the trees throughout the ride – you’ll often see sloths relaxing in the branches! In Colon, you’ll have the chance to explore Fort San Lorenzo. The fort was built with the intention of protecting the Chagres River, a waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Over the years, the fort suffered many attacks, including from pirates such as Captain Henry Morgan. The area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After that, you’ll go to the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center, your final stop. Visitors are able to see Gatun Lake, the locks, and the Atlantic Ocean from the center’s observation deck.
If you’d prefer to explore Panama without a tour group, the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center and Fort San Lorenzo can be reached on your own with a rental car.
After a long day of exploring, you’re probably hungry. Check out our Best Restaurants and Rooftop Bars in Casco Viejo guide for the best places to eat.
Day 3: Day Trip to El Valle de Anton
For your final day in Panama, we recommend heading out on a day trip to El Valle de Anton, a town housed inside the crater of an extinct volcano. The valley is located about two and a half hours away from Panama City and can be reached either by renting a car or going with a tour group. We recommend going with a tour group so that you don’t have to worry about transportation and can have a local guide to show you the best places. This tour is a good option.
We recommend visiting the following places in El Valle de Anton:
Sleeping Indian Girl
Towering over El Valle de Anton is the Sleeping Indian Girl. As the name implies, the top of the mountain is shaped like a girl lying down. Here is a good site to read about the legend of the mountain. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain, but be aware that the trail is mainly unmarked. The hike is extremely steep and physically demanding.
Butterfly Haven
Did you know that there are over 1,800 species of butterflies in Panama? At Butterfly Haven, you can walk among 250 species and see them up close as they fly past you. More information can be found here.
Pozos Termales
Pozos Termales is a great spot to relax while in El Valle de Anton. The spa area allows visitors to coat themselves in therapeutic mud before relaxing in the hot springs. Plan to spend about an hour here.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat in the valley, check out Pinocchio’s Pizzeria.
If you have more time…
… there’s still plenty more to do in Panama!
San Blas Islands
If you’re looking to swim in some crystal clear water, check out the San Blas Islands! Located off the north coast of Panama, the San Blas Islands are an archipelago consisting of 365 islands, 49 of which are uninhabited. Getting to the islands is a bit of a journey – the car ride from Panama City is about four hours each way. The islands can be visited as part of a day trip with this tour.
Metropolitan Natural Park
If you want a tropical escape without leaving Panama City, head over to the Metropolitan Natural Park. Spanning 573 acres, the park is the city’s only wildlife refuge and is home to animals such as sloths, iguanas, and white-tailed deer.
Taboga Island
Just over 10 miles away from Panama City is Taboga Island, a volcanic island located in the Gulf of Panama. The island is an excellent place for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can also explore the Village of Taboga, home to the oldest church in Latin America.
Make sure to check out our Panama Bucket List!
Check out our TikTok to see what our trip to Panama was like!
Disclaimer: All information presented in this post was accurate at the time of our trip. Attractions, availability, circumstances, operating hours, prices, etc. are subject to change and this post may not reflect the most up-to-date information. Readers are advised to do their due diligence in researching the location prior to travel. Hyperlink content may be out-of-date and is not sponsored by or affiliated with Scenic Sites unless otherwise noted.
Visited October 2022 | Posted March 2023
[…] Since Monkey Island can only be accessed by boat, it’s best to go there with a tour company so they can arrange all logistics. This tour through TripAdvisor is a great option. As part of the tour, you’ll board a small boat and spend about an hour cruising around Monkey Island. We were able to see all three types of monkeys in multiple spots during our tour. In addition to visiting Monkey Island, the tour will also take you to Fort San Lorenzo and the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center. More information about the tour can be found in our 3 Days in Panama Itinerary. […]