Best Routes to Travel Through Panama
Panama may be a small country, but traveling between its destinations can take longer than many visitors expect. Mountains, national parks and limited public transport mean that planning your route is important.
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Most travelers explore Panama by combining a few key destinations such as Panama City, El Valle de Antón (also known as Anton Valley), Santa Catalina, Boquete and Bocas del Toro.
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Below are some of the most popular travel routes in Panama and how to get between them.
Panama City → El Valle de Antón
Travel time:
Approximately 2 - 2.5 hours
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Located inside the crater of an ancient volcano, El Valle de Antón (often called Anton Valley) is one of the most popular nature escapes from Panama City.
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Travelers visit El Valle for:
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Hiking trails such as la India Dormida
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Waterfalls like Chorro el Macho
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The colorful local market
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Cooler mountain temperatures
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Transport options:
Public bus
Cheap, but requires a transfer in San Carlos and takes longer.
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The most comfortable option, especially if traveling with luggage or limited time.
El Valle de Antón → Santa Catalina
Travel time:
Approximately 5-5.5 hours
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This route connects the mountains of El Valle with the Pacific coast village of Santa Catalina.
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Santa Catalina is known as the gateway to Coiba National Park, one of the best places in Central America for diving and snorkeling.
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Things to do in Santa Catalina:
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diving and snorkeling in Coiba National Park
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surfing at the Santa Catalina beach
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boat tours and island trips
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sunset views along the coast
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Transport options:
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Public transport
Possible but requires several bus transfers and is time consuming.
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Sometimes available if multiple travelers are heading in the same direction.
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The easiest way to travel directly between both destinations.
Santa Catalina → Boquete
Travel time:
Approximately 5.5 hours
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Many travelers continue their journey from the Pacific coast to the cooler mountain region of Boquete.
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Boquete is famous for:
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Coffee farms and tastings
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Hiking and cloud forests
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Waterfalls and nature trails
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Views of Volcán Barú
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The scenery changes dramatically along this route, from coastal landscapes to lush highland forests.
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Transport options:
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Public buses
Requires several connections and can take most of the day.
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The fastest and most comfortable option between these destinations.
Boquete → Bocas del Toro
Travel time:
Approximately 3 hours by car + boat transfer
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The final stop for many travelers exploring Panama is Bocas del Toro, a Caribbean archipelago known for its beaches and island lifestyle.
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Most travelers drive to the mainland port and continue by water taxi to Bocas Town.
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From here you can explore:
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Isla Colón
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Isla Bastimentos
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Zapatilla Islands
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snorkeling and beach hopping
Planning Your Route in Panama
A very common travel route through Panama looks like this:
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This itinerary combines city life, mountains, beaches and islands and allows travelers to experience the diversity of Panama.
Private Transportation in Panama
Public buses are available between many destinations in Panama, but they often require transfers and can take much longer.
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Private transportation allows travelers to:
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travel directly between destinations
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avoid multiple bus transfers
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stop along the way for photos, food or supermarkets
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travel comfortably with luggage
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Palmboom Transport provides private transfers and occasional shared shuttles between destinations such as Panama City, El Valle de Anton, Santa Catalina, Playa Venao, Boquete and more.
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If you are planning a trip through Panama, feel free to contact us for transport options or help planning your route.