Panama Small Group Tours & Trips

83 Panama trips. Tours from 73 tour companies. 87 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

23 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Group Tour
San Blas Adventure - 4 Days Island Hopping in San Blas Islands
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Sleep in a different Island each night
  • Snorkelling in Perro chico Sunken boat
  • Spot starfish in the natural swimming pool
  • Kayak in Island Perro Grande
  • Hiking in the jungle up to a waterfall

Themes

Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"No cumplieron con las actividades prometidas y BORRARON EL ANUNCIO en trip advisor con nuestras quejas para NO DEJAR HUELLA. Contratamos el tour de 3 noches , 4 dias, En la descripcion (que ya cambiaron ahora despues de que nos quejamos, adjunto la descripcion en aleman ya q el enlace ya no esta, no pude sacarla en espanol antes de la estafa) 1.No habia ningun guia local con Ingles, mi chico es Aleman asi que le traduje yo todo. Nos dejaron en las islas sin tener idea q actividades teniamos contratadas, pregunte varias veces y no tenian ni idea. Incluso nos dijeron q nos quedabamos 2 noches en una isla y a las 8 de la manana nos dijeron q que haciamos alli y q nos mandarian a otra isla, q preparemos todo en 5 minutos) 2. No habia ninguna danza tradicional. de hecho en las islas habia alguna q otra pareja de turistas y el encargado , que si era Guna.Asi que de aprender cultura Guna, interactuar, nada. 3.No hubo Senderismo en ninguna jungla, aunque pregunte varias veces cuando nos iban a llevar a hacer esa actividad. 4.No hubo langosta incluida para la ultima noche. Respuesta al mensaje : lo que hemos solicitado a Trip Advisor es un reembolso de 30% , no un reembolso total, pero no hay respuesta. Hemos llamado a su agencia pero salta el contestador .Si es mejor para ustedes escribanos por aqui.muchas gracias .un saludo Actualizacion: Trip advisor dice que su empresa le ha dicho q han proporcionado todos los servicios por lo q ni veian la posibilidad de reembolso parcial . A partir de aqui lo dejamos en manos de ABOGADOS"

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Costa Rica & Panama Discovery
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Boquete, Caribbean, Central America, Colon, Panama Canal, Panama City

Highlights

  • Put your chef’s hat on and help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
  • Swim in clear ocean waters, stop in at shacks serving cold cerveza and kick back on sandy shores covered in starfish in the Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
  • Head to the coffee plantations, waterfalls and caldera hot springs of Boquete – a highland town so beautiful you’ll hardly miss the beach at all!
  • Spend a morning with the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous community on Isla Popa, learning about local lifestyles as you get to experience a slice of village life.
  • Learn about the scale of the Panama Canal during a visit to the Miraflores Lock, then get to know Panama City during a guided stroll through Casco Viejo.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Michelle Middleton is an asset to the customer care team. Easy and honest communication throughout!"

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Panama in 7 days - Panama City & All-Inclusive Playa Blanca - Superior
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Panama Canal, Panama City

Highlights

  • Panama city
  • San Blas Islands

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, 50 Plus, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"Very well organised, excellent guide and information. Superb coach driver."

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Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $150 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Cycle Nicaragua to the Panama Canal
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They travel to places beyond the typical tourist locations and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star

Visits

Caribbean, Central America, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Nicaragua, Managua, Ometepe, Pacific Ocean, Panama Canal, Panama City, Santiago, Santo Domingo

Highlights

  • Embark on an epic two week cycling adventure through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama
  • Ride passed active volcanoes, through cloud forests and around national parks
  • Relax on the Caribbean Bocas islands

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"We had a fantastic trip with explore! Starting with a brief intro to Thailand with professional friendly experienced guides Koi, Tri and the fab support Team (Bus driver, cycle team-always smiling and helpful!) travelling through the local back streets of Bangok and the waterways around the city, seeing the impressive Temples and Grand Palace through to the border of Cambodia. This is where we met are new guides Sum (bursting with enthusiasm, knowledge and fun), Seda (knowledgeable, humble and kind) and another great support Team (Bus Driver, cycle supporters-smiling and helpful) our guides provided an amazing insight into the kind and humble people of Cambodia, the interesting culture and history, with beautiful scenery and impressive historical sites of the Angkor's temples onto the border of the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta. Our professional, friendly guide Huan and new support Team (bus driver and cycle supporters (friendly and helpful as always!) who had been with us throughout the tour ensuring each day ran smoothly, from hotels, bikes/cycling needs, sight seeing, transfers, to additional ideas/options which made for an amazing dive session on Phu Quoc island, much appreciation to Huan and all the Team for a most memorable and always treasured adventure."

Trip dates & details
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Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star

Visits

Caribbean, Granada, La Fortuna

Highlights

  • Cycle through three different countries in two weeks
  • Relax on Pacific beaches and the idyllic Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro
  • Discover the dramatic Ometepe Island, with its twin volcanic peaks
  • Ride along the Panama Canal, see the Miraflores Locks in action
  • Look for wildlife in the national parks of Costa Rica

Themes

Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"The booking process for my forthcoming trip to Peru on the Salkantay trek in November went very smoothly"

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Ultimate Central America
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Boquete, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Chichen Itza, Colon, Copan, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Mexico City, Monteverde, Ometepe, Pacific Coast, Palenque, Panajachel, Panama Canal, Panama City, Playa del Carmen, Salvador, San Cristobal, San Ignacio, San Juan, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • The stars of this trip are the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. Active volcanoes, ancient ruins, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles – this trip has got you covered.
  • Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas. This old-world town is surrounded by indigenous villages that have retained their traditional customs and roots.
  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna, a village sitting on the shores of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
  • Clear sea perfect for swimming, shacks serving cold cerveza and sandy shores covered in starfish are waiting in Panama's Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and unique Central American wildlife.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"Michelle Middleton is an asset to the customer care team. Easy and honest communication throughout!"

Trip dates & details
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Costa Rica & Panama  in 12 days - Arenal, Puerto Viejo & Bocas del Toro - Superior
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Caribbean, La Fortuna, San José

Highlights

  • Arenal
  • Puerto Limón
  • San José
  • Bocas del toro

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, 50 Plus, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"Very well organised, excellent guide and information. Superb coach driver."

Trip dates & details
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Central American Explorer
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They travel to places beyond the typical tourist locations and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Bar, Boquete, Caribbean, Central America, Copan, Granada, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Managua, Monteverde, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Ometepe, Panama Canal, Panama City, Roatan, Salvador

Highlights

  • Journey through six contrasting Central American countries on this epic adventure
  • Explore colourful colonial towns & sacred Mayan sites
  • Unwind on the Caribbean beaches of Bocas del Toro

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"We had a fantastic trip with explore! Starting with a brief intro to Thailand with professional friendly experienced guides Koi, Tri and the fab support Team (Bus driver, cycle team-always smiling and helpful!) travelling through the local back streets of Bangok and the waterways around the city, seeing the impressive Temples and Grand Palace through to the border of Cambodia. This is where we met are new guides Sum (bursting with enthusiasm, knowledge and fun), Seda (knowledgeable, humble and kind) and another great support Team (Bus Driver, cycle supporters-smiling and helpful) our guides provided an amazing insight into the kind and humble people of Cambodia, the interesting culture and history, with beautiful scenery and impressive historical sites of the Angkor's temples onto the border of the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta. Our professional, friendly guide Huan and new support Team (bus driver and cycle supporters (friendly and helpful as always!) who had been with us throughout the tour ensuring each day ran smoothly, from hotels, bikes/cycling needs, sight seeing, transfers, to additional ideas/options which made for an amazing dive session on Phu Quoc island, much appreciation to Huan and all the Team for a most memorable and always treasured adventure."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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23 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Group Tour
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Panama Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
87  Reviews
See all Panama tour reviews
Excellent
271
Great
80
Average
6
Disappointing
1
Terrible
0
L

Lisa

Sep 2015

Written on

I had a great time on the

I had a great time on the trip. I got to see alot of Panama and our guide was fantastic! However, I was one of 4 people not travelling as a couple. I also didn't rea...

j

jocelyn

Sep 2015

Written on

Excellent organisation of all activities with a

Excellent organisation of all activities with a good balance of travel and free time.

S

Sophie

Sep 2015

Written on

I would have given a higher score

I would have given a higher score but the guide was not an asset to the trip.

A

Ajay

Sep 2015

Written on

I have travelled using Intrepid for a

I have travelled using Intrepid for a while now and whils...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2024

Written on

Cycle Nicaragua to the Panama Canal

Mike was helpful and knowledgeable about the trip and took i...

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Panama Tour Selection Trips

  • Temperature isn’t a major factor when planning a trip to Panama. Highs hover around 85 degrees F throughout the year at most of that tropical paradise, falling as much as 15 degrees only at high altitudes.     
  • Rain is more of a consideration. More rain usually falls on the Caribbean side of the country, most often as short afternoon downpours. The summer dry season, about mid-December to mid-April, offers the best weather – and highest prices. Those willing to put up with some rain during the rest of the year find that their travel budget is likely to stretch further.

Additional details

Where is Panama?

The Republic of Panama borders Colombia and Costa Rica. Its geographical location is interesting because it remains at a crossroads between North America and South America. As a result, it also harbours both the Carribean and the Pacific waters. 

Despite it being the southernmost country in South America and having very similar traditions with other countries in the continent, Panama is ultimately considered to be a part of North America.

When is the Best Time to Visit Panama?

Deciding when to visit Panama is simple. The country only has two main weathers all year round: wet and dry. The wet season is normally May to December, leaving the rest of the year as the most optimal time to visit if you’re trying to avoid any rain showers. The dry season is sunny and humid throughout, maintaining about 30 C (86F), perfect for beach days and strolls exploring the city.  

If you’re looking for a cheaper time to visit Panama, however, the wet season is for you. Although it rains everyday during this period, rain showers normally only span to about an hour and the country becomes more vibrant, green and lush! You can see hotels and tour prices drop while enjoying the more tropical side of the country.

Is Panama Safe?

Panama is a super safe place to visit if you are a cautious traveler and stick to the recommendations of your tour guide. Like any country, there are certain areas to avoid that have higher crime rates, and in Panama these are cities like Colon, Yaviza and anything along the edge of the Columbian border. Those areas at the end of the Pan American highway contain high levels of violent crime and drug trafficking.

Otherwise, sticking to Panama City and the islands, where there is a bigger population of tourists, is a safe environment for any explorer. Do still be wary of petty thefts in and around the city, such as pick pocketing, especially in bus and market areas. It is advisable to not flaunt any flashy jewelry or hang your camera around you, especially when walking at night. 

For transportation, it is safest to use registered yellow taxis. In Panama they don’t use meters, but rather, you agree to a fare beforehand. Buses are extremely safe to use in the city but their routes can be confusing, so make sure you have a map or feel free to ask the very helpful and friendly locals!

Packing List for Panama Tours 

Tours in Panama can vary from exploring the Panama Canal, to the city, to national parks, to Lake Gatun all the way to the islands and even includes indigenous village tours. There is so much to explore in Panama, and thus, what you pack is important on how convenient and enjoyable the trip is for you! 

Since it’s expected that you will be walking a lot, bring durable sandals and sneakers. Trust us, you’re going to be thankful for this one. Panama also has some gorgeous waterfalls and hidden trails that criss cross around its green vallies, so hiking boots would be extremely useful if you are a traveler that is truly looking to see raw, natural beauty.

Panama, if you’re going during the dry season, is usually tropical, hot and humid. Make sure you pack a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, a quick dry towel, a light sweater, swimsuit, waterproof phone cover, insect repellent and sturdy walking shoes.

If you are going to a national park, make sure you pack a DSLR if you have one or binoculars to catch the gorgeous and rare species of birds found nestled between branches, camouflaged across leaves or soaring high above canopies.

Although many Panama tours have bilingual tour guides, it would be quite helpful to bring a spanish english dictionary to learn the local language. Taking in the culture is probably the best thing you can do in Panama, and language comes with it! Lastly, a pro tip before venturing around the city is to download the offline map of Panama just in case you need directions without WiFi. 

Getting to Panama

There are three main ways you can reach Panama, and that is by plane, land, or sea. By plane is perhaps the most popular way to touch down into Panama’s main airport, Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen, as flying is the fastest and most convenient way of travel. There are also many direct flights to the city from over 10 different states in the US and many in South America. Traveling through air from Europe and Canada often stop at the US first, including flights from Asia although a layover in Mexico City is common. 

If not by air, land is also used to get into Panama by many. Panama borders Costa Rica and you can cross over through 3 main crossing, the most popular being the Pan American Highway. Although Panama also borders Colombia, there is no land crossing between the two and you must fly instead. 

Sea is another favorable form on transportation into Panama. The Panama Canal sees thousands of tourists coming off of cruise ships and yachts each year.

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