Summary
Few destinations can claim the remarkable geographical diversity that Panama offers.
Driving in this region prioritizes navigating winding roads that lead to secluded, jungle-ensconced retreats over traversing vast, open landscapes. In an isthmus where public transport can be limited, having personal transportation facilitates more straightforward access to numerous unforgettable locations.
With the convenience of a vehicle, one can enjoy breakfast alongside the Pacific Ocean and lunch by the Caribbean Sea. Alternatively, you might spend your morning relaxing on pristine beaches and your afternoon ascending rugged mountain heights.
Moreover, this allows you to engage with the vibrant energy of the capital and the lush wilderness of the rainforest all within the same day. The potential for adventure is boundless.
Here are six premier road trips in Panama to initiate your exploration.
1. Go west along the Pan-American Highway
Best road trip to see Panama’s interior
Route: Panama City to David; Distance: 448 km (278 miles)
Traversing east-west through Panama’s Pacific lowlands, the Panamericana (or Pan-American Highway) serves as the nation’s primary transit route—a 500 km (310 miles) extensively utilized paved road linking the capital with el interior and, ultimately, the international boundary with Costa Rica.
Many travelers prefer to complete the journey in one go via a non-stop bus from Panama City to David (7-9 hours), yet this approach overlooks Panama’s central provinces. Consider taking two weeks to appreciate the surroundings properly.
To the west of the capital, the Panamericana lines the coast of a collection of tranquil beach villages with enchanting salt-and-pepper shores. These begin with Punta Chame (distinct from the village of Chame), renowned for excellent kitesurfing from December through May.
Continuing further to the west, you will pass through the high-rise condominiums and well-manicured golf courses of Playa Coronado, then transition to the surf towns of El Palmar and Rio Mar, followed by the fishing community of Santa Clara and the small village of Farallón.
At this juncture, consider taking a one to three-day excursion north to El Valle, a rejuvenating highland retreat enveloped by majestic peaks.
From Santiago, the capital of Veraguas, one might venture north into the mountains for several days of exploration amongst the striking landscapes surrounding Santa Fe.
Alternatively, one could take an older, less well-maintained road southwest, where a turn just before Soná leads to Santa Catalina, a renowned surf town renowned for its formidable Hawaiian-style waves. From this point, a short boat trip leads to Coiba Island, renowned for its exceptional marine park.
West of Soná, the old road reconnects with the Panamericana at the Guabalá checkpoint in the Chiriquí Province. The scenery transforms into darker, more verdant shades as the highway meanders alongside the rugged foothills of the Cordillera Central.
To the north, the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé serves as a semi-autonomous Indigenous territory offering various hikes and cultural exchanges in the community of Soloy.
To the south, the fishing town of Boca Chica serves as a portal to serene Pacific islands. The waters here teem with marine life, including humpback whales (Sep-Nov). At the conclusion of your journey lies David, Panama’s second city, which serves as an ideal base for your ensuing adventures.
2. The Azuero loop
Best road trip for culture enthusiasts
Route: Divisa-Chitré-Pedasí-Tonosí-Chitré; Distance: 309 km (192 miles)
Rich in music and vibrancy, the Azuero Peninsula is regarded as the cultural heart of Panama. Notable symbols, such as sombrero pintados (painted hats), flower-adorned ox carts, intricate masks, and elaborately embroidered pollera dresses, characterize the unique culture identified as típico.
Exploration of Azuero’s array of timeless villages is facilitated by its dense network of roads and relatively level landscape. Most individuals engage in this road trip within a span of two days to one week. The only exception to the flat terrain is the rugged western coastline of Veraguas, accessible via a turn-off situated just east of Santiago.
From Divisa on the Panamericana, Highway 2 leads to the village of Parita, home to the charming church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, renowned for its ornate Churrigueresque altars and a bell tower embellished with mother-of-pearl. Parita also boasts the talented mask maker Dario López—his remarkable creations are displayed outside his residence.
Approximately 40 minutes south lies Guararé, which hosts the Feria de La Mejorana, a vibrant folkloric event each September featuring dancing, traditional costumes, and competitions that draw visitors from across the nation.
In the southeastern part of the peninsula, the tranquil town of Pedasí is home to several beaches, including Playa Venao—renowned for its exceptional surfing conditions with long, consistent waves breaking over a perfect, horseshoe-shaped bay.
About 48 km (30 miles) west of Pedasí, Highway 2 traverses the cowboy town of Tonosí before concluding at the black sand beach of Guánico. From Tonosí, a succession of highways navigate north to Macaracas and back to Chitré.
3. Mountains and islands
Best scenic road trip
Route: David-Almirante; Distance: 164 km (102 miles)
The Caribbean coastline of Bocas del Toro is home to vibrant rainforests and lush offshore islands, boasting some of Panama’s finest landscapes. Most travelers inevitably find their way here. This 4-6 hour drive from the Pacific initiates approximately nine miles (14 km) east of David in the Chiriquí Province.
Highway 21 ascends north from the Panamericana, converging with Highway 10 in Gualaca, while meandering through picturesque farmland. Here, you will enjoy expansive views of the Pacific Ocean below.
As you approach the continental divide, the air turns noticeably cooler. The barren rock formations and a veil of mist lend this passage a somber and mysterious atmosphere.
Before embarking on the winding descent into the humid Caribbean lowlands, you will traverse a dam and reservoir at the Fortuna Hydroelectric Plant, a favored spot for photography. Upon reaching the Banana Coast, refreshments await at the historic port of Chiriquí Grande.
Ultimately, you will reach Almirante, the gateway to the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Although it is possible to take your vehicle on the ferry, considering the limited road network on the islands, it may be more practical to leave your vehicle in a secure lot near the port.
4. The former Panama Canal Zone
Best road trip for observing the canal
Route: Balboa-Miraflores Locks-Centenario Bridge-Gatún; Distance: 83 km (52 miles)
Established by the United States in 1903 with the intent of constructing and managing the canal, the Panama Canal Zone constituted an 8 km-wide (5-mile) unincorporated region stretching from ocean to ocean.
It functioned as a de facto state until its dissolution in 1979. The former canal zone can be navigated in a comprehensive day trip from the capital. Commencing in Panama City, Balboa maintains its operational port and retains much of the civic and administrative architecture from the early 20th century.
Heading north along Avenida Omar Torrijos Herrera, you will skirt the eastern side of the canal, passing the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks. The latter features a well-equipped visitors’ center and viewing platform.
In the quaint township of Paraíso, you will encounter the Centenario Bridge and Culebra Cut—a remarkable manmade channel painstakingly carved through the continental divide.
Located a mile or so north of Paraíso, the Madden Highway branches eastward through the jungle, ultimately linking with the northbound Transistmica Highway. Outside of its expansive and heavily secured free trade zone, Colón marks the Caribbean end of the canal; however, it is generally advisable to avoid this area.
Upon nearing its outskirts, redirect southwest towards the vast Gatún locks. Nearby, the recently constructed Agua Clara locks accommodate Neo-Panamax vessels, complete with a new visitors’ center and dining options.
5. A ride through Panama’s rivers and rainforests
Best road trip for wildlife observation
Route: Panama City-Gamboa; Distance: 32 km (20 miles)
The protected rainforests situated just outside Panama City provide essential drainage for the vast quantities of water requisite for the daily operation of the Panama Canal. Furthermore, they create a captivating biological corridor that encompasses both the Pacific and Caribbean regions.
Approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) north of the former canal zone, a side road leads to the Canopy Tower, a birdwatchers’ lodge concealed within an old U.S. Air Force radar installation. Adjacent to it lies the entrance to the Plantation Trail, a 13 km (8 miles) round-trip path showcasing remnants of coffee, rubber, and other commercial tree stands.
Ultimately, the Plantation Trail intersects with the Camino de Cruces Trail, an ancient transisthmian supply route from the 16th century. However, if you continue north on Omar Torrijos, you will eventually cross the Chagres River at the abandoned dredging site of Gamboa.
From this location, it is possible to take a boat to Barro Colorado, an ecological research facility overseen by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (advanced reservations are necessary).
As an alternative, you may wish to journey about 15 minutes north from the Canopy Tower to the Pipeline Trail, noted for its avian diversity, where 385 bird species were famously counted within a 24-hour timeframe in 1985. Although the entire outing can be accomplished in a single day, dedicating three days is advisable for a more enriching experience.
6. Pirates of the Caribbean
Best road trip for history enthusiasts
Route: Colón-San Lorenzo-Portobelo-Nombre de Dios; Distance: 123 km (76 miles); Recommended duration: 1-3 days
Panama’s lesser-explored Central Caribbean Coast features significant ruins that narrate the tales of pirates and privateers. Although this journey can be accomplished within a day, dedicating three days allows for a deeper appreciation. West of Colón, a road ascends north through Fort Sherman (currently a marina) and links with the fortress of San Lorenzo. This site, perched on a cliff, withstood historical assaults by Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan.
The western shoreline is referred to as Costa Abajo. To engage with its secluded Afro-Panamanian fishing communities, one must navigate back to Lake Gatún before heading south to rejoin the coastline at Achiote.
Offshore, Isla Grande attracts Panama City residents on weekends but remains relatively deserted during the weekdays. Continuing eastward along the Costa Arriba highway, you will pass by the historical site of Nombre de Dios, established by early Spanish colonizers in 1509.
This location marked the terminal point of the Camino Real, the first mule trail spanning the isthmus initiated by Spanish settlers. The Costa Arriba road leads past the villages of Viento Frío, Palenque, and Miramar before dwindling into Cuango.
It is advisable to retrace your steps unless you possess a robust 4WD suitable for off-road conditions. The path beyond this point is unpaved and frequently compromised during the rainy season.
Tips for driving in Panama
While there are numerous essential considerations to bear in mind prior to traveling in Panama, it is crucial to recognize that driving in Panama City should be minimized; utilizing metro trains and buses is preferable. Outside of the capital, most drivers exhibit courtesy; however, following these tips will guide you towards a successful road trip experience.
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A 4WD is typically necessary for navigation.
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Overtaking on highways is commonplace.
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Most major roads are maintained in fair condition, while minor roads may present potholes and sometimes unpaved sections.
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Flash floods and landslides are frequent during the wet season.
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Expect police and immigration inspections along the Panamericana.
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Protests can occasionally cause significant traffic delays on highways.
This article was originally published on August 14, 2022, and was updated on December 3, 2023.
