Panama City Itinerary: How to Spend a Week Exploring Food, History, and Culture
Panama City is one of Latin America’s most underrated destinations. In one week, you can explore a UNESCO World Heritage site, transit one of the world’s engineering marvels, eat some of the continent’s most exciting food, and still have time to hit a beach island.
Here’s how to make the most of seven days in Panama City with food at the center of every day.
Day 1–2: Casco Viejo Immersion
Start your week in Casco Viejo, Panama City’s historic Old Town. Check into the Amarla Boutique Hotel for a base that puts you within walking distance of everything.
Spend your first day wandering the cobblestone streets, visiting Plaza de la Independencia, and exploring the neighborhood’s galleries and shops. In the evening, reserve a table at Kaandela for your introduction to Panamanian farm to fire cuisine. Request the kitchen bar for the full immersive experience.
Day 2: Dive deeper into Old Town’s food scene, starting with breakfast at Kaandela and then exploring the neighborhood’s cafés and rooftop bars.
Day 3: Panama Canal and Biomuseo
Visit the Miraflores Locks for the iconic Canal experience, then head to the Biomuseo Frank Gehry’s colorful museum dedicated to Panama’s extraordinary biodiversity. Understanding Panama’s natural wealth will give new context to the ingredient driven cooking you’ll enjoy throughout the week.
Day 4: Boquete Day Trip Inspiration
If time allows, consider a trip to Boquete in Chiriquí the highland region where Chef José Aparicio grew up and where Kaandela maintains its own farm. Coffee plantations, cloud forests, and volcanic hot springs await.
Day 5: Contadora Island Escape
Take a 20 minute flight to Contadora Island in the Pearl Archipelago for a beach day. Crystal clear Pacific waters, snorkeling, and total relaxation before returning to the city.
Day 6: Deep Dive into Panamanian Cuisine
Return to Casco Viejo for a day focused on food. Explore the Mercado de Mariscos for fresh ceviche, visit local producers, and end the evening with the Kaandela tasting menu paired with cocktails from the bar team.
Day 7: Slow Morning, Meaningful Goodbye
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Casco Viejo, pick up local products as souvenirs, and reflect on a week well spent. Learn about Kaandela’s giving back initiatives to understand how the restaurant supports Panama’s communities.
Internal Links:
