Panama Stopover: Top Destinations You Can Visit in Just a Few Days

Laion Cross
Aug 8, 2025
12 min read

Panama is known as the 'Hub of the Americas'. The strategic location of Panama as an isthmus connection North and South America is the logical geographical reason behind this idea. Of course, the Panama Canal is the first important factor that comes to mind. But, air travel is also a major contributor of strategical logistics.

Tocumen International Airport (PTY) has been steadily rising as an aerial 'hub'. PTY is considered the most important connecting point between the two continents. Copa, Panama's international airline, is the main driving force behind this rise in importance.

If you are reading this article, chances are that you're a Copa passenger and have signed up for their free stopover program. If you are traveling with Copa and have a connecting flight in Panama, the airline allows for up to a 7-day stopover with no additional cost. If you're traveling internationally, this is your chance for a 'bonus' vacation.

Why Choose the Panama Stopover?

Panama is a wonderful country to visit. The Panama Stopover is the best excuse to finally cross this gem off of your international bucket list. But...where are you going to visit? What are you going to do while taking advantage of your stopover?

Deciding How Many Days to Spend in Panama

First off, you'll need to decide how many days in Panama that you'll be able to incorporate into your travel itinerary. If you can only stretch a day or two, then you'll want to limit your exploration to the capital, Panama City. From Tocumen, Casco Viejo (Old Town) is a close transfer via Uber or a taxi.

Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved colonial image with fantastic architecture, shops, restaurants and nightlife. If you only have one night in Panama, this is the most likely and most recommended area to spend it. The number one attraction to visit during the day would be....the Panama Canal.

Visiting the Panama Canal

A tour to the Panama Canal is practically obligatory. It is considered one of the most accomplished engineering feats of all human history. It ranks right up with the Pyramids of Giza and the International Space Station!

Miraflores is the most interesting and most accessible point to observe the huge ships traveling through its locks. There is a museum that is very well laid out to explain much of the history of construction, how the canal functions and why it's so important to international trade. You should allow for at least two hours for your excursion.

Beyond the City: Experiencing Panama’s Natural Beauty

After Casco Viejo and the Panama Canal, most of the online guides recommend that you visit one of the city parks or museums. That may be fine for the second or even third day. But, If you want to experience some of Panama's natural beauty and wonders, you'll probably want to get out into the country side for a few days. If you want to optimize time and convenience, the best option for travel into the hinterlands of Panama is by domestic charter flights.

Top Three Adventure Destinations for a Quick Panama Charter Flight

Coiba National Park – The Wild Side of Panama’s Pacific Coast

Hidden away on Panama’s Pacific coast lies one of the country’s greatest natural treasures: Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its untouched landscapes, rich marine biodiversity, and raw, wild beauty. Often compared to the Galápagos Islands for its diversity of species, Coiba is a dream for nature lovers, divers, and anyone seeking a true connection with unspoiled wilderness.

Why Coiba National Park is So Special

Coiba isn’t just another island destination; it’s a living, breathing sanctuary of tropical rainforests, secluded beaches, and underwater ecosystems that rank among the richest on Earth. The park covers over 270,000 hectares, encompassing 38 islands and a vast marine area teeming with life.

Once used as a penal colony, Coiba remained largely untouched by development for decades, allowing its wildlife to thrive in pristine conditions.

Today, this remoteness is exactly what makes Coiba so appealing. Whether you’re walking along a deserted beach or snorkeling over colorful coral gardens, you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret world far removed from modern life.

Getting to Coiba – Why Lago Bay Airstrip is the Smartest Shortcut

While Coiba is only accessible by boat, your journey begins long before you reach the water.

Most travelers start from Santa Catalina, a small fishing town on the mainland that serves as the primary gateway to Coiba. And here’s where many make a mistake: they take the long, exhausting road trip from Panama City, spending 6+ hours navigating highways and winding roads just to get there.

There’s a better way: flying directly to Lago Bay Airstrip, a private landing strip just a short boat ride from Santa Catalina. This option transforms your trip into a stress-free experience and maximizes the time you spend in nature.

Benefits of Flying into Lago Bay

Time-Saving: Skip the long bus or car ride and arrive in under an hour from Panama City.
Comfort & Convenience: Private charter flights let you choose your schedule, avoid airport lines, and land just minutes from the water.
Scenic Views: Flying low over Panama’s Pacific coast gives you breathtaking views of jungle, rivers, and remote beaches that you’d never see from the road.
Seamless Transfers: Upon landing, it’s only a short transfer to Santa Catalina and then on to your Coiba tour boat, meaning you can arrive in the morning and be snorkeling by noon.

What to Expect in Coiba National Park

1. Unmatched Diving and Snorkeling

Coiba is part of the Eastern Pacific’s marine corridor, home to an incredible range of species. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, you can expect to see:

Sea turtles gliding gracefully in the shallows
Dolphins leaping alongside your boat
Massive schools of fish, from tiny reef dwellers to large pelagic species
Reef sharks and, during the right season, whale sharks cruising the deeper waters
Vibrant corals that form one of the healthiest reef systems in the region

2. Remote Beaches and Islands

Some of Coiba’s smaller islands, like Ranchería (White Sand Island), offer postcard-perfect beaches where you can relax between dives or swim in crystal-clear waters. With limited visitors allowed per day, these beaches feel private and untouched.

3. Rich Wildlife on Land

Coiba is also a sanctuary for exotic birds, crocodiles, howler monkeys, and countless unique plant species. Guided hikes through the tropical forest give you a glimpse of a preserved ecosystem that has remained undisturbed for centuries.

Why Combining Lago Bay and Coiba Makes the Perfect Trip

Choosing Lago Bay as your arrival point gives you the luxury of time—time you’d otherwise lose on the road. Instead of spending a full day traveling, you start your adventure fresh and energized. Here’s how a seamless trip looks:

Morning: Board a private charter in Panama City and fly directly to Lago Bay Airstrip (45–55 minutes).
Late Morning: Quick transfer to Santa Catalina and board your Coiba tour boat.
Afternoon: Snorkel among vibrant reefs, enjoy a picnic on a deserted island, and soak in the wild beauty of Panama’s Pacific coast.
Evening: Return to your beachfront accommodation, watch the sun set over Estero Beach, and feel the magic of a day that most travelers can only dream of.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Coiba Experience

Coiba National Park is one of Panama’s crown jewels—a rare, wild place where nature still rules. But reaching it shouldn’t mean wasting hours on uncomfortable journeys. Flying into Lago Bay Airstrip is the smartest, fastest, and most scenic way to start your adventure, letting you focus on what really matters: experiencing one of the most extraordinary marine parks in the world.

If you’re planning a Panama stopover or a full vacation, don’t miss Coiba. Combine it with a Lago Bay charter flight, and you’ll see why travelers call this the ultimate way to experience Panama’s Pacific coast.

Bocas del Toro – The Laid-Back Caribbean Escape of Panama

When people imagine the Caribbean, they often think of crystal-clear waters, colorful wooden houses on stilts, and an easy-going lifestyle where time moves just a little slower. Bocas del Toro, on Panama’s northwestern Caribbean coast, delivers all of this and more. It’s a tropical archipelago made up of nine main islands and dozens of cays and islets, each with its own personality, vibe, and hidden treasures waiting to be explored.

This is the Panama Caribbean at its best—a place where adventure and relaxation meet, where you can spend the morning surfing, the afternoon snorkeling with starfish, and the evening swaying in a hammock with reggae music playing softly in the background.

Getting to Bocas – Why SkyMaxx Makes It Effortless

One of the biggest challenges for travelers heading to Bocas del Toro from Panama City is the journey. Overland travel takes around 10 hours, including a long bus ride and a boat transfer—not exactly the best way to start a vacation. Even the commercial flights, while faster, can be crowded and inflexible.

SkyMaxx Charter Flights solves this problem, transforming what could be an exhausting transfer into a comfortable, scenic, and personalized experience.

The Advantages of Flying SkyMaxx to Bocas del Toro

Direct and Fast: Skip the bus ride and connections. A charter flight takes you from Albrook Airport in Panama City to Bocas del Toro in about 1 hour.
Private and Flexible: Choose your departure time and avoid the usual airport lines. You arrive relaxed and ready to explore.
Stunning Views: Flying low over the Caribbean Sea gives you postcard-worthy views of emerald islands surrounded by turquoise waters—a preview of what’s waiting for you below.
VIP Experience: With SkyMaxx, you enjoy private lounges, attentive service, and a hassle-free boarding process, making the journey part of the vacation.

Once you land, the Bocas vibe takes over instantly. The small island airport is only minutes from town, and your island escape begins without delay.

What Makes Bocas del Toro So Special

1. Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella) – Nature’s Aquarium

Starfish Beach is exactly what it sounds like: a calm, shallow bay where dozens of bright orange starfish rest on the sandy bottom, clearly visible through the glass-like water. This is not a place for big waves or fast-paced activity. Instead, it’s about floating, wading, and marveling at the natural beauty beneath your feet.

Beachfront kiosks offer refreshing drinks and local seafood, while gentle music and the lapping of waves set the tone for a truly Caribbean afternoon. Just remember: look but don’t touch—the starfish here are alive and need to stay in the water to survive.

2. Red Frog Beach – Adventure and Wild Beauty

If Starfish Beach is calm and serene, Red Frog Beach on Bastimentos Island is its more adventurous cousin. Famous for its namesake tiny red frogs found in the surrounding jungle, this beach is a paradise for those who love to combine relaxation with exploration.

Here you can:

Swim or surf in rolling Caribbean waves
Hike through lush rainforest trails
Spot sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds along the way
Enjoy beachfront bars that serve cold drinks and fresh ceviche with your toes in the sand

The energy of Red Frog Beach is vibrant yet unspoiled, offering a taste of the wild Caribbean far from overdeveloped tourist hotspots.

Why Bocas and SkyMaxx Are a Perfect Match

The beauty of Bocas del Toro is its diversity of experiences: you can wake up in a stilted overwater cabin, go island-hopping by boat, discover hidden coves, and spend your evenings dining on Caribbean-fusion cuisine under the stars. But to fully enjoy it, you need time—and that’s exactly what SkyMaxx gives you.

By skipping the exhausting road journey and flying directly to the islands, you:

Gain an entire day to explore, swim, and relax
Start your trip stress-free, arriving in island mode from the very first hour
Make the journey part of the adventure, with spectacular aerial views of Panama’s coastline and archipelagos

Final Thoughts: The Caribbean Dream Without the Hassle

Bocas del Toro is a destination that captures the essence of the Caribbean—laid-back, colorful, and full of life both above and below the water. Whether you’re sipping a coconut at Starfish Beach, hiking to hidden waterfalls on Bastimentos, or dancing to live music over the ocean, you’ll feel the magic of this unique corner of Panama.

Choosing SkyMaxx charter flights ensures you spend your time where it truly matters—in the heart of the Caribbean—rather than on the road. It’s the smartest and most scenic way to unlock the beauty of Bocas del Toro, giving you more moments to collect and fewer hours lost in transit.

Guna Yala (San Blas) – The Untouched Caribbean Dream

When you close your eyes and imagine a remote Caribbean paradise—turquoise waters so clear you can see the white sand beneath, palm trees leaning over calm lagoons, and tiny islands that feel like they’re yours alone—you’re imagining Guna Yala, also known as the San Blas Islands of Panama.

This archipelago, made up of over 360 islands and cays, is one of the most pristine, culturally rich destinations in Central America. What sets San Blas apart from other tropical getaways is not just its stunning scenery—it’s the Guna people, the indigenous community who have preserved their traditions, language, and unique way of life for centuries. A trip here isn’t just about finding beautiful beaches—it’s about stepping into a different rhythm of living, one deeply connected to nature and culture.

Getting to San Blas – The Effortless Way with Blue Skies Charter Flights

Reaching San Blas can be a challenge if you choose the standard route: hours of driving through winding jungle roads followed by a rough boat ride to reach the islands. It’s a long, tiring journey that takes up most of your day and can leave you exhausted before you even arrive.

This is where Blue Skies Charter Flights comes in. Instead of the hassle, you can fly comfortably from Albrook Airport in Panama City, landing near the coastline in under an hour. From there, a short boat ride takes you to your island of choice—fast, easy, and with unforgettable aerial views along the way.

Why Choose Blue Skies for San Blas:

Time-Saving: Skip the 5+ hours of road travel and reach San Blas in a fraction of the time.
Private and Flexible: Choose your departure time and avoid crowded group transfers.
Scenic Flight Experience: Soar over the rainforest and Caribbean waters dotted with emerald islands—a breathtaking start to your adventure.
VIP Treatment: Relax in private lounges before departure while the Blue Skies team takes care of your luggage and logistics.

Your vacation begins the moment you take off, leaving behind the city and watching the coastline transform into a dreamscape of islands and coral reefs.

Chichime Island – A True Island Escape

Chichime Island is often described as one of the most beautiful spots in San Blas, and it’s easy to see why. Picture a tiny island with powdery white sand, palm trees providing natural shade, and water so clear it feels unreal. Here, life slows down completely.

Spend your day:

Snorkeling among colorful tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs
Kayaking in calm, glassy waters that stretch endlessly into the horizon
Swinging in a hammock, listening to the soft sounds of waves brushing against the shore
Stargazing at night, with zero light pollution, where the Milky Way seems close enough to touch

Chichime is a place where you can disconnect entirely, surrounded only by the beauty of nature and the simplicity of island life.

Pelicano Island – The Famous San Blas Gem

Pelicano Island gained worldwide fame as the set for Netflix’s Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), but even without the spotlight, it remains one of San Blas’s most iconic destinations. Tiny, picture-perfect, and surrounded by shallow turquoise waters, Pelicano feels like it was created for postcards.

Here you can:

Swim in crystal-clear lagoons perfect for floating and relaxing
Explore small sandbars and tiny neighboring islets by paddleboard
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch prepared by the Guna hosts right on the beach
Experience local Guna culture, from traditional dress to their unique molas (handmade textile art)

Pelicano combines stunning scenery with authentic cultural immersion, making it a must-see stop on your San Blas adventure.

Why Guna Yala is More Than Just Beaches

Unlike many tropical destinations, San Blas isn’t about luxury resorts or busy nightlife. The experience here is raw, real, and deeply connected to the Guna people who protect these islands. Staying in rustic cabins or overwater huts, you’ll live by the natural rhythm of the sun and tides, eat freshly caught fish, and see a way of life that has remained unchanged for generations.

It’s this cultural authenticity that makes San Blas truly unique. It’s not just about escaping modern life, it’s about discovering a different perspective on it.

Final Thoughts: Blue Skies and the Perfect San Blas Experience

San Blas is a rare corner of the Caribbean where nature remains unspoiled, and culture thrives in harmony with the sea. But getting there the traditional way can eat up precious time and energy.

With Blue Skies Charter Flights, you can trade long, bumpy roads for a smooth, scenic flight, maximizing every minute you have to explore the islands. Whether you choose Chichime, Pelicano, or one of the many hidden gems across Guna Yala, arriving by air lets you begin your experience refreshed, excited, and fully immersed in the beauty of Panama’s Caribbean coast.

Blue Skies doesn’t just take you to San Blas—it elevates your entire journey, making your stop in this island paradise unforgettable from the very first moment in the air.

How to Take a Domestic Charter Flight in Panama

Panama's domestic airport, Albrook, is near both Old Town (Casco Viejo) and the Panama Canal. Uber, taxi or the charter companies' personal shuttle are all easy ways to get to your domestic charter flight. Because you'd be signing up for a charter flight, you can maximize your time by choosing your time of departure.

You can also arrive 15-20 minutes before take off time without any lines, stress or hassle. Usually a nice VIP lounge is involved where you can relax while the charter company gets your luggage arranged and the plane ready for take off. Within the hour, you can transform your Panama stopover from city transfers and traffic to a complete unplug within nature.

Final Thoughts on Your Panama Stopover

Hopefully you'll take advantage of your Panama stopover and get to see some of Panama's best natural attractions. Taking advantage of a domestic charter flight is the best way to leverage your time in Panama to visit the most impressive areas of the country. Hopefully you'll make your stopover time in Panama really count.

Visiting the above 'top' adventure destinations of Panama is definitely the highlight of outdoor enthusiasts. More and more travelers are discovering the wonders of Panama. Good luck on your Panama stopover and wherever your travel adventure continues in the Americas.