Panama Small Group Tours & Trip Packages

Panama Small Group Tours & Trips

94 Panama trips. Tours from 73 tour companies. 74 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

28 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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4.3/5 Great
23 reviews
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

High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

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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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Boquete, Caribbean, Central America, Colon, 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!
  • Go on a jungle walk at night with your expert trip leader in the rainforest district of Sarapiqui – look out for various snakes, sloths, and frogs.
  • Get to know Panama City during a guided stroll along the Cinta Costera, right to the city’s salty belly – the Mercado de Mariscos (seafood market).
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Panama in 7 days - Panama City & All-Inclusive Playa Blanca - Superior
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By Exoticca
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
Although they’re cheaper than other brands, they still make sure all parts of the trip, like hotels, meet a high minimum standard.
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

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

What travelers are saying

"The trip was well laid out. Tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The only complaint is some of our travel documents that were sent out were not in English. If your sending documents out correspondence should be in both the native language and the language of the people the correspondence to. Other than that a great first time experience."

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Ultimate Central America
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 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, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • The stars of this trip are the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. If you’re thinking active volcanoes, 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 lakeside village 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 the Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – 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

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Amazing Central America
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Boquete, Caribbean, Central America, Colon, Copan, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Monteverde, Ometepe, Pacific Coast, Panama City, Salvador

Highlights

  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and see unique Central American wildlife.
  • Try out your Nicaragua sign language skills when you order breakfast at an atmospheric cafe housed in a historic building that is managed and staffed by members of the local deaf community.
  • Put your chef hat on and help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
  • Clear sea perfect for swimming, shacks serving cold cerveza and sandy shores covered in starfish are waiting in the Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
  • Get to know Panama City during a guided stroll along the Cinta Costera right to the city’s salty belly – the Mercado de Mariscos (seafood market).

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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

Health Safety +

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Costa Rica & Panama  in 12 days - Arenal, Puerto Viejo & Bocas del Toro - Superior
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By Exoticca
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
Although they’re cheaper than other brands, they still make sure all parts of the trip, like hotels, meet a high minimum standard.
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

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

What travelers are saying

"The trip was well laid out. Tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The only complaint is some of our travel documents that were sent out were not in English. If your sending documents out correspondence should be in both the native language and the language of the people the correspondence to. Other than that a great first time experience."

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2 Days 1 Night San Blas Adventure in Panama
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.3/5 Great
23 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Relax in a very calm new Island called Myra
  • Snorkel tour and Kayak tour
  • Taste Local food
  • Learn how local catch lobsters, fishes

Themes

High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

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"

Trip dates & details
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Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro: Falls & Footy
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Buenos Aires, Colon, Copacabana, Ilha Grande, Montevideo, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo

Highlights

  • Sample the cuisine and culture of buenos aires
  • Discover uruguay's rural beauty at a working ranch
  • Marvel at iguassu falls
  • Skip the overnight bus and gain time (and comfort!) with a flight to são paulo
  • Sip caipirinhas on the beach
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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28 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Panama Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
74  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...

A

Anonymous

Nov 2016

Written on

What an amazing way to spend a weekend!

The hike was gorgeous, the rafting was incredible fun with hilarious raft guides, and staying in the village was so cool. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone...

Write a Review

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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