RoadAtlas
Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama — Scenic
Central America & Caribbean

Panama Pan-American Highway

Panama

In short: Panama Pan-American Highway is a 265 km scenic road trip in Panama, typically driven over 1 day, best in December to April. Highlights: Panama City, Bridge of the Americas, Santiago de Veraguas.

Distance
265 km
Duration
1 day
Best Season
December to April
Hidden GemEasyScenicEV-friendly

Panama’s Pan-American Highway is the country’s main road spine, running from Panama City across fertile lowlands and rolling cattle country to the border at Paso Canoas. It’s a straightforward long-distance drive with steady traffic near the capital and a more relaxed pace west of the interior highlands.

Practical notes
This is the country’s main through-route, so expect heavy traffic around Panama City, slower convoys of trucks near David, and occasional congestion at Paso Canoas. The drive is straightforward in dry season, but afternoon rain can flood low spots and cut visibility; keep fuel topped up before long gaps between towns.
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Stops along the route

Panama City — Departure — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Departure
Panama City
Busy capital start with skyline views and canal traffic nearby. The highway quickly leaves the city for open lowlands.
Hotels
Santiago de Veraguas — City — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
City
Santiago de Veraguas
A practical midway city with gas, food, and service stops. The pace slows here as the road turns west through ranch country.
Hotels
Las Tablas — City — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
City
Las Tablas
Small regional town known for strong local traditions and lively streets. It offers a good break before the final run west.
Hotels
David — City — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
City
David
Chiriquí's largest city and a major road hub. Traffic, shops, and services cluster here before the border zone.
Hotels
Paso Canoas Border Crossing — Arrival — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Arrival
Paso Canoas Border Crossing
Busy frontier crossing at the Costa Rica border. The highway ends amid trucks, trade, and the last checkpoint.
Hotels

Things to Do

Bridge of the Americas — Landmark — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Landmark
Bridge of the Americas
Iconic bridge spanning the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. It marks the road out of the capital toward the interior.
Miraflores Locks — Canal landmark — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Canal landmark
Miraflores Locks
Watch massive ships rise and fall through the Panama Canal. The visitor center gives a close look at one of the country's top sights.
Biomuseo — Museum — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Museum
Biomuseo
Bright Frank Gehry-designed museum on the Amador Causeway. Its exhibits focus on Panama's unique role between two oceans.
Plaza Catedral and Casco Viejo — Historic district — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Historic district
Plaza Catedral and Casco Viejo
Walk colonial streets, churches, and plazas in the old quarter. It is one of the best short stops before hitting the highway.
Museo de la Nacionalidad — Museum — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Museum
Museo de la Nacionalidad
A small cultural stop that adds context to the interior drive. It is easy to pair with a meal or fuel break in Santiago.
Parque Recreativo Omar Torrijos — Park — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Park
Parque Recreativo Omar Torrijos
Green space for a quick stretch in David. It offers shade, walking paths, and a calm break from highway traffic.

Where to Eat

Mercado de Mariscos — Seafood — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Seafood
Mercado de Mariscos
A classic Panama City stop for ceviche, fried fish, and cold drinks. It is an easy place to eat before heading west.
El Trapiche — Panamanian — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Panamanian
El Trapiche
Popular for sancocho, ropa vieja, and other home-style dishes. It is a solid lunch stop in the capital area.
Fonda Lo Que Hay — Panamanian — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Panamanian
Fonda Lo Que Hay
Modern take on local flavors with fresh ingredients and bold seasoning. Good for a relaxed meal near the city start.
Mami's Restaurant — Panamanian — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Panamanian
Mami's Restaurant
Casual roadside-style cooking with generous portions and familiar regional plates. A convenient break in central Panama.
La Strega Ristorante — Italian — Panama Pan-American Highway — Panama
Italian
La Strega Ristorante
A dependable dinner stop in David with pasta, pizza, and steak. Useful if you want a comfortable meal before the border.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Panama Pan-American Highway drive?

The Panama Pan-American Highway covers 265 km from start to finish.

How long does the Panama Pan-American Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 day on the Panama Pan-American Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Panama Pan-American Highway?

The recommended season for the Panama Pan-American Highway is December to April.

Where does the Panama Pan-American Highway start and end?

The Panama Pan-American Highway runs from Panama City to Paso Canoas Border Crossing.

What are the main stops on the Panama Pan-American Highway?

The Panama Pan-American Highway passes through Panama City, Bridge of the Americas, Santiago de Veraguas.

Can I drive the Panama Pan-American Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Panama Pan-American Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Panama Pan-American Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Panama Pan-American Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Panama Pan-American Highway safe to drive?

This is the country’s main through-route, so expect heavy traffic around Panama City, slower convoys of trucks near David, and occasional congestion at Paso Canoas. The drive is straightforward in dry season, but afternoon rain can flood low spots and cut visibility; keep fuel topped up before long gaps between towns.

What scenic tier is the Panama Pan-American Highway?

The Panama Pan-American Highway is a hidden gem drive — Hidden gem road trips — quieter routes off the main travel circuit, often with the same scenery you came to see but without the crowds.