Two destinations for the price of one almost seems too good to be true — that’s what I thought, at least — but sure enough, it’s real. This fall, I took my very first Copa Airlines flight and got to experience how the airline is making Panama more accessible than ever with the relaunch of its Panama Stopover program.
One flight price, two vacations and access to one of the most fascinating destinations I’ve ever been to. Here’s how to book an epic trip to Panama as a stopover to your final destination — without having to pay the price of an extra flight.
What is Copa Airlines’ Panama Stopover program?
Copa Airlines offers direct flights to over 86 destinations in 32 countries across the Americas and the Caribbean. This past summer, the airline debuted its new direct flight service from San Diego to Panama City, and I got a chance to experience both the flight and Copa’s Panama Stopover program.
The program is delightfully straightforward: When you book your Copa Airlines flight, you can build in a stop in Panama on either your outbound or returning flight at no extra cost. And the length of stay is flexible; you can choose anywhere from one to seven days to explore the Crossroads of the Americas.
Once you book your flights, you unlock dozens of exclusive offers for dining, hotel stays, tours, activities and more while experiencing Panama. (Note: To enjoy these exclusive benefits, travelers must present their travel reservation confirmation or the Panama Stopover voucher email, along with identification, to certify themselves as a Panama Stopover passenger.)
Flying from San Diego to Panama City
The flight itself couldn’t have been more comfortable, even for a red-eye. I was seated in Copa’s spacious Economy Extra class (available on the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft), which features extra legroom — and, lucky me, I scored a whole row to myself! — plus more recline and — my personal favorite — 10-inch touchscreens with access to plenty of entertainment options to enjoy for the duration of the flight.
For my overnight flight, the friendly cabin crew came through several times to offer drinks and also served both dinner and an early breakfast.
Those seated in Copa’s Business Dream class will enjoy lie-flat seats, courtesy toiletry kits, 16-inch touchscreens, spacious tray tables and plenty of room for storing luggage.
Navigating Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
One of my favorite parts of the entire Copa Airlines experience was arriving at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and being greeted by a VIP escort (called a Tocumen Royal Saloon VIP) right at my gate.
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Together, we zipped through the terminal in a private shuttle to international arrivals, where I was expedited through customs, had assistance with my suitcase at baggage claim and was then greeted curbside with a luxury Mercedes van transfer that took me directly to my hotel. How’s that for door-to-door service?
The whole experience was completely seamless, and I was certainly grateful for it after a red-eye flight.
Where to stay while enjoying the Panama Stopover program
As mentioned above, Copa Airlines works with several partner brands on the ground in Panama, one of which is the Accor-operated Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, which I was lucky to call home for three nights. The epitome of pared-back style and sophistication, the hotel sits in the heart of the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood and is perched elegantly at the edge of the Pacific, with sweeping views of Panama City’s skyline above the glimmering water.
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My fourth-floor Oceanfront Magnifique room was bright and airy, matching the vibe of the hotel’s public spaces. In fact, it was so beautiful that I often found it hard to step away (though the ocean-facing pool was quite the draw, too).
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My room’s sleek mahogany four-poster king bed, dressed with crisp white linens, was deliciously cozy, and I especially enjoyed the spacious room’s chic seating area, which featured a jewel-toned, velvet-upholstered armchair and sofa. Beyond this was the best part: two picturesque French doors leading to a balcony, replete with ornate ironwork and a table just perfect for enjoying the in-room French press Panamanian coffee each morning.
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Of course, I made sure to save time for a relaxing bath (complete with bath salts delivered to my room during turndown service) in the white- and blue-tiled bathroom’s soaking tub. A gleaming marble countertop and gold accents throughout this space made the bathroom easy on the eyes, and the Diptyque bath amenities smelled incredible.
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And because of the property’s prime location in the Casco Viejo neighborhood, I found that there was plenty to do just steps from the hotel in my downtime. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage designation, aesthetes will love wandering the neighborhood’s meandering streets, abundant in a striking mix of Caribbean, neoclassical, Spanish and French colonial architecture.
On the ground in Panama City
For my stopover, I spent two beautiful days taking in Panama City’s rich history, exploring natural landscapes, learning about the Panama Canal and dining at incredible restaurants in the charming Casco Viejo neighborhood.
My first day consisted of a wildlife boat tour through the coves and inlets of Gatun Lake, a human-made freshwater lake at the center of the Panama Canal. Here, the wildlife is plentiful and varied — I spotted several types of monkeys (howler, white face capuchin and tamarin), as well as crocodiles (I kept my distance), bats and dozens of bird species.
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ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
After the boat tour, I headed back to the Casco Viejo neighborhood with my group for lunch at a local favorite, Fonda Lo Que Hay, where I dined on some of the best food I’ve had in recent memory. My favorites included a cassava tostada with tuna, pho caldito (a healing chicken broth), fresh fish and raspao (a shaved ice dessert).
After lunch, I took a walking tour through Casco Viejo that ended at a coffee tasting, during which I sipped Panama’s rare geisha coffee, known for its delicate and nuanced flavor, and also tried local chocolates.
My second day involved a little more travel, but it was so worth the trip. My tour group drove an hour and a half out of Panama City to visit the Embera Quera community. There, we learned about the community’s indigenous history and heritage, including its governing system, its sustainable agricultural and fishing practices, local artisan work and the school system. We even got to enjoy a lunch of local fruit and freshly caught fish with several members of the community before heading back toward the city.
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My final activity was a visit to the Miraflores Locks for a guided tour and a close-up view of the Herculean feat that is the Panama Canal and its intricate lock system that moves ships from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean — and I even got to watch several cargo ships pass through the locks.
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My final dinner was at Cantina del Tigre, where I enjoyed a steady stream of fresh seafood all night (think: citrus-forward ceviches, fresh octopus and langostine tamales), plus delicious craft cocktails.
It was a jam-packed two days, but because of Panama’s manageable size, I felt like I was able to see (and eat!) so much in a very short period of time through Copa’s Panama Stopover program.
How to book a trip using Copa Airlines’ Panama Stopover program
If you have plans to visit any of the 86 destinations that Copa Airlines services, it is well worth considering a stopover in Panama — whether for a day or as long as an entire week — to experience this special, diverse destination that brings together so many cultures from across the Americas.
To book a trip and take advantage of Copa Airlines’ Panama Stopover program, head to this link to begin planning your journey.
