COPA Airlines Stopover Program

Make the Most of Your Copa Airlines Stopover in Panama

Did you know that Copa Airlines offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy a stopover in Panama at no additional airfare (subject to fare conditions)? Instead of simply connecting through Tocumen International Airport (PTY), you can spend anywhere from one night to several days discovering one of Latin America's most exciting destinations before continuing your journey.

Whether you're traveling for business, on vacation, or simply taking advantage of the Copa Stopover Program, The Panama Tours Company can help you transform your layover into an unforgettable experience.

As a licensed Panamanian tour guide, I specialize in private, fully customized experiences that fit your flight schedule, interests, and available time.

What Is the Copa Airlines Stopover Program?

The Copa Stopover Program allows eligible travelers flying through Panama to extend their stay before continuing to their final destination.

Instead of spending hours inside an airport, you can experience:

The world-famous Panama Canal
Casco Viejo (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The modern skyline of Panama City
Local gastronomy
Hidden neighborhoods
Scenic viewpoints
Museums
Coffee experiences
Nature and wildlife
Shopping and local markets

Whether you have a single day or several days available, Panama is one of the easiest countries in the Americas to explore during a stopover.

Private Panama Stopover Tours

Unlike large group excursions, every tour is completely private.

That means:

✔ Flexible pickup time based on your flight

✔ Airport, hotel or cruise terminal pickup

✔ Comfortable air-conditioned transportation

✔ Licensed English-speaking guide

✔ Customized itinerary

✔ Flexible pacing

✔ Direct communication with your guide before arrival

Whether this is your first visit to Panama or you're returning to explore more, your itinerary is designed specifically for you.

Sample Stopover Itineraries

6-Hour Stopover

Perfect for shorter connections.

Recommended highlights:

• Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks)

• Amador Causeway

• Scenic drive through Panama City

8-Hour Stopover

Our most popular option.

Includes:

• Panama Canal

• Casco Viejo Walking Tour

• Local restaurant

• Panama City skyline viewpoints

10+ Hour Stopover

Ideal if you want to experience Panama beyond the typical tourist attractions.

Possible additions include:

• Biomuseo (Frank Gehry)

• Panama Viejo

• Geisha Coffee Experience

• Metropolitan Natural Park

• Hidden Gems Tour

• Local markets

Overnight or Multi-Day Stopovers

If your stopover lasts one or more nights, we can design a completely personalized itinerary including:

Panama Canal
San Blas Islands
Emberá Indigenous Village
Monkey Island
Taboga Island
Portobelo
Coffee experiences
Beach excursions
Cultural tours

Airport Pickup Made Easy

Your experience begins the moment you arrive.

I monitor your flight and adjust pickup times if necessary.

Whether you're arriving directly from your international flight or staying at a hotel in Panama City, I'll meet you at the agreed location and take care of all transportation throughout your tour.

At the end of your experience, I'll return you to:

Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Albrook Airport (PAC)
Your hotel
Cruise terminal
Another location within Panama City

Your schedule is carefully planned to ensure a comfortable return with plenty of time before your departure.

Why Choose The Panama Tours Company?

Choosing a guide is about more than transportation—it's about having a trusted local expert to help you experience Panama with confidence.

When you book with The Panama Tours Company, you'll enjoy:

✔ Licensed professional tour guide authorized by the Panama Tourism Authority

✔ Private tours only — never mixed with strangers

✔ Personalized service from your first inquiry until your departure

✔ Flexible itineraries designed around your flight schedule

✔ Comfortable private transportation

✔ Historical and cultural insights from a passionate local guide

✔ Tours available in English, Spanish, and French

✔ Flight monitoring for added peace of mind

✔ Local recommendations for food, shopping, and hidden gems

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the airport during my layover?

Yes. Most travelers participating in the Copa Stopover Program or with a sufficiently long layover can leave the airport and explore Panama, provided they meet Panama's entry requirements.

How much time do I need for a private tour?

We generally recommend:

• 6 hours: Panama Canal and city highlights

• 8 hours: Canal + Casco Viejo

• 10+ hours: Full-day private experience

If you're unsure, simply send us your flight details and we'll recommend the best itinerary.

Will you monitor my flight?

Yes.

We monitor your arrival schedule and adjust pickup times whenever possible in case of delays.

Where will you meet us?

We can meet you at:

Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Your Panama City hotel
Cruise terminal
Another agreed location

Detailed meeting instructions are provided before your arrival.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Absolutely.

Every tour is private, allowing us to tailor the experience to your interests, available time, and pace.

What's included?

Depending on the tour selected, your experience may include:

Private transportation
Licensed guide
Airport pickup and drop-off
Attraction tickets (when specified)
Bottled water

Lunch and optional gratuities are generally not included unless stated otherwise.

Sample Panama Stopover Itinerary (8-Hour Layover)

Wondering what a typical stopover experience looks like? Here's an example of one of our most popular private tours for travelers with an 8-hour layover.

8:30 AM – Airport Pickup

Meet your licensed private guide at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or your Panama City hotel before departing in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

9:15 AM – Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks)

Arrive during one of the best ship transit windows to watch massive ocean-going vessels navigate the locks while learning the fascinating history and engineering behind one of the world's greatest achievements.

11:00 AM – Scenic Drive Through Panama City

Enjoy a panoramic drive through the modern financial district, the Cinta Costera waterfront, and along the Bay of Panama with several opportunities for photographs.

11:30 AM – Casco Viejo Walking Tour

Explore Panama City's UNESCO World Heritage historic district, visiting charming plazas, colonial architecture, churches, hidden streets, and local landmarks while learning about Panama's rich history and culture.

1:00 PM – Lunch

Enjoy lunch at one of our carefully selected local restaurants, where you can sample authentic Panamanian cuisine or choose from a variety of international dining options.

2:15 PM – Return to the Airport

Relax during the drive back while taking in the city's impressive skyline one last time.

3:00 PM – Arrival at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

Arrive with ample time before your departing flight, allowing for check-in, security screening, and a stress-free boarding experience.

Every Stopover Is Customized

This itinerary is simply an example. Every private tour is customized according to your:

Flight arrival and departure times
Available layover duration
Interests and travel style
Mobility requirements
Preferred pace
Attraction preferences

Whether you have 6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or several days in Panama, we'll design an itinerary that makes the very best use of your time while ensuring a comfortable return to the airport.

Ready to Explore Panama?

Whether you have a short layover or several days to discover Panama, we'll help you make every hour count.

Choose our Panama Stopover Tour, request a custom private itinerary, or simply send us your flight details and we'll recommend the perfect experience for your schedule.

We look forward to welcoming you to Panama and showing you why so many travelers say their stopover became the highlight of their entire trip.