Traveling to two destinations for the price of one may seem too good to be true – at least that’s what I thought – but one thing’s for sure, it’s true. This fall, I flew with Copa Airlines for the first time and experienced how the airline is making Panama more accessible than ever with the relaunch of its Panama Stopover program.
For the price of a plane ticket, and two vacations, you can reach one of the most stunning destinations I’ve ever been to. Here’s how to book an epic trip to Panama as a stopover to your final destination without paying extra for flights.
What is Copa Air’s Panama Stopover Program?
Copa Airlines offers direct flights to more than 86 destinations in 32 countries in the Americas and Caribbean. Last summer, the airline launched new nonstop service from Santiago to Panama City, and I had the opportunity to experience that flight and Copa’s Panama stopover program.
The plan is simple: When you book a Copa Airlines flight, you can stop in Panama on your outbound or return flight at no additional cost. And the length of your stay is flexible; you can choose anywhere from 1 to 7 days to explore the Crossroads of the Americas.
When you book your flight, you can experience Panama while unlocking dozens of exclusive offers on dining, hotel accommodations, tours, activities, and more. (Note: To take advantage of these exclusive benefits, travelers must present their travel booking confirmation or Panama Stopover Voucher email and proof of identity to prove they are a Panama Stopover passenger.)
From Santiago to Panama City
The flight itself was very comfortable, even on a red-eye flight. I was seated in Copa’s spacious economy stateroom (available on Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft) with extra legroom—luckily, I had the entire row to myself! — coupled with more tilt and — my personal favorite — a 10-inch touchscreen, there are tons of entertainment options to enjoy during the flight.
On my overnight flight, the friendly crew came by multiple times to offer drinks, as well as dinner and breakfast.
Passengers in the Copa Business Dream class will enjoy lie-flat seats, a concierge amenity kit, a 16-inch touch screen, a spacious tray table and ample luggage storage space.
Navigation 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 at my gate by a VIP escort (called Tocumen Royal Salon VIP).
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Together we were whisked through the terminal on a private shuttle to the international arrivals hall where I was whisked through customs, received help with my suitcase at baggage claim and then met at the curb by a luxury Mercedes van transfer that took me straight to my hotel. How about door-to-door service?
The entire experience was completely seamless, which I was extremely grateful for after the red-eye flight.
Where to Stay with a Panama Stopover Plan
As mentioned above, Copa Airlines works with several partner brands on the ground in Panama, one of which is Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, owned by Accor, where I was lucky enough to stay for three nights. The epitome of minimalist style and sophistication, the hotel is located in the heart of the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood, elegantly perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean with unobstructed views of the Panama City skyline over the sparkling water.
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Ellie Nan Stock/Essentials Expert
My fourth-floor oceanfront gorgeous room was bright and airy, matching the ambience of the hotel’s public spaces. In fact, it’s so beautiful that I often find it hard to leave (although the sea-facing swimming pool is also appealing).
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Ellie Nan Stock/Essentials Expert
My room had a stylish mahogany four-poster king-size bed with crisp white linens that was incredibly comfortable, and I particularly loved the spacious room’s chic sitting area, which featured a jewel-toned velvet upholstered armchair and sofa. Beyond that, here’s the best part: two picturesque French doors leading to a balcony filled with ornate ironwork and a table perfect for enjoying in-room French-pressed Panama coffee every morning.
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Ellie Nan Stock/Essentials Expert
Of course, I made sure to save time for a relaxing bath in the soaking tub in the white and blue tiled bathroom (bath salts were delivered to my room during turndown service). The bathroom is a pleasure to look at with gleaming marble countertops and gold accents throughout the space, and the Diptyque toiletries smell incredible.
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Ellie Nan Stock/Essentials Expert
Due to the hotel’s prime location in the Casco Viejo neighborhood, I found there was plenty to do within walking distance of the hotel during my free time. The area is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage status, and aesthetes will love strolling through the neighborhood’s winding streets, filled with a stunning mix of Caribbean, neoclassical, Spanish and French colonial architecture.
On the ground in Panama City
During my layover, I spent two wonderful days learning about Panama City’s rich history, exploring the natural landscape, learning about the Panama Canal, and dining at incredible restaurants in the charming Casco Viejo neighborhood.
My first day included a boat tour and wildlife viewing of the bays and inlets of Lake Gatun, a man-made freshwater lake in the center of the Panama Canal. Wildlife is abundant here – I spotted several species of monkeys (howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and marmosets), crocodiles (which I kept at a distance), bats, and dozens of bird species.
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Ellie Nan Stock/Essentials Expert
After the boat tour, my group and I headed back to the Casco Viejo neighborhood for lunch at local favorite Fonda Lo Que Hay, where I ate some of the best food I’ve had in recent memory. My favorites are the tuna tapioca tortillas, pho caldito (a healing chicken soup), fresh fish, and raspao (a shaved ice dessert).
After lunch, I hiked around Casco Viejo and ended up with a coffee tasting, trying Panama’s rare Geisha coffee, known for its delicate and nuanced flavor, and trying local chocolate.
My second day involved more traveling, but the trip was well worth it. My tour group drove an hour and a half from Panama City to visit the community of Embera Quera. There we learned about the community’s Aboriginal history and heritage, including its governance systems, sustainable farming and fishing practices, local artisan work and school systems. We even enjoyed a lunch of local fruits and freshly caught fish with several members of the community before returning to the city.
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Ellie Nan Stock/Essentials Expert
My last activity was a visit to the Miraflores Locks for a guided tour and an up-close look at the arduous feat of the Panama Canal and its complex system of locks that transport ships from the Caribbean to the Pacific – I even watched a few cargo ships pass through the locks.
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Ellie Nan Stock/Essentials Expert
My last dinner was at Cantina del Tigre, where I enjoyed a steady stream of fresh seafood all night long (think: citrus ceviche, fresh octopus, and langoustine tamales), as well as delicious craft cocktails.
It was a busy two days, but since Panama is a manageable size, I felt that I would be able to see (and eat!) so much in a short amount of time with the America’s Cup’s Panama stopover plan.
How to book a trip with Copa Air’s Panama Stopover Program
If you’re planning a trip to any of the 86 destinations served by Copa Airlines, it’s well worth considering a stopover in Panama – whether for a day or up to a week – to experience this special and diverse destination that brings together so many cultures from across the Americas.
To book travel and take advantage of Copa Airlines’ Panama Stopover program, head to this link to start planning your trip.
