100,000 Points: Weekend Edition – Panama City
About This Series
Stop saving points. Start taking trips.
Welcome to 100,000 Points: Weekend Edition, where I use roughly 100,000 transferable points to plan international getaways you can actually book.
In each post, I’ll show you how I’d get there, where I’d stay, and how I’d spend four days using whichever airline, hotel, or credit card rewards offer the best value.
International getaways don’t have to mean crossing an ocean. Some of the best long weekend destinations are just a few hours away, and they’re often overlooked in favor of bigger bucket-list trips.
Panama City is exactly that kind of destination: affordable, easy to reach with points, and packed with enough history, culture, and food to fill a long weekend.
While my goal is to fund as much of the trip as possible with points, points aren’t the point. 🙂
Before transferring a single point, I always compare the cash price, taxes, and overall value.
The goal isn’t to maximize points.
The goal is to take the trip.
Introducing Panama City
At just a two- to four-hour flight from much of the East Coast, Panama City is one of the easiest international destinations to turn into a long weekend. Even from the West Coast, nonstop flights are available from cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Once you arrive, getting around is easy. Uber was inexpensive throughout our stay, and even if you stay in Casco Viejo, you’ll likely use it to reach attractions like the Miraflores Locks and Amador Causeway.
Three nights is enough to experience the city’s highlights without trying to see all of Panama. You’ll have time to explore Casco Viejo, visit the Panama Canal, enjoy the waterfront, take a sunset cruise, and still leave room for a slower meal or relaxed morning.
That’s part of the appeal.
Getting There
Panama City is one of the easiest international destinations to reach with points. Several airline programs offer nonstop flights from cities across the United States, making it an excellent option for a long weekend or a four-day getaway.
Air Canada Aeroplan
Transfer Partners: Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Rove
Most Aeroplan awards to Panama City are operated by Copa Airlines, Panama’s flag carrier. Because Copa’s primary hub is Panama City (PTY), the airline offers nonstop service from numerous U.S. cities, making it one of the easiest and most convenient ways to redeem points for Panama.
- Miami (MIA): 10,000 points + ~$90 (nonstop)
- Boston (BOS): 12,500 points (nonstop)
- Chicago (ORD): 12,500 points (nonstop)
- Denver (DEN): 12,500 points (nonstop)
- Newark (EWR): 12,500 points (nonstop)
- Washington, D.C. (IAD): 12,500 points (nonstop)
- San Francisco (SFO): 22,500 points + ~$81 (nonstop)
- Los Angeles (LAX): 22,500 points (nonstop—limited availability or one stop with better availability)
Miami remains one of my favorite sweet spots, but what really impressed me was how many nonstop options Aeroplan offers from around the country. If you’re flying from Los Angeles, expect to search a few different dates if a nonstop is important to you.
Flying Blue
Transfer Partners: Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Rove
Flying Blue offers one of the best values for travelers departing New York.
- New York (JFK): 11,500 miles + ~$60 (nonstop)
Business Class
- New York (JFK): 23,000 miles + ~$60 (nonstop)
At just 23,000 miles, business class is certainly tempting. For a relatively short flight, though, I’d probably save the extra miles and book economy instead.
📅 Award Calendar: Flying Blue has a monthly award calendar, making it easy to search an entire month for the lowest-priced redemptions.
💰 Award Changes: International airline programs often charge award cancellation or change fees. Be sure to check the policy before transferring your points or booking.
Atmos Rewards
Transfer Partners: Bilt
If you have Atmos points , Panama City is one of the program’s best redemption opportunities. During my searches, I consistently found American Airlines-operated nonstop flights from Miami (MIA) for just 7,500 points + about $26 one way.
Miami (MIA): 7,500 points + ~$26 (nonstop)
If you already have American Airlines AAdvantage miles, it’s also worth comparing award prices there since you’ll be flying on the same American Airlines flight. Award pricing often differs between loyalty programs, so checking both can help you find the best deal.
📅 Award Calendar: Flying Blue has a monthly award calendar, making it easy to search an entire month for the lowest-priced redemptions.
United MileagePlus
Transfer Partners: Bilt, Chase
United provides another straightforward nonstop option to Panama City from Houston.
- Houston (IAH): 22,000 miles + ~$15 (nonstop)
While United requires more miles than Aeroplan, the taxes are noticeably lower. It’s another program worth comparing before transferring your points.
Before You Transfer Your Points
- Transfers are one-way. Once you transfer points from your credit card rewards account to an airline or hotel loyalty program, they can’t be transferred back. Double-check award availability before clicking “Transfer.”
- Review the cancellation policy before booking. Many international airline programs charge a fee to cancel an award ticket and redeposit your miles, and those fees are typically charged per traveler, not per reservation. For example, Flying Blue charges approximately €70 per ticket, while Aeroplan’s cancellation fees vary depending on the fare option selected.
Where to Stay
For a first visit, I’d choose between two parts of Panama City: the historic streets of Casco Viejo or the modern city center. There is also one very different option if you would rather turn the weekend into an all-inclusive resort stay.
Hyatt now uses off-peak, standard, and peak award pricing, so the points rates below are examples from the dates I searched and may vary.
World of Hyatt transfers from: Bilt (1:1) • Chase (4:3)
Casco Viejo
Stay here if you want to walk to restaurants, rooftop bars, cafés, plazas, and many of Panama City’s historic landmarks.
Hotel La Compañía Casco Antiguo
Bookable with: Hyatt Points • Cash • Travel Portal Points
- 20,000 Hyatt points/night (Category 5)
- ~$315/night
If the hotel itself is part of the experience, this would be my pick. It combines a luxury stay with a central location in the heart of Casco Viejo.
Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo
Bookable with: Cash • Travel Portal Points
- ~$183/night
If my goal were simply to maximize my time exploring Casco Viejo, this is probably where I’d book. It gives you the same walkable neighborhood experience as the luxury hotels while costing considerably less.
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Bookable with: Cash • Travel Portal Points
- ~$266/night
The Sofitel is the luxury cash option, with a quieter waterfront setting on the edge of Casco Viejo. I’d consider it if I wanted a more polished hotel experience while remaining within walking distance of the historic district.
Modern Panama City
This is where I stayed, and I’d happily book this part of the city again. Uber was inexpensive and made it easy to reach Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal, the Amador Causeway, and other parts of the city.
Hyatt Regency Panama City
Bookable with: Hyatt Points • Cash • Travel Portal Points
- 12,000 Hyatt points/night (Category 3)
- ~$167/night
This is a strong option if you want to keep the hotel cost lower while preserving more of your points for flights. Although it is outside Casco Viejo, I never found the location inconvenient.
Executive Hotel
Bookable with: Cash • Travel Portal Points
- ~$103/night
This is one of the more affordable options near the Hyatt Regency. I’d consider it if I wanted a central base, easy Uber access, and more room in the budget for activities and meals.
AC Hotel Panama City
Bookable with: Cash • Travel Portal Points
- ~$112/night
The AC Hotel offers a modern stay in the same general part of the city at a relatively modest price. It is a good middle ground for travelers who prefer a familiar hotel brand without paying Casco Viejo rates.
Wild Card: Dreams Playa Bonita Panama
Bookable with: Hyatt Points • Cash • Travel Portal Points
- 20,000 Hyatt points/night (Category 3 • All-inclusive)
- ~$368/night
- Approximately 30–40 minutes from PTY
I’d treat Dreams Playa Bonita as a completely different trip. If your priority is relaxing at an all-inclusive resort, I would stay here and make the most of it rather than trying to combine the resort with the full Panama City itinerary.
Bottom line: Casco Viejo is the better fit if you value walkability and historic atmosphere. Modern Panama City offers strong value and easy transportation, while Dreams Playa Bonita works best as a separate resort getaway.
Before You Book Your Hotel
- Compare points and cash prices. A Hyatt award isn’t automatically the best deal. Always compare the nightly cash rate before transferring points.
- Use the right points for the job. If you have Bilt points, Hyatt is often an excellent value. If you’re using Capital One miles, booking through the travel portal may be the better option since you won’t need to transfer your miles.
Your 4-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is designed for a long weekend. You’ll see Panama City’s highlights without feeling like you’re rushing from one attraction to the next, leaving enough flexibility to enjoy the city at your own pace.
Day 1: Casco Viejo
After checking into your hotel, make your way to Casco Viejo.
Spend the afternoon wandering the colorful streets, visiting the plazas, browsing local shops, and getting your bearings before joining an evening walking tour. It’s one of the best ways to understand Panama City’s history while seeing landmarks like Plaza de Francia, Iglesia San José, and the old city walls.
Finish the evening with dinner or rooftop drinks overlooking the skyline.
Travel Breakdown Tip: I loved the rooftop views, but next time I’d save my main meal for another restaurant and just stop by for a drink or appetizer.
Day 2: Panama Canal & Amador Causeway
Start the morning at the Miraflores Locks.
If seeing ships pass through the canal is important to you, check the daily transit schedule before leaving your hotel. Even if the timing doesn’t line up perfectly, the visitor center does an excellent job explaining how the canal transformed global trade.
Afterward, head to the Amador Causeway.
Rent a bike, stroll along the waterfront, or simply enjoy the skyline views before grabbing lunch at the nearby seafood market.
Travel Breakdown Tip: The covered pedal bikes were far more fun (and harder to steer) than we expected.
Day 3: Modern Panama City
By now you’ve seen Panama City’s biggest sights, so today is about enjoying the city instead of checking attractions off a list.
Whether that’s exploring another neighborhood, walking along the waterfront, visiting a museum, or simply enjoying a relaxed morning at your hotel, this is your chance to experience a different side of Panama City.
I’d also use the day to enjoy more of the city’s food scene. Panama City has quietly become one of the best culinary destinations in Central America, with everything from traditional Panamanian restaurants to creative fine dining. One of my favorite meals was at Cantina del Tigre, where modern takes on Panamanian cuisine showed why the city’s restaurant scene deserves more attention. The restaurant has earned recognition among Latin America’s best for its creative approach to traditional Panamanian flavors.
In the evening, book a sunset catamaran cruise.
It ended up being one of my favorite experiences of the trip and is something I’d include again without hesitation.
Travel Breakdown Tip: Leave earlier than you think for the sunset cruise. Panama City’s rush-hour traffic is real.
Day 4: Fly Home
Enjoy one final breakfast before heading to the airport.
If your flight is later in the day, use the extra time to revisit Casco Viejo, grab one last meal, or simply enjoy a slower morning before flying home.
Four days won’t show you everything Panama has to offer—and that’s okay.
The goal isn’t to see all of Panama.
It’s to come home already thinking about your next trip.
Planning Your Points Budget
The examples above are just that—examples. The exact number of points you’ll need depends on where you’re flying from and where you decide to stay, but here’s a good starting point for planning your trip.
Flights
- East Coast: Approximately 25,000 points round trip
- West Coast: Approximately 45,000 points round trip
Cities like Miami, Boston, Newark, and Washington Dulles consistently offer excellent award pricing, while nonstop flights from the West Coast generally require more points.
Hotels
For a three-night stay, I’d budget approximately:
- Hyatt Regency Panama City: 36,000 Hyatt points
- Hotel La Compañía: 60,000 Hyatt points
- Cash hotels: Approximately $100–$315 per night, depending on the property you choose
- Travel portal bookings: 30,000–95,000 credit card points, depending on the nightly cash rate and your card’s redemption value
Putting It All Together
Whether you book the flights with points and pay cash for the hotel, redeem Hyatt points for your stay, or cover everything with transferable rewards, there’s no single “right” redemption.
Don’t let the pursuit of the perfect redemption stop you from taking the trip.
Whether you’re planning your first redemption or your hundredth, my hope is that you leave this guide ready, excited, and confident to make this trip happen.
Points aren’t the point. 🙂
The goal isn’t to maximize every redemption.
The goal is to take the trip.
Next in the series: Where can 100,000 points take us next?
A city with colorful streets, Caribbean sunsets, colonial walls, and one unforgettable party bus. Any guesses?
Keep Exploring Panama
3 Days in Panama City: The Central American Stopover That Completely Surprised Me
Read about my firsthand experience exploring Panama City, from Casco Viejo and the Panama Canal to the sunset catamaran cruise that almost left without us.
If I Went Back to Panama, Here’s How I’d Plan My Trip
Thinking about staying longer? Here’s how I’d turn this four-day getaway into a deeper journey through Panama, including the places I’d prioritize on my return visit.