Panama: a land between two oceans
Embark on a seven-day journey through a natural sanctuary unlike any other. If you have been dreaming of Panama’s white-sand beaches, rare wildlife, and ancient indigenous heritage, this immersive expedition is designed for you.
Together, we will venture deep into the heart of emerald rainforests and volcanic landscapes to spot exotic residents, from slow-moving sloths and vibrant toucans to the echoing calls of howler monkeys. This itinerary offers a stunning contrast of experiences: wander through traditional villages where time stands still, then witness the "construction of the century", the Panama Canal, as it bridges the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
From the rhythmic energy of Central America’s most cosmopolitan capital to the silent majesty of the primeval forest, experience the very best of Panama up close and personal.
Services
Included:
- 6 nights accommodation in double rooms
- 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Private transfers in air-conditioned car with English-speaking driver
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- Entrance fees for the canal museum
Excluded:
- Guana Yala Territory entrance fee
Optional:
- Zip line in Valle de Anton ($60 per person)
- German-speaking guide service ($80 per day)
Itinerary at a Glance
Burbayar
Welcome to Panama!
Birdidup Island
Jungle Excursion and Trip to Birdidup Island
Birdidup Island
Boat trip to the Guna Yala Indian Community
Panama City
Drive to Panama City
Panama City
Panama City and Canal Tour
Valle De Anton
Explore Valle De Anton
Tocumen Airport Panama
Goodbye Panama!
Detailed Itinerary
Burbayar
Day 1: Welcome to Panama!
Arrive at the international airport. Welcome by one of our representatives and drive to a simple lodge in the middle of the San Blas mountain range. The habitat of the mountain range of San Blas is rich in plant and animal species and is home to representative species such as jaguars, tapirs, and harpies, which need an extensive and healthy environment in order to be able to live.
Depending on when we arrive at the lodge, we can go on a great excursion in the afternoon through this dense primeval forest to an approximately 5-meter high cascade with tropical warm water in the forest. On the way, we have the opportunity to observe the rich fauna and flora.
Birdidup Island
Day 2: Jungle Excursion and Trip to Birdidup Island
After breakfast, we go on a great excursion through the jungle up to a 5-meter-high cascade with tropical warm water. On the way, we have the opportunity to observe the rich fauna and flora.
Then we take off to the Caribbean, a 45-minute drive to Puerto Carti. From there we continue for 25 minutes with a small boat to one of the most beautiful islands of San Blas or Guna Yala, as the Indians call their area. Biridub is the name of the island which is only 120 m long and 40 m wide.
Today we are accommodated in a charming, quiet rustic cabin directly on the white sandy beach. For lunch and dinner, we enjoy fresh seafood from the San Blas Islands. Snorkeling equipment can be rented to explore the island's beautiful reefs. Those who prefer can relax in a hammock under the palm trees. Maybe with a freshly harvested coconut or a cocktail.
Birdidup Island
Day 3: Boat trip to the Guna Yala Indian Community
Today a boat trip can be booked to a nearby community of the Guna Yala Indians where we got a great impression of the way of life of these Indians. A sunken ship is overgrown with corals or to a place called Picina, where you can see starfish in the shallow, turquoise blue water. We spend the night again on the Paradise Island in the cabin
Panama City
Day 4: Drive to Panama City
Around 3 o'clock In the afternoon we go back to the mainland where our car is waiting to take us to Panama City. The evening is free. We can use the time to visit one of the numerous restaurants or street cafes in the beautiful and partly well-restored old town. After dinner, we can explore the nightlife of Panama. What could be better than entertainment with Latin American music?
Panama City
Day 5: Panama City and Canal Tour
After breakfast, we set off through Panama City and the Miraflores Locks. The tour begins with a drive to Miraflores to see the giant ships that pass through the Panama Canal. We will enjoy the view of the lock from the visitor terrace. Then we visit the museum and the visitor center in Miraflores, where we get a good idea about the construction of the canal - a masterpiece of engineering.
After visiting the canal, we continue to the Amador Causeway, a road that connects three islands in the Pacific and offers great views of the canal on one side and the Panama City skyline on the other. Then we go to Panama Viejo, the old Panama. Panama Viejo was the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of America. We will learn a little more about the history of the old town and the many old buildings and churches. The tour ends at the entrance of our hotel and we have the evening free again.
Valle De Anton
Day 6: Explore Valle De Anton
After breakfast, we start to the mountains of the province of Cocle, more precisely to the small town of El Valle de Anton. The small town is located in the middle of an extinct volcanic crater! The largest populated volcanic crater on earth is surrounded by tropical cloud forests and exotic plants. After arrival, we explore the area on a hike passing some small cascades and petroglyphs up to the crater rim where you get a fantastic view of the crater and if the visibility is good, even the sea. Maybe we can take a bath in one of the numerous cascades on the hike before we make ourselves comfortable in our accommodation in Valle de Anton in the evening.
Tocumen Airport Panama
Day 7: Goodbye Panama!
Before our trip comes to an end, we visit a butterfly farm where we learn a lot about the local species of butterflies before we experience the green cloud forest on a canopy tour and race through the jungle on steel cables at lightning speed. On the last excursion of the trip, we visit a recently established breeding station of the almost extinct poison frog Rana Dorada. We learn a lot about this beautiful frog and how to try to save the species in order to release it again. Finally, we will have to spend another 3 hours in the car to the international airport of Tocumen, where our tour will end.
