Best of Panama 16-day tropical tour

Puerto Lindo

Day 1: Arrival in Panama

When you've arrived at Panama Airport, you’ll be welcomed and then driven to Puerto Lindo on the Atlantic coast. The route goes along the outskirts of Panama City, with views of its impressive skyline visible. After a little more than two hours, you'll arrive at your hotel with a sea view, swimming pool and a great restaurant. Check in and relax after your journey.

Puerto Lindo

Day 2: First glimpse of the Panama Canal

After breakfast, set out on a drive to Portobelo, where we'll get our first glimpse of one of Panama's highlights – the Panama Canal. Portobelo was an important colonial port city protected by a huge fort and it has a long and interesting history. During the tour, we’ll see the ruins of the fortress, the cathedral and the restored customs house. Furthermore, your local guide will introduce you to the history and traditions of the local community.

Later, we'll head back to your hotel for another relaxing free evening. 

Birdidup Island

Day 3: An island escape

After breakfast today, we continue by car and then boat to Guna Yala, a stunning Caribbean island in the San Blas archipelago.

Check into your new hotel: tonight you’ll fall asleep in a hut set amongst the coconut trees on a pristine white sand beach. The crystal clear waters here are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. After arrival in the afternoon, the rest of the day is left free for you to enjoy the tropical island setting.

Birdidup Island

Day 4: Guna Indian community visit

After a relaxed breakfast, we'll visit a Guna Indian community to learn about their fascinating culture and way of life. To do, this we’ll hop on a short boat trip to a neighbouring island and spend a few hours in the community. See how the locals live and work, have a chat and enjoy the cultural exchange. After returning to Biridub Island, the rest of your day can be spent swimming and snorkelling before kicking back to sip a cocktail in a hammock strung between the palm trees.

Panama City

Day 5: Journey to Panama City

Enjoy a leisurely morning on the island and then, in the afternoon, set off for Panama City. We’ll have lunch along the way and also take a half-hour boat ride and then a 2.5 hour drive.

Arriving in the early evening, you can check into your hotel and then explore the impressive capital of Panama.

Panama City

Day 6: Panama City tour

After breakfast this morning, we’ll take a guided tour of Panama City, beginning with a visit to the old colonial neighbourhoods to see some of the best-preserved architectural gems. We'll take a break from the tour for a leisurely lunch on the waterfront.

After the meal we continue the city tour, getting to know the different faces of this impressive metropolis before heading back to the hotel late afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.

Panama City

Day 7: Visit the Panama Canal

After breakfast, we will visit the Miraflores Locks to witness the operation of the Panama Canal up close. We will also visit the Interoceanic Canal Museum, which tells the story of the construction of the canal from start to finish. It will be a fascinating day learning all about this amazing feat of engineering. 

This evening is free: an ideal opportunity to explore the bars and restaurants in the Old Town. 

Valle De Anton

Day 8: Journey into a volcano

After breakfast today, pick up your rental car and hit the open road for a two-hour drive to El Valle Anton. Anton sits at the centre of a now-extinct volcano – one of the largest in Central America. The valley is 600m above sea level, with impressive panoramic views and a cool and pleasant climate. We will visit El Macho Waterfall and the ancient petroglyphs nearby.

From there, we hike to the rim of the crater to enjoy the spectacular views. Afterwards, take a cable car on an amazing canopy ride between the treetops.

This evening, you have an evening at leisure in your hotel in the beautiful Anton Valley.

Santa Catalina

Day 9: Journey to the coast

After breakfast today, you'll collect your rental car and hit the road to Santa Catalina. The journey takes around five hours and is mostly along the Pan-American Highway. Along the way, there are many restaurants where you can stop to enjoy typical Panamanian meals. Throughout the journey, you'll pass countless farms and small communities – farming and ranching certainly dominate this area. After leaving the highway at Pueblo Nuevo you will be heading into the jungle and then finally to Santa Catalina, where the jungle meets the ocean. The rest of the day is free for you to settle into your accommodation, enjoy the ocean, take a stroll in the forest or relax poolside at your hotel.

Santa Catalina

Day 10: The wild Coiba Archipelago

After breakfast, we'll take a boat trip to the Coiba Archipelago, only twenty minutes away. Because of its impressive natural flora and fauna, Coiba has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You’ll have a full day to explore the island and snorkel, hike and swim at its beautiful beaches. Depending on the season, various different excursions are offered – from June to October whale watching is a highlight. In the late afternoon, head back to your hotel on the mainland for a free evening of relaxation.

Boquete

Day 11: Heading into the highlands

After breakfast this morning, you'll be driving into the highlands of Panama to the riverside town of Boquete. This trip takes about four to five hours and the scenery changes quite dramatically as you approach Boquete. The road winds into the hills and, as you climb in altitude, you'll notice the temperature cooling. Arriving in Boquete you can check in at your hotel and explore its well-tended gardens and the many beautiful gardens in the surrounding area.

Boquete

Day 12: Nature hike in the highlands

After breakfast, set off on a guided hike into a nature reserve within the Baru Volcano National Park. We'll be following the footsteps of the pre-Columbian Indians into an area of remote jungle surrounding Mount Baru. With more than 220 native bird species living here, including the elusive Quetzal, it’s a real nature-enthusiasts paradise. During the hike, we'll also have many opportunities to see other wildlife such as howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys and two-toed sloths.

Afterwards, we'll head back to your hotel again, where you can spend the night at leisure. 

Bocas Del Toro

Day 13: Set off for the seaside

After breakfast, drop off your rental car at the airport and continue your journey with a driver to Almirante. The journey is around four hours and is followed by a short ferry sailing of 30 min to Boca del Toro. We’ll then transfer to another boat for the ten-minute trip to Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge. After a long day of travelling, settle in at your lodge and enjoy the tranquil seaside setting.  

Bocas Del Toro

Day 14: Tropical island escape

For the next two days, you’ll be staying within a seven-hectare natural reserve belonging to the lodge complex. The pristine surroundings are stunning and there’s plenty to enjoy here. You can opt for a leisurely breakfast, followed by a full day of relaxation at your lodge, explore the area or head out on various excursions, some of which are included in your package and others that are extra.

Bocas Del Toro

Day 15: Free day of island life

Enjoy another day of freedom in paradise. Again, you could opt to explore the nature reserve on a hike or take part in optional activities such as boating excursions, kayaking or dolphin watching. Alternatively, choose an entire day or R&R by the waterside.

Tocumen Airport

Day 16: Airport transfer

Your Panama experience comes to an end today. You’ll travel by boat to Bocas del Toro and then on to the airport in Panama City for your onward flight home.