Panama's culture, cuisine & natural wonders

Panama's culture, cuisine & natural wonders

from £4,070 per person

During this 12-day trip, you will experience all that Panama has to offer, unlocking the vibrant tapestry of this captivating Central American gem. From dense rainforests to azure coastlines, immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of landscapes and cultures.

Highlights of the itinerary include a journey through the Chagres National Park where you’ll be welcomed by locals of an Embera indigenous village, witnessing the engineering spectacle of the Panama Canal, immersing yourself in the stunning natural splendor of Isla Iguana, and hiking through the highlands in Baru Volcano National Park. Get ready to experience this and more: the beauty of Panama awaits! 

Services

Included:

  • 11 nights accommodation in 4 or 5-star hotels
  • 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches
  • Domestic flights (weight luggage restriction of 23 kg per person)
  • Ferry transfers as per the itinerary
  • Private airport transfers in an air-conditioned car with English-speaking driver
  • Private transfers as per the itinerary
  • Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide on excursions
  • Government tax

Excluded:

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Hotel extras
  • Tips & gratuities

Optional:

  • Dolphin Bay, Coral Key & Zapatilla Island boat tour
  • Dolphin Bay, Coral Key & Red Frog Beach boat tour
  • Bird Island, Drago Beach & Starfish Beach boat tour
  • Zip lining in Bastimentos Marine National Park

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

Panama City

Welcome to Panama!

Day 2

Panama City - El Corotu - Panama City

Embera indigenous experience

Day 3

Panama City

The great Panama Canal

Day 4

Panama City - Chitre

Journey to Chitre

Day 5

Chitre - Isla Iguana - Chitre

A trip to paradise: Isla Iguana

Day 6

Chitre - La Villa De Los Santos - Chitre

Local crafting and cuisine

Day 7

Chitre - Boquete

Coffee tour and tasting

Day 8

Boquete - Baru Volcano National Park - Boquete

Hiking in the highlands

Day 9

Boquete - Almirante - Isla Colón

Journey to a tropical paradise

Day 10

Isla Colón

Sun, sea, and waves

Day 11

Isla Colón - Panama City

Back to Panama City

Day 12

Panama City

Goodbye, Panama

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Panama!

Panama City

Day 1: Welcome to Panama!

Welcome to Panama! Upon arriving into Tocumen International Airport, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel located in Panama City. Check into your accommodation and rest after your long journey.

Embera indigenous experience

Panama City - El Corotu - Panama City

Day 2: Embera indigenous experience

Grab an early breakfast and make the journey to El Corotu where you will board a motorized piragua (dugout canoe) and travel through dense jungle up the Chagres River to one of the Embera indigenous villages

The boat journey takes you through the 320,000-acre Chagres National Park, which is the largest of the National Parks protecting the Panama Canal Watershed! Upon our arrival, you'll be welcomed with traditional dancing and music and have the opportunity to learn about fascinating Embera traditions and their close relationship with nature. 

After an incredible day, and a traditional Embera lunch, it'll be time to head back to Panama City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
The great Panama Canal

Panama City

Day 3: The great Panama Canal

Embark on a full-day, privately guided tour to uncover Panama's rich colonial heritage and marvel at the engineering wonder of the Panama Canal. Begin your journey by meeting your guide in the morning and venturing to the historic ruins of Old Panama. Ascend the Cathedral Tower for panoramic views and delve into the nation's history at the Old Panama Museum.

Continue your journey with a transfer to the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal, where you'll witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of large ships navigating through the canal. Delve into the fascinating exhibits that shed light on this remarkable feat of human engineering.

Afterward, satisfy your appetite with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on an exploration of the charming small towns dotted along the canal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey to Chitre

Panama City - Chitre

Day 4: Journey to Chitre

Today, you will be transferred from Panama City to Chitre. After checking in to your new accommodation, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the hotel's amenities or to explore the area of Chitre.

Meals: Breakfast
A trip to paradise: Isla Iguana

Chitre - Isla Iguana - Chitre

Day 5: A trip to paradise: Isla Iguana

Immerse yourself in the stunning natural splendor of Isla Iguana. This secluded paradise is considered a wildlife refuge, where crystal-clear waters provide optimal conditions for snorkeling amidst a diverse array of marine life and vibrant coral reefs. After exploring the underwater wonders, unwind on the pristine white sand beaches, indulging in snacks and refreshing soft drinks as you soak up the tranquil ambiance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Local crafting and cuisine

Chitre - La Villa De Los Santos - Chitre

Day 6: Local crafting and cuisine

Today, journey to a beautiful farm located in La Villa de Los Santos, surrounded by trees and guarded by the La Villa River. Here you will become a true craftsman, as a local artisan will lead you through the unforgettable experience of learning how to make Diablico Sucio masks, an interesting folkloric piece that represents devils or animals used in typical dances from different regions of Panama.

Whilst you enjoy a taste of Panama’s local cuisine, with a firewood homemade “sancocho”, accompanied by sweet corn tortillas, and local cheese, a craftsman will make you a tailored pair of cutarras - a type of sandal woven by hand from leather, the perfect souvenir to take home from the Azuero region!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Coffee tour and tasting

Chitre - Boquete

Day 7: Coffee tour and tasting

Travel from Chitre to the highlands of Boquete, here you will tour a local coffee plantation where your guide will explain the whole process; from the picking of the coffee cherries to its journey to your cup while you walk through the coffee fields. 

After, take a moment to relax and enjoy tasting the product you have just learned about!

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking in the highlands

Boquete - Baru Volcano National Park - Boquete

Day 8: Hiking in the highlands

Dust off your hiking shoes and ready yourself for the myriad of scenic trails encircling Baru Volcano National Park, a haven for a rich tapestry of flora and fauna.

Boquete and its surrounding area present a plethora of hiking opportunities catering to adventurers of all ages and abilities. Traverse through verdant cloud forests and lush foliage, encountering cascading waterfalls and breathtaking vistas along the way.

Keep a keen eye out for the abundant wildlife that calls this region home, from the playful howler monkeys and leisurely sloths to graceful deer, peccaries, and a kaleidoscope of bird species.

Meals: Breakfast
Journey to a tropical paradise

Boquete - Almirante - Isla Colón

Day 9: Journey to a tropical paradise

Embark on a picturesque journey from Boquete to Almirante, a scenic drive spanning approximately four hours. As you bid farewell to the captivating highlands, revel in the breathtaking vistas that unfold before you.

Upon reaching Almirante, embark on a brief 30-minute boat ride to the enchanting Isla Colón, in the very heart of Bocas del Toro where a world of tropical wonders awaits.

Check into your hotel and spend the evening enjoying the island's beauty.

Meals: Breakfast
Sun, sea, and waves

Isla Colón

Day 10: Sun, sea, and waves

Today, enjoy the day as you wish! There are a host of activities and adventures that await you; take a bike to explore the island further, book a surf lesson to catch some waves, or be mesmerized by the underwater world as you snorkel off the shores.

Whatever you choose to do, you'll have an unforgettable day in paradise!

Meals: Breakfast
Back to Panama City

Isla Colón - Panama City

Day 11: Back to Panama City

It's time to head back to Panama City for your final day. Commence your day with a seamless transfer from your hotel to Bocas Airport, where you'll embark on a scenic 1-hour flight to Panama City.

Upon arrival, indulge in a hassle-free transfer to your hotel in the historic Old Town. With the remainder of the evening at your leisure, immerse yourself in the charm of Casco Viejo, strolling its cobblestone streets or savoring a refreshing drink amidst the captivating ambiance of its rooftop bars - celebrating your final night in Panama.

Meals: Breakfast
Goodbye, Panama

Panama City

Day 12: Goodbye, Panama

It's time to say goodbye to Panama. After an unforgettable trip, transfer to Tocumen International Airport for a safe journey home!

Meals: Breakfast

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Panama's culture, cuisine & natural wonders
Panama - 12 Days
from £4,070 per person

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