Highlights of Panama

More than just the location of the world-famous canal, Panama is an adventure destination waiting to be discovered. The Beauty of this tropical paradise will draw you in. Discover Panama's Caribbean islands and unspoiled reefs, untouched jungles and crystal clear rivers.

Location: Province of Panama, San Blas, Chiriqui & Bocas del Toro

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Price: $1,750.00*

Duration: 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Panama City
Upon arrival in Panama City, you will be met not just at the airport but at the gate for a VIP reception. Don't worry about your bags or customs we take care of all these little inconveniences as soon as you arrive. While you're waiting for your baggage enjoy your favorite beverage in the Royal Saloon. Transfer to you hotel in Panama City.
Overnight in Panama City

Day 2: Panama City & Canal
After breakfast you will depart for a tour of the major sights of Panama City including the Panama Canal. You begin with Panama Viejo founded in 1519 by Spain and later destroyed by the most feared privateer on the Spanish Main Henry Morgan. After exploring these spectacular ruins on the banks of Bay of Panama you continue to Casco Antiguo, the Colonial City and visit many historical churches and public buildings dating back to 1673. Much of Casco Antiguo is being restored and many have received awards including the National Theater which contains one of the greatest turn of the 20th century ceiling paintings inspired by Robert Lewis. You will also have the opportunity to walk up to the front door of the Heron Palace and if you're lucky you may get a chance to see the President of the Republic walk by. Around lunch time you will be taken to the Amador Causeway and enjoy the view of Panama's 3 cities. After lunch you will be driven to the end of the Amador Causeway and see the pacific entrance of the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas. You will then explore the former Canal Zone and continue parallel to the Canal to the first set of Locks, Miraflores. Here you will have the best opportunity to witness ships in the lock chambers as they transit through the Canal. To better explain how the Panama Canal works this center has several floors of exhibit and a large theater which teaches visitors in just 10 minutes what a ship does as it does a transit form one ocean to the other. At the end of the day you will realize that Panama Canal is truly an engineering marvel.
Overnight in Panama City (B L)

Day 3: San Blas Islands
The islands of the San Blas Archipelago are strung out along the Caribbean coast of Panama from the Golfo de San Blas nearly all the way to the Colombian border.
The islands are home to the Kuna Indians, who own the 378 islands as an autonomous province, with minimal interference from the government. They maintain their own economic system, language, customs and culture, with distinctive dress, legends, music and dance.
Overnight in San Blas (B L D)

Day 4: San Blas Islands
After a leisurely breakfast. You head off to a nearby un-populated island for some snorkeling and beach fun. This island offers excellent snorkeling opportunities for all levels. Afternoon, you head back to your host island for lunch and the rest of your day can be spent just relaxing in a hammock or laying out on the beach. Overnight in San Blas (B L D)

Day 5: Chiriqui Highlands
After an early breakfast you will take a boat to the near-by airstrip for you flight to Panama City. Upon arrival in Panama City, you will be met at the airport and taken to the National Bus Terminal and take a bus to the Highlands of Chiriqui. Traveling through the lowlands and a landscape shaped by generations of farmers, the plantations and fields interspersed by the occasional volcanic hill. Once we arrive in David, the hub of the Province of Chiriqui, we drive up into the cooler highlands, a welcome retreat from the heat of the plains below. Climbing higher we are treated to the sight of untouched virgin rainforest corridors and breath-taking views of Volcan Baru and the surrounding hills.
Overnight in Boquete (B L)

Day 6: Boquete
Boquete has something for everyone, from the laid back cafes of its flower-lined streets to adrenaline pumping white water rafting and tree canopy adventures. Today is free for you to indulge as wish. The rafting adventure lasts up to 5 hours and will take you through some of the region’s most pristine landscapes, albeit at an exhilarating pace. Those seeking a dryer kind of adventure can take to the trees with ropes and ladders. Originally used by scientists studying the fauna and flora they now enable you to explore the forest canopy and monkeys between the treetops. At a slightly slower pace, you may want to take a tour of a local coffee plantation; try picking the beans and learn about the process from start to finish. Alternatively, take in the sights of the town and relax in one of the many cafes here.
Overnight in Boquete (B L)

Day 7: Bocas del Toro
After breakfast, we travel by bus to Almirante from where we take a ferry across to the Bocas del Toro islands. The archipelago is strung out along the Caribbean coast of Panama from the Golfo de Mosquito nearly all the way to the Costa Rican border. Many people on these laid back islands trace their origins back to the West Indies and speak English, there are also many Spanish speaking Latinos, which creates an eclectic mix of cultures, quite unique for Central America. After checking into our hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to relax on the white sand beaches and swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean. You'll find Bocas de Toro filled palm-fringed beaches, lush rainforests and a welcoming town with a relaxed ambiance.
Overnight in Bocas del Toro (B L)

Day 8: Bastimentos National Marine Park
Bastimentos Marine National Park is Panama's first marine park. Here you will find some of the most spectacular coral reefs of the Caribbean. We plan to head out by boat to explore some of the beautiful spots on the nearby islands, including Bird Island and Star Fish Beach to swim and snorkel amongst the colorful fish that are in abundance in these clear waters. On our return the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in Bocas del Toro (B L)

Day 9: Chagres National Park
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival you will visit the Chagres National Park. Your adventure begins with an exciting dugout canoe ride up the Chagres River. Along the way, we will negotiate rapids and discover the jungle & the wildlife and many other splendors. The Emberá are a unique and beautiful people. You will soon forget the outside world as you are immersed in their cultural dance and music. Visitors are invited to explore the area’s abundant variety of birds and wildlife during your jungle trek. During our visit, we will see that the Emberá possess amazing botanical knowledge; most will be surprised to learn of their contributions to modern pharmaceuticals. Visitors are welcomed to paint our bodies as the Emberá do, with a natural fruit dye called Jagua. You will also have the opportunity to view famed Emberá handicrafts. An exciting ride in a dugout canoe, a trek through the jungle, the opportunity to learn from a magical culture - all this in one day and within one hour of Panama City.
Overnight in Panama City (B L)

Day 10: Departure
Transfer to the international airport at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. (B)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Seasonal Climate: Panama has a tropical climate with high temperature and humidity, the average temperature 30°C. The rainy season is from May to November and the summer from December to April. The rainfall is of a tropical nature, falling for 1-2 hours in the afternoon.

Required Documents U.S. and Canadian citizens are strongly encouraged to have a passport which is valid for six months from the date of entry. Travelers are required to purchase a $5 tourist card (provided by the airline) for entry into Panama. UK, CAN, USA, NZ and AUS citizens do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Other nationalities should consult their consular office.

Vaccinations & Protection: Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Malaria, Typhoid, Infectious Hepatitis and Polio if you are traveling to Jungles of Darien, Bocas del Toro or San Blas. Special Note: Visa and Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP
A recommended list of clothing and personal gear will be provided prior to your trip. Here we make a few specific recommendations with regard to your Package.
Luggage: One main piece of luggage and a daypack. Total allowance: 44lbs /20kgs.
Clothing: Pack essentially for Hot Conditions. Lightweight clothing is essential though a warmer sweater is advisable in A/C settings. A rain jacket is recommended during the green season. Footwear: A pair of lightweight shoes or sandals are recommended. They should be comfortable and broken in before coming to Panama.
Equipment: We recommend a sunhat, a Flash Light/torch, insect repellent, umbrella during the Green Season. Binoculars are very useful for bird and animal spotting and a camera.

Included
All ground, internal air and boat transportation within your trip, all accommodations, all park fees, all local tourism and services taxes, a Professional Bilingual Guide, all activities as described in the itinerary and some meals.

Not Included
R/T transportation from your home city to Panama City, beer, liquor and bottled water, items of a personal nature (laundry, telephone, etc.), gratuities, travel insurance, international airport departure taxes. More than just the location of the world-famous canal, Panama is an adventure destination waiting to be discovered. The Beauty of this tropical paradise will draw you in. Discover Panama's Caribbean islands and unspoiled reefs, untouched jungles and crystal clear rivers.
*5% ITBMS government tax not included.
Note:  Hotels are subject to change.