Destination: Panama | Duration: 13 days | Customized Vacation Package: Please Call for Pricing
This is a dream trip to panama for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers. It begins with spotting colorful tropical birds in the rainforest along Pipeline Road, a world famous bird watching location. Fly to the western highlands and take a thrilling white water ride down the Old Chiriqui River. Enjoy your Panama Beach Vacation by snorkeling the tranquil waters of Bocas del Toro where tropical fish are abundant and dolphins play. Then discover your own secret white sand beach with tranquil clears waters perfect for swimming and searching for shell. And relax at the end of the day in one of the best Panama Beach Resorts in a Private Villa!
Day 1: Welcome to Panama!
On arrival at Tocumen International Airport you will be met by a representative and transferred to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, your lodge for the next 3 nights, located along the shores of the Panama Canal.
Night at Gamboa Rainforest Resort – Deluxe River View Room with Balcony and Hammock
Day 2: Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour
Take a partial journey down the Panama Canal, starting in Gamboa and heading south on Gatun Lake. Sail through the Gaillard Cut, a passage carved through the Continental Divide to create the narrowest section of the Canal. Then, witness the impressive $5.25 billion Panama Canal Expansion Project, an extraordinary engineering venture that will deepen and widen the locks to accommodate larger ships.
Arrive at Miraflores Locks and transition from freshwater to saltwater within the chambers as you are lowered 16.6 meters into the Pacific Ocean. Then, sail to the bridge of the Americas and the Amador Marina before disembarking and returning to your hotel.
Night at Gamboa Rainforest Resort – Deluxe River View Room with Balcony and Hammock (BL)
Day 3: Canal and Jungle Tour
Your day of adventure will take you to the waters of the world’s most famous manmade lake. Lake Gatun is situated in the heart of the Isthmus of Panama. It was constructed between 1906 and 1914 to make the Panama Canal possible.
From the lake’s shore you will board a fast motor launch for a voyage of discovery. We will navigate above ancient routes that crossed the isthmus long before the lakes creation. Hugh Ocean going ships can be seen transiting across this water bridge that links the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. See history in the making with the works to expand the canal.
Our ultimate destination will be a private tropical island. A delicious native style lunch with refreshments will be served. Afterwards numerous activities are available at no additional costs. Explore on your own while kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Or if you prefer, just relax in the shade swinging in a hammock and sip a cool drink while taking in the beauty of the area.
Night at Gamboa Rainforest Resort – Deluxe River View Room with Balcony and Hammock (BL)
Day 4: Soberania National Park
Start your day bright and early with a 6am pick-up from your hotel in Panama City and head to Pipeline Road, one of the most active birding sites in Central America. As you hike through Soberania National Park you’ll have a chance to see several exotic species including the Keel-billed Toucan, the Slaty-Tailed Trogon, The Thick-Billed Mot-Mot and many more.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for other wild creatures such as Howler Monkeys, anteaters, sloth and agoutis. Pipeline Road has set world record bird counts and up to 367 different species of birds have been spotted here within a 24 hour period.
Night at Finca Lerida Boutique Hotel – Junior Suite (B)
Day 5: Boquete Zipline Adventure
This morning may very well be the highlight of your Panama trip as you soar high above the ground through the rainforest. Experience the thrill of flying over the forest canopy on a zipline, high above the treetops of the ancient rainforests and the pristine rivers and waterfalls. Ziplining is an incredible adrenaline rush and an exciting way to explore the lush landscapes of La Amistad National Park and the famous Baru Volcano.
Night at Finca Lerida Boutique Hotel – Junior Suite (B)
Day 6: Rio Chiriqui Whitewater Rafting
If you are looking for Panama’s most exciting and intense river rafting, the Rio Chiriquí is your river, well known for its thrills. The Rio Chiriqui is the most thrilling and intense river in Panama and today you will take a heart-pounding ride down its frothing rapids. On the drive up to the put in, you’ll get to see some truly gorgeous views of Volcan Baru, the dense rain forest and the rows of teak plantations.
While barreling down the river on exciting Class III and IV rapids, take a moment during the calm sections to watch for birds – there are many in this area including Egrets, Cormorants and Kingfishers.
Night at Finca Lerida Boutique Hotel – Junior Suite (BL)
Day 7: Los Quetzales Hiking Trail
One of the most popular hikes in Panama, this picturesque trail links Cerro Punta to Boquete and cuts through some of the region’s most pristine rainforest. We’ll stop at a mirador (lookout) where you can admire the stunning view looking east towards Boquete.
As the hike continues you’ll encounter some steep sections which will have wooden staircases and handrails. After a break at a campground the train descends further, offering gorgeous views of the valley below. Eventually the trail runs alongside the Caldera River and through several privately owned farms before finally ending in Boquete.
Night at Casa Grande – Junior Suite (B)
Day 8: La Amistad International Park
This gorgeous park is considered the first bi-national biosphere reserve in the world, as it is located on the border between Costa Rica and Panama. In this area the warm air from the valleys collides with the cool air from the mountains and creates an ever-present cloud cover. These misty and beautiful cloud forests have a unique ecosystem and a fascinating diversity of flora and fauna.
Today you’ll hike along the forest trails and explore this dense green wonderland. Hear the frogs chirping, see the soft blooming flower petals and breathe in the humid, fragrant air. After lunch, visit Finca Dracula and admire hundreds of beautiful orchid species. On the way back, stop at Baru Volcano to learn about the history of the volcano and the legend of Nuba and Noncomala.
Night at Casa Grande – Junior Suite (B)
Day 9: Continental Divide to Bocas del Toro
Today you will take a four hour drive to the beautiful unspoiled archipelago of Bocas Del Toro. You’ll travel from the cloud forest, over the continental divide and to the coral reefs of the Caribbean. Arrive at Almirante and take a water taxi to Isla Colon, where you will transfer to your beach resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the resort or taking a boat trip to your own private island.
Night at RED FROG BEACH RESORT – JUNGLE LODGE (B)
Day 10: Snorkeling and Island Hopping
Take a 1.5 hour boat ride from Bocas Del Toro through Bastimentos National Marine Park to Zapatilla Island. You’ll spend the day exploring mangroves, white sand beaches, wetlands and coral reefs where more than 200 species of tropical fish make their home. The Zapatilla Islands are two small islands that get their name from their shape, which somewhat resembles a pair of shoes.
Then, travel to stunning Coral Cay – a mere 20 minutes by boat from Bocas Town, where thatch roofed huts and wooden piers on stilts extend over the calm, clear tropical water.
Night at RED FROG BEACH RESORT – JUNGLE LODGE (B)
Day 11: Secret Beaches and Bird Island
Today you’ll go on an adventure to the quintessential beach paradise from all of the classic postcards – turquoise water, white sand beaches and palm trees swaying in the breeze. You’ll also visit a remote island where hundreds of seabirds nest on cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Night at RED FROG BEACH RESORT – JUNGLE LODGE (B)
Day 12: Panama City and Miraflores Locks
Enjoy a seven hour tour around Panama City so that you can admire its highlights and learn about its history as one of the most important cities in the Americas.
In the Casco Antiguo, the oldest sector of the modern city, you can visit the art museums within the Las Bovedas (once used for storing gold) and the monument to the French entrepreneurs who began the Panama Canal. You’ll also see the San Jose Church, the Panama Canal Museum, the National Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. You’ll visit the ruins of Panama le Vieja, the “Old Panama City” that was destroyed by Sir Henry Morgan’s invasion in 1671.
Next, you will admire the impressive Miraflores Locks – an architectural marvel and the 8th wonder of the world. An expert canal guide will give you an informative tour of this amazing feat of engineering.
Night at Country Inn and Suites Amador – Standard Canal View Room (B)
Day 13: Depart Panama
Today you will be picked up in the lobby of the hotel about 2.5 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight to be transferred to Tocumen International Airport.
Departure day. (B)
Note: This is a private tour so it can be customized to be longer with add-ons to visit the Kuna Yala and San Blas islands.
