Luxury Panama

Day 1: Welcome to Colonial Panama City

Once you deplane you will be met by a representative to personally escort you through immigration and customs. Then you can relax with a cold drink and bite to eat in the VIP Lounge while they get your luggage and bring the vehicle curbside for you. Next you will be whisked away by your Driver/Guide for your private transfer to colonial Casco Antiguo while you enjoy a glass of champagne and light snacks.

Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site, Casco Antiguo boasts some of the best attractions, dining, and nightlife in Panama City. Your hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and occupies a quaint restored building constructed in 1977. The surrounding area is steeped in local heritage and culture. At the same time the American Trade Hotel has been completely renovated with every contemporary convenience and modern luxury that is expected from today’s discerning traveler.

Night at Sofitel Legend Hotel Casco Antiguo – Deluxe Ocean View Room

Day 2: Panama City and Miraflores Locks Visitors Center

Start out with a walking tour of Colonial Casco Antiguo visiting historic monuments and plazas such as the Plaza Bolivar, the San Francisco de Asis Church and its famous gold-plated altar, Bolivar Palace, and the National Theater. We will also seek special permission to enter the Presidential Palace. Visit the ruins of the original Panama City, Panama la Vieja, which affords the opportunity to stroll the ruins and climb the old Cathedral Tower boasting spectacular views of Panama Bay and modern Panama City in the distance.

Then you’re off to witness the magnificent Miraflores Locks in full operation. Your personal expert Canal Guide will take us back in time to be part of it. What a wonderful way to experience this magnificent architectural masterpiece and to witness breathtaking views of the 8th wonder of the World.

Night at Sofitel Legend Hotel Casco Antiguo – Deluxe Ocean View Room

Day 3: Panama Canal Transit on Private Luxury Yacht

Today is certain to be one of the highlights of your trip and quite possibly of your life! You will embark on your private Luxury Yacht with a highly experienced Captain and Crew on a journey through the Panama Canal. Your own personal chef will prepare appetizers and lunch while the bartender will mix up your favorite tropical drinks!

You will head north toward the Bridge of Americas with breathtaking views of the spectacular skyline of Panama City behind you. Enter the Canal by crossing under the Bridge of Americas and come to Miraflores Locks. There the vessel will be lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps. From there the next set of locks is Pedro Miguel which boasts beautiful views of the Centennial Bridge in the distance.

Next you will reach Gaillard Cut which is the narrowest part of the Panama Canal and was carved through the Continental Divide. Your travel journey of a lifetime will conclude once you reach Dragados Pier and disembark.

Night at Sofitel Legend Hotel Casco Antiguo – Deluxe Ocean View Room

Day 4: Private Helicopter Tour & Champagne Lunch

Today may very well be the most incredible travel experience of your lifetime as you board your own personal helicopter for a two-hour aerial tour of the Panama Canal, Panama City, and the Caribbean Coast. As you lift off with your experienced pilot you will immediately get a a glimpse of the modern skyscrapers of Panama City and the incredible picturesque group of islands dotting out into the Pacific and comprising Amador Causeway. The brightly colored Frank Gehry Museum will immediately grab your attention and you will feel as though it’s a dream! Of course, the highlight will be hovering over the Canal and getting bird’s eye view of the massive container ships transiting the world-renowned Panama Canal.

From the air, you will follow the curving path of the entire Panama Canal until you reach the Caribbean Coast and the incredible Ciel y Miel Eco Resort. Your expert Pilot will set you down on the grounds of the resort where you will indulge in a Romantic Champagne Lunch. Afterwards you will head back to Panama City and the comforts of your Presidential Suite at the Central Hotel. This will truly be a memory of a lifetime!

Night at Sofitel Legend Hotel Casco Antiguo – Deluxe Ocean View Room

Day 5: Resort Spa Experience and Cooking Class

A step inside the Thermal Spa at Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotel & Spa is like entering an oasis of relaxation, rejuvenation and replenishment. Within three private treatment rooms, expert therapists offer a unique range of facials, massages and body treatments. A thermal circuit consisting of a sauna, a Turkish bath, a biothermal sequential shower and a Jacuzzi maximizes the healing experience with the revitalizing and beautifying powers of water. Before or after your treatment, enjoy quiet moments of serenity and reflection on the outdoor terrace with a hot tub.

This afternoon you will go to the local market with the Resort Chef to personally pick out the organic ingredients that will be used for preparing dinner during your private cooking class. Alongside the Chef, you will learn how to prepare a truly authentic Panamanian meal during your class. And the highlight will be sharing the delicious meal that you helped prepare from market to table!

Night at Los Mandarinos Boutique Spa and Resort – Luxury Honeymoon Suite 

Day 6: Private Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tour

Today you will have your own Captain and Private Boat to explore some of the best virgin beaches and snorkeling spots throughout Bocas del Toro. One of the highlights will be to see the cute “monos perezosos” on their own private Island. Another top highlight will be to spend time at Star Fish Beach which is one of the very best spots for swimming in all of Bocas del Toro. There you can swim and relax on lounge chairs with easy access to cold drinks and delicious local seafood and other delicacies that can be purchased on your own.

Colorful and picturesque, Coral Cay is a good snorkeling option and a mere 20 minutes by boat from Bocas town. It is situated on the southeastern side of Bastimentos Island, and surrounded by lush mangroves. Extended out over the calm, clear, tropical water, the highly recognizable thatch roof huts are connected by wooden piers built on sturdy stilts.

Night on Bastimentos Island in a Luxury Three-Bedroom Ocean View Villa with Private Pool

Day 7: Private Bat Adventure with Lunch at Star Fish Beach

On Bastimentos Island you can observe dolphins in Bahia Honda bay before plunge into mangroves. A sensation of green Venice Panamanian jungle version. Open your eyes, you can see monkeys, sloths, caimans and red frogs. You will then arrive at the entrance of Ngöbé-Buglé Community of Bahia Honda where a local guide will receive you. A short hike in the forest with the guide will allow you to discover the wildlife and plants life before arriving in front of the famous bat cave. At the end of the visit, the more adventurous can jump from a rock to a natural swimming pool located inside of the cave. Rare gems are still found in Bocas del Toro!

After you explore the cave your private captain will take you to Star Fish Beach which boasts the calmest waters in Panama and is a relaxing way to wind down your day in paradise. There you can search for the elusive bright-colored Star Fish and have a delicious barbeque lunch!

Night on Bastimentos Island in a Luxury Three-Bedroom Ocean View Villa with Private Pool

Day 8: Leisure Day to Enjoy the Amenities of the Private Villa

A step inside the Thermal Spa at Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotel & Spa is like entering an oasis of relaxation, rejuvenation and replenishment. Within three private treatment rooms, expert therapists offer a unique range of facials, massages and body treatments. A thermal circuit consisting of a sauna, a Turkish bath, a biothermal sequential shower and a Jacuzzi maximizes the healing experience with the revitalizing and beautifying powers of water. Before or after your treatment, enjoy quiet moments of serenity and reflection on the outdoor terrace with a hot tub.

This afternoon you will go to the local market with the Resort Chef to personally pick out the organic ingredients that will be used for preparing dinner during your private cooking class. Alongside the Chef, you will learn how to prepare a truly authentic Panamanian meal during your class. And the highlight will be sharing the delicious meal that you helped prepare from market to table!

Night on Bastimentos Island in a Luxury Three-Bedroom Ocean View Villa with Private Pool

Day 9: Chagres River Expedition and Embera Community

This trip is truly paradise found in its purest form! The enchanting journey takes us deep into the dense jungles of Chagres where the Emberá Indians have lived for centuries. Our adventure begins with a 30-minute ride up river in a Cayuco, which are traditional dugout canoes used by Emberá.

Upon arrival at the village you will be taken back in time as you are immersed in the ancient Embera cultural dances and music that have not changed much since Columbus arrived in the 1500´s. There you will share a meal and the Indians will give you a glimpse into their mystical rituals and amazing knowledge of medicinal plants and other natural remedies.

Night in Panama City at JW Marriott – Luxury Corner Suite

Day 10: Private Island Beach Day on Luxury Yacht

Today is sure to be another highlight of your Luxury Panama Vacation as your board your Hatteras 46 and head due south of Panama City toward the world-famous Pearl Islands. In addition to once again witnessing the spectacular skyline of Panama City, you may see the tail end of the sunrise depending on how early you get started. And if your trip is between July and October, you may have the added bonus of seeing Humpback Whales! Your Captain and Crew also come prepared with fishing equipment so throw out a line and see what’s biting!

Arriving at the beautiful and unspoiled island of Isla Chapera, you will be amazed by the azure-blue and sea-green crystal-clear waters and sparkling white sand beaches. You will have a tender to take you to the beach where you can take a stroll, swim, snorkel or simply relax in the floating pools. At lunch time, the crew will prepare the most delicious barbecue you have ever tasted!

Night in Panama City at JW Marriott – Luxury Corner Suite

Day 11: Private VIP Airport Transfer

Depending on your departure time you may a chance to take one last dip in the pool or even have lunch overlooking the Chagres River. Then when the time comes you will be picked up by your Driver/Guide for the Private VIP Transfer to Tocumen International Airport for your flight home. Enjoy a farewell drink or glass of champagne and toast to the Canal and Panama on your way out.

Once you arrive at the airport you will be met by your personal escort who will assist you with checking in for your flight and taking you through the expedited line for Immigration. Then do some last minute shopping at one of a plethora of excellent stores, shops and boutiques.