Discover Panama
Panama offers a captivating mix of natural wonders, cultural richness, and historical depth. Stand in awe at the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal—an engineering feat that connects oceans and continents. Wander the cobbled streets of Casco Viejo, where colonial architecture and vibrant street life reflect the country’s dynamic spirit.

Snorkel the clear Caribbean waters of Bocas del Toro, explore lush coffee plantations in Boquete’s misty highlands, and relax on the palm-fringed beaches of the San Blas Islands, home to the resilient Kuna people. Savor the bold flavors of local cuisine—like sancocho and fresh ceviche—and embrace the music, dance, and colorful traditions of Carnival.

With its tropical climate, incredible biodiversity, and welcoming communities, Panama invites you to slow down, dive deep, and connect—with nature, with culture, and with yourself.

Sail canals, wander cobblestone streets, snorkel crystal waters, and connect with cultures shaped by centuries of history.

Arrive independently at Tocumen International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Panama City. Settle in, then gather with your group for a lively welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll meet your travel companions and get a taste of Panama’s vibrant culinary scene.

Panama offers an unparalleled “hands-on” nature and cultural experience. Enjoy birding and wildlife viewing along the famous Pipeline Road, explore the colonial heritage of incredible Panama City, paddle a dugout canoe on the Chargres River to visit an Embera Indian native village, hike in the cloud forest and then snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean! Let's get started!

Experience the thrill of a partial transit of the historic Panama Canal aboard a comfortable passenger ferry. Your journey begins at the Amador Causeway, where you’ll board the vessel and cruise beneath the iconic Bridge of the Americas. Navigate through the Miraflores Locks, witnessing firsthand the engineering marvel that moves ships between oceans. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide shares the fascinating history and highlights of the Canal, including a passage through the narrow, dramatic Culebra Cut.

After disembarking, continue to Cerro Ancón, a lush hill within the former U.S. Canal Zone, offering panoramic views of Panama City’s skyline, the Canal, and surrounding rainforest.

Later, enjoy a guided walking tour of Casco Viejo, Panama City’s historic Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through vibrant plazas, admire the spectacular colonial architecture, and soak in the lively atmosphere. Casco Viejo is the perfect place to end your day — savor a sunset and relax over dinner at one of the many charming restaurants or rooftop bars.

Today, drive past the iconic Culebra Cut of the Panama Canal, the picturesque Gamboa Resort, and the winding Chagres River before entering the lush Soberanía National Park. Renowned for its world-class birding, Soberanía has hosted the Audubon Society’s annual bird count, which has identified over 500 species in just 24 hours! The park is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to spot monkeys, sloths, the majestic Harpy Eagle, and more.

Next, board an expedition boat for a thrilling adventure across Gatun Lake, part of the Panama Canal. As you pass massive cargo ships transiting the waterway, enjoy the striking contrast of human engineering and natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled for green iguanas, crocodiles, osprey, peacock bass, snail kites, and the colorful keel-billed toucan.

Continue up the Chagres River for a unique cultural experience with the Emberá people, one of Panama’s indigenous groups with deep cultural ties to Amazonian tribes. After a short boat ride in a traditional Emberá canoe (or "piragua"), you’ll be warmly welcomed into their village, perched on a small rise about 100 feet from the riverbank. Explore their vibrant culture, traditions, and way of life in the heart of the rainforest.

This boat journey takes you deep into the 320,000-acre Chagres National Park, the largest protected area in the Panama Canal Watershed, where wildlife, pristine landscapes, and cultural heritage blend seamlessly.

After an early breakfast, travel to the breathtaking San Blas Islands, located along Panama’s northeastern Caribbean coast. The San Blas Islands are home to the Kuna people, an indigenous group fiercely dedicated to preserving their unique culture. In recognition of their commitment, the Kunas were granted regional autonomy, forming the Comarca de Kuna Yala — an autonomous territory still governed by an indigenous congress.

In this idyllic paradise, the Kuna women spend countless hours creating vibrant, intricate reverse-appliqué “molas,” a colorful form of textile art that is an essential part of their daily attire. While the Kuna are primarily fishermen, they also cultivate staples like coconut, corn, rice, cocoa, and yucca.

Today, visit Dolphin Lodge, a rustic Kuna-style village nestled in Achutupo, where you will learn about the traditional life and ceremonies of the Kuna people. The communal house, known as the “Sahilas”, serves as the seat of the Kuna chiefs, who are responsible for enforcing local laws and offering guidance on various aspects of life — including marital advice! Discover how the Kuna build their traditional houses, their local economy, and the preparation of “chicha,” a fermented sugar-cane drink.

Board a domestic flight to David, the capital of Chiriquí province, known as “Panama’s breadbasket.” This region is celebrated for its breathtaking highland landscapes, which are among the most stunning in Central America. Bordering Costa Rica, La Amistad National Park spans both countries and was recognized in 1982 as a World Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the natural land bridge between North and South America, La Amistad is home to an extraordinary mix of flora and fauna. Its varied elevations, diverse precipitation patterns, and range of temperatures create one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the region.

Next, journey to Boquete, nestled at the base of the dormant Barú Volcano, where you’ll visit Sitio Barriles — an archaeological site that was once home to the extinct Barril culture. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the petroglyphs (rock carvings) and gain insight into the fascinating history and traditions of this ancient culture that lived on these slopes long ago.

Today offers a variety of exciting options to explore the rich biodiversity of Boquete. Begin by visiting Finca Lerida, a privately-owned preserve nestled in the buffer zone of Barú Volcano National Park. Located at an elevation of 2,286 meters, this beautiful reserve is home to a variety of rare and elusive species. If you're lucky, you may spot the vibrant Resplendent Quetzal, the melodious Three-wattled Bellbird, the mysterious Black-faced Solitaire, the dazzling Volcano Hummingbird, the stunning Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher, and the colorful Prong-billed Barbet as they thrive in a habitat rich with orchids, bromeliads, and wild avocados.

Next, enjoy a hike through lush vegetation to the Collin’s Shade-Grown Coffee Farm, where you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch. Learn about the traditional methods of shade-grown coffee cultivation and savor the rich flavors of one of Panama’s most famous exports.

Afterwards, return to Boquete for some free time to explore the charming town at your own pace, perhaps visiting local shops or enjoying a peaceful walk through its scenic streets.

After breakfast, board your flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival, you'll drive back to the hotel, with stops along the way at local handicraft markets where you can shop for unique, handmade souvenirs to remember your journey.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, with plenty of optional activities to choose from. Whether you want to explore more of the city, visit nearby attractions, or simply relax, the day is yours to create.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor the flavors of Panama one last time and reflect on the incredible experiences shared with fellow travelers.

This morning, meet your airport shuttle for scheduled departures back to the U.S. However, if you prefer to extend your stay, Panama offers many fascinating options for exploration. Spend an extra day discovering the unique charm of Taboga Island, the serene Pearl Islands, or the tranquil town of El Valle.

Days 8-10+: Bocas del Toro, Isla Colón

For those continuing their journey, take a direct flight from Albrook Airport to Bocas del Toro Airport with Air Panama. Known for its indescribable natural beauty and unique cultural blend, Bocas del Toro offers a harmonious mix of indigenous, Western Caribbean, and Latino influences. This beautiful archipelago, seemingly untouched by time, is a testament to coexistence and multicultural respect. Here, nature and culture intertwine, offering both serenity and a vibrant, colorful atmosphere.

Inquire about accommodations, activities, and prices to customize your extension in this exceptional destination.