Explore the Best of Panama - 9 Days

Explore the Best of Panama - 9 Days

Join us on this amazing journey through the Panamanian countryside and experience Panama in a way few people do. The itinerary includes the most beautiful and interesting destinations in the country... Places you can't miss when visiting Panama.

Highlights

• Hiking to hidden waterfalls in the rainforest
• Snorkeling around tiny tropical islands
• 4x4 adventures to off the beaten path locations
• Visiting the world famous Panama Canal
• Swimming in beautiful beaches on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean
• White water river rafting on a world class river along the border with Costa Rica
• Experiencing life in an indigenous community
• Walking up river inside a cave with spectacular rock formations
• Photographing wildlife in their natural environment

All this and more with the full support of an expert local guide taking care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying the trip and making the most out of your visit.

Includes

All internal transportation (air, land, water), meals as indicated, lodging, tours as outlined on the itinerary, local guides fluent in English and Spanish.

Not Included

International airfare, airport taxes, alcoholic beverages, excess baggage charges, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service).

Skill Level: Moderate

This adventure requires you to be in good physical conditions. You don't have to be a professional athlete or a marathon runner, but you do have to be able to hike on uneven terrain (rocks, dirt roads, shallow rivers, knee level rivers, narrow trails). You also have to be ok with spending 4 out of 8 nights in basic accommodations. However, these places have a reward as their location is totally worth the sacrifice. Bottom line, if you have an open mind and an adventurous spirit, you will be just fine.

 

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Day 1: Arrival

Upon arrival into the Tocumen International Airport you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel in Panama City. At night we will pick you up and take you out to dinner at a Panamanian style restaurant where we will go over the itinerary, answer any last minute questions, and toast for the beginning of a great trip: Salud!

Welcome Dinner
Hotel in Panama City

Day 2: Cave Exploration

After breakfast, we drive to an authentic indigenous village on the shores of Lake Bayano where we board a boat and navigate to the entrance of the caves. Once at the caves the real adventure begins... You will immediately feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins as you walk deep into this underground river and start appreciating the most spectacular rock formations. After a couple of hours of heart pumping fun, we will take a break for lunch and relax in an open area surrounded by huge stone walls, gorgeous forest, and a lagoon, where everyone is invited for a swim. Later in the afternoon we will drive over the mountains and the Continental Divide all the way to the Caribbean and the Kuna Yala autonomous territory. Here we will stay in a small hotel owned and operated by a Kuna family. The hotel is very basic, but the location, set on a small private island and surrounded by two native communities makes it a wonderful once in a lifetime experience.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel in Kuna Yala

Day 3: Kuna Yala Culture

On this day you will have the opportunity to learn about the traditions of the Kunas and visit some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Most of these white sand islands are small and filled with palm trees, they look just like taken out of a dream. Once at the islands, you can swim in the crystal clear waters or do some snorkeling and be surprised by the indescribable beauty that lies underwater. The scenery at night is surreal, with millions of stars filling the sky.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel in Kuna Yala

Day 4: Panama Canal & Countryside

Wake up to the sounds of the waves on the Caribbean, get on a plane, and 30 minutes later you are on the Pacific Ocean. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Panama Canal's Miraflores Locks where you can learn about the operations and history of this engineering marvel of the world as you watch huge cargo ships passing right in front of you. After that we will cross the bridge over the Canal and drive west on the Pan-American Highway to get a glimpse of the Panamanian countryside, making stops along the way to try local snacks, take photos of the beautiful scenery, have lunch in a restaurant right by the beach, and wet your feet on the Pacific Ocean... remember where you were this morning?

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Small Mountain Town Hotel

Day 5: Hiking to Hidden Waterfalls & Organic Farm

If you are into hiking in the mountains and visiting hidden waterfalls in the rainforest, this day will exceed your wildest expectations. Aboard our 4x4 expedition vehicles we will visit a secluded organic farm high up in the mountains. The family that lives and works here will give you a welcome with a smiling face and an abundance of the fresh produce. They have anything from sugar cane, coffee and cacao, to tomatoes, bananas, and pineapples. The setting of this place is unbelievable, as the waterfalls abound in their backyard. So, besides experiencing life on this off the beaten path location, you will have the opportunity to hike through lush jungle until arriving at the waterfalls, which come in all shapes and sizes, most of them with the conveniently located natural stone pool at the bottom inviting everyone for a swim. On the trails you will also have the opportunity to see tropical plants and trees, and spot butterflies and colorful frogs.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Small Mountain Town Hotel

Day 6: Las Lajas Beach & Boquete

On this day we take things slow in order for everyone to recharge their batteries. On our way to Boquete, we will visit Las Lajas Beach, where you can enjoy its warm waters, walk in the unpopulated beach (many miles of empty beach), eat fish for lunch, and rest in a hammock with a cold drink in your hand. Late afternoon we will arrive in the beautiful Boquete valley, located at 3,500 feet above sea level and with a pleasant temperature of 21'C (70'F) all year round. Cultivation of flowers, coffee, strawberries and other fruits are the main activities for the local community. There will be time to go for a walk, and have dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in this lovely town.

Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel in Boquete

Day 7: White Water River Rafting & Boquete

Today is nature's roller coaster day, as you will be river rafting on an exciting Class III-IV river, rich with virgin forest, waterfalls dripping from canyon walls, and a great variety of exotic wildlife. We start the day early with a spectacular drive to the put in, going high up in the mountains, and at some points "riding the border", with Costa Rica to the left and Panama to the right. Once on the water, you will experience what many river experts consider to be one of the finest river runs, with excellent speed, non-stop excitement, thrilling rapids, and breath-taking scenery. Halfway down the river, we will take a break for a typical Panamanian picnic lunch, rest for a while, and then continue with the fun. We take out late afternoon, and transfer back to the hotel in Boquete.

Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel in Boquete

Day 8: Boquete at Leisure & Panama City

This morning is at leisure in Boquete, you can go for a walk around town, visit the flower gardens, buy some of the best coffee in the world, or take one of the half-day tours available in the area (Zip-Line/Canopy Adventure, Coffee Farm Tour, Bird Watching). After lunch, we will meet at the hotel to collect our bags and drive to the airport in the city of David for our afternoon flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for the night.

Breakfast
Hotel in Panama City

Day 9: Departure

After an amazing trip, we will drive you to the International Airport for your return flight home.

Breakfast

 

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