A Summer in Panama: From Exotic Archipelagos to Cultural Discoveries

Arrival at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City.

Your first glimpse of the country, followed by a ride with your driver to your hotel.

Overnight stay at a modern hotel in Panama City 

City Tour of Panama City, followed by a visit to the Panama Canal

Your driver will pick you up for a full-day city tour of Panama City.

Services of a private guide and driver’s expenses included (meals, transportation, lodging, excursions, etc.).

First stop: Panama La Vieja, which was the country’s first capital before being destroyed by the famous pirate Henry Morgan.

Next, head to the must-see Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks. The visitor center offers a bird’s-eye view of all kinds of ships in transit (container ships, cruise ships, or tiny sailboats…).

In addition, exhibits trace the history of the locks’ construction and explain how they work.

Next, you’ll head to Casco Antiguo. This bohemian neighborhood immerses you in the country’s rich history, with its typical narrow streets and colorful buildings leading to Plaza de Francia. Explore the Art Deco architecture and the cathedral.

In the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay in a modern hotel in Panama City 

A Day Dedicated to Meeting the Embera Quera

Early in the morning, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to visitthe Embera people near the banks of the Chagres River, where a community representative will be waiting for you.

You’ll head to the Rio Gatún dock, where you’ll board a motorized canoe bound for one of the community’s villages.

On the other side of the river, you’ll be welcomed by the cacique (spiritual leader) and the village children. Throughout the day, you’ll discover their way of life and traditions, including an introduction to the art of tattooing.

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about their knowledge of medicinal plants, watch a performance of ancestral dances, and then visit a small island to observe the monkeys.

Finally, a traditional fish-based meal will be served to you in banana leaves.

In the afternoon, your driver will pick you up at the pier and drive you to Gamboa.

Overnight stay at a unique lodge in the Gamboa region

A Day of Discovery on the Panama Canal from Gatun Lake!

Head to Lake Gamboa, where you’ll board the “Monkey Lodge II” for a cruise along the canal, getting up close to ships transiting between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

You’ll get up close to several islands inhabited by various species of monkeys, including the famous capuchins that live in the region.

The day will continue with a kayak trip for a more leisurely ride through the meandering waters of Gatun Lake. You’ll paddle upstream to the source of one of these meanders to swim and explore the lush surrounding nature. For those who wish, there’s the option to fish and cook your catch over a wood fire. A unique way to explore the canal you’d never imagine!

Approximate duration: 8 hours

Overnight stay at a unique lodge in the Gamboa region

Off to the paradise archipelago of Bocas del Toro!

Transfer from Gamboa to Gelabert (Albrook) Airport.

Then a domestic flight to the Bocas del Toro archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean.

Overnight stay at your traditional Bocas del Toro hotel, partially built on stiltsandoverlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Today’s itinerary: snorkeling and mangroves!

You’ll start the day with some snorkeling at Punta Hospital, before heading to Bastimentos Island to watch dolphins at Bahia Honda.

You’ll then travel through a canal inside the mangrove forest for about 20 minutes (where you might spot sloths, caimans, and various bird species), before meeting up with the local guide for a short hike through the jungle. Along the way, you’ll spot red tree frogs, sloths, and sometimes monkeys.

You’ll then enter a cave where you can see several species of batshanging from the ceiling and explore the cave until you reach a small natural pool.

Spend the night at your traditional Bocas del Toro hotel, built partly on stiltsandoverlooking the Caribbean Sea.

ColónIsland and Its Wonders

Discover the northern part of Colón Island, where you’ll first visit Bird Island. You’ll then head down to Boca del Drago for a short walk, during which you can take in the magnificent scenery along the beach. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the famous Playa Estrella for about 3 hours. During this time , you can enjoy lunch at the delicious local restaurants located right on the water (not included). You’ll end the day with a snorkeling activity.

Approximate duration: 6 hours

Overnight stay at your traditional Bocas del Toro hotel, partially built on stiltsandoverlooking the Caribbean Sea.

The Phenomenon of Bioluminescence!

At night, you’ll take a boat ride to witness the incredible bioluminescence of the plankton. Over the course of 2 hours, you’ll see how schools of bioluminescent plankton react to light and movement in the water at three different locations, allowing you to observe both types of bioluminescent plankton. Part of the tour involves snorkeling amidst the bioluminescence—a truly unique experience!

Approximate duration: 2 hours

Overnight stay at your traditional Bocas del Toro hotel, partially built on stiltsandoverlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Return to Panama City

At the port of Bocas del Toro, board a motorboat bound for Almirante.

Approximate duration: 30-minute boat ride

You will then take a domestic flight to Panama City.

Next, you will be transferred from Gelabert (Albrook) Airport to Tocumen International Airport to catch your international return flight.