Feel like Odysseus in ancient Greece and explore some of the most untouched spots in Panama, which all are of an exceptional beauty. You will hop from one highlight to another, from the historic city over the pristine San Blas Islands up to the exuberant tropical rain forest at Sierra Llorona. The most diverse parts of Panama have been put together in this package.
Day 01 Arrival in Panama City
Upon arrival to Panama a representative will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your city hotel for your firs night in Panama. Panama City is the capital and largest city in the country. It is home to a diverse blend of cultures and an enormous historical sector in the Old City. The lively and vibrant banking district on the other hand is very modern and often compared to Miami. Panama City is a thrilling location you will surely enjoy during your visit to this gorgeous country. Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, Standard Room, breakfast included.
Day 02 Metropolitan Park Hike & Historic City Tour (B)
In the early morning you will be taken to the Metropolitano National Park in order to experience the Smithsonian Rainforest Canopy Crane. With the crane you will reach an excellent altitude to observe the tropical rain forest and its inhabitants from a unique bird’s eye perspective. After lunch (not included) you will enjoy a City Tour. You start with a visit to the Casco Antiguo with its unique French, Spanish and Italian architecture styles and the lovely colonial buildings. You will continue to the Amador Causeway with a stunning view of the Panama City skyline and then go to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. Here you will observe the huge container vessels passing the locks and getting lifted or lowered a total of 16 meters. Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, Standard Room, breakfast included
Day 03 Trans-isthmus train ride and Caribbean Forts (B, L, D)
Early in the morning you will take the train to Colon on the Atlantic coastline. This ocean-to-ocean route runs nearby to the Canal and offers a unique view of this famous engineering wonder. The train traverses the water on causeways that connect the small islands dotting the lake. On the way you will have the chance to spot monkeys, crocodiles and toucans. After your arrival in Colon you will visit the Spanish ruins of Portobelo. Through this small port the Spaniards transported all the stolen Peruvian gold on its way to Spain. After a typical lunch you will continue to another historical highlight of the area, the fort of San Lorenzo. The San Lorenzo Fort is located at the entrance of the Chagres River close to Colon. It was through this river where the notorious pirate Henry Morgan arrived to the Old Panama, to take out the treasury. To get to San Lorenzo, it is necessary to cross the Gatun Locks and get into Sherman Fort, a former military base, surrounded by a rich jungle with a wide diversity of species. It is a special place for bird watching. The fort of San Lorenzo is an excellent example for 17th and 18th century military architecture. After San Lorenzo your English speaking guide will drop you off at the Sierra Llorona Lodge – an excellent place for nature lovers and birders. Overnight at the Sierra Llorona Lodge, Standard Room, three daily meals included.
Day 04 Sierra Llorona Lodge (B, L, D)
Spend the day exploring the surroundings of Sierra Llorona. In the morning and in the evening you will have a local guide accompanying you to show you some of the most impressive birds of the area. Enjoy the deep Panamanian rain forest pure nature. Overnight at the Sierra Llorona Lodge, Standard Room, three daily meals included.
Day 05 Sierra Llorona – Cerro Punta (B)
After a guided morning hike and lunch you will be transported back to Panama City. From there, a 50-minutes flight will take you to David, Panama’s second city. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Cerro Punta, a quaint and typical mountain village on the western flank of Baru Volcano. Here you will stay for two nights at the rustic and cozy Los Quetzales Lodge. Overnight at Los Quetzales Lodge, Standard Room, breakfast included.
Day 06 Panoramic Tour to Barriles and Finca Dracula Orchid Farm (B)
The program of today will bring you to Barriles, a collection of pre-Columbian petroglyphs (cave pictures similar to logograms). There is a small museum and exhibition centre set in flower filled gardens dotted with dozens of carved stones and boulders. You will then take a very pleasant drive through racehorse lands to visit one of Latin America’s finest orchid farms with over 2000 different varieties from all over the world. Overnight at Los Quetzales Lodge, Standard Room, breakfast included.
Day 07 Quetzal Trail to Boquete (B)
In the morning your English speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a full-day hike on the Quetzal Trail around Baru Volcano. The Quetzal Trail unites the two communities of Boquete and Cerro Punta and is one of Panama’s most visited and popular hikes, named for a particular species of bird called the Resplendent Quetzal. Quite elusive, these birds are a magnificent and rare treat to observe and are a favorite among many birding enthusiasts. In addition to the Quetzal, there are more than 220 other bird species native to the area. From Cerro Punta to Boquete, the 10 km trail takes you through tropical rain forest and tropical cloud forest. A picnic lunch will be served on the way. Your luggage will be transported ahead to the Finca Lerida Hotel which will be your home for the next two nights. Overnight at the Finca Lerida, Standard Room, breakfast included.
Day 08 Panoramic & Coffee Tour (B)
Explore Boquete by visiting a coffee farm and the rock formations at Los Ladrillos. Coffee grown in this region is one of the best in the world. On the tour you will learn how coffee beans are harvested, the selection, drying, roasting and package processes. The rock formations of Los Ladrillos were formed after the last eruption from Barú Volcano - fascinating for any amateur geologist. The dormant Barú Volcano is with 3’474 meters the tallest mountain in Panama. Overnight at the Finca Lerida, Standard Room, breakfast included.
Day 09 Boquete – Panama City (B)
Take advantage of the free morning. Relax and enjoy the hotel’s green gardens or book an optional tour. In the afternoon, fly back to Panama City. Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, Standard Room, breakfast included.
Day 10 San Blas Islands (B, L, D)
Today’s schedule starts early in the morning. You will fly approximately 40 minutes to the San Blas Archipelago on Panama´s Caribbean coast. Upon arrival you will be transferred by a motorized dugout canoe to the simple but very charming Akwadup Lodge with private bathrooms owned and run by the Kuna Indians. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the Kuna principal community and experience their way of life. Fresh San Blas seafood features both, lunch and dinner. Overnight at the Akwadup Lodge, Standard Bungalow, three daily meals included.
Day 11 San Blas Islands (B, L, D)
Enjoy and visit the surrounding islands in the Kuna´s community today. The Kuna culture and traditions still remain largely untouched by Western influences. In the afternoon you have the chance to take a relaxing sunbath on one of the beautiful beaches or snorkel over the coral reefs and explore the underwater world. Overnight at the Akwadup Lodge, Standard Bungalow, three daily meals included.
Day 12 San Blas – El Valle (B)
Today you will take an early morning flight back to Panama City and then be transferred to the area of El Valle. Enjoy the rest of the day in this calm little mountain village with optional activities. Overnight at Los Mandarinos, Standard Room, breakfast included.
Day 13 El Valle (B)
Today you will enjoy a tour through El Valle. This combination tour shows you the very best of the area: The stunning waterfall Chorro Macho, the ancient Petroglyphs, Thermal Water Wells, the famous handicrafts and fruit market and the Zoo “El Nispero”. Overnight at Los Mandarinos, Standard Room, breakfast included.
Day 14 El Valle de Antón to Panama City, Departure (B)
Relax for a few more hours in the comfortable spring-like climate. Then, you will be transferred to the Tocumen Airport for your international flight back home.
