During this trip you will experience the enchantment of the Caribbean San Blas Islands as well as the magic of Panama City. You will get what you need: a well deserved rest while enjoying pristine beaches and learning about the local Kuna culture and traditions.
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 first 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 and Suites Amador (Standard), Standard Room; breakfast included.
Day 02 San Blas Islands (B, L, D)
In the early morning you will be transferred to the domestic airport, where you will take a short flight to the pristine San Blas Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Here you will stay in a secluded and quiet lodge, where you will enjoy the beautiful ocean view while balancing in a hammock. The pristine San Blas Archipelago includes picture-perfect tropical islands with white sand and coconut trees. Depending on whom you ask, the number of islands varies between 365 and 380, many of them with no people living on them. Less than 60 islands are home by an Indian tribe, the Kuna. The Kuna is one of the best preserved of all the indigenous cultures of the Americas. The Kuna people are so determined to protect their heritage that they have maintained their autonomy since the Spanish first arrived over 500 years ago. The San Blas province has its own government – the indigenous independent congress – and each island is run by a chief. Tourism is limited to only a few of the islands. But with its turquoise waters, the white sand beaches dotted with palm trees and thatched-roof Kuna villages, the San Blas Archipelago is absolutely worth a visit. Your stay in San Blas includes two daily tours to nearby beaches, uninhabited islands or Kuna villages. Overnight at Dad Ibe Lodge (Standard), Standard Cabin three daily meals included.
Day 03 San Blas Islands (B, L, D)
Enjoy a free day on the San Blas Islands. Join a tour to a secluded beach or visit a Kuna community to learn about the customs of this interesting tribe and to see the women’s colorful dresses, the so called Molas. You will also have the chance to purchase these beautiful handicrafts. Overnight Dad Ibe Lodge (Standard), three daily meals included.
Day 04 Half Day Panama City Tour & Miraflores Locks (B)
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport where you will take your flight back to Panama City. An English speaking guide will pick you up at the domestic airport and take you on a private tour to Panama City and the Miraflores Locks. You will start the tour with a 30 minutes drive to Miraflores to see the huge vessels passing the Panama Canal. The busiest hours are between 09:00 and 11:00, so you will be able to see many ships getting lifted or lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps. You will enjoy the view on the Locks from a sheltered terrace and listen to the explanations of your guide. To complete the visit of the Canal you will visit the Museum and Visitor Center at Miraflores which gives you a good idea on the construction of the Canal – a masterpiece of engineering. You will also learn about the history of the canal and its significance for Panama and the entire world trade as well as on the current expansion project. After the visit to the Canal you will continue with your guide to the Amador Causeway, a road that connects three Islands in the Pacific Ocean and offers magnificent views on the Canal on one side and on the skyline of Panama City on the other side. The tour continues to the Casco Viejo, Panama City’s colonial quarter. At the Casco Viejo you feel set back in time as you admire the lovely colonial houses, the narrow roads and the impressive churches. While visiting the highlights of this colonial district – the Cathedral, the golden Altar, French Plaza and the Huertas Passway – you will sure get an idea on Panama’s long and interesting history. This tour includes transportation, English speaking guide and all entrance fees. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes and don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, your camera and a bottle of water. Overnight at at the Country Inn and Suites Amador (Standard), Standard Room; breakfast included.
Day 05 Departure (B)
Transfer to the Tocumen International Airport for your departure flight back home.
