Panama Tours & Travel
PANAMA HOLIDAY
This tour features 7 nights in one Panama City Hotel, Panama Vieja, Casco Antiguo, Panama Canal & Miraflores Visitor Center, partial Canal Transit, Lake Gatun, Portobello, Panama Canal Railroad, Chagres National Park, Embera Indian Village, and more!
One amazing quality that makes Panama so unique is that from one location in Panama City travelers can enjoy so much of this beautiful country and its culture and nature without having to change hotels. If you are the type of traveler that likes to check into to one hotel, unpack your bags, and venture out, then this is the tour for you. Staying in Panama City is also economical as there are no internal flights and there is so much to see within a short travel time. One even can drive from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Coast in under 2 hours.
Upon arrival to Panama the group will be met in the Tocumen International airport by the Tour Leader and an interpretive guide and escorted to your hotel. This evening we will host a “Get Acquainted” event with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a tour briefing. Overnight at the Country Inn Amador with a spectacular view of the entrance of to the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is located near the entrance of the Panama Canal, close to numerous business and leisure attractions including Frank Gerhys's Biodiversity Museum, the Smithsonian Tropical Research exhibition center, Albrook Shopping Mall, Metropolitan National Park and City of Knowledge. It is a short drive from Tocumen International Airport and only a few minutes from the Marcos A. Gelabert Domestic Airport, the Panama Canal Railway, Pier and Panama's national bus terminal. (Other hotel options are available.)
Now that you are acquainted with your travel mates, let’s get acquainted with Panama! We'll will explore the ruins of Panama Vieja founded in 1519 and the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific side of the Americas. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient city of Panama was the gateway for Peru’s gold and silver to travel across the isthmus on its way to Spain. Your guide will lead you on an exploration of what remains of the cities original convents and seminaries, which were looted and destroyed by Sir Henry Morgan in 1671. Our next stop will be the Seafood and Farmers market of Panama City. The waters off the coast of Panama on the Pacific side are rich in marine life. The fishermen come in daily and sell their catches to wholesaler buyers who then resell the fish to retailers. The stands in the seafood market are retailers who sell to the general public. After viewing the local produce and seafood, we will head upstairs to the Restaurant de Mariscos for a lunch at one the best places to eat local cuisine with the locals. After lunch we will head back to the hotel for a much deserved rest. In the afternoon we will visit Casco Antiguo, the historic center of Panama City. It is a quiet, charming district of narrow streets overlooked by the flower bedecked balconies of two and three-story houses. At its tip lies French Park, a monument to the French builders and Ferdinand de Lesseps who began the Panama Canal. As we meander through the area we will see the remaining ruins of the convents and seminaries, the famous Flat Arch which reportedly helped convince engineers that Panama was earth-quake-proof, the Presidential Palace, and the beautiful Cathedral with its mother of pearl covered spires. Dinner will be provided at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4 The Panama Canal Transit
Day 5 Panama Canal Nature
Day 6 Coast to Coast, Portbello & Panama Canal Railroad
Day 7 Chagres River and Emberá Indians
Day 8 Panama Departure
Today we’ll say farewell to this enchanting country and return home, where you’ll be eager to share your incredible Panama and the Panama Canal experiences.
PANAMA ECOTOUR
9 Day/8 Night Itinerary
This tour features Barro Colorado, Lake Gatun and Panama Canal, Boquette, Volcan Baru National Park's Quetzal Trail, Bocas Del Toro, and Bastimentos National Park.
With a unique geographical position that supports more diversity of wildlife than any country in Central America, Panama is one of the best ecotourism destinations in the Americas and the world. This tour focuses on the ecology and culture of the isthmus and each day is dedicated to exploring each a different realm of this tropical paradise.
Day 1 Arrival to Panama
Day 2Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's Barro Colorado Island
Day 3Panama Canal Wildlife - Boquette
Day 4 Hiking the Quetzales Trail
Day 5Finca Lerida - Bocas Del Toro
Day 6 Bocas Del Toro and Sea Star Beach
Day 7 Bastimentos National Park
Day 8 Panama City
Tonight we bid farewell at local restaurant in Casco Antiguo. (B, L, D)
Day 9Panama Departure
Today we’ll say farewell to this enchanting country and return home, where you’ll be eager to share your incredible Panama, Panama Canal, and wildlife encounters. (B)
PANAMA BIRDING
This tour features excellent bird watching opportunities in Soberania National Park, San Lorenzo National Park, Metropolitan Park, Panama Vieja, Parque International La Amistad and Los Quetzales, the Darien, and the Panama Canal Zone.
With a unique geographical position that supports more diversity of wildlife than any country in Central America, Panama is one of the best ecotourism destinations in the Americas and the world. This tour focuses on the ecology and culture of the isthmus and each day is dedicated to exploring each a different realm of this tropical paradise.
Day 1 Arrival to Panama
Day 2Pipeline Road & Summit Ponds
Day 3Escobal, Achiote Road, & San Lorenzo National Park
Day 4Metropolitan Park & Panama Viejo
This morning we take the early morning flight to David and the Chiriqui Highlands located in western Panama. Upon arrival, we’ll set out for Laguna de Volcan where we’ll be looking for the Red-rumped Woodpecker, Chiriqui Yellowthroat, and and Pale-breasted Spinetail. Next, we’ll move to Finca Hartman. The owners of this old farm, concerned about disappearing habitat, are allowing the majority of the land to revert back to forest. The area still used for farming is dedicated to shade-grown coffee under towering remnant rainforest trees, with some land still covered by highland cloud forest. Access roads ranging in elevation from 400-6000 ft provide a good altitudinal gradient for birding. Christmas bird counts on the finca yield nearly 200 species and over 280 species have been recorded in total, including Turquoise Cotinga, and Elegant Euphonia. (B, L, D)
Parque International La Amistad (PILA) lies along the Talamanca mountain range was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 due to the great importance it has for the preservation of biodiversity in Panama and the American continent. The park’s plant and animal life is some of the most diverse in Panama. Among the nearly 600 types of birds identified in the area are such spectacular species as the Resplendent Quetzal, the Three-wattled Bellbird, and the rarely seen Bare-necked Umbrella Bird. Exploring the area around Los Quetzales Inn, where we will be staying, is perhaps the best place to find Resplendent Quetzal. Many other highland specialties can also be found, including Black Guan, Prong-billed and Red-headed Barbets, Buffy Tuftedcheek, White-fronted Tyrannulet, Tufted Flycatcher, Barred Becard, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, Black-faced Solitaire, Flame-throated Warbler, Collared Redstart, Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager, Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Yellow-thighed Finch, and Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch. (B, L, D)
Day 7Panama City and Preparation for Darien
Today we head back to Panama City but not before stopping at Macho de Monte to look for the River-side Wren. This afternoon we’ll rest-up and repack for our expedition to Eastern Panama and the Darien. (B, L, D)
Days 11, 12Burbayar Lodge
Day 13Panama City
Day 14 Panama Departure
Today we’ll say “hasta luego” to this enchanting country and return home, where you’ll be eager to share your incredible Panama birding experiences and your newly expanded life list! (B)
DISCOVER PANAMA
Featuring Panama Canal, Portobelo with Train and San Blas Archipelago.
Day 1 Welcome To Panama
Arrival at Panama International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Panama City. Overnight at the Country Inn Amador with a spectacular view of the entrance of to the Panama Canal
and the Pacific Ocean. (There are many hotel options.)
Day 2 Full Day City and Canal Tour
After breakfast our expert Guide will meet you for a City Tour. We will head toward Panama Viejo the first and one of the most important cities on the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1519 it was destroyed in 1671 by Pirate Henry Morgan. We will then visit the modern Panama with its financial district, which is considered one of Latin America’s most modern cities. Our next stop will be Casco Antiguo or Colonial Panama The architecture of this area is exquisite including French, Italian and Spanish styles. Lunch at the exclusive Manolo Caracol- if you like seafood there is no better place. The last stop will be at the Miraflores Locks to witness the workings of the Panama Canal and visit the Administration Building and the old Canal Zone. Return to Hotel Country Inn (or other) in the afternoon.
Day 3 Portobelo with Train
Early pick up at your Hotel and transfer to the Train Station. You will board the transcontinental train in Balboa on the Pacific Ocean trough the route of the Canal until we reach Gatun in the Atlantic Ocean. Our driver and guide will wait for us there to take us to Portobelo. During the 17th and 19thcenturies, the Port of Portobelo served as a Spanish Fortress and Caribbean terminal. Products such as species, gold and silver coming from Peru and other Spanish Colonies passed through to the pacific side to await ships to transport them to Spain. Portobelo was the victim of various pirate attacks, the best known being the attack by Henry Morgan. The small island of Drake, where his remains are located, is another attraction. We will visit all the ruins of the colonial port, the customhouse where the treasures and gold were stored and the Portobelo church, where the famous Black Christ statue rests. Return to the Panama by bus to your hotel.
Day 4 San Blas
Early morning departure for a 20-minute flight to El Porvenir airstrip on Panama's Atlantic Coast. Transfer by motorised dugout canoe to the Kuna Lodge on the Island. The lodge is in the core of the Kuna community. The Lodge has outside fresh water showers and toilets. Visit the surrounding islands and home to the Kuna Indian whose culture, traditions and beautiful beaches remain virtually untouched. Tour Grass Island and relax at one of the numerous beautiful beaches. Lunch and dinner of delicious San Blas seafood. (BLD)
Day 5 San Blas
Rent (or bring your own) snorkelling gear and explore the beautiful reefs. You can also tour a neighbouring island and swim in the crystal clear waters. Relax in the white sandy beaches or in a hammock while enjoying the San Blas Islands. (BLD)
Day 6 Panama City
Early morning returns to San Blas for flight back to Panama City. Free afternoon for relaxing and shopping. Show and folkloric dinner at Tinajas Restaurant. Overnight Hotel in the city. (BD)
Day 7 Depart Panama
Transfer to the International Airport approximately two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time (No meals.)
NATURE AND BEACH
Day 1 Friday
Arrive in Panama. Meet and greet and transfer to Hotel Riande Continental in Panama City for the overnight. (There are many hotel options.)
Day 2 Saturday
Breakfast at the Hotel. At 09:00 A.M our driver will transfer you to the pier where you will take your
boat for a Canal Transit. The transit starts at Gamboa in the Gatun lake our ship will go through the famous Gaillard cut , the Pedro Miguel locks and Miraflores locks where you will witness the workings of the Panama Canal. Our transit will end at the causeway in the Pacific side. Transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon.
Day 3 Sunday
Breakfast at the Hotel. This adventure takes us to the indigenous community in the National Park Chagres. We will get to know the culture of the Emberá Indians and witness their artisans and enjoy the knowledge of botanical plants. Their cultural dances and music will take you back
centuries. If you would like you can also paint your body as they do with the fruit known as Jagua. We can also observe the grand variety of birds found in these areas. Walk in the jungle, explore waterfalls, and learn from a magical culture, all this in one day. Includes: ground and river transportation, snacks and soft drinks, lunch, and specialized guide. Transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon.
Day 4 Monday
Early Breakfast at Hotel. Pipeline Road is considered one of the best birding spots in the world. More than 500 species were spotted here in a single day during the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count. Located in the central area of the Panama Canal watershed, this 17 – kilometer road provides access to old growth secondary forest which is ideal for the observation of flora and
fauna from the Pacific and Caribbean slopes. This tour begins early from your hotel with a drive to Soberania National Park in the town of Gamboa. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you will walk along a birdwatching trail while a vehicle proceeds at some distance behind. Depending on the road conditions, the drive will continue to the Agua Salud River, where you can walk to a waterfall
and enjoy a swim. After lunch at Gamboa , return to your hotel. Suggested wear: short pants, sneakers, and a hat. Day 5 Tuesday
Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast check out and transfer to Hotel Royal Decameron Golf and Casino check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at the beach.
Free time to enjoy facilities and inclusive activities at this beautiful all inclusive beach resort.
Day 8 Friday
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to International Airport.
ENJOY PANAMA
Day 1 Welcome To Panama
Arrival at Panama International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Panama City. Overnight at the Country Inn Amador with a spectacular view of the entrance of to the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean.
Day 2 City and Canal Tour
After breakfast our expert Guide will meet you for a City Tour. We will head toward Panama Viejo the first and one of the most important cities on the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1519 it was destroyed in 1671 by Pirate Henry Morgan. We will then visit the modern Panama with its financial district, which is considered one of Latin America’s most modern cities. Our next stop will be Miraflores Locks where you will admired the workings of the Panama Canal. After the Canal lunch at La Rioja seafood Spanish Restaurant. Return to your hotel in the afternoon.
Day 3 El Valle- Mountain Town
This excursion begins early with a two and a half-hour drive along the Pan-American Highway to the beautiful mountain town of El Valle de Anton in the province of Cocle. According to geologists, El Valle is the crater of a dormant volcano, probably the largest in Central America. With a cool and pleasant climate, this picturesque valley rises 600 meters above sea level. This small town has a great variety of attractions such as a mountain called the "India Dormida" ( the Sleeping Indian). Upon arrival, visit the picturesque Sunday Indian market where large selections of native handicrafts are on sale. The tour continues with a visit to the ancient petroglyphs of the El Chorro Macho Waterfall and a trip to the Nispero Garden and Zoo take a look at Panama's famous the golden frogs and tropical animals. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Panama City in the afternoon. (B, L)
Day 4 Panama
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to Playa Blanca Resort on the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the day at this all-inclusive resort at the beach. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Hotel Playa Blanca
Free time to enjoy facilities and inclusive activities at this beautiful all inclusive beach resort. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Panama City
Morning return to Panama City to board our Plane to Boquete. Arrive at David Airport and transfer to Valle Escondido in the Highlands of Panama, overviewing the Baru Volcano. Overnight at Valle Escondido. (B)
Day 7 David – Boquete / Volcan
Breakfast at the Hotel enjoy the day at this magnificent project. You will have the opportunity to play golf at its new course or get to know the town of Boquete or Volcan. (B)
Day 8 David – Bocas
Day 9 Bocas Del Toro
Breakfast at the Hotel. Free Day you can go snorkeling, diving, fishing or take one of the many tours available on the Island (B)
Day 10 Bocas – Panama
Breakfast at the Hotel. At the appropriate time transfer to the Airport for your flight back to Panama City. Arrive at Albrook local airport and transfer to the Hotel Four Points Sheraton or similar.
Day 11 Panama
Breakfast at the Hotel. Free day to enjoy Panama City. (Custom day tours can be pre-arranged.)
Day 12 Adios Panama
Breakfast at the Hotel at the appropriate time transfer to Tocumen International Airport for your flight back home.
Sample Embera Indian day tour
The day tour of the Chocoe-Embera Indian communities in Chagres National Park takes about 8 hours.
After breakfast, your private guide will meet you at the hotel at 8am to begin. This cultural and natural history adventure takes you to an indigenous community and begins with a ride in a "piragua" (a native boat) following the route commonly used by the Indians for their daily transport along the Chagres River. Then hike through the forest with a local indigenous guide, an expert who will explain the botanical aspects of the trail and the culture of this authentic village. The hike will take you to a waterfall, where you will be able to swim or relax or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings. In the community you will witness the artisan’s handmade crafts and enjoy the knowledge of botanical plants. Their cultural dances and music will take you back centuries. If you would like you can also paint your body as they do with the fruit known as Jagua. We can also observe the grand variety of birds found in these areas, walk in the jungle, explore waterfalls and learn from a magical culture - all in just one day. (Please note there may be cultural nudity as sometimes the women go topless in addition to the men and children.)
Sample partial Canal Cruise
Call or email for custom itineraries ranging from luxury hotels to camping. Travel to Panama and see for yourself - why so many “retire” to Panama.
Panama has become the new preferred destination for people seeking to enjoy life at its purest with a modern and vibrant city combined with culture, beaches, indian tribes, rainforest, adventure and more... Panama is definitely much more than a Canal.
See below for sample Panama tour itineraries. Research locations for field-schools also available.
For more Panama tour itineraries and options, please see our website of:
Panama tours and custom travel programs for couples, families, groups, AND INSTITUTIONS
PANAMA TRAVEL
Panama is the perfect place for ecotourism and ethnotourism.
Panama has some of the world's most beautiful and biodiverse rainforests. As one indicator of biodiversity, Panama has more bird species than the US and Canada combined: 934. Furthermore, some of the best forests are located only 30 minutes from Panama City. Panama has not one, but 5 colorful indigenous tribes right out of the pages of National Geographic. Each of them has preserved its own fascinating lifestyle. Many live in accessible locations and are happy to share their life and culture with visitors.
Panama is the ideal destination for specialized activities such as birdwatching, fishing, snorkeling, sailing and diving.
One place in Panama, Bahia Pina, holds 170 world fishing records. There are five world-class diving and snorkeling areas- Bocas del Toro, Coiba Island, the Pearl Islands, Isla Grande and for historical diving, the Panama Canal itself. Pipeline Road, the scene of a world record (350 bird species counted in one day) is scarcely a half an hour from Panama City. In Panama, you can get very close to the best of tropical nature without traveling long distances, giving up your creature comforts or putting yourself in any kind of danger.
Panama is safe.
In fact, Panama is one of the safest tourist destinations anywhere. Panama was rated by the prestigious Pinkerton Intelligence Agency in the highest category for tourist safety. The crime rate is very low. Unlike other places in Latin American, most taxi drivers are honest and crimes that plague foreigners in other countries like purse-snatching and pick pocketing are rare.
Panama is tourist friendly with a first world infrastructure.
Panama has a sophisticated service-based economy, tap water you can drink, high quality services, excellent roads and highways. There is a long tradition of service to foreigners as an international crossroads city and the educated populace speaks English as a second language. Calculating the value of the local currency versus the American dollar? No problem! The currency of Panama IS the American dollar! Serious political difficulties are a thing of the past and Panama now has one of Latin America's most exemplary democracies. USA and Canadian citizens only need a passport and a free tourist card for entry.
Panama has a wide selection of beaches, island venues and activities.
With two coasts (Pacific and Caribbean), countless islands and Caribbean style beaches, there is much to choose from for beach vacations: full service resorts, exotic off-the-beaten-track getaways (Bocas del Toro), Indigenous reservation islands (San Blas) and Coiba Island a paradise for divers!
Culture in Panama
Panama owns a cultural multiplicity that makes it unique in the region, one of the biggest contributors to this cultural richness is the constant presence of visitors from all parts of the world. The origin of this singular cultural mix is without a doubt the crossroads characteristic of the country. In addition, the intense connection of Panama with the sea makes it very similar to an island of the Caribbean.
Being a point of contact and a crossing site, this small strip of land is considered a true crucible of races. With almost 3 and a half million inhabitants, its population is compounded 67% of mestizos (amerindian with targets) and mulatos (white with black), 14% blacks, 10% whites, amerindian 6% (indigenous) and a 3% of people are from varied ethnic origins. This mixture is particularly rich, because although it comes from cultural origins and very diverse traditions, the mixture has been stimulated by the atmosphere of tolerance and harmony that always has reigned in the territory.
Although the free religious creed is respected, the population of the country mainly professes catholicism, this religion is deeply bound to the traditions and cultural expressions. In the interior of the country, for example, the greatest celebrations are related to diverse saints. These saints are even denominated as the owners of different towns. One of the greatest celebrations relating to cultural and catholic beliefs is the Carnival of Panama. The Carnival is a massive celebration of four days that precedes to the Cuaresma.
Also an important part of the cultural wealth of the country are the traditions of the seven indigenous groups of Panama. These groups are based in semi-independent territories, in these territories they maintain the cheers and celebrations of their ancestral customs. These groups of indigenous origins cultivate music and dance traditions which date back many years, but their most appreciated cultural contribution are their abilities as masterful craftsmen. The artful pieces produced by some of these groups are true jewels, works of a great beauty produced by an art that has its roots in the pre-Columbian times. The Molas of the Kuna, chaquiras and chácaras of the Ngäbe, the miniatures of ivory palm and the baskets of the Emberá are of an unusual beauty.
Other many ethnic groups, of more recent arrival, complete the cultural enigma of Panama. Making it a warm and friendly place. The country has always been propulsive to the mixture of towns and cultures, which are then amalgamated here in a harmonic and dynamic way.
History of Panama
The geologic history of Panama is relatively recent. Approximately three million years ago, one narrow earth strip emerged from the sea as a result of tectonic movements and volcanic activity. This new isthmus separated waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, united the continental masses of North America and the South, created the Caribbean Sea and the current of the Gulf, transformed the world-wide climate before warming up the previously frozen coasts of Europe and gave rise to the African savannah. It also gave beginning to a massive interchange of the flora and fauna between north and the south, acting like life bridge that included the passage of the humans who populated all the continent.
Since then, the geographic position of Panama has played a predominantly strategic roll, in all senses. The slim silhouette of the country measures only 80 kilometers in its narrower waist, which allowed the construction of the Panama Canal, at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Even earlier, in the XVI century, Spain had turned Panama into a route of crossing between the seas and into an important commercial center within its empire. Spain transported its wealth by means of boats to the port of Portobelo in the province of Colón. From there, mules and cayucos loaded the merchandise through the isthmus all the way to the City of Panama to distribute to their colonies in the Pacific Coast of America. That concentration of wealth attracted pirates and privateers like the famous pirate Francis Drake, who attacked Portobelo in 1596 and Henry Morgan who attacked Panamá´s first City and set it afire in 1671.
Motivated by airs of freedom of the neighboring countries, Panama became independent from Spain in the month of November of 1821, to be united to the countries of the Great Colombia, conformed by Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. Nevertheless, Panamanian desire to become a free republic managed to come through and Panama was separated from Colombia in the third day of November in 1903.
In 1904 began the construction of the Panama Canal, considered the eighth wonder of the world. This work defined the vocation of the territory as a crossing site and interchange. Today, Panama is one of the most developed countries in Central America, and with greatest economic and tourist development in all of America.
With a healthy and effective democratic system, it is considered a very safe and prosperous country. Its service based economy, mainly in the tourism industry, the Panama Canal and the International Banking Center make it a highly successful country. It offers first world facilities like International Call Centers, modern shopping Malls and excellent professionals and technicians.
Panama is a rich country of great ethnic variety, a land of a singular combination of people and cultures, including seven courageous ethnical groups which survived the Conquest. In terms of difference of language, the ethnic group include the Bri-Bri, Teribes or Nazos, Ngabes, Bugles-Bolotas, Juna, Embera and Wounaan. The majorit of these Indian Panamanian people inhabit reserved territories, located throughout the country, wherein they exercise their ancient types of government and keep their traditions alive. Their natural, varied and attractive habitats, are realms where mother nature reigns.
Panama’s Nature
Small tropical country in size but huge in biodiversity, Panama offers the visitor an incredible and exuberant natural variety. An abundant vegetation and colorful variety of animals, gives you the opportunity to experience countryside vitality and the abundant Panamanian tropic. The ecologic richness is inherent of what lives in this biological bridge of numerous species which move between North and South America, since three million years ago. The contact with nature in this tropical paradise is a gratifying experience to whoever visits this country, which has destined more than 30% of the national territory to natural reserves.