Located in the natural gateway between Central and South America, Panama offers an irresistible blend of Caribbean and Pacific, relaxation and adventure, old and new. With a topography that includes volcanic peaks, lush tropical rainforests and misty highlands, an astonishing array of experiences await to be enjoyed here, while the surrounding waters and islands provide a plethora of options for marine adventures. This ten-day journey takes in some of the finest experiences the country has to offer, from hiking and wildlife watching in cloud forests of the Chiriquí Highlands, sampling some of the finest coffee and chocolate in the Americas and absorbing the striking contrasts of Panama City. Round off the experience with time to relax and snorkel in crystal-clear Caribbean waters from a boutique luxury base in Bocas del Toro.
PANAMA ENCOMPASSED
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the Panama Canal
- Hike through pristine cloud forests in search of sloths, monkeys and myriad birds
- Enjoy world-class white water rafting in the Chiriquí Highlands
- Feast on farm-to-table cuisine and superb coffee in a rural hacienda
- Take a speedboat adventure through the dolphin-filled waters of the Bocas del Toro archipelago
- Swim and snorkel in Caribbean waters from a boutique private island resort
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Panama City
Upon arrival in Panama City you will be met by your private driver and driven to your hotel located in the heart of the atmospheric Casco Viejo. A wealth of attractions, bars and restaurants can be found on the doorstep, and the balance of the day is at leisure for you to recover from the journey or begin exploring at your own pace.
Overnight: Hotel La Compania
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Day 2 Panama City & the Panama Canal
Today is dedicated to a comprehensive exploration of Panama City and its famous canal with your private guide. Begin with a drive out to the Agua Clara Visitor Centre, located on the Atlantic side of the mighty Panama Canal. Here you can take in the impressive views of the locks and explore the range of fascinating exhibits narrating the history of the Panama Canal. After ample time to explore, your driver will take a route along the spectacular Amador Causeway, where you can enjoy views of the canal on one side and the city skyline on the other. Arriving back in the Casco Viejo, your guide will accompany you on a fascinating journey uncovering the rich history of the city and the highlights of the Old Town.
Overnight: Hotel La Compania
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Day 3 Travel to Boquete
Leave Panama City behind today and take a short flight to the city of David, gateway to the Chiriquí province. From here you will transfer to your welcoming countryside hotel located in the serene Chiriquí highlands. This region of Panama is renowned for its flora and fauna, hiking trails and rich heritage of coffee production, and the family-run Panamonte Inn is the most authentic and comfortable base for exploring the area.
Overnight: Hotel Panamonte
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Day 4 Hiking, wildlife and coffee in the Chiriquí Highlands
After breakfast at your hotel you will set out with your guide to explore the delightful Chiriquí Highlands. Embark upon a scenic hike through the nature reserve surrounding the Baru Volcano National Park, following in the footsteps of the region's pre-Columbian indigenous community to a pristine area of cloud forest growing around the base of the volcano. Along the way you will be able to observe ancient trees, some of which survived a volcanic eruption some 800 years ago, all the while keeping a lookout for the rich flora and fauna of the region which includes white faced capuchin monkeys, two-toed sloths and over 200 species of bird. Back at the hotel, enjoy a little downtime before setting out for a memorable evening at a family-run hacienda, where you will take in a live culinary demonstration, coffee tour and settle in for a six-course tasting menu of delicious farm-to-table cuisine.
Overnight: Hotel Panamonte
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Day 5 White water rafting adventure
Another draw of the Boquete region is the opportunity to enjoy world-class rafting along the rivers that rush through the forests and valleys surrounding the Baru Volcano. Rafting options to suit all abilities are available today, from gentle paddles along Class II rapids to exhilarating circuits through Class IV and V rapids, ideal for those with more rafting experience and an appetite for adventure. A picnic lunch will be taken on the banks of the Chiriquí Viejo river and, at the end of your rafting, you will be driven back to your hotel where you can round off the day relaxing in the flower-filled gardens or perhaps arranging a soothing massage treatment.
Overnight: Hotel Panamonte
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Day 6 Travel to Bocas del Toro
Bidding farewell to the highlands today you will return to David and take the short but scenic flight to Bocas del Toro via Panama City. This region is the beating heart of indigenous and Caribbean culture in Panama, and a string of forested islands are surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs. Your base for the coming days is a boutique resort located on a private island, where you can swim and snorkel directly from your overwater bungalow.
Overnight: Nayara Bocas Del Toro
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Day 7 Relaxation and marine adventures in Bocas del Toro
On your first full day in your private island resort you may wish to begin the relaxation process with serene contemplation of your surroundings from your private deck, refreshing swims in the Caribbean waters or time spent by the swimming pool or on the overwater sandy beach. The spa is another highlight should you need to unwind from the exertions of the previous days, or - if you find yourselves getting restless - you could hop on one of the complimentary kayaks or paddle boards to explore the surrounding mangroves.
Overnight: Nayara Bocas Del Toro
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Day 8 Snorkelling, dolphin watching and Caribbean beaches
Today you will set out on a private speedboat adventure taking in some of the highlights of Bocas del Toro archipelago. Begin at nearby Dolphin Bay where you will be able to observe bottlenose dolphins in a calm lagoon surrounded by mangrove forests. Continuing on to Coral Cay you will spend time at two different snorkelling sites, delving into the dazzlingly clear waters in search of the rich array of marine life and coral gardens. After lunch on the beach travel on to your final stop, Red Frog Beach, where you can spend a blissful few hours in this picture-postcard setting of turquoise waters and palm-fringed golden sands.
Overnight: Nayara Bocas Del Toro
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Day 9 At leisure in Bocas del Toro
On your final day in Bocas del Toro you may wish to venture out on one of the optional excursions available from the resort, such as a chocolate tour at the Green Acres Chocolate Farm, or fishing trips in search of snapper and barracuda. Alternatively, remain in the laidback surroundings of the resort to enjoy a final day of attentive service, world-class dining and pure relaxation.
Overnight: Nayara Bocas Del Toro
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Day 10 Depart
Take the speedboat transfer back to Bocas del Toro in plenty of time for your flight back to Panama City and onward flight home.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICE - Per Night
| High season | $ 9,029 |
| Low season | $ 6,890 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is per person based on two adults sharing a room
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast, and all meals and drinks at Islas Secas (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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