Splendors of Panama

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Tocumen Airport - Panama City

  

  Welcome at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. First contact with the country, then your driver will take you to your hotel. Night at the Riande Granada hotel. Standard room. Included: private transport, room and breakfast.

• day 2

  Panama City - Miraflores Locks - Panama City

  

  Your driver will pick you up for a full-day city tour in Panama City. First stop at Panama La Vieja, which was the country's first capital before being destroyed by the famous pirate Henry Morgan. Then, 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 liners, or tiny sailboats...). In addition, exhibitions trace the history of the construction of the locks and describe how they work. Next, you will head to the Casco Antiguo. This bohemian district immerses you in the country's historical past, with typical alleys and colorful buildings leading to the Place de France. Discover the art deco architecture and the cathedral. At the end of the afternoon, transfer to the hotel. Note 1: Panama La Vieja site is closed on Mondays. Note 2: the visit to the Miraflores locks is scheduled according to the timing of the ships' passage. Overnight at the Riande Granada hotel. Standard room. Included: private transport, entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program, room & breakfast.

• day 3

  Panama City - Emberá Community - Gamboa

  

  Early in the morning, your driver will pick you up at your hotel for a transfer to the Embera Indians, near the banks of the Rio Chagres, where a community representative will be waiting for you. Day dedicated to meeting the Embera Quera. You will go to the Rio Gatún dock, from where you will take a motorized canoe to one of the community's villages. On the other side of the river, you will be welcomed by the cacique (spiritual leader) and the children of the village. Throughout the day, you will discover their way of life and traditions, among which the art of tattoos will be presented to you. You will also have the opportunity to be introduced to their knowledge of medicinal plants and to attend a performance of ancestral dances, then go to a small island to observe the monkeys. Finally, a typical fish-based meal will be served to you in banana leaves. In the afternoon, your driver will pick you up at the dock and take you to Gamboa. Night at the Monkey Lodge hotel Standard Room with air conditioning Included: private transport, excursion (group service), local guide, lunch (excluding drinks), breakfast, room.

• day 4

  Gatun Lake - Gamboa

  

  Head towards Lake Gamboa, where you will board the boat “Monkey Lodge II” for a cruise on the canal, getting as close as possible to the ships transiting between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You will approach some islands inhabited by different species of monkeys, including the famous capuchins that live in the region. The day will continue by kayak for a calmer ride through the meanders of Lake Gatun. You will paddle up to the source of one of these meanders to swim and discover the lush surrounding nature. For those who wish, it is possible to fish and cook your catch over a wood fire. A discovery of the canal like no other! Duration: about 8 h 00. Overnight at Monkey Lodge hotel Standard Room with air conditioning Included: equipment rental, local guide, lunch (excluding drinks), private transport, breakfast, room.

• day 5

  Gamboa - Albrook Airport - Bocas del Toro Airport - Bocas del Toro

  

  Transfer from Gamboa to Gelabert Airport (Albrook). Flight to the Bocas del Toro archipelago, in the Atlantic Ocean. Note: Please note, limited luggage weight (about 14 kg per person for checked luggage and 2 kg for carry-on luggage). Additional charge of 3 dollars per extra kilo. Arrival in Bocas del Toro and check-in at the hotel. Overnight at Divers Paradise hotel. Double room. Included: private transport, domestic flight, room & breakfast.

• day 6

  Bocas del Toro

  

  You start the day with snorkeling at Punta Hospital, before heading to Bastimentos Island to observe dolphins at Bahia Honda. You then travel through a canal inside the mangrove for about 20 minutes (it is possible to spot sloths, caimans, and different species of birds), then meet the local guide for a short hike in the jungle of about 20 minutes. You may observe red frogs, sloths, and sometimes monkeys along the way. You then enter the cave where you can observe several species of bats on the ceilings and explore the cave up to a small natural pool. Note: possibility of a typical meal made with local products at the rate of 7 US$ per person (not included). Schedule: from 9am to 2pm (or from 10am to 3pm) Night at Divers Paradise hotel. Double Room. Included: entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program, excursion (group service), local guide, transport in group service, room & breakfast.

• day 7

  Bocas del Toro

  

  Discover the northern part of Colón Island, where you first go to Bird Island. You then head down to Boca del Drago for a short walk during which you can discover the magnificent landscapes along the beach. Free time to enjoy Playa Estrella beach, about 3 hours. Option to have lunch in local restaurants (not included). You end the day with a snorkeling activity. Schedule: 10am to 4pm Overnight at Divers Paradise hotel. Double room. Included: excursion (group service), local guide, transport in group service, room & breakfast.

• day 8

  Bocas del Toro

  

  Free day to enjoy the region's beaches. Please consult us for the various water activities not to be missed on site. Night at the Divers Paradise hotel. Double room. Included: room & breakfast.

• day 9

  Bocas del Toro - Almirante - Bocas del Toro - Albrook Airport - Tocumen Airport

  

  At the port of Bocas del Toro, board a motorboat to Almirante. Note: about 30 minutes of navigation, ticket not included. You will take a flight to Panama City. Note: limited luggage weight (about 14 kg per person for checked luggage and 2 kg for carry-on luggage). Additional charge of 3 dollars per extra kilo. Transfer from Gelabert (Albrook) airport to Tocumen International Airport to take your international return flight. Included: domestic flight, private transport.