Experience the Highlights of Panama
Your journey begins in Panama City, where modern skylines give way to the history-soaked streets of Casco Viejo and the world-famous Panama Canal. You will visit the Miraflores Locks and visitor centre to watch ships make their passage, then spend time exploring the capital’s contrasts, from colonial architecture to lively local marketplaces.
From the city, the pace shifts as you head into the rainforest on a motorised canoe trip along the Gatun River, travelling deep into jungle waterways to visit an Emberá indigenous community. It is an eye-opening experience that adds real depth to the itinerary, pairing scenery and wildlife with meaningful cultural insight.
Next, fly to Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean Sea for laid-back beach time and the option to arrange island-hopping across the archipelago’s palm-fringed islands and mangroves. Your trip then continues to Boquete in Chiriquí’s highlands, where cooler air, cloud forest walks and a coffee tour introduce a different side of Panama, alongside the chance to meet members of the Ngöbe-Buglé community before returning to Panama City for your journey home.
Visit several regions in Panama
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
See details in itinerary below
9 breakfasts, 3 lunches
What you'll experience
- Panama City: See where old colonial buildings sit alongside modern skyscrapers, with time to explore Casco Viejo and visit the Panama Canal.
- Bocas del Toro: Relax on white sand beaches or spend your days exploring the archipelago on an island-hopping tour, with snorkelling, mangroves and laid-back Caribbean atmosphere.
- Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands: Head into Panama’s cooler highlands for cloud forest walks and coffee country, with excellent opportunities to spot the resplendent quetzal.
- Indigenous community encounters: Meet members of the Emberá and Ngöbe-Buglé communities and gain insight into local traditions, daily life and culture.
What's Included
- International flights
- 9 nights’ accommodation
- 12 meals; 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches.
- Guided tour in Panama City including Miraflores Locks and visitor centre at the Panama Canal. Motorised canoe trip on Gatun River to the Embera Indian village.
- Guided walk and coffee tasting in Boquete.
- All car and boat transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary.
Prices from £4,199 pp
Excludes:
- Excursions not included in Bocas del Toro – speak to your travel specialist to arrange these prior to travel.
- Meals not indicated in your itinerary.
- Local departure taxes payable locally.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc.
- Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary).
- Camera or video fees at any sites.
Quick Itinerary
Highlights of Panama 12-day Itinerary
Days 1-4 UK - Panama City
Arrive in Panama City, the capital of the country and one of the wealthiest cities in Central America. The city has a distinctively cosmopolitan feel with modern, high-rise buildings and up-scale restaurants standing in contrast to quaint, colonial architecture and local handicraft marketplaces.
Over the next three days you will explore Panama City’s main highlights, including the Panama Canal where we try and coordinate your visit with a ship sailing through. You will have time to take in the historic buildings of Casco Viejo, Panama City’s old town dating back to the 17th century, as well as visiting colourful, local markets. You will also head into the jungle on a motorised canoe to visit the Embera tribe to discover their traditional customs and enjoy a typical lunch.
Days 5-7 Bocas del Toro
Located in the Caribbean Sea, Bocas del Toro is an archipelago made up of picturesque, palm-lined beaches, coral atolls, mangroves and tropical forests. Home to dolphins, stingrays, nursing sharks, sea turtles, crabs, lobster, starfish and much more, the waters surrounding the islands are ideal for snorkelling or diving. You can take island-hopping tours, sea-kayak, stand-up paddle board or simply relax on the white sand beaches.
Days 8-9 Boquete
Travel overland to Boquete. Located in the foothills of Baru Volcano, these fertile lands have become a haven for coffee growers, and you’ll get to visit a plantation to learn about the production process and try some local blends. You will also take a walk in the area to meet the Ngöbe-Buglé indigenous peoples and keep a lookout for the elusive quetzal as this is the best place in Panama to spot them. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy including several hiking routes up the volcano, rafting, zip-lining and horse riding, so it’s an excellent place to extend your stay if you want to explore further.
Days 10-12 Panama City - UK
Fly back to Panama City. Indulge in the city's modern side by exploring the trendy neighborhoods of El Cangrejo and Obarrio, where you can find a myriad of dining options, nightlife, and shopping experiences. Don't miss the chance to savor delicious Panamanian cuisine, influenced by a fusion of cultures, at local markets and upscale restaurants alike.
The following day, transfer to Panama City airport for your onward flight. You'll land back in the UK from Panama on day 12.
Speak to a dedicated Panama Travel Specialist today
All our Panama itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Highlights of Panama holiday and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.
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