Get to know a fascinating strip of land that emerged from the sea 3 million years ago, dividing an ocean and joining two continents. As home to more species of birds and trees than you’ll find in all of North America, there’s plenty to see and enjoy in Panama. Attractions include a boat trip to Bayano Caves, a visit to an Emberá Indian village, hikes to waterfalls in beautiful rain forests, snorkeling in the Gulf of Chiriquí and a tour of the Panama Canal.
Language
Spanish
Time Zone
GMT -5
Currency
Panamanian Balboa (PAB)
Average Temp
79° F
Panama Expedition
Canals, Cloud Forests & Wildlife
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
Arrive in Panama City
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall
Day 2 – LAKE BAYANO / LAKE ALAJUELA
Private transfer to Lake Bayano:
- Boat trip around Lake Bayano islands
- Short hike to Bayano Caves for guided visit inside
Private transfer to Lake Alajuela:
- Boat trip on the Rio Chagres to a waterfall
- Visit to Emberá Indian village – traditional lunch
Accommodations: Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – AL VALLE DE ANTON
Private transfer to El Valle de Anton:
- Panama’s largest handicrafts market
- Cooking class at Three Sisters Global Gourmet Cooking School
Accommodations: Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – PANAMA CITY / COLÓN / GAMBOA
Train ride from Panama City to Colón
- Private guided tour of Agua Clara Visitor Center – Panama Canal Atlantic side
- Pass through Gatun Locks & Sherman Fort en route to San Lorenzo Fort
Lunch at Los Lagartos overlooking the Chagres River
Private transfer to rainforest resort
Accommodations: Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK
Private half-day guided hike:
- “Camino de Cruces” – connecting the Pacific to the Atlantic
- View many species of plants & animals
Accommodations: Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – GAMBOA / MOUNT TOTUMAS CLOUD FOREST
Private transfer to Panama City for flight to David
Private transfer to cloud forest lodge
Accommodations: Mount Totumas Bellbird Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – MOUNT TOTUMAS CLOUD FOREST
Nature, wildlife & birdwatching tours
Accommodations: Mount Totumas Bellbird Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – MOUNT TOTUMAS / BOQUETE
Private transfer to Boquete
- Shared tour of Finca Lerida Coffee Plantation
Accommodations: Finca Lerida Coffee Plantation & Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – BOQUETE – CERRO PUNTA
Transfer to Cerro Punta
Hike Los Quetzales Trail back to Boquete
Accommodations: Finca Lerida Coffee Plantation & Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 – BOQUETE – CHIRIQUÍ VIEJO RIVER
White-water rafting (shared)
Accommodations: Finca Lerida Coffee Plantation & Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – BOQUETE / BOCA CHICA
Private transfer to Pacific Oceanfront hotel
Accommodations: Hotel Bocas del Mar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – BOCA CHICA – GULF OF CHIRIQUÍ
Transfer to Boca Brava for Panga boat tour:
- Golfo de Chiriquí National Marine Park
- Isla Gamez or Isla Bolanos snorkeling, swimming, beaches
Accommodations: Hotel Bocas del Mar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 – BOCA CHICA / DAVID / PANAMA CITY
Private transfer to David for flight to Panama City
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 – PANAMA CITY / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private transfer to airport for flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $6,200 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, international airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
We took three trips arranged by NEI to Peru, Ecuador and Tanzania. Our private tours, with just the driver/guide, my wife and me, were planned with great attention to detail and helped us enjoy ourselves without having to worry about the logistics. All vacations were spectacular, done very well by the NEI staff and their local contacts. Highly recommend.
Lou D.
Lakewood Ranch, FL
When to go:
Best times are from December to April
What to eat:
Sancocho (chicken soup), Ceviche (marinated raw fish), Carimañolas (stuffed yuca fritters)
What to pack:
Light-weight clothing; light jacket or sweater; shawl or scarf; swimwear; comfortable walking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; binoculars; universal adapter
