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Explore the amazing sights and sounds of Panama, a country many travelers see only from the deck of their cruise ship. Yet there is so much to discover! Panama is home to lush rain forests, pristine beaches, and an abundance of rare wildlife. Our itinerary is a balanced mix of activity and relaxation, and gives you a sampling of historic Panama City, the coral reefs and fascinating marine life of Bocas del Toro, and the rainforest wildlife near the Panama Canal.
With the help of naturalist guides, you’ll get up close with Gatun Lake’s green iguanas, three-toed sloths, spider monkeys and more during a leisurely boat cruise. Look for the elusive and resplendent quetzal, volcano hummingbird and long-tailed silky-flycatcher in Finca Lerida, a privately owned preserve in Boquete. And boat through a canopy of red mangroves, hike lowland forest and snorkel among coral reefs in Bastimentos National Park, Panama’s first marine national park.
In Chiriqui province, which boasts some of the most breathtaking highland scenery in Central America, you’ll have your choice of activities: Take a four-hour hike along Los Quetzales Trail in the cloud forests of the Baru Volcano National Park or embark on a white water rafting trip down the Chiriqui River’s Class III or IV rapids.
Perfect for both nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, this memorable tour lets you discover and celebrate the best of this fascinating region.
Price includes:
• 7 nights accommodations: 4 nights in Panama City, 2 nights in Bocas Del Toro and 1 night in Boquete
• Daily breakfast, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
• All on-tour transportation
• Services of naturalist guides to enhance wildlife viewing
• Expedition boat tour on Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal
• Excursion on the Trans-Isthmian Route
• Choice of white-water rafting on class III & IV rapids of the Chiriqui River OR a 4-hour hike along Los Quetzales Trail at the foothills of Baru Volcano
• Visits to: City of Portobelo, Finca Lerida Wildlife Preserve, Fortuna Dam, Bastimentos National Park, Salt Creek Village and Boca del Drago
• Airport and hotel transfers within Panama
Take a Deeper Panama Plunge
Ask your AAA Vacation Specialist about a pre-tour of Panama’s San Blas Islands or a post-tour Panama Canal transit. |
Day 1 - Arrive in Panama City
Upon arrival, you are met at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: The Country Inn Panama Canal - 3 nights
Day 2 - Panama Jungle Boat Adventure
Board an expedition boat for a voyage across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal while gigantic cargo ships transit the waterway. Spot green iguana and three-toed sloths resting on tree branches, sunning crocodiles, and osprey on the hunt for fish. Keel-billed toucans are some of the most brightly colored birds you may see. Search small islands for white-faced capuchin, howler monkeys, spider monkeys and the endemic red-napped tamarin.
Day 3 - The Trans-Isthmian Route
Board the famous Panama Canal Railway train for a one-hour ride to Colon. From there continue to Portobelo, famous for its trade fairs during the 17th century. Visit the historic customs building and the Spanish fortifications. Afterwards travel west and cross the Panama Canal over the Gatun Locks to Fort San Lorenzo. On the return to Panama City, visit the remnants of the Las Cruces Trail, a 400-year-old colonial trail used by the Spaniards to transport gold across the isthmus.
Day 4 - Chiriqui: Los Quetzales Trail or White Water Rafting
Fly to David, capital of the Chiriqui province, which boasts some of the most breathtaking highland scenery in Central America. Travel by van to Cerro Punta for a four-hour hike along Los Quetzales Trail around the foothills of Baru Volcano, the highest peak in the country at 11,411 ft. above sea level. Hike in the cloud forests of the Baru Volcano National Park and complete your hike near the town of Boquete where you are greeted and taken to your hotel in town.
For those who choose the white water rafting expedition, the outfitter’s guide will greet you at the airport in David for your drive to the river put-in location. Your river experience will likely include Class III or IV sections of the Chiriqui River. Drive time to and from the river as well as the length and difficulty of the rafting will depend upon which section of the Rio Chiriqui is being run. A picnic lunch will be served on the riverbank. End your day by traveling to Boquete to meet the rest of the group.
Accommodation: Hotel Panamonte - 1 night
Day 5 - Finca Lerida / Continental Divide / Bocas Del Toro
Explore Finca Lerida, a privately owned preserve in Boquete, and look for the elusive resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, black-faced solitaire, volcano hummingbird, long-tailed silky-flycatcher and prong-billed Barbet in their cool habitat of orchids, bromeliads and wild avocados. Then cross the Continental Divide en route to Bocas del Toro, with a stop at Fortuna Dam. Cross the Palo Seco protected area that serves as buffer zone to La Amistad International Park. In Almirante transfer by boat to Colon Island.
Accommodation: The Bocas Inn - 2 nights
Day 6 - Bastimentos Marine National Park & Salt Creek Village
Depart by boat from the Bocas Inn traversing the expanse of Bastimentos National Park, Panama’s first marine national park. Reach Salt Creek by navigating through clusters of red mangroves. Upon arrival walk along Caiman trail through several stages of lowland forest where various birds make their home, along with mammals such as night monkeys, white-faced capuchins and three-toed sloths. Visit an indigenous community and afterwards snorkel among mangroves and coral reefs searching for numerous fish species, sea fans, sponges and brittle starfish.
Day 7 - Boca Del Drago / Panama City
Take an early morning boat ride to Boca del Drago around Colon Island. Visit Swan's Cay which serves as rookery for red-billed tropic birds and brown boobies. Along the coastline we make stops at coral reefs and mangrove isles for snorkeling. Fly to Panama City and stop at the Balboa handicraft market for some last-minute shopping before arriving at the hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: The Hotel Executive - 1 night
Day 8 - Depart Panama
Transfer to Tocumen International Airport for your flight home.
