Tour Overview
Panama reminds us of a promising actress. There's no denying she has the potential to hit the big time: rain forest, mountains, historical sites, palm trees, beaches, coral reefs, deep-sea fishing, Spanish-colonial architecture and unusual Amerindian cultures. And she has the Panama Canal, a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction for cruise-ship passengers and those who opt for smaller boat tours. With a few breaks, Panama could be a star. Panama is a narrow country of mountains and rain forests - it's only 50 mi/80 km across at the narrowest point (along the canal) and 120 mi/193 km at its widest. It forms a land bridge between the two American continents, but it does not lie north-south. It actually stretches east and west in an S shape. That is why, in Panama, it's possible to see the sun rise over the Pacific and set in the Caribbean. The country's shape also means that a boat moving from the Caribbean to the Pacific leaves the canal farther to the east than it enters.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Panama City, Panama - Sobrina National ParkArrive Panama City and transfer to your luxury resort located on the Panama Canal, in the heart of the lush Panamanian Gamboa Rainforest Resort (D) Day 02: Barro Colorado Nature Monument
Early morning visit to Barro Colorado Nature Monument and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Enjoy a short boat transfer in canal and walking on reserve nature trails with STRI guide for 3-4 hours as well as tour of lab facilities and buffet lunch in the commissary. Afternoon visit to the Smithsonian Marine Experience on Isla Culebra at the mouth of the canal. Here, learn about the rise of the Isthmus that created the different oceans. Dinner in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Casco Viejo, the walled old city of Panama. Gamboa Rainforest Resort (B,L,D) Day 03: Soberania National Park - Kuanidup Island
Early morning transfer to the Panama City airport to board your flight to Kuna Yala airstrip. Upon arrival in Kuna Yala, you are met and transferred by motorboat to the small white sand island of Kuanidup. Arrival and check-in to the island’s Indigenous Lodge. Your indigenous lodge has comfortable cabins, dining area, white sand everywhere and excellent snorkeling. Kuanidup Indigenous Lodge (B,L,D) Day 04: Kuanidup Island - Sichirdup Island
Motorboat to Sichirdup Island, where you will enjoy fantastic snorkelling (some of the richest and most diverse in the Caribbean,) sea kayaking and a rich island environment. Tonight dine under the stars and sleep in an exclusive beachside campsite. Exclusive Camping (B,L,D) Day 05: Sichirdup Island - Kuanidup Island
Transfer by motorboat to an uninhabited portion of the mainland to walk up the pristine Rio Mangles. Enjoy creek bed hiking through the pristine rainforest provides wonderful opportunities for wildlife viewing. After lunch, return boat transfer to Kuanidup Island. Relax in the hammocks and use this final day for visits to the surrounding communities for discussions with the Neles (Kuna shaman, last minute “mola“ and artefact shopping as well as organizing your equipment for departure back to the mainland Kuanidup Indigenous Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 06: Kuanidup Island - Boquete Valley
Return motoboat transfer to Kuna Yala this morning, your aircraft meets you on a runway in the rain forest for your flight back to Panama City. Exchange gear for the coming days and transfer by plane to David. Arrive David and transfer to the high mountain valley of Boquete on the slopes of Vulcan Baru. The afternoon includes bird watching in the fascinating La Amistad National Park. This beautiful park is an extremely rich cloud forest region that Panama manages in collaboration with Costa Rica. This region was the most southern glaciated region during the last ice age and one of Central America’s largest parks. A trek in the park here is a fantastic experience with wonderful Quetzal viewing opportunities. Panamonte Bed & Breakfast (B,L,D) Day 07: Boquete Valley
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in the Boquete Valley. You may wish to schedule an optional activity such as; quetzal viewing; coffee farm tour; 4x4 to the summit of the Baru Volcano (view both oceans from 9,000ft;) trekking in the high mountain rain forest; white water rafting; hot springs excursion; orchid farm tour (Boquete is the orchid capital of the world;) horse back riding; or mountain biking. Panamonte Bed & Breakfast (B,L,D)
Day 08: Boquete Valley
Today you enjoy a full day excursion to the Fortuna Research Station high on the continental divide in La Amistad (if a visit to the research station is not possible, an alternate excursion will be arranged.) The Fortuna Forest Reserve covers over 20,000 hectares of wet mountain forest, renowned for its endemic species. We will explore the reserve and it’s extensive network of trails and learn about the various research programs being conducted at the site. Richly colored frogs, beautiful birds and luscious forest fill the day with impressive memories. Along the way stop and hike to the refreshing Rio Chiriqui to bathe in the cool fresh water, as well as soak in the glorious hot springs. Return to Panamonte in the late afternoon. Panamonte Bed & Breakfast (B,L,D) Day 09: Boquete Valley - Panama City - Gamboa
Morning return transfer to the David airport to board you flight to Panama City. Transfer to the Gamboa Rainforest resort. This afternoon, you are transferred Cascoe Viejo in Panama City for a walking tour of the ruins as well as the Canal Museum. This evening you will enjoy cocktails and a fantastic sunset (gaze 360 degrees over the canopy) from Canopy tower followed by a farewell dinner. Casco Viejo at Los Cuatro Tulipanes (B,L,D)
Day 10: Panama City - Depart
Transfer to the Panama City airport to board your homebound flight. (B)
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