On this journey you will visit some of Panama's most stunning Caribbean beaches, the San Blas Kuna Kingdom and experience an unforgettable encounter with the Embera tribe in the Panama Canal watershed. Then you will hike the mountains of Chiriquí on the Costa Rican border, to observe rare and elusive bird species in a tropical cloud forest. Finally, enjoy the beauty of Bocas del Toro, an Afro-Panamanian paradise on the Caribbean coast.
Day 1: Arrive to Panama
A representative will meet you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel in Panama City.
Day 2: Chagres National Park/Indian Village
After breakfast visit a paradise found in its purest form. This tour leaves Panama City at 8:00 AM and begins with a ride in a "piragua" (a native boat) following the route commonly used by the Indians for their daily transport along the Chagres River. Then hike through the forest with a local indigenous guide, an expert who will explain the botanical aspects of the trail and the culture of this authentic Chocoe-Embera village. In the village members of the tribe will share their culture through dances, rituals, food, etc. You will have the opportunity to partake in jaguar body painting with vegetable ink. Arrival back to Panama City is estimated at 4.00 PM (BL)
Day 3: San Blas Islands
Depart from your hotel early in the morning for a 25- 40 minute flight to San Blas Archipelago airstrip on Panama’s Atlantic Coast. Then you will be transferred by a motorized dugout canoe to the very rustic, but charming San Blas lodge of your choice. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the Kuna India’s principal community. You will enjoy beautiful beaches on the nearby islands. Lunch and dinner feature fresh San Blas seafood. (BLD)
Day 4: San Blas Islands
Rent (or bring your own) snorkeling gear to explore the beautiful reefs in San Blas, relax on white-sand beaches or in a hammock under the palms. (BLD)
Day 5: Panama City
Early in the morning return from San Blas to Panama City. Your afternoon will be free for relaxation or shopping at your leisure. Optional: folkloric show and dinner at Tinajas Restaurant. Spend the night at a hotel in the city.
Day 6: Chiriqui Cloud Forest
Early morning transfer by airplane to David in the western province of Chiriqui, bordering Costa Rica. Then transfer by car to the quaint mountain town of Boquete. Enjoy the afternoon in the beautiful highlands hiking, riding horses or taking other optional tours such as visiting a private flower garden or coffee plantation. Spend the night at lodge in Boquete. (B)
Day 7: Boquete/Baru Volcano
After breakfast explore the trails around the Baru Volcano National Park with a naturalist guide. You will have the opportunity to see the elusive and Resplendent Quetzal in its mountain habitat of wild orchids and bromelias. You will have a box lunch in the field. Lodging will be in Boquete. (B, Box Lunch)
Optional: White water river rafting, Tree Trek or zipline adventure in the cloud forest.
Day 8: Bocas del Toro
Early transfer to David Airport for your flight to Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean. Here you will experience Afro-Panamanian culture. Transfer to your hotel in the town of Bocas. The rest of the day is free for town exploration or optional tours. (B)
Day 9: Bocas del Toro
After breakfast you will enjoy a tour of Bastimentos Marine National Park to snorkel, go beach combing and have an outdoor lunch. Lodging will be at a hotel in Bocas. (B)
Optional: Scuba diving and kayaking tours.
Day 10: Panama City
Return to Panama City and transfer to your hotel. Your afternoon will be free for town exploration or relaxation. (B)
Day 11: Transfer Out
Transfer to the international airport approximately two hours before your scheduled
departure time. (B)
2011 Prices per person, double occupancy in US$: $2500 each for 2 people, $2360 each for 4 people, $2250 each for 6 people
The Panama Journey is quoted on base of lodging as follows:
* Country Inn Dorado or similar in Panama City
* Yandup Lodge in San Blas
* Finca Lerida or similar in Boquete, highlands
* hotel Bahia or similar in Bocas del Toro
We can offer upgrades on this hotels if you want.
Program includes:
* meet and greet upon arrival
* 10 nights lodging
* private air-conditiooned transportation throughout tour
* meals as specified
* entrance fees to national aprks and other attractions, as speicified
* English-speaking guide
* domestic flights
* information kit
* lodging and indigenous taxes
Program does not include:
* optional activities
* international airfare and taxes
* departure taxes ($20 per person for Panama)
* meals not specified
* alcoholic beverages
* personal equipment
* extras in hotels and gratuities