Stefanie Lerner
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive into Panama City and the Old Quarter
Airport Meet & Greet to swiftly get you through immigration and customs. Our representative will meet you at the Tocumen International Airport to assist and transfer you to Hotel Central located in Panama City. Upon your arrival, check in and refresh before heading out on an evening food tour.
Experience a most delicious introduction to Panama’s history where you will be tasting some of its typical and innovative renditions that reflect the country’s diversity. Sample fresh ceviche, home-grown chocolate, some of the world’s finest coffee, and even locally brewed microbrew beer.
The undeniable charm of Panama, Central Hotel was built nearly 150 years ago in the heart of the city, facing the beautiful Plaza de la Independencia in Casco Antiguo (Old Town) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is one of many historic buildings recognized for its architectural significance, and was the first hotel in the country at the time of its opening in 1874. It quickly become a meeting place for intrepid travelers, the first French builders working on the canal, President Theodore Roosevelt and Count Ferdinand de Lesseps.
The hotel underwent full renovations, including meticulous work to preserve the façade and original structure with the finished property having a distinct feel of historic luxury. Enjoy cooling off on the rooftop pool and a refreshing drink at the hotel bar and restaurant.
Overnight Hotel Central
Day 2
Tour of Metropolitan Park and Ruins of Panama City
In the morning your guide will meet you at your hotel and head to the Metropolitan Natural Park for hiking and bird watching tour on a short nature trail.
Here you will have the experience of wildlife viewing in a city adjacent to a lush rainforest. While hiking to the mirador (lookout point), you will be fascinated by the beautiful views of Panama City, the bay, the Panama Canal and the national parks that protect the Canal’s watershed.
Afterwards, visit Panama La Vieja, the first city founded on the isthmus by the Spanish at the beginning of colonization. The remaining ruins are the vestiges of the city left by Pirate Henry Morgan, who sacked the town in 1671.
Overnight Hotel Central
Day 3
Half-day transit of Panama Canal
Today, you will be collected for your shared tour of the Panama Canal – hotel pick up at 6:00 am. You will experience a Partial Transit headed Northbound starting from Flamenco Marina. Set off on the vessel, the Pacific Queen and head towards the entrance of Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean. Take a moment to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s skyline before you pass under the Bridge of the Americas.
Start on the Miraflores Locks where the vessel is raised 18 meters above sea level in two distinct steps. Travel onward through a series of locks and learn about this incredible feat of engineering.
End the transit at the Gamboa Dredging Division and from here you head to Gamboa Rainforest Resort.
Hotel Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
Day 4
Hike Soberania National Park and Jungle Boat Tour
Today, you will board your boat and head off on an adventure across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal passing by monumental cargo ships transiting the waterway. Along the way, keep your eyes out for green iguanas, ospreys, snail kites, frigate birds, and other wildlife local to the area. The boat will circle rainforest covered islands, allowing us to observe and search for the mantled howler monkey, white-faced capuchin, and Geoffroy’s tamarin.
After the tour, we will hike one of the trails of the lush forest looking for more wildlife with your expert guide!
Hotel Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
Day 5
Private Transfer Gamboa to Albrook Airport and Fly to Bocas del Toro
Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred to Albrook Airport for your flight to Bocas del Toro (45-minute flight.) Upon arrival, you’ll have a private transfer from the airport to Casa Cayuco located on the island of Bastamientos. Check in and relax.
Embrace sustainability and escape from civilization at Casa Cayuco, an eco-adventure lodge where off-grid living and stylish open-air accommodation come together in perfect harmony. Nestled at the edge of the jungle, just steps away from the beach. This lodge’s remote location offers the opportunity to truly get away, island style.
The hotel uses solar energy and rainwater harvesting are some of their most obvious sustainability initiatives among other practices used.
At the heart of the lodge is uplifting local communities. The lodge collaborates with the Ngäbe-Buglé indigenous community of Salt Creek located 30 minutes by foot from Casa Cayuco. Salt Creek is one of the largest and most remote Ngäbe villages in the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
Roughly 900 people live in Salt Creek and over 250 are students between the ages of 5 and 15 years old. Casa Cayuco employs 22 people from Salt Creek, who in turn support over 150 people in the village. Just by staying at the ldoge, you help fund several service projects in the village throughout the year.
While at the lodge, enjoy use of snorkel gear, Stand Up Paddle boards, kayaks, and even a guided tour of the local village.
Overnight Casa Cayuco Ecolodge in beachfront bungalow
Day 6 - 7
Two days at leisure on the island
Choose to book additional off-site activities like snorkeling, boat tours or hikes to neighboring beaches and islands, surfing or just relaxing at the lodge and using their kayaks and SUPS to soak in the atmosphere.
Overnight Casa Cayuco Ecolodge in beachfront bungalow
Day 8
Depart Bastamiento Island to Bocas Airport
Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred to Bocas airport for your flight to Panama City.
Transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Overnight Hotel Central
Day 9
Depart Panama for your international flight home
Today at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Tocumen International Airport for your departure flight.
