Nichole Savenor
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Panama City Arrival
Upon arrival, you'll meet our representative and transfer to your hotel nestled in Casco Viejo, the old town within Panama City. After taking time to settle in, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with an expert guide. As you stroll through the historic streets, you'll stop at ancient monasteries and bustling squares.
Visit the Panama Canal Museum to learn more about the history of this critical maritime passageway. Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of the city.
Overnight Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Day 2
Wildlife & Panama Canal
After breakfast this morning, head to Gamboa, a town 45 minutes north of Panama City, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal.
Cruise in a comfortable boat across Gatun Lake. As you go, you'll pass colossal cargo ships making their way to and from the Canal. Your guide will point out local wildlife like sloths, boisterous monkeys, and toucans. Make a stop for lunch at a local resort.
Next, head to the Miraflores Visitor Center for a VIP Panama Canal experience. Your visit will begin with a 45-minute IMAX 3D presentation narrated by the legendary Morgan Freeman. Then, with your expert guide, you'll have a chance to go behind the scenes of the Panama Canal's operations! Your VIP tour offers exclusive access to the sidewall of the locks, which is closed to the general public. This allows you to get close to the locomotives that pull the ships through the Canal. After, return to Casco Viejo with the evening at leisure. Relax at the hotel pool as you breathe in the ocean air or take a trip to the spa. For dinner, try out one of the numerous on-site restaurants or bars.
Overnight Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Day 3
Emberá Indigenous Immersion
The Emberá live within the jungle of Chagres National Park, which occupies an area of 131 thousand hectares. Its mature forests represent 88.6% of the entire Panama Canal Watershed, forming a fundamental part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.
After breakfast, depart your hotel and enjoy a one-hour ride to the public dock, where you'll board a traditional canoe for a 45-minute ride to the community. Here, you'll be welcomed and begin learning about their lives and culture.
Your hosts will share aspects of their traditional culture, including natural medicine stories told by their botanist, their relation to the spirit world, dances, crafts, and food. You will also have the opportunity to have a temporary jaguar tattoo.
As you end your experience, say goodbye to the community, and, on the way back to the public dock, complete a short hike to visit a waterfall. Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Day 4
El Valle de Antón
This morning, visit the Amador Causeway with your private guide for views of Panama City's skyline. Head inside the world's first Biodiversity Museum (Biomuseo). At this Smithsonian-affiliated interpretative museum, you'll learn about the significance of the biodiversity on the Isthmus of Panama and how this small piece of land changed the world. This was the first museum designed by Frank Gehry in Latin America.
This afternoon, you'll have a ground transfer to El Valle de Antón (2-3 hours), located in the highlands of Panama and known for its lush landscapes and cooler climate. Nestled within a volcanic crater, this charming valley offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take time to get settled into your hotel, enjoying the facilities they offer, including two swimming pools (one heated), spa services, and the beautifully landscaped gardens that enhance the serene environment.
Overnight La Compañía del Valle
Day 5
Exploring the Rainforest
After a hearty breakfast, set out for a day of activity in the rainforest!
First, your naturalist guide will take you to Cerro Gaital Natural Monument, declared a protected area in 2001. The tributaries of the Antón River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean, and the Indio River, which flows into the Caribbean Sea, originate in the monument. The latter is essential for the operation of the Panama Canal. Explore this vital area as you hike trails that venture through the forest and into the heart of Panama's rich biodiversity. Enjoy a view of El Valle de Antón from above.
This afternoon, you'll have an e-bike adventure! Take your explorations of El Valle de Antón further as you cruise along a variety of paths. Stop at the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center, which is dedicated to the conservation of endangered amphibians, including the famous golden frog. The foundation aims to conserve amphibians, raising awareness about the challenges faced by frogs around the world.
Return to your hotel with the evening at leisure.
Overnight La Compañía del Valle
Day 6
Pozo Azul Waterfall
Today, you'll start with a transfer to Pozo Azul Waterfalls. This hidden gem, located in a small town of the same name, boasts a series of cascading waterfalls that flow into each other and down into spacious natural pools. Take a dip into the turquoise waters to cool off from Panama's heat, relax, and look out at the surrounding flora and fauna.
You'll have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the tranquil environment of your hotel.
Overnight La Compañía del Valle
Day 7
Transfer to Cambutal
Today, you'll transfer to the beachy village of Cambutal by helicopter transfer. Enjoy fantastic views of rural and coastal Panama along the way.
Upon arrival, check into Sansara Surf and Yoga Resort. Head to the beach right in front of the resort and take time to unwind, listening to the lapping waves and enjoying the sunshine. The rest of your day will be at leisure. Check out all that your resort has to offer with a trip to the saltwater pool or a luxurious spa treatment.
Overnight Sansara Surf and Yoga Resort
Day 8
Surf and Turtles
After breakfast, you'll have a surf lesson! Your resort boasts a world-class surf school where you can learn about and practice this exhilarating sport. Whether you're a beginner eager to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer, your instructor will be able to guide you and share their best tips.
In the afternoon, you'll have the chance to observe turtles in their natural habitat during turtle season. Spot these magnificent creatures and learn more about them from your knowledgeable guide. Then, return to the resort with the evening at leisure.
Overnight Sansara Surf and Yoga Resort
Day 9
Whale Watching and Waterfall
Today, embark on a comfortable boat and set out into the Pacific Ocean for exciting wildlife spotting opportunities. Many dolphin species, including the false killer whale, call these waters home, and humpback and pilot whales are also frequent visitors! Soak in the sun as your knowledgeable guide shares more about these curious marine mammals.
In the afternoon, you'll have a chance to head back into the jungle to visit another hidden waterfall. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight Sansara Surf and Yoga Resort
Day 10
Bocas del Toro
After breakfast, you'll have a ground transfer to Pedasi. From here, you'll have a private flight to Panama's Caribbean paradise: Bocas del Toro. Head to your accommodation, Nayara Bocas del Toro. This resort, located on a private island within the archipelago, boasts overwater villas and treehouses, a fine dining restaurant specializing in international cuisine, and opportunities for relaxation at the spa and in both the pool and sea.
Overnight Nayara Bocas del Toro
Day 11
Isla Escudo de Veraguas
Start your morning on a luxury boat and sail to Escudo de Veraguas, a remote island in a protected area with both beaches and tropical forests.
This full-day adventure begins with a 1.5-hour boat ride to one of Panama's most biodiverse destinations, home to unique wildlife like the critically endangered pygmy three-toed sloth. You can snorkel, paddleboard, relax on secluded beaches, and explore hidden lagoons teeming with marine life.
Afterwards, return to your hotel and take time to unwind.
Overnight Nayara Bocas del Toro
Day 12
Chocolate and Bioluminescence
Today, you'll head to the Ngäbe Indigenous Community of San Cristóbal. Discover the art of chocolate-making from bean to bar, guided by local artisans who have preserved this craft for generations.
Learn about the cacao plants and taste organic chocolate prepared using ancestral techniques. Immerse yourself in the community's way of life, gaining insight into their traditions and connection with the land. This enriching experience supports local livelihoods while offering a deep appreciation for Panama's indigenous heritage and its finest artisanal chocolate. Savor a traditional lunch before returning to your hotel.
In the evening, you'll enjoy nature's light show! Sail out to the best spots to watch the bioluminescence display, which comes from microorganisms that glow once the sun sets. Dive into the water, watching the ocean light up around you.
Overnight Nayara Bocas del Toro
Day 13
Departure Day
After a final morning in Panama, it's time to head home. You'll have a commercial flight to Panama City in time for your onward connection. Leave with memories of a rich cultural experience and adventures both in the jungle and by the beach!
