Nichole Savenor
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Panama City
Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide, who will accompany you to the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama City.
After you have settled in, your guide will collect you for a walking tour of the old town. Take a journey through history as your trip brings the old city compound, Casco Antiguo, to life. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this district dates back to the late 1600s and is characterized by picturesque colonial houses, narrow alleys, and impressive churches. With a guide at your side, see the unique sites of interest in the area, like The Flat Arch, Cathedral, Las Bovedas, and French Plaza, while they shed light on Panama's early history.
During the tour, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a private chocolate workshop in the Old City.
Overnight at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Day 2
Gamboa and Panama Canal
Early this morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby to set off on a journey to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal.
Step aboard your boat and venture across Gatun Lake, passing by monumental cargo ships making their way through the waterway. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the trip; you might spot sloths, monkeys, and even toucans.
As you continue, prepare to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World: the Panama Canal. Enjoy exclusive access to learn about the fascinating history and remarkable engineering that make this iconic landmark so remarkable.
Overnight at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Day 3
Emberá Indigenous Experience
Early this morning, your private driver will collect you from your hotel for the scenic drive to the dock. From there, the remainder of the trip will be aboard a traditional canoe until you reach the Emberá community in Chagres National Park. The warm and welcoming Emberá people will share their heritage and culture, including fascinating stories about their traditional medicine told by a knowledgeable botanist with a deep understanding of their relationship with the natural world, insights into their connection with the spirit world, and captivating dances, crafts, and traditional foods. You’ll even have the chance to get a temporary jagua tattoo during your visit.
On your way back, you will have the option to do a short hike to visit a beautiful waterfall.
Overnight at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Day 4
Portobelo
Begin your day with a visit to the Biodiversity Museum at the Amador Causeway, an interpretative museum affiliated with the Smithsonian. Here, you'll discover the intriguing relationship between the Isthmus of Panama and its rich biodiversity, and how this small landmass has had a profound impact on a global scale.
For lunch, you'll experience why Panama City is celebrated by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, as you enjoy a meal at one of our favorite local restaurants.
As you bid farewell to Panama City, your driver will take you to Portobelo. This beautiful Caribbean coastal destination seamlessly combines the history of UNESCO-listed fortresses with the stunning scenery of Portobelo National Park.
Once a bustling colonial port between the 16th and 18th centuries, Portobelo welcomed galleons from Spain, which loaded them with treasures of gold and silver from the Americas. While the Spanish soldiers are long gone, the Congo community remains.
After savoring a delightful dinner featuring local flavors, you'll join in on traditional dances and songs that represent the cultural treasure of Portobelo.
Overnight at El Otro Lado
Day 5
Portobelo National Park
Start your day with a scenic boat ride along Panama's Caribbean coast to "Venas Azules," a stunning natural channel that invites you to kayak and snorkel in its crystal-clear waters. Accompanying you on this adventure in the Portobelo National Park will be a knowledgeable naturalist, conservationist, and independent researcher who has dedicated the last 15 years to studying this remarkable area.
After lunch, your guide will take you to the ruins of the old fort, steeped in colonial history and tales of pirates. While there, you'll also visit the Afro-Panamanian Memory Museum housed at the Real Aduana de Portobelo.
Overnight at El Otro Lado
Day 6
El Otro Lado Private Retreat
Enjoy a day at El Otro Lado Private Retreat in Portobelo, where you can relax in style or choose from a selection of curated activities that highlight local art, Afro-Caribbean culture, and the surrounding natural landscapes.
Overnight at El Otro Lado
Day 7
Luxury Catamaran in San Blas
Early this morning, depart El Otro Lado with your private driver for the short drive to Linton Bay Marina, where your sailing adventure begins. Board a 56-foot solar-powered luxury catamaran, featuring four spacious cabins, each with its own private bathroom, ensuring a comfortable and eco-friendly experience.
On your first day, you'll set sail towards the stunning San Blas Islands, giving you the entire afternoon to relax on the quiet beaches, swim in the sparkling waters, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this Caribbean paradise.
Overnight on a Luxury Catamaran
Day 8 - 9
Sailing the Caribbean Islands
Over the next two days, you’ll sail aboard the comfortable catamaran through the Dutch Cays, one of the Caribbean's exclusive gems. Enjoy snorkeling adventures above colorful reefs, guided by a knowledgeable local marine expert.
Visit some of the archipelago’s most secluded and stunning islands while enjoying delicious, fresh meals—lobster, king crab, fish, and tropical fruits.
On your final day, immerse yourself in a vibrant ancestral culture that thrives through its traditions, language, and way of life. You'll be warmly welcomed by the Guna Yala community, where sacred dances, rituals honoring nature, and vibrant handwoven molas will provide you with a glimpse into their heritage.
Wrap up your day on pristine white sand beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring coral reefs, or simply soaking up the sunset over the Caribbean. As evening falls, the gentle waves and warm breezes create a calming and restful atmosphere for your final night.
Overnight in Luxury Catamaran
Day 10
Departure Day
On your last day, the catamaran will take you back to the airstrip, where you’ll board your private flight to return to Tocumen International Airport for your departure.
