Leslie Hsu Besner and Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Casco Antiguo
As you arrive at Tocumen International Airport, an Elevate Destinations representative will greet you and accompany you to your hotel in the charming old city of Casco Antiguo.
After a moment to settle in, your guide will bring you on a half-day walking tour. This journey through history will bring the old city compound to life. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this district dates back to the late 1600s and is characterized by picturesque colonial houses, narrow alleyways, and grand churches. Your guide will share the history and stories behind unique sites, including historic squares, ancient monasteries, and the Panama Canal Museum.
For dinner, you have the freedom to dine at a restaurant that appeals to you. Afterward, enjoy drinks at a rooftop bar while taking in the beautiful skyline of Panama City.
Overnight Hotel La Compañía
Day 2
Flight to Cambutal
This morning, your guide will take you to the airport for your short flight to Pedasi. Upon arrival, you will be collected and transferred to Cambutal, a remote beach destination where the jungle meets the ocean. The tropical and serene Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort will be your home for the next four nights. Enjoy the stunning views while sipping a complimentary welcome beverage upon arrival.
On your first day in Cambutal, you'll have free time to enjoy the hotel and its amenities. Relax on the beach and prepare for the exciting activities planned for the upcoming days. You can also take advantage of the saltwater swimming pool and complimentary bicycles, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
Situated on the Azuero Peninsula in Panama, Cambutal features beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountain views, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation. At Sansara Resort, you can surf along the beautiful Pacific coastline, enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh local produce, or practice yoga while listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean. Enjoy sea views from your oceanfront cabana, and relax on your private patio just steps from the water. Each cabana combines traditional design with tropical elements and includes amenities such as hot water, air conditioning, and organic bath products to ensure a comfortable and intimate experience.
Sansara Resort was built with a focus on sustainability, preserving large trees on the property and using locally sourced, sustainable materials such as certified wood, recycled materials, and natural fabrics. The resort also features eco-friendly systems, such as a chemical-free saltwater pool, as well as water and energy-efficient fixtures.
Sansara practices mindful employment by supporting the local community. The resort purchases items locally and ensures that a significant portion of its staff comes from the nearby town of Cambutal.
Overnight Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort
Day 3
Surf Lessons and Turtle Observation
Begin your day with an exhilarating morning surf lesson guided by experienced instructors committed to helping surfers of all skill levels. As you wait to catch the warm Pacific waves, you'll have a moment to pause and appreciate the coastal scenery surrounding you.
After a relaxing afternoon enjoying the resort's amenities, get ready for a magical evening of turtle observation. Under the moonlit sky, you will have the opportunity to witness sea turtles nesting or hatchlings making their journey to the ocean.
Overnight Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort
Day 4
Boat Adventure & Jungle Hike
This morning, you'll be transferred by boat from Cambutal to experience one of Panama's most remote coastlines, where your waterfall hike will begin. Along the way, you'll see the mountains of Cerro Hoya National Park, and if you're lucky, you might spot marine life, such as whales, turtles, marlin, and tuna.
To access the hiking trail, the boat will drop you off at a local family's farm. From there, your guide will lead you upstream through the jungle to a waterfall and a freshwater pool. After enjoying this beautiful location, you will return to the farm for a traditional Panamanian-style lunch.
August marks the arrival of humpback whales from Antarctica to tropical waters to reproduce or give birth. Dedicated whale-watching experiences are available during this month.
Overnight Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort
Day 5
Beach Day & Sunset Horseback Ride
Start your day by enjoying the calming sounds of the waves and the peaceful atmosphere to help center yourself for the day ahead. After breakfast, spend your late morning lounging by the infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Sip on refreshing coconut water or one of Sansara’s signature juices from the bar. If you're feeling adventurous, borrow a paddleboard and explore the gentle waves. You can also indulge in other optional hotel amenities, such as a luxurious spa treatment or a morning yoga session.
In the evening, meet your guide for a scenic horseback riding experience. Ride along the shoreline and take in the vast ocean views, especially when the sky transforms with the golden hues of the setting sun.
Overnight Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort
Day 6
Panama City
Early this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Panama City.
Upon arrival, your driver will take you to the iconic Miraflores Visitor Center. There, you will enjoy a 3D IMAX presentation narrated by Morgan Freeman that brings the history of the Panama Canal to life. After the presentation, you will be able to witness the Canal’s lock system in action, accompanied by your guide.
Overnight La Compañía Hotel
Day 7
Wildlife Boat Adventure and The Biodiversity Museum
Today, you will spend time in Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal. Enjoy a cruise across Gatun Lake on a comfortable boat, passing by colossal cargo ships and observing local wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, and toucans.
Enjoy lunch at Gamboa Resort before visiting the on-site sloth sanctuary to learn about conservation efforts focused on these adorable creatures.
This afternoon, your guide will take you to the Amador Causeway, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Panama City skyline and visit the world’s first Biodiversity Museum. This interpretive museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, will teach you about the connection between the Isthmus of Panama and the surrounding biodiversity. You will also discover how this small piece of land has had a significant impact on the world.
Overnight La Compañía Hotel
Day 8
Departure Day
Today, you will be transported to Tocumen International Airport to take your flight back home.
