Essence of Panama 9 days.
Price per person from: $ 1650:-
A boat tour along the Panama canal, coffee plantations at Boquete, the national park Barú Volcano and white sandy beaches with turquoise waters gives you the perfect Essence of Panama. If you want to stay longer- prolong your trip with sun and bath or combine with a tour in Costa Rica!
This 9-day tour starts in Panama City where we take a boat ride on the famous Panama canal. We then fly down to Boquete to visit a coffee plantation and to explore the beautiful national park around Barú Volcano.
Our journey then takes us to the wonderful Bocas del Toro where we can enjoy white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. There are plenty of activities to get involved in in the area. Why not try snorkeling, watch dolphins or just take the opportunity to relax!
This is included:
Domestic flights in economy class.
Transfer in buses with A/C.
All taxes and service charges.
8 nights in standard double room on bed and breakfast basis.
Share tour on the Panama canal with lunch.
Shared walking tour Giant Millenary Querus Hike.
Meals according to below program.
Travel guarantee via Swedish Kammarkollegiet.
Day to day presentation:
(B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
Day 1: Arrival to Panama.
Upon arrival to Panama a representative will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your city hotel for your first night in Panama.
Panama City is the capital and largest city in the country. It is home to a diverse blend of cultures and an enormous historical sector in the Old City. The lively and vibrant banking district on the other hand is very modern and often compared to Miami. Panama City is a thrilling location you will surely enjoy dur-ing your visit to this gorgeous country.
Day 2: Panama canal.
After a transfer from your hotel to Flamenco Marina, the partial transit starts with a motor coach ride for 45 minutes to the town of Gamboa where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located. Once in Gamboa, you will aboard the cruise ship to start the water portion of the tour. You will enter the canal at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visi-tors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. Your boat will travel the Cut’s 13.7 kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. In this area you will also be able to observe the work in pro-cess for the Panama Canal expansion project.
Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. Next, your ship will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Mi-guel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 16 meters in two distinct steps.
Once in the Pacific Ocean the vessel will sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina where you disembark. On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline. Upon arrival at Flamenco you will be transferred back to your city hotel. (B,L)
Important Note: This tour normally operates Friday & Saturday . It can be change to fit your travel dates
Day 3: Panama City – David – Boquete.
In the morning you will be transferred to the domestic airport in Panama City to fly to David. Upon arrival to David our representative will pick you up and bring you to Boquete.Enjoy spring-like weather all year round!!
Tucked away on the eastern slopes of Barú Volcano at 1200 meters is the small and charming mountain village of Boquete. Known to produce some of the sweetest oranges and richest coffees in all of Panama, Boquete is quickly becoming a destination for those visitors seeking the sunniest though cool mountain weather.
Check in at the beautiful Finca Lerida, a lodge in midst of a Coffee Plantation. The rest of the day is free at leisure. (B)
Day 4: Millenary hike
This amazing hike begins in a Nature Reserve that belongs to Baru Volcano National Park, it retraces the steps of pre-Columbian Indians into a remote virgin cloud forest, surrounding the perimeter of Baru Volcano, habitat of 5 of the most ancient trees in Panama. During the hike you will have the experience of visiting the enormous Quercus Trees that survived a volcano eruption 800 years ago. These magnificent millenary trees grow naturally throughout primary forests of Panama and Costa Rica. The trail parallels Quebrada La Mina, a gorgeous creek that meanders through the ridges and valleys above Boquete. With more than 220 bird species native to the area, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, birding opportunities abound. During the hike, you will also have great possibilities to spot mammals such as howler monkeys, white faced capuchins and two-toed sloths. This adventure offers the chance to see the cloud forest like no other hike will do and it is suitable for all passengers given the easy and accessible trails. (B)
Day 5: Boquete – Bocas del Toro
You will be taken from Boquete to Isla Colon on the paradisiacal Bocas del Toro archipelago. This transfer starts with a lovely 3 ½ hour drive through the highlands and down to the Caribbean coast where you board a boat to Bocas del Toro.
Isla Colon is the largest and most developed island of the archipelago. It is home to the provincial capital of Bocas del Toro, a colorful town made of wooden houses built in the early 20th century. Isla Colon serves as a convenient hub for exploring the archipelago as water taxis can bring you away to remote beaches and magnificent snorkeling sites. The appeal of Bocas is basically slowing down and soaking up the Caribbean vibes. (B)
Day 6-7: Bocas del Toro
Free days at leisure to spend in Bocas del Toro. Take advantage of these free days and participate in one of the optional tours such as snorkeling, dolphin watching, hiking or just relax at the beach. (B)
Day 8: Bocas del Toro – Panama City
Local flight from Bocas del Toro back to Panama City. (please observe the flight only allows 12 kg in luggage) Upon arrival you will be transferred to your city hotel for your last night in Panama City. Enjoy an evening out in the vibrant and lively capital often com-pared to Miami. (B)
Day 9: Departure.
You are transferred to the airport for your flight home.
This is not included:
International flight. (Can be bought on your own or via us)
Local departure airport tax.
Meals not mentioned in the program.
Drinks.
Tips.
Travel insurance.
The prices are based upon the lowest booking class and season. Prices are calculated per person in shared double room.
We reserve ourselves against changes in currencies and increased flight taxes. The airline tickets have to be paid immediately following a booking.
