Exploring the Isthmus of Panama

Today you’ll begin your international travel in Panama City, the capital of Panama. Your guide will start your tour as soon as you arrive pointing out several of the must-see spots around the city. You’ll visit the Panama Canal, Avenida Central – the city’s pedestrian walkway, and visit the Puba Culebra museum.

For the afternoon, the group will head to Casco Viejo, which is the old town and first settlement in Panama. There are numerous restaurants, shops and cafes to entertain you for the rest of the day. Be sure to grab a cup of Geisha coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. The Geisha beans are considered to make some of the best in the coffee world.

This morning you’ll travel by boat to the Guna Yuna Islands. Most of the archipelago’s 300-plus islands are deserted. The group will head to Comarca de Guna Yala for the day where you can spend your day snorkeling just off the beach or hiking into the jungle on a guided tour. You can also opt to work on your tan and spend your day relaxing on one of the island’s gorgeous beaches.

You’ll travel by boat today back to the mainland. The group will spend the day at Soberania National Park. There are more than 500 bird species to be found in the park, and more than 100 species of mammals, including several types of monkeys. 

While in the park, you might opt to hike the Las Cruces Trail which experts believe Spanish settlers used to transport gold in the 1500s. The group will return to Panama City for the night for an authentic Panamanian dinner and a bit of entertainment.

The group will board a small plane in Panama City this morning and head east to the neighboring towns of Boquete and Boca Chica. The first stop will be in Boquete, which is almost 7,000 feet above sea level. Here you can explore amazing hikes leading to jungle waterfalls, cloud forests, and jaw-dropping vantage points. 

After lunch, the group will travel to nearby Boca Chica. Once there, your guide will charter a small boat that will take the group to nearby beaches and neighboring scenic islands. Here you can also snorkel, kayak, scuba or charter a deep sea fishing excursion with the rest of your afternoon.

You’ll board a bus this morning and head north to one of the country’s most popular spots for tourists – Bocas del Toro. You’ll find plenty to do in this location. Spend another leisurely day on one of the many beaches. Charter a sailboat and explore the sea. Go ziplining, or on an adventurous jungle hike. There is also surfing and wildlife viewing available.

Today you’ll head back to Panama City by plane. Use the afternoon in the city to explore further, enjoy a few more authentic dishes, taste the local rum and pick up a few more souvenirs. Tonight the group will gather for a final Panamanian meal together with local entertainment.

The time has come to leave the beautiful Isthmus of Panama behind. You’ve seen gorgeous beaches, vibrant rainforest, a plethora of marine and jungle-dwelling animals, and interacted with the gracious Panamanian people. Your guide will get you to the airport on time and bid you safe international travel until you return.