Tour date: 2022 Cancelled – Stay Tuned For 2023 Dates
Trade and shipping have seen millions of people pass through Panama but few have ventured far from its famous canal, leaving the beauty of the ocean, forest, mountain and jungle relatively undiscovered and untouched. Our tour takes in Panama City itself, where the interesting blend of cultures is best appreciated before venturing out into the countryside to explore virgin territory. We stay in the small town of El Valle de Anton, nestled in the second largest inhabited volcanic crater. Explore the Herrara Highlands, an area profusely inhabited by indigenous groups from the pre-Colombian era. Enjoy spectacular views hiking through scenic cloud forests, home to diverse flora and fauna. Travel by boat through Panama’s first marine National Park and end the journey with a relaxing stay at the white-sanded Bocas del Toro.
Panama City (3 nights), El Valle Region (2), Chitre (1), Boquete (3), Bocas del Toro (4), Panama City (1)
Tour Highlights:
- Stay 4 nights in vibrant Panama City
- Visit the old panama ruins: Panama Veija – UNESCO World Heritage
- Travel on the famous Panama Railway
- Visit the Miraflores Lock – one of the three locks in the canal
- Stay 2 nights in the second largest inhabited volcanic crater
- Participate in a local workshop creating artesian handicrafts
- Hike the Pipeline Trail, considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Central America
- Learn about the honey making process at a private farm
- Relax on the palm shaded beaches of Bocas del Toro
- Boat tour through the San San Pond Wetlands in search of the elusive manatees
- Experience the marvellous manufacturing process of chocolate
- And more…
In order to make each tour a special experience space is limited to 20 people. We encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment and for the best air fares.
Flights: Call us for flight and air fare information from your closest airport in Canada as we can often access flights not easily found on the Internet and offer alternatives.
Tour price includes:
- 14 nights accommodation based on double occupancy
- Meals: all breakfasts, 2 lunches and 8 dinners
- All admissions and cultural visits listed in itinerary
- Air conditioned motor coach transportation
- Fully escorted by a Canadian Tour Leader and Panama (naturalist) guide
Not included: Travel insurance, air fare and transfers if your deviating from the scheduled group transfer.
Single supplement: $1160.00 CAD
Itinerary:
Day 1 - Panama City: Hotel Centro Americano
Welcome to Panama! A vibrant city full of skyscrapers and an international commerce hub recently referred to as “Central America’s Mini Dubai” due to its economic growth and increase in luxury.
Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 - Panama City: Hotel Centro Americano
Following an orientation we visit the ruins of Old Panama which dates from the late 1600’s. We will learn of the events in history leading up to the eventual movement of the capital city to its present location. Our tour finishes at Casco Viejo, one of Panama’s trendiest neighbourhoods. It is a UNESCO protected district, filled with colonial buildings and outstanding restaurants and shops.
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Day 3 - Panama City: Hotel Centro Americano
Today we board the Interoceanic Train for a scenic journey to Colon. The Panama Railroad became the first transcontinental railway when it was completed in 1855. The train follows the canal and runs across narrow artificial causeways in Lake Gatun that are indeed spectacular.
From Colon, we take a bus to Portobelo. This laid back fishing village is famous for its fort ruins and turbulent history as one of Spain’s most important pathways for the gold from the Americas. Following a walking tour, a young artist will teach us how to make traditional handicrafts.
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Day 4 - El Valle de Anton: Hotel Campestre
Cross over the Panama Canal on the Bride of the Americas and drive west to the beautiful mountain town of El Valle. This picturesque town is nestled in the crater of a huge extinct volcano and ringed by verdant forests and jagged peaks.
Upon arrival, we visit the famous town market known for its artesian handicrafts.
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Day 5 - El Valle de Anton: Hotel Campestre
In the morning, enjoy a guided hike around the valley taking in the breathtaking views and fantastic birding.
Enjoy a free afternoon at your own pace. With an extensive network of trails, this is a superb place for walking, hiking or horseback riding. Nearby forests offer excellent waterfalls and natural pools, butterfly gardens, bird watching and hot springs.
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Day 6 - Chitre/Azuero Peninsula: Hotel Cubita
Relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel to the Azuero Peninsula through the jungle and sugarcane fields.
Here we will discover the manufacturing process of regional products. Observe how salt is extracted from the Pacific Ocean and learn about the production of the refreshing sugar cane juice, as well as the famous La Arena bread. Thanks to the many sugarcane plantations in the region, we will get to see the distillation and bottling process.
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Day 7 - Boquete: Boquete Garden Inn
Today we drive through beautiful landscapes of cloud forests, volcanic peaks, fruit and vegetable farms on our way to Boquete. The small town is located in the highlands of Panama’s Chiriqui province, snugly fit into a lush valley and surrounded by towering mountains, gushing streams, and abundant coffee farms. It is so peaceful and quiet that it has been voted as one of the top 5 places in the world to retire.
Enjoy some time in town or wandering through the hotel gardens before our evening dinner.
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Day 8 - Boquete: Boquete Garden Inn
Enjoy the different sights and sounds of nature. This morning we will have a half day hiking tour on one of the most famous trails in the country: The Pipeline Trail. This is a excellent place to enjoy much of Panama’s biodiversity, including plants, butterflies, amphibians, monkeys and a large number of birds.
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Day 9 - Boquete: Boquete Garden Inn
Today we visit a private honey farm in the highlands to learn about the secret lives of bees and the complex process behind producing one of the most delicious ingredients in the world. Walk through the property’s beautiful gardens, filled with a variety of local plants and flowers, and then awake your taste buds to the delicious silkiness of freshly made organic honey with a unique honey tasting!
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Day 10 - Bocas de Toro: Swans Cay
Travel by bus and then a short boat ride to Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Rapidly becoming a Caribbean favourite, Bocas de Toro has it all – palm shaded beaches with crystal clear water, spectacular snorkeling and lots of wildlife. Culturally, Bocas is a melting pot of West Indians, Latinos and expats, resulting in diverse music, nightlife and food scenes.
Enjoy some time walking around Bocas Town and exploring the artisan shops before dinner.
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Day 11 - Bocas de Toro: Swans Cay
Bocas Town is the bustling center of the area and it is a great spot to start your exploration. Many of the shops, overwater bars and restaurants are located on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd street, meters from the hotel.
Today is a free day to simply relax by the pool, on the beach or possibly take a boat tour around the island chain, zipline through the rainforest canopy or snorkel in some of the most biologically diverse tropical coral reefs in the region.
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Day 12 - Bocas de Toro: Swans Cay
Early start today but its completely worth it to discover one of the secluded secrets of Panama – the beautiful San San Pond Sak Wetlands Reserve! Our day begins with an orientation talk to hear about the incredible work the rangers and volunteers do to help save this precious wetland ecosystem made up of complex lakes, streams, rivers and beaches. Our guide will point out many wildlife, flora and fauna as we travel via boat down the San San River in search of the endangered manatees.
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Day 13 - Bocas de Toro: Swans Cay
Enjoy the sweetest rainforest experience. A local farmer will teach us interesting aspects of cocoa and chocolate, from its origin and history, to the harvesting of the fruit, drying and grinding of the seed and of course taste testing!
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Day 14 - Panama City: Hotel Centro Americano
Back to city life! Head back to Panama to finish exploring this amazing city. Visit the Panama Canal, the 80km channel that joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The canal was built to maximize maritime trade and is one of the most important sites in the city. Visit the Miraflores Lock – one of three locks in the canal which work as water lifts for ships and vessels. There is a museum at the Lock where we will learn about the history and importance of the canal to Panama’s economic growth.
The afternoon is yours to explore and enjoy the city. In the evening, enjoy one last dinner with your group to reminisce about our favorite memories.
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Day 15 - Flight Home
Adios! Today we transfer to the airport for our flights home.
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Singles wishing to share: We often get requests for single travellers wishing to share accommodation. If you are interested in traveling with a companion please let us know and we can try to match you up with a suitable traveling partner.
Transfers: To and from the airport to your hotel are included on the tour dates. Airport transfers can be arranged for a cost when you purchase extra nights before or after the vacation.
Insurance: Medical insurance is mandatory. Cancellation and trip interruption insurance is optional. Premiums depend on your age, the length of time away and the cost of your tour and insurance will be discussed and quoted at the time of booking.
Payment Schedule:
Tour Deposit: $300.00 per person.
Forms of Payment: Cheque, Visa and Master Card or by e-mail. Payments made by credit cards will be subject to a 3 percent processing fee. For information regarding e-mail payments contact your financial institution. It is easy and convenient.
Cancellation Policy: In the event that you have to cancel you must notify Discovery Tours immediately in writing. The following scale of charges will apply according to the date that notice is received. Air fare penalties may differ and will be discussed at the time of ticket purchase.
| Notification: | Penalty: |
| 65 days or more | Deposit Only |
| 64 to 30 days | 50% of Tour cost |
| 29 days or less | 100% |
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"Journey Through Panama"
