Exploring Panama in 8 Days
"There is a place where can you visit two oceans, explore the rainforest, climb mountains, tour vibrant urban areas and cities, meet people from a long list of different backgrounds and cultures, and choose from fourteen national parks. It is a place where you encounter the largest number of flora and fauna throughout the Americas. It is a country where you can find ruined fortresses, evidence of the famous pirates of old, and where an almost endless list of outdoor activities awaits.
Where is this impressive place? - It is Panama."
Day 1: Arrival in Panama
At the day of your arrival in Panama one of our Panamanian representatives will pick you up at the International Airport Tocumen and transfer you to your hotel.
Lodging in Panama City
"Gatun Lake - The Panama Canal is much more than a marvel built to transit vessels from one ocean to another. With it, a vast zone of tropical forest has been devoted to protect its main resource: fresh water.
We take you to explore this wonder in expedition kayaks to allow you a close encounter with the sorroundings of the Canal - Nature, our treasure that makes it possible.
Every time a ship crosses the canal towards the Pacific Ocean at Miraflores Locks or towards the Atlantic Ocean at the Gatun Locks 52,000,000 gallons of fresh water are spilled from Gatun Lake. It used to be the world biggest artificial lake. With the creation of Gatun Lake many mountain tops were turned into islands. It offers endless channel possibilities to scout wildlife. In its shores covered by dense tropical forest you will find all kinds of tropical flora and fauna."
Day 2: Panama Canal Gatun Lake Kayaking & Miraflores Locks
After enjoying breakfast, you'll get picked up at 8:00 am and driven along the Panama Canal, passing by Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, to the Gamboa Public Ramp. The journey continues through the Canal for another hour by motorboat, and then you will switch to 2-person expedition kayaks once we are at the Lake.
We spend the next few hours scouting channels through the forest, with a break for lunch and to rest on our motor boat. While wildlife is never completely predictable, we are almost guaranteed to see different types of monkeys, including Capuchin (white-faces), howling, spider, and titi. Animals that also can be spotted are Jesus Lizards, king fishers and fishing eagles and if we're lucky we may also see turtles.
On the way back we'll stop at the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks and learn about its operation. The Canal is still vital to world trade, without it there wouldn´t be world’s commerce as we know it.
Lodging in Panama City, Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
"Bocas del Toro - the "Caribbean West" area of Panama, is a place that looks exactly like a picture postcard of paradise. Pristine white sand beaches, brilliant blue sea waters, and small islands that seem as if they were made by the hand of a talented designer rather than nature all add up to instant relaxation. The name of the area translates to "mouth of the bull", but such an unappealing name does not do the area any justice. Formed by the mainland, a lagoon, nine small islands and a bay, Bocas Del Toro includes the city of Bocas Town (on Isla Colon), Almirante, and Changuinola. The archipelago contains 68 different islands, and all of them are open for exploring, bird watching, swimming, or just enjoying as you sit on the sand and soak in the sun."
Day 3: Bocas Del Toro
We will catch a 9 am domestic flight to Colon Island, gateway to the Caribbean Archipelago and Province of Bocas Del Toro, at the northwest of Panama.
And today, after checking in our lodge by the sea we will head toward Playa Estrella, behind Boca del Drago to relax and snorkel.
Lodging at Limbo Hotel, Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Bocas Del Toro
After breakfast we get in a motorboat to tour mangroves areas and then go across Dolphin Bay (where it is almost guaranteed we will encounter dolphins) on our way to Cayo Zapatillas. Here we will have lunch, relax and snorkel at its coral reefs. We should be back to our lodge around 4:00pm. At night we will walk through town and visit some night life spots.
Lodging at Limbo Hotel, Meals Included: Breakfast
"Boquete - a small and charming mountain village tucked away on the eastern slopes of “Baru Volcano”. In the mountainous area of Boquete, you will find the coffee heartland of Panama, this region is also wildly popular because of its remarkably pleasant weather. It is one of the most protected locations, meaning that a majority of the area is natural and pristine. It is known for its farmers, who produce citrus, flowers, vegetables and fruits.
It is also popular with those who love the outdoors and there are many ways to explore and interact with this setting while visiting the region. Additionally, this region served as the only refuge of the Ngobe Bugle Indians, and they still live in the Chiriquí highlands as well."
Day 5: Last day in Bocas and transfer to Boquete
After breakfast, we will depart in a 30 minutes boat ride to mainland where our shuttle will take us across the continental divide in a 2 hour drive through a beautiful mountain scenery to arrive by 11 am to our lodge in Boquete.
After lunch we are up for a completely thrilling zip line. Imagine gliding through the tops of trees that are over a century old, high above pristine rivers, traversing a cloud forest of century-old trees and waterfalls where at any time you may encounter fog and the gentle rain called "bajareque", as well as monkeys. Around 5:30pm you will check back into your hotel, clean up, and then you have time to investigate the little city for your new favorite restaurant.
Lodging Hotel Valle del Río, Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6: Cloud Forest Hike & Coffee Farm
In the morning we will do a three hours cloud forest hike learning about this unique environment. You’ll venture out on one of the many scenic trails surrounding “Barú Volcano”, home to diverse flora and fauna, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, sloths, deer, peccaries, and any of the hundreds of species of birds that live here.
Then after lunch we will check out a local organic farm where coffee is planted and processed. You’ll learn about the process of coffee, from farm to cup, taking in the sights and tastes of a place that artfully balances traditional methods with modern advances.
Lodging Hotel Valle del Río, Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
"The most popular, and best known river to enjoy white water rafting in Panama is the Chiriqui Viejo, by the Costa Rican border, with a lot of wave trains and Class III+ sections, check White Water Rafting Panama - Rapid Classification HERE."
Day 7: River Rafting
Today we will raft on the Chiriqui Viejo River. With most rapids being Class III, the river is eminently suitable for beginners but with challenging rapids. Depending on the water level and section used we will be rafting about 3-4 hours.
Lodging Hotel Valle del Río, Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Panama City Tour
Today we will visit the main sights in Panama City:
Casco Antiguo: Also called San Felipe, it showcases a spectacular view of Panama City. You will visit historic buildings such as San Jose Church, the National Theater, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the old Slave Market and the Old Spanish Prisons.
Amador Causeway: A beautiful site where 3 islands were united with the mainland by using materials removed during the Panama Canal excavations. You get to choose from several gourmet restaurants and enjoy the view of ships leaving the Canal and the city.
The Old Panama Ruins: A visit to the Old Panama Ruins, a strategic spot for the Spanish trade during colonial times.
Lodging in Panama City: Zen Hotel, Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9: Departure
This morning we bid a fond farewell to this country we have come to know and are transferred to the International Airport for our flight home or on to other adventures.
Meals Included: Breakfast
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
All mentioned transportation, kayaks and related gear, camping gear (tent, sleeping pad and blanket), guides, included meals, and local taxes. Our guides are trained in sea navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.
Lodging:
3 nights at Hotel, Panama City
2 nights at Hotel, Bocas del Torro
3 nights at Hotel, Boquete
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches
WHAT DOES IT NOT INCLUDE?
International flight, airport tax, personal expenses, meals not specified in itinerary and extras in hotels (laundry, room service, phone calls).
WHO CAN GO?
Persons that enjoy to team up for camping and paddling in the outdoors, in good health, and fine physical conditions.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG?
Daily items: Swimsuit or a pair of short for navigating, sneakers or light boots with good soles and water-shoes or Teva type sandals, a cap, sun-block, a light jacket or windbreaker (in case the weather turns chilly), a towel and dry sets of clothes. Dry-bag, personal hygiene items.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT?
Leave objects than can be destroyed by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc.
ESTIMATED PRICE:
Minimum 10 Participants
From $ 2250.00 per person
NOTES:
(1) Aventuras Panama reserves the right, at its sole criteria, to exchange program with similar activities or accommodations in case it considers it necessary always providing similar value.
(2) Participants should get familiar and agree with Aventuras Panama Terms and Conditions.