Itinerary Highlights
- Explore Panama City’s old town and visit the Panama Canal to learning about its engineering
- Trek Boquete’s cloud forests to try and spot quetzals, solitaires and redstarts along scenic trails
- Discover flower, strawberry and coffee plantations on guided tours in the western highlands
- Relax on Bocas del Toro islands with snorkelling, diving, beach-hopping and dolphin-watching
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Discover the main highlights of Panama on this ten-night journey, from the country’s bustling city streets and iconic canal to the misty cloud forests and serene island beaches.
You’ll begin in Panama City, based in the heart of the old town, Casco Viejo. From here, explore the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods (each typical of its Latin American setting) and visit the world-famous Panama Canal, gaining insight into its engineering and broader role in global trade.
Next, head to the western highlands and Boquete, a region celebrated for its scenic walking trails and cooler, humid climate. As you move through the forest, keep an eye out for a variety of birds, including resplendent quetzals, solitaires and redstarts. The surrounding countryside is alive with flower, strawberry and coffee plantations, the latter of which you’ll learn about on a guided tour.
Your journey concludes on the Bocas del Toro islands, where you stay in an over-water bungalow at Punta Caracol. Here, the pace slows, and the turquoise waters invite exploration. Snorkel among coral reefs, dive underwater to discover colourful marine life species or take trips to secluded beaches. Plus, you can spend time observing dolphins or sampling the local cuisine in Bocas Town.
This itinerary is ideal for combining culture, nature and relaxation. You’ll move from the urban energy of Panama City, through wildlife-rich cloud forests, to the tranquil beaches of Bocas del Toro – with each stage carefully planned to give you a genuine sense of the country’s diversity.
Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to Panama City
Day 2 - 3 | Panama City
Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Panama City.
Stay for two nights at Central Hotel Panama in the heart of the old town (Casco Viejo), which can easily be explored on foot. With the redevelopment of the area, a host of new restaurants have opened, so there are plenty of dining options nearby.
On your second day in Panama City, visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal, where large ships can be seen transiting the canal. Enjoy a fascinating presentation by the Panama Canal Authority on the history of the Panama Canal and its workings as a feat of human engineering.
Depending on your travel dates, we can also include a partial or full transit of the Panama Canal, taking you from the Caribbean to the Pacific.
Day 4 | Panama City - Boquete
Transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to David and then on by road to the cloud forest town of Boquete, which nestles in the verdant valley of the Rio Caldera. Situated at an altitude of 1060m, the town has an ideal cool climate for the production of orchids, strawberries, root vegetables and, most importantly, coffee!
Spend three nights at Finca Lerida, a unique property located on a historic coffee plantation.
Day 5 - 6 | Boquete
For the second day in Boquete, venture deep into the Baru Volcano National Park. It's home to the Quetzal Trail, one of the most scenic hikes in Central America.
Observe the flora and fauna as you hike through the cloud forest, where ancient trees covered in moss, epiphytic plants and orchids join together to form a natural paradise. Birds you're likely to spot here include the orange-bellied trogon, three-wattled bellbird, black guan, hairy woodpecker, buff-fronted quail-dove and the resplendent quetzal.
On your third day in Boquete, enjoy some time to explore the highlands. There are a variety of hiking trails, rafting and coffee tours. Or, you can drive to the other side of Baru Volcano to Cerro Punta, where you'll see the pre-Columbian ruins at Sitio Barriles and orchid gardens.
Day 7 | Boquete - Bocas del Toro
Transfer from the mountains to the coast, where you take the boat to the beautiful islands of Bocas del Toro. With just eight over-water bungalows, Punta Caracol is a romantic retreat where you can easily access the crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkelling.
Spend the next four nights here.
Day 8 - 10 | Bocas del Toro
Day 11 | Bocas del Toro - Panama City
Take the short flight back to Panama City for your final night in this gem of a small country.
Return to Central Hotel Panama for an overnight stay.
Day 12 | Departure
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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