Panama Tropical Discovery
Panama Canal, Rainforests, Volcanoes and Beaches
Southwind’s newest itinerary takes travelers through the best-loved highlights of Panama with a tasting menu of its most exciting landscapes and cultures.
You’ll find yourself easily transported through drastically changing scenery, from the urban metropolitan areas to carefully conserved rainforests, from a highland cloud forest where looming volcanoes and coffee plantations coexist, and finally to the coast with its islands, mangroves and long stretches of stunning beaches.
Trip Highlights:
- Get a panoramic view of Panama City from the edge of Old Town’s historical quarters
- Witness the lifting and lowering of massive ships in the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal
- Rise above the rainforest on a 130-foot observation tower in Soberania National Park
- Have a cross-cultural encounter with the tribal people of the Embera Quera community
- Navigate the Panama Canal on a private boat to Gatun Lake, surrounded by tropical wildlife
- Fly through highland cloud forest treetops in a canopy-level zip line adventure
- Seek the elusive resplendent quetzal and other exotic birds in Finca Lerida’s private reserve
- Follow the footsteps of pre-Columbian Indians hiking through primary cloud forest
- Explore the Gulf of Chiriqui National Park by boat, on foot, by kayak and by snorkel
- Toast the sunset over the Pacific Ocean aboard a sundown boat ride
Panama Tropical Discovery
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1 (SAT): USA / PANAMA CITY
Arrive to Panama City, where you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to a lovely hotel in the heart of Old Town.
DAY 2 (SUN): PANAMA CITY / GAMBOA RESORT
Take in Panama’s urban life at the Miraflores Locks, a tour of Old Town, and a visit to the Biodiversity Museum before driving to a tropical resort.
DAY 3 (MON): SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK / EMBERA VILLAGE
The rainforest adventure begins with a visit to Soberania National Park and a cross-cultural encounter in the Embera community.
DAY 4 (TUE): PANAMA CANAL / BOQUETE
Take a private boat excursion into the Panama Canal, take an aerial tram through the treetops, then fly to David and transfer to the cloud forest highlands of Boquete (3,900 feet).
DAY 5 (WED): BOQUETE
This morning enjoy a scenic hike through the Falling Waters Nature Reserve, followed by a cloud forest adventure with a treetop zip line excursion.
DAY 6 (THU): FINCA LERIDA / PACIFIC COAST
After a nature hike and birdwatching in a private reserve, take an up-close coffee production tour, then transfer to the Pacific coast of Boca Chica.
DAY 7 (FRI): GULF OF CHIRIQUI NATIONAL PARK
Today, two exciting and different boat excursions to nearby islands and beaches will introduce us to the many sides of Panama’s coastal ecosystem.
DAY 8 (SAT): PACIFIC COAST / PANAMA CITY
Enjoy the clear ocean waters with a kayaking and snorkeling adventure, then transfer by short flight back to the capital city.
DAY 9 (SUN): PANAMA CITY / USA
Transfer to the Tocumen International Airport to board your international flight home.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.
Panama Tropical Discovery
Dates & Rates
Departures
On request, for any dates during the November-May season.This trip is customizable according to travel preferences and season.
Land Cost, 2024/2025
4-6 participants: from $5,550 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $5,200 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $1,550
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.
Panama Tropical Discovery
Accommodations
Panama Tropical Discovery
Extensions
Length: 2 Days/1 Nights from Panama City
Season: November through May
The Panama Canal, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in August 2014, is Panama’s most famous landmark. The best way to experience the Canal is in a cruise onboard the Pacific Queen. During this full-day voyage, you will have the unique opportunity to see the Canal up close in operation. You will transit with the big ships, the small tug boats, and of course, the locks themselves in action. Travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean on the same day. Return to the city by bus.
Length:3 Days/2 Nights from Panama City
Season: November through May
Along the Caribbean Coast of Panama are the San Blas Islands, a chain of 365 islands and keys. You’ll navigate through turquoise blue waters and a magnificent barrier reef. Arrive to small dream-like island of palms, white sandy beaches, and a thatched roof village. This is the realm of the Kuna Yala people, a self-governing tribe who live in simplicity, zealously protective of their environment and their traditional way of life. Here, spend three days living the experience of their bright culture and ceremonies, while at the same time enjoying walks on the beach, snorkeling, and kayaking in the crystalline waters.
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Panama City or Boquete
Season: November through May
A Caribbean archipelago, Bocas del Toro is blessed with turquoise waters, lush green islands, mangrove caves, flats of coral, and white-sand beaches. This area has been carefully preserved within the Bastimentos National Marine Park. Here, seaside adventures and activities are endless – view ample wildlife both on land and underwater, explore the clear waters by snorkeling, kayaking, or boat ride, and take a peaceful nature hike. Or just lounge on the beach and admire the beauty. Spend 4 days soaking up this captivating Caribbean coast, based from some of the finest properties in the region – the Red Frog Beach Island Resort & Spa or the Tranquilo Bay Eco-Adventure Lodge.