Active Travel in Panama
9 days
Discover the tranquil beauty of Panama’s cloud forests and the exhilarating allure of its turquoise seas. Experience the vibrant energy of Panama City, a cosmopolitan hub that leads to incredible escapes. Panama’s national parks are a true testament to the wonder of nature, offering rugged trails and vibrant neotropical life that will leave you in awe.
The highlands are a haven of stunning coffee farms, thunderous rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls that remind us of the beauty of this world. And the coastline is a magical world of kaleidoscopic coral reefs and epic swells that will take your breath away. With hundreds of Caribbean islands to explore, Panama, the bridge between the Americas, is a land of endless possibilities.
Old Town, Panama City
Panama Canal
Bocas del Toro
Bastimentos National Park
Highlights
Experience the vibrant energy of Panama City, a cosmopolitan hub that leads to incredible escapes. With a strong focus on ecotourism, Rainforest Discovery Center is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Experience the awe-inspiring wonder of the Panama Canal – a Monument of the Millennium and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Explore Fort San Lorenzo’s rich history amidst the Caribbean Sea and protected rainforests. Hike through the rainforest and cloud forest on the Quetzal Trail, home to the Resplendent Quetzal. Explore the distinctive tropical flora and fauna of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Panama, a representative will assist you at Tocumen International Airport (PTY). You can enjoy a worry-free private transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Three nights in Panama City.
Explore the wonders of nature at the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center on Pipeline Road, where you’ll witness a record-breaking 385 bird species spotted within 24 hours in 1985. Observe up to 13 different hummingbird species as they approach the feeders on the terrace before embarking on a hike through the forest trails. Climb the spiral staircase of 174 steps to the observation tower, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the forest canopy.
Discover the awe-inspiring engineering marvel that has withstood the test of time for over a century. Immerse yourself in the experience of the half-day tour of the Panama Canal and visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, where you can explore the Museum, watch a movie, and enjoy the breathtaking lookout point. The Museum showcases the Canal’s construction and operation, while the movie summarizes its hundred-year history. Witness ships navigating through the chambers from the lookout point.
The tour concludes with a visit to the Panama Canal Administration Building, where the stunning murals adorning the structure’s dome tell the story of the Canal’s history and the immense manual labor involved in its construction. The murals serve as a testament to the Canal’s history and the efforts of all those who contributed to its structure and operations.
The Fort of San Lorenzo is a remarkable historical site that sits at the opening of the Chagres River, surrounded by the stunning Caribbean Sea and vast protected rainforests of the Panama Canal watershed. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fort San Lorenzo stands tall on a promontory west of the Canal, offering breathtaking views of the river and bay below. Despite its violent past, much of San Lorenzo remains well-preserved, including the moat, cannons, and vaulted chambers. The fort’s strategic location made it an ideal spot for the Spanish to build.
Visitors can explore the captivating ruins of the fort and be transported back to a time over 400 years ago when pirates and enemy ships threatened San Lorenzo. The fort’s location presents a fantastic opportunity for exploration, introspection, and birdwatching.
The Castle, Camino de Achiote (trails for birdwatching), the French Canal, and a speedboat trip (or kayak by request) down the Chagres River are some of the highlights of San Lorenzo. Visitors can also glimpse the batteries of the Canal’s coastal defense, built during World War I, and enjoy scenic landscapes along the road from Gatun to Sherman. Toucans, howling monkeys, and heliconias are en route from Sherman to San Lorenzo Castle.
Before returning to Panama City, visitors will stop at the Agua Clara Visitor Center of the Panama Canal, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view. On one side, visitors can admire the famous Gatun Lake, where cargo ships and other vessels transit daily. On the other side, visitors can view the modern set of locks differently.
You’ll have a private transfer from the hotel to the Albrook Gelabert Domestic Airport (PAC) for a 45-minute domestic flight to David Airport (DAV). Upon arrival, you’ll have a 45-minute private transfer to your hotel in the Boquete district. You are free to explore and relax for the remainder of the day.
Two nights in Boquete.
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Los Quetzales Trail, named after the elusive national bird of Guatemala. This stunning hiking route runs between Boquete and Cerro Punta, taking you through a cloud forest and reaching awe-inspiring heights of up to 2,500m (8,200ft) above sea level.
As you traverse the 10 km trail, you’ll pass through a tropical rainforest before reaching a tropical cloud forest with ancient trees and diverse bird species, including the magnificent resplendent Quetzal. Witness the male’s breathtaking emerald-green tail feathers during the breeding season and take in the unforgettable views from the trail’s ridge.
You’ll have a 3-hour transfer from Boquete to Almirante, a 30-minute boat ride from Almirante to Colon Island, and a 10-minute transfer from the pier to your hotel. You have the rest of the day to unwind and discover the island’s beauty at your own pace.
Two nights in Bocas del Toro.
Embark on a journey to Bastimentos Island, a short boat ride from Bocas del Toro, but it feels like a new world. The island’s palm-fringed beaches serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles, mangrove islands, and coral reefs in the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos.
Traveling to the island, you’ll feel the warm Caribbean breeze and breathe in the fresh, natural air. The jungle covers almost the entire island, accessible only by boat. The island’s inhabitants are mainly native Indians, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit them before embarking on an adventurous jungle hike to the other side of the island, Wizard.
During the hike, you’ll hear the monkeys roaring, the birds singing, and the sound of the sea as you approach the famous Red Frog Beach, a place of serenity and beauty. Take a refreshing swim or relax before taking the afternoon boat trip back to the main island, feeling refreshed and reinvigorated by the natural beauty surrounding you.
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through Panama City’s rich cultural heritage. Your adventure will start with a 10-minute transfer from your hotel to the Bocas del Toro airport, where you’ll catch a domestic flight to Panama City. After a quick 15-minute transfer from Albrook Domestic Airport, you’ll be ready to explore the city’s awe-inspiring landmarks.
Your half-day city tour will take you to two ancient cities that predate modern Panama City. Panama Viejo, the first European settlement on the Pacific Ocean and the country’s former capital, will leave you in awe as you take in the historical ruins and the Old Panama Cathedral. Take the chance to climb the iconic bell tower and admire the city’s original skyscraper, which still stands tall today. As you walk through the streets of Panama Viejo, you’ll experience the same layout and scale as the original city, giving you a unique glimpse into the past.
Next, you’ll explore the hippest region of the city known as Casco Antiguo (Old Town). This UNESCO-listed district is a symphony of restored rainbow-hued buildings, romantic wrought-iron balconies, and centuries-old churches. Walking along the narrow cobblestone streets strung along four historic avenues, you’ll feel transported to another time. Here, you’ll find top restaurants, trendy bars, and historical buildings with fascinating stories to tell.
Overnight in Panama City.
Sadly, your journey ends today. You’ll have a transfer to Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
map, expenses & price
Active Travel in Panama
Expenses included:
-All private transportation.
-Eight nights of hotel accommodations.
-Professional certified guides.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-All Park entrance fees.
-Daily breakfast.
Extensions
active travel in panama
Embarking on a transit through the Panama Canal is an awe-inspiring experience that allows you to witness one of the greatest engineering marvels ever. Your journey begins at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River meets the Canal. The Gaillard Cut, or Culebra Cut, is a remarkable point of interest. This path has a rich history and geological significance, carved through the Continental Divide. As the vessel travels through the Gaillard Cut for over 13 kilometers to Pedro Miguel Locks, you can admire the wonders of this incredible feat of engineering. Remember to take a moment to marvel at the new Centennial Bridge, which gracefully crosses over the Canal.
active travel in panama
Exploring the Guna Yala Indian Region and the beautiful coral islands the indigenous inhabit is a great way to learn about their unique lifestyle. You can spend an entire day relaxing on one of the 365 paradisiac islands. The day tour includes a driver who will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the dock, about two and a half hours away from Panama City. On a breathtaking boat ride, explore the magnificent marine life thriving in the island’s crystal-clear waters. You can also enjoy activities like snorkeling, canoeing, artisanal fishing, diving, or visiting the community to learn more about indigenous culture, political structure, and traditions.
active travel in panama
It is an ideal way to experience the Panamanian rainforest and its diverse wildlife from above and within. A peaceful aerial tram ride with a naturalist guide takes you to a stunning viewpoint atop a hill, providing breathtaking views of the Chagres River, the Panama Canal, the Embera Indigenous Community, and much of the Soberania National Park. Explore the ecological exhibitions to learn about the fascinating creatures and plants in the forest. During the boat trip on Gatun Lake, you’ll sail alongside enormous ships passing through the Panama Canal and explore the lake’s islands. You might observe tropical wildlife, including crocodiles, iguanas, sloths, monkeys, and birds.
