Inside Azuero Peninsula and The Panama Canal
The Inside Insight:
- Learn the history of the Panama Canal, a marvel of modern times engineering
- Explore the longest river in Panama, Santa Maria and the marshes and mangroves that
surround it’s estuary - Visit Isla Iguana frigatbirds nesting colony and pictures the sunsets off the rocky coast of
Azuero peninsula - Live the life of the Embera Indian, one of Panamá best preserved indigenous nations
- Meet local artisans during a visit to a clay pottery shop
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart home/Arrive Tocumen International Airport.
Your trip leader will meet you at the airport. Transfer from Tocumen to your hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 2: Panama City and The Panama Canal.
Today our adventure will start at 09:00 on a Full Day City Tour.
We’ll start our tour visiting the ruins of Old Panama, which was the first city built on the Pacific
Ocean shore in 1519 by Pedro Arias Davila a Spanish Governor, and then destroyed in 1671 by the
greed of pirate Henry Morgan who set it on fire.
Then we’ll head about 8 kilometers and reach the Casco Antiguo and enjoy walking along alleys and
colonial buildings, ruins and streets of stone, museums and antique churches, where three styles
of construction are combined: Spanish, French and Italian.
A stop at the folk art market at the old YMCA building will be our following stop, just before
having lunch at a Panamanian restaurant.
After noon, we’ll reach our final destination of the day, The Miraflores Visitor Center, where visitors
have the opportunity to observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters and learn
firsthand about the various operations of the Panama Canal, the history of its construction, its
participation in the world markets, and the importance of its watershed.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 3-4: Anton Valley.
A 2 hours drive will take us to an ancient volcanic crater with a town full
of activities. After checking in at our hotel, we will visit “El Macho” waterfall and “La Piedra
Pintada” a giant rock with geroglyphs that give us a better understanding of the native ancestors of
today’s residents. “El Valle” as the locals know it, is home to hundreds of artisans who sell their
products in the already famous market.
During our second day will hike the cloud forest of “El Convento” trail in Cerro Gaital and learn from our trip leader the uniqueness of this cloud forest. During the afternoon we will relax in the mood of the famous El Valle hot springs in order to regain energies.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 5-6: Azuero.
After driving from El Valle to Azuero will settle in Los Guayacanes hotel and
continue the tour on board a “panga” boat that will give us acces to the Santa Maria River and its
wildlife. Santa Maria River drains one of Panama largest agricultural areas and provides water to
the rich and flat plains of Azuero who produces a great proportion of the sugar we export today. The
margins of this river are forested and are home to a great variety of waterbirds: herons, cormorants,
rails, gallinules and storks. Caimans of Santa Maria are among the largest in Panama.
During our second day in Azuero your hands will get dirty during our visit to the clay pottery shop.
You will have a chance to volunteer and practice your sculpting skills or you can practice painting
one of the pots.
After a typical lunch, will drive to the town of Pesé and visit the “Villa Varela”. We will learn the process
that torn sugar canes into Panama famous liquor: Seco Herrerano.
Our last morning in Azuero will visit the tiny island of Isla Iguana which is home to the largest
colony of Magnificent Frigatbirds in the Gulf of Panamá. Hundreds of frigatbirds will fly over and a
little trail will give access to a closer view to this remarkable birds. The sand and the coral reef will
drive the attention to the rich marine wildlife that boost in the Gulf of Panama.
After this tour we’ll head to our next destination “Los Buzos Lodge” at Cambutal.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 7-9: Cambutal.
This is perhaps the highlight of the tour since you will have diferent choices
to enjoy the scenary and the wilderness of this remote corner of Panama. During our stay in
Cambutal we will do horseback riding, boat tours, relax on the beach or plan other activities from
the many choices you have around.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 10: The Canal and much more.
During our drive back to Panama City will stop in Santo
Domingo de Las Tablas, a tiny town where the ladies make “polleras” in the same way the traditions
from Spain arrive here. If time permits it, we will stop also in Nata de Los Caballeros to see what is
believed to be the oldest church in mainland of the whole continent.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 11: Many visitors have the misconception that the Panama Canal is the only attraction here. During
the last 72 hours of your vacation you will see that there is much more around the Canal that deserves a
visit. During day 11 will spend the afternoon admiring the abundance of wildlife that the area around the
canal offers. Monkeys, crocodiles, many birds and if you are lucky even a Manatee could be check marked
in your list.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During day 12, you’ll be picked up at the Hotel at 9am and transferred to El Corotu on the shores of the Madden Lake,
which is the main reservoir of drinking water for the cities of Panama and Colon, as well as a supplier of a 40% of the water
required for the operation of the Panama Canal. Here, we board a motorized piragua (dugout canoe) and travel
up the Chagres River to an Embera indigenous village.
The boat journey takes us through the rainforest of the 320,000 acre Chagres National Park, which is the largest of the National
Parks protecting the Panama Canal Watershed. Once at the Indian community, we’ll learn about Embera customs and their
relationship with nature.
There will be handcrafts available for sale and we’ll have a chance to be painted with the traditional
jagua, a natural dye the Indians use to adorn their bodies.
We will have lunch (fish & fried green plantain) prepared by the Indians and then we’ll visit the
nearby waterfall where we can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Chagres River.
Be sure to bring: camera, cap or hat, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, light clothing (extra t-shirt
and shorts), light raincoat, good traction footwear, bathing suit and towel.
Note: Cash in small denominations is suggested if interested in purchasing handicrafts.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 13: Departure.
Transfer to Int’l Airport
Included: all lodging, meals, private transportation on a/c minivan, tour guide; entrance fees
where needed & taxes.
Not included: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), departure taxes ($20 per
person), alcoholic beverages, tips, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.).
Darien Rainforest Exploration: La Marea
| A Real Adventure. |
This tour is focused on visitors who appreciate nature and have a great respect of native cultures.
If visitors want to go see a Harpy Eagle´s nest they will have to hike for a whole day (3-4 hrs each way) through forest trails with a few steep, muddy climbs. The birdlist of La Marea just keeps growing: Sapayoa, Blue and Yellow Macaws, Black-crowned Antpitta, and
much more.
On the other hand, even if somebody is not in top physical condition, they would still be able to visit this site.
The village itself is a great place to be and most visitors will love just seeing such a “primitive” living culture today. The kids often perform traditional dances and songs for visitors, and people will have many opportunities to shop for local handicrafts like baskets, woodcarvings, and native jewelry.
Plus the surrounding rainforest is simply spectacular with Blueand-Yellow Macaws flying over the village, among many other birds and monkeys playing in the trees. Even if people don’t want to do strenuous hikes in the rainforest, they will love the village experience and the surrounding wilderness.
Birds of the Darien Lowlands at La Marea:
The rainforests of the Chepigana Forest Reserve around La Marea village allow opportunities to see many of the endemic bird species found only in the Darien of Panama and Western Colombia.
The birdlife in this part of Panama is simply superb.
To give you an idea of the fine birds we get to see right around the village in Darien, while having our meals:
- Green ibis
- Blue-and-yellow Macaws
- Crested Eagle
- Spot-breasted Woodpecker (nesting)
- White-headed Wrens
- Yellow-breasted Flycatcher
- Orange-crowned Oriole (nesting)
- Black Oropendulas
Certainly once you go into the forest, one starts finding even better birds including rarities such as:
- Sapayoa (we have even video-taped it)
- Harpy eagle
- Great-green Macaws
Some other Darien specialties that are commonly seen include:
- Gray-cheeked Nunlet
- Yellow-browed Shrike-vireo
- Black Antshrike
- Sirystes
Other forest-dwelling species of interest include:
- Red-throated Caracara
- Slaty-backed Forest-falcon
- Olive backed quail dove
- Dull-mantled antbird
- Wing-banded antbird
Location
The Darien Province is the largest region of Panama, yet the least populated. This condition allows the Darien to boast one of the last vast tracts of primary forest in Middle America. Moreover, the Darien region is one of the world’s greatest Hot Spots of biodiversity.
Our adventure takes place at the Embera native village of La Marea. This village is located adjacent to the Chepigana Forest Reserve up the La Marea River slightly South-East of La Palma, Capital of the Darien Province.
Lodging
Tourists going to La Marea stay in traditional palm-thatched guesthomes of the Embera natives.
The living conditions are for now quite rustic: they only have an out-house for toilet and an open tin-walled shower. We do have mosquito nets and inflatable mattresses so it is rather comfortable
staying there like the natives do, on the floor of traditional stilted homes. Actually our guests love living around the natives and seeing the true Embera way of life, even if that means waking up to a little pet kinkajou running around the house, or the snorting of tamed White-lipped Peccaries under the house.
Capacity
We have limited the size of our tours to 12 people in 6 rooms. Four rooms have a Full bed. Two of the rooms have bunk beds available for student groups. We can even accommodate large student groups using bunkbeds, the capacity would be up to 20 people.
Getting There
2) Driving some 5 hours from Panama City to Metetí where you will board the motorized boat to ride up river for about 1 hour, timing will depend on the tides.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Panama City Arrival
On your arrival to Panama City, you will be met by an Inside Panama Tours representative and
transferred to your Hotel in Panama City.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 2: Transfer from Panama City into the Darien. Settle-in at La Marea Field Station (B,L,D)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 3: Wildlife Observations around Village and Introduction to the Embera Culture. (B,L,D)
We will spend some time looking for wildlife around the deck of the Field Station. We
are likely to find a great variety of birds including Macaws, soaring raptors, and even
a few species only found in this region.
Afterwards, we will do an interpretive nature walk in the nearby rainforest to learn
more about the plants and animals that call this tropical paradise home. We will
make special mention of certain plants that have tradicional uses for construction,
handicrafts, and even local medicines.
Later in the afternoon, we will have the chance to meet with our hosts, who will give
us some explanations about the Embera way of life.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 4: Exploring the Primary Rainforest – (B,L,D)
Today we will spend most of the day hiking deeper into the primary rainforest. These are areas that have never been in habitat or cleared by humans and contain and amazing biodiversity. Here we are likely to find species that are not common in more disturbed areas, some of which are endangered with extinction like the Great Green Macaw.
One of the highlights of our visit into the Primary Forest, although not too common, would be the
magnificent Harpy Eagle. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is the national bird of the Republic of
Panama, and standing three feet tall and up to a seven feet wingspan, it is the strongest bird of prey in the world!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 5: Transfer Back to Panama City – (B)
After farewells to our Embera hosts, and last minute souvenir shopping, we will pack our belongings for our departure.
Again depending on the high tide, we will start our journey down the river. Along the way we will keep our eyes open for “Mangrove” Black-hawk, Basilisk Lizards, Iguanas, crabs, kingfishers, herons, egrets, and much more.
We are scheduled to arrive in Panama City late in the evening & transfer to your Hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 6 : Departure (B)
Transfer to Int’l Airport.
Note: Another option to get to La Marea is by flying to La Palma for about 1-hr, and then riding a
motorized boat for just over an hour to get to the village. (Additional cost).
Included: all lodging, meals as specified on the itinerary (B= breakfast, L= lunch, BL= box
lunch), private transportation on a/c minivan, bilingual tour guides, entrance fees where
needed, taxes.
Not included: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, tips, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.).
Birders Paradise
Includes birding along Pipeline Rd, Metro Park and Achiote Rd – site of Panama Audubon Society’s world-famed Christmas Bird Count, which regularly reports over 340 species in a 24-hour period.
Day 1 – Panama City
On your arrival to Panama City, you will be met by an Inside Panama Tours representative and
transferred to your Hotel in Panama City.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 2 – 1/ 2 Day Birding Tour Along Pipeline Road & Summit Ponds (B, BL)
Early in the morning we are picked up at the lobby of our hotel and head to one of the top birding
spots in the world; having for several years in a row, set world record bird counts in a 24-hour
period – up to 357 different species of birds.
This great place is Pipeline Rd, a dirt road that goes through the heart of Soberania National Park in
the Panama Canal Watershed.
We’ll reach here by vehicle and start our hike from the entrance.
Eight species of wrens, five trogons, four puffbirds, three motmots, many antbirds and even more
flycatchers have been reported from the road.
Besides birds, you’ll hear or even see Howler monkeys or other mammal life like sloth, anteaters
and agoutis.
On the way back to the Hotel, we’ll bird watch at Summit Ponds and will make a stop at Summit
gardens, which provides visitors with an opportunity to view many of the animal species found in
Panama, as well as others found in the Central & South American region.
This wonderful place also has an impressive exhibit/museum of the great Harpy Eagle, with
interesting facts and photos of this magnificent bird of prey.
Return to our Hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 3 – 1/2 Day Metro Park (B, BL)
Today we’ll spend part of the day only 10 minutes from downtown Panama City at Metro Park,
which is the only Tropical Forest Park within a metropolitan area in Latin America.
This great area has a surface of 265 hectares (655 acres), and here we will find many birds,
butterflies and small mammals and reptiles.
Metropolitan Natural Park Attractions:
Los Trinos lookout point: ideal for bird observation is located in the Mono Titi Road.
Here you will be able to enjoy the melody of a great variety of birds that inhabit the park.
Cedar Hill lookout point 66: located at 140 meters above sea level, from here you will see
the Dorado hopping area, Clayton Hospital, and the two National Parks that are connected
to the MNP.
Cedar Hill lookout point: the park’s highest point located at 150 meters above sea level.
You can observe the islands of Naos, Flamenco, Taboguilla and Taboga. You can
also observe the Panama Canal entrance on the Pacific side, the Americas Bridge and
Ancon Hill.
Return to our Panama city hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 4 – Birding at Achiote Road (B, BL)
This is the site of Panama Audubon Society’s world-famed Christmas Bird Count, which regularly
reports over 340 species in a 24-hour period.
White Hawk, Mealy Parrot, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Black-throated Trogon, Black-breasted and
Pied Puffbirds, Spot-crowned Barbet, Montezuma Oropendula, Fasciated Antshrike, Bare-crowned
and Bicolored Antbirds, White-headed Wren, Red-breasted Blackbird, Yellow-rumped Tanager and
Black-headed Saltator are all regularly seen here
++ Optional – Return by train to Panama city. (Train runs during week days, NOT weekends)
On the way back, you will board the transcontinental train for a historical ride alongside the
Panama Canal. This 8th wonder of the world is famous for its breathtaking beauty and drama of its
construction.
Originally completed in 1855, The Panama Railroad became the first transcontinental railroad. The
French Panama Canal Company purchased the railroad in 1880 to assist in their attempt to build
the Panama Canal. In 1904, the United States purchased the New Panama Canal Company’s assets
from the French, including the railroad. The United States rebuilt and operated the railroad until
1979, when it was transferred to Panama under the terms of the Panama Canal Treaty. In 1998,
Panama privatized the railroad and awarded a 50-year concession to the Panama Canal Company, a
joint venture of Kansas City Southern and Mi-Jack Products, to rebuild and operate the line. The
new “reborn” railroad began operations in 2000. The visual charms of this train ride will make this
an unforgettable trip.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 5 – Departure (B)
Transfer to Int’l Airport
Included: 4 night lodging at a Panama City Hotel, meals as specified on the itinerary (B=
breakfast, L= lunch, BL= box lunch), private transportation on a/c minivan, bilingual tour
guides, entrance fees where needed, taxes.
Not included: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), meals not specified in the itinerary,
alcoholic beverages, tips, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.).
Notes:
• Train runs during week days, NOT weekends
Culture & History
Come and join us learning about Panama history and how diverse is its culture. We’ll visit the ruins of Old Panama, the Colonial area, the Canal, an Indian Village.
Monday – Sunday Program
Day 1 – Panama City
On your arrival to Panama City, you will be met by an Inside Panama Tours representative and transferred to
your hotel in Panama City.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 2 – Panama City & Miraflores Visitor Center (B, L)
Today our adventure will start at 09:00 on a Full Day City Tour.
We’ll start our tour visiting the ruins of Old Panama, which was the first city built on the Pacific Ocean shore
in 1519 by Pedro Arias Davila a Spanish Governor, and then destroyed in 1671 by the greed of pirate Henry
Morgan who set it on fire.
Then we’ll head about 8 kilometers and reach the Casco Antiguo and enjoy walking along alleys and
colonial buildings, ruins and streets of stone, museums and antique churches, where three styles of
construction are combined: spanish, french and italian.
A stop at the folk art market at the old YMCA building will be our following stop, just before having lunch at a
Panamanian restaurant.
After noon, we’ll reach our final destination of the day, The Miraflores Visitor Center, where visitors have the
opportunity to observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters and learn first hand about the
various operations of the Panama Canal, the history of its construction, its participation in the world markets,
and the importance of its watershed.
Back to our Hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 3 – Embera Indian Village Tour (B, L)
You’ll be pick up at the Hotel at 9AM and transferred to El Corotu on the shores of the Madden Lake, which is the main
reservoir of drinking water for the cities of Panama and Colon, as well as a supplier of a 40% of the water required
for the operation of the Panama Canal.
Here, we board a motorized piragua (dugout canoe) and travel up the Chagres River to an Embera indigenous village.
The boat journey takes us through the rainforest of the 320,000 acre Chagres National Park, which is the largest of
the National Parks protecting the Panama Canal Watershed. Once at the Indian community, we’ll learn about Embera
customs and their relationship with nature.
There will be handcrafts available for sale and we’ll have a chance to be painted with the traditional jagua, a
natural dye the Indians use to adorn their bodies.
We will have lunch (fish & fried green plantain) prepared by the Indians and then we’ll visit the nearby waterfall
where we can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Chagres River.
Be sure to bring: camera, cap or hat, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, light clothing (extra t-shirt and shorts),
light raincoat, good traction footwear, bathing suit and towel.
Note: Cash in small denominations is suggested if interested in purchasing handicrafts.
Back to our Hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 4 – Anton Valley (B, L)
Pick up time at hotel lobby 9am
Located only two hours from Panama City via the Pan-American Highway, Anton Valley rises 600 meters above sea level with a fresh and agreeable climate.
Here you can spend a day enjoying productive ecological activities such as: visiting El Macho water fall, the petroglyphs, El Nispero plant nursery and zoo, the thermal waters wells and the great craft market.
Back to our Hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 5 – Partial Panama Canal Transit (B, L, D)
Partial or Full transits through the Canal, onboard boats that comply with the most stringent Panama Canal
Commission safety requirements, both in their operating systems as well as in their passenger safety equipment.
This tour operates every Saturday, except for the day when it operates as a full transit. Depart from Flamenco in
Amador, go through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks, were you will be able to experience first hand the
handling and operations of the canal itself.
Back to our Hotel.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner & folkloric show at a Panamanian restaurant.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 6 – Departure (B)
Transfer to Int’l Airport
Included: all lodging, meals as specified on the itinerary (B= breakfast, L= lunch, BL= box lunch, D=dinner),
private transportation on a/c minivan, tour guides; entrance fees where needed & taxes.
Not included: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), departure taxes ($20 per person), meals not
specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, tips, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.).
Notes:
• Canopy adventure is optional and price is not included
Family Adventure
Are you looking for an unforgettable experience with your family, then this tour is for you… We’ll visit the Canal, and Indian Village, spend half day on the beach and more.
Day 1 – Panama City
On your arrival to Panama City, you will be met by an Inside Panama Tours representative and
transferred to your Hotel in Panama City.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 2 – Panama City & Miraflores Visitor Center (B, L)
Today our adventure will start at 09:00 on a Full Day City Tour.
We’ll start our tour visiting the ruins of Old Panama, which was the first city built on the Pacific
Ocean shore in 1519 by Pedro Arias Davila a Spanish Governor, and then destroyed in 1671 by the
greed of pirate Henry Morgan who set it on fire.
Then we’ll head about 8 kilometers and reach the Casco Antiguo and enjoy walking along alleys and
colonial buildings, ruins and streets of stone, museums and antique churches, where three styles of
construction are combined: spanish, french and italian.
A stop at the folk art market at the old YMCA building will be our following stop, just before having
lunch at a Panamanian restaurant.
After noon, we’ll reach our final destination of the day, The Miraflores Visitor Center, where visitors
have the opportunity to observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters and learn
first hand about the various operations of the Panama Canal, the history of its construction, its
participation in the world markets, and the importance of its watershed.
Back to our Hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 3 – Embera Day Tour (B, BL)
You’ll be pick up at the Hotel around 8AM and transferred to El Corotu on the shores of the Madden
Lake, which is the main reservoir of drinking water for the cities of Panama and Colon, as well as a
supplier of a 40% of the water required for the operation of the Panama Canal.
Here, we board a motorized piragua (dugout canoe) and travel up the Chagres River to a Embera
indigenous village.
The boat journey takes us through the rainforest of the 320,000 acre Chagres National Park, which
is the largest of the National Parks protecting the Panama Canal Watershed. Once at the indian
community, we’ll learn about Embera customs and their relationship with nature.
There will be handcrafts available for sale and we’ll have a chance to be painted with the traditional
jagua, a natural dye the indians use to adorn their bodies.
We will have lunch (fish & fried green plantain) prepared by the indians and then we’ll visit the
nearby waterfall where we can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Chagres River.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 4 – Gamboa Day Tour & Monkey Island (B)
Today we’ll spend the day at the Hotel enjoying the hotel amenities such as the aerial tram &
exhibitions & Monkey island boat tour.
Gamboa Resort Day Tour
The resort has built 5 exhibits that showcase local flora and fauna as well as a replica of an Embera
Indian village.
Exhibits:
- Orchid and plant nurseries
- Serpentarium
- Butterfly house
- Fresh water fish & and reptiles ecology exhibit
- Model Embera Village
Monkey Island Boat Tour
Lake Gatun is situated in the heart of the Isthmus of Panama. It was constructed between 1910-14
to make the Panama Canal possible. From the lake’s shore you will board our fast panga style boats
for a voyage of discovery.
We will glide past lush rainforests to a scenic region of the lake and witness first hand the
splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, slouths, iguanas, and crocodiles are
just a few of the animals that you can view in their native surroundings.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 5 – Anton Valley (B, L)
Pick up time at hotel lobby 9am
Located only two hours from Panama City via the Pan-American Highway, Anton Valley rises 600
meters above sea level with a fresh and agreeable climate.
Here you can spend a day enjoying productive ecological activities such as: visiting El Macho water
fall, the petroglyphs, El Nispero plant nursery and zoo, the thermal waters wells and the great craft
market.
Back to our Hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 6 – Santa Clara Beach (B)
Pick up time at hotel lobby 8am
Located only 1hr & 45mins from Panama City via the Pan-American Highway we get to Santa Clara
beach.
This nice beach has ranchos & hammocks for rent a local restaurant and it’s a great place to spend
the day & relax after a long week of activities.
Back to our hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 7 – Departure (B)
Transfer to Int’l Airport
Included: all lodging, meals as specified on the itinerary (B= breakfast, L= lunch, BL= box lunch,
D=dinner), private transportation on a/c minivan, tour guides; entrance fees where needed &
taxes.
Not included: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), departure taxes ($20 per person),
meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, tips, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone
calls, room service, etc.).
Notes:
• Aerial tram is not available on Mondays
Knowing Panama
Panama is much more than a Canal. Join us in our journey around beautiful white sand beaches & wonderful landscapes.
Day 1 – Panama City
On your arrival to Panama City, you will be met by an Inside Panama Tours representative and transferred to
our hotel in Panama City.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 2 & 3 – San Blas Islands (B, L, D) – 2 nights
04:00 pick up at Hotel lobby and transfer to Albrook (domestic) airport to board flight to San Blas.
The following 3 days/2 nights you’ll enjoy excellent white sand beaches and clear water, as well as have
the opportunity to learn about the unique Kuna way of life and interact with the Kuna culture.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 4 – Panama City & Half Day City Tour (B, L)
Upon arrival, a vehicle will be waiting for us to take us to our Hotel to check in and then proceed on a half day
city tour + lunch.
We’ll start our tour visiting the ruins of Old Panama, which was the first city, built on the Pacific Ocean shore in
1519 by Pedro Arias Davila a Spanish Governor, and then destroyed in 1671 by the greed of pirate Henry
Morgan who set it on fire.
Then we’ll head about 8 kilometers and reach the Casco Antiguo and enjoy walking along alleys and colonial
buildings, ruins and streets of stone, museums and antique churches, where three styles of construction are
combined: spanish, french and italian.
After lunch, we’ll make a quick stop at the folk art market at the old YMCA building, just before heading back to our
Hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 5 & 6 – Boquete – 2 nights (BL)
Boquete, a flower-filled mountain valley at the foot of the 10,500 ft. extinct Volcan Baru, is a beautiful small
town in the western highlands of Panama in the province of Chiriqui, and it has a beautiful river running
through the centre of town.
The climate is considered nearly perfect, and this is why it’s called the valley of eternal spring.
It is also one of the few places on the planet where you can view the Resplendent Quetzal- the rare and considered
most beautiful bird in the Americas.
While in Boquete, well do a panoramic tour around the area, as well as tours in Cerro Punta & Volcan, some
birdwatching or hiking, and a visit to a coffee plantation and processing mills.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 7 & 8 – Bocas del Toro
Today we’ll board our flight to Bocas del Toro for the following 2 nights.
Bocas del Toro is one of Panama’s top tourist attractions, where you can find beautiful beaches, a town rich of
history, a lively nightlife and friendly people.
During our stay, great optional tours can be arranged while in Bocas, we recommend the followings:
Tour # 1:
Visit Dolphin Bay for some dolphin spotting.
This is an area of marine water surrounded by land. Its calm and safe waters are inhabited by one of the largest
dolphin population.
Then proceed to Zapatilla, two smaller keys located north of Bastimentos, also part of Bastimentos Marine National
Park.
They are famous for their beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and small but shady forests, great
snorkelling and scuba diving.
The western island, Zapatillas Minor, is the occasional base of scientists and conservationists, researchers of the
marine turtle. The leatherback and the hawksbill turtles also come to lay their eggs, in season, on these beaches.
On Zapatillas Major there is the Park Rangers refuge, the only habitation on the islands.
Tour # 2:
Swan Cay (Bird Island), Boca del Drago & Star Beach. If weather permitting, visit Swan’s Cay, a small rocky
formation just of the coast of Isla Colon, which serves as rookery for Red-billed tropic birds (the only place to be found
in Panama) and Brown boobies.
Then visit Boca del Drago and enjoy the beautiful beach and search for colourful giant starfish.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 9 – Panama City (D)
Today we’ll board our flight back to Panama City & back to our hotel.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner & folkloric show at a Panamanian restaurant.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 10 – Departure (B)
Transfer to Int’l Airport
Included: all lodging, meals as specified on the itinerary (B= breakfast, L= lunch, BL= box lunch, D=dinner),
private transportation on a/c minivan, tour guides; entrance fees where needed, airline tickets to San Blas,
David & Bocas del Toro & taxes.
Not included: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), departure taxes ($20 per person), meals not
specified in the itinerary, tours while in Bocas del Toro, alcoholic beverages, tips, extras in hotels (laundry,
telephone calls, room service, etc.).
Notes:
- San Blas & Boquete & Bocas del Toro will be led by local guides. (Our guides will not be traveling to
these locations) - Flights between David – Bocas del Toro are available only on Monday, Wednesday & Friday
- Aerial tram at Gamboa Resort is not available on Monday’s
- Women traveling to San Blas Islands are requested to wear one-piece swimsuits in accordance to Kuna
traditions. - Please make sure to travel light. Domestic airlines in Panama allow up to 25LBS. of checked luggage
and a backpack-size carry on per passenger. Any additional weight is the passenger’s responsibility. - We can provide arrangements to store luggage that will not be needed while away from the city.
Nature Lovers
The highlight of this tour is a day visit to Barro Colorado Island (BCI), a Smithsonian Institute (STRI) primary site for the study of lowland moist tropical forests.
Day 1 – Panama City
On your arrival to Panama City, you will be met by an Inside Panama Tours representative and
transferred to your Hotel in Panama City.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 2 – Barro Colorado Island (BCI) (B, L)
Today our adventure will start departing our Hotel at 6:00 to the town of Gamboa to board our boat
to Barro Colorado Island, the largest forested island in the Panama Canal waterway, which is a site
of an internationally recognized biological research station.
A visit to Barro Colorado (BCI) offers the opportunity to discover the splendor of a humid tropical
forest.
BCI, a 1500 – hectare island is STRI’S primary site for the study of lowland moist tropical forests. Together with 5 adjacent peninsulas,
BCI forms the 5400-hectare Barro Colorado Nature Monument, which is located in the middle of the Panama Canal.
Return to our city hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 3 – Anton Valley & The Canopy Adventure (optional) (B, L)
Located only two hours from Panama City via the Panamerican highway, Anton Valley rises 600
meters above sea level with a fresh and agreeable climate.
Here you can spend a day enjoying productive ecological activities such as: visiting El Macho
water fall and Canopy Adventure, the petroglyphs, El Nispero plant nursery and zoo, the thermal
waters wells and, if it’s a Sunday, the great craft market.
- Canopy Adventure Tour is optional
Return to our Hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 4 – Gamboa Half Day Tour (B)
Today we’ll visit the Gamboa Rainforest Resort and visit the orchids and butterfly exhibits & the
aerial tram.
The resort has built 5 exhibits that showcase local flora and fauna as well as a replica of an Embera
Indian village.
Exhibits:
- Orchid and plant nurseries
- Serpentarium
- Butterfly house
- Fresh water fish & and reptiles ecology exhibit
- Model Embera Village
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 5 – Departure (B)
Transfer to Int’l Airport
Included: 4 night lodging, meals as specified on the itinerary (B= breakfast, L= lunch, BL= box
lunch, D=dinner), private transportation on a/c minivan, bilingual tour guides; entrance fees
where needed & taxes.
Not included: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), meals not specified in the itinerary,
alcoholic beverages, tips, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.).
Notes:
- BCI is not available on Monday’s & Thursday’s and this tour is led by a local guide
Panama Highlands
Boquete, a flower-filled mountain valley at the foot of the 10,500 ft. extinct Volcan Baru, is a beautiful small town.
Day 1 – Panama City
On your arrival to Panama City, you will be met by an Inside Panama Tours representative and transferred to your hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 2, 3 & 4 – Boquete, Volcan & Cerro Punta – 3 nights (BL)
Boquete, a flower-filled mountain valley at the foot of the 10,500 ft. extinct Volcan Baru, is a
beautiful small town in the western highlands of Panama in the province of Chiriqui, and it has a
beautiful river running through the centre of town.
The climate is considered nearly perfect, and this is why it’s called the valley of eternal spring.
It is also one of the few places on the planet where you can view the Resplendent Quetzal- the rare
and considered most beautiful bird in the Americas.
While in Boquete, we’ll do a panoramic tour around the area, as well as tours in Cerro Punta &
Volcan, some birdwatching or hiking, and a visit to a coffee plantation and processing mills.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 5 – Panama City
Return to Panama city & back to our hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 6 – Departure (B)
Transfer to Int’l Airport
Included: all lodging, meals as specified on the itinerary (B= breakfast, L= lunch, BL= box lunch,
D=dinner), private transportation on a/c minivan, tour guides; entrance fees where needed,
airline tickets to David & taxes.
Not included: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), departure taxes ($20 per person),
meals not specified in the itinerary, tours while in Bocas del Toro, alcoholic beverages, tips, extras
in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.).
Notes:
- Boquete will be led by local guides. (Our guides will not be traveling to these locations)
- Please make sure to travel light. Domestic airlines in Panama allow up to 25LBS. of
checked luggage and a backpack-size carry on per passenger. Any additional weight is the
passenger’s responsibility. - We can provide arrangements to store luggage that will not be needed while away from the
city.
Golf Tours
Day 1 – Panama City
On your arrival to Panama City, you will be met by an Inside Panama Tours representative and transferred to your Hotel in Panama City.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 2 – Summit Golf
Today you’ll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Summit Golf, located on the East bank of the Panama Canal on Gaillard Highway and only at 20 minutes drive from downtown Panama.
The course is a 6,626 yard, par 72 championship course designed by famous American golf course architect Jeffrey Myers. The course is set on rolling hills over looking the famous Gaillard Cut of the Panama Canal and the “Camino de Cruces” National Park.
The layout features multiple tee boxes, generous landing areas and moderately contoured putting surfaces. The facility also features a full service practice and a six-hole par three course for kids. The greens are Tifdwarf Bermuda grass and the course is maintained in world class condition.
8 Kms. of concrete car paths provide easy access during the rainy season.
Golf gear not included.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 3 – Free Day
Free day to enjoy your Hotel amenities or book some of the following activities: shopping tour, city tour, day tour to an Embera Indian Village, El Valle Day Tour or boat tour (please ask for detailed information regarding these tours).
Overnight at Panama City Hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 4 & 5 – Coronado Golf & Beach Resort
2:00 pm pick up at your Hotel lobby and transfer to Coronado Golf & Beach Resort for the following 2 days.
At Coronado Resort, you can play golf in one of the best professional courses in Latin America, created by the famous designers Tom and George Fazio. It has 18 holes, par 72, with 7,092 yards.
The Hotel also offers a Spa & Wellness Center, Equestrian Club & Tennis Court, great restaurants and lovely rooms.
Breakfast included in room rate while at Coronado resort.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 6 – Panama City
1:00pm transfer back to Panama City.
Overnight at Panama City Hotel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Day 7 – Departure
Transfer to Int’l Airport.
Panamanian Caribbean Paradise
Transport to Albrook Airport where you will board a short domestic flight to San Blas. Once you arrive to San Blas, you will be met and transported to our Hotel in San Blas, where the local host will be expecting you.
