100% customisable travel idea
From the canal to the beaches Panama, the link between the Americas
Panama - Pacific - Caribbean
Small country, great diversity
Your journey
From primary rainforest to pristine beaches, from a dormant volcano to a capital coming to life, this complete itinerary reveals the many facets of Panama. Which, both for its natural beauty and its culture, has nothing to envy from its neighbours. While you are independent for much of the itinerary, we have still made your journey easier: direct flights, private transfers whenever needed, and a local phone for your use. In a word: freedom, with no worries about planning, and accommodations often tucked away in nature - sometimes simple, but always charming. On your itinerary, a must-see has already scheduled - a boat trip on the legendary Panama Canal - and plenty of suggested visits to complement your own explorations. And in case of a minor setback or a last-minute request, you have the contact details of our on-site Concierge, available at any time to assist you.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Upon arrival at the end of the day, private transfer and stay for two nights at a hotel ideally located in the dynamic commercial district of Panama City. From the rooftop, you can enjoy impressive views of the Panamanian capital's skyline.
Panama City is considered one of the most cosmopolitan capitals in Central America and is an undeniable cultural, economic and natural crossroads. Beyond its frenetic urban sprawl reminiscent of the Miami skyline, the city still has its share of old churches, cobblestones and colonial stones. If we had to mention just a few, the historic and romantic Casco Viejo district, which is reminiscent of Havana, and the canal area, which is a feat of global engineering, set the tone for this capital city of striking contrasts.
See and do - The stalls and markets of the Santa Ana district; the museum and ruins of Panama Viejo; have a drink in Bolivar Square; watch the ships pass through the Miraflores locks; explore the colourful Biomuseo; spend a few hours on Taboga Island, or “Flower Island”, off the coast of Panama City.
Optional - A day trip to the capital with a private guide; a Caribbean getaway to the village of Portobelo and Isla Mamey.
Pick up your rental car and drive to Gamboa, which is a former American base on the Rio Chagres at the gateway to Soberani National Park and its lush vegetation.
On your itinerary - A boat trip on the Panama Canal and Lake Gatun. The Panama Canal, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, plays a major role in maritime trade today, allowing around 40 pleasure boats and commercial vessels to avoid circumnavigating South America every day. It consists of three artificial lakes (Miraflores and Gatún lakes, plus Alajuela lake, which serves as a water reservoir), three sets of locks and man-made canals. From Gamboa, boating on the waters of Gatún Lake and along the peninsulas sometimes allows you to spot a capuchin monkey, a toucan, a coati or a harpy eagle (although wild, the animals here are strangely familiar).
Spend the night in a slightly ageing establishment that remains unique for its remarkable location at the gateway to Soberania Park, in the heart of Panama's lush tropical forest. Enjoy the view of the Chagres River and the wildlife that roams the estate.
Drive to El Valle de Antón, not far from the Pacific coast. Stay for two nights in the heart of the city, in a large Tuscan-style estate comprising three houses surrounded by beautiful gardens. Guests appreciate the peaceful setting and the pleasant outdoor swimming pool.
El Valle is located in the crater of an ancient volcano and enjoys a temperate climate that is very popular with Panamanians at weekends. The rich volcanic soil allows almost all species of plants and animals to thrive. For example, there are countless species of flowers and trees, hundreds of species of mammals and reptiles, and some 400 incredible species of birds. It is also an opportunity to enjoy the local hot springs or the weekend market.
Drive to Santa Catalina, at the tip of the Veraguas Peninsula. The road winds through a hilly agricultural landscape and leads to the village that is fast becoming the hot spot for surfing in Panama. Its black sand beach is battered by powerful waves. Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts opt for the waters off Coiba or Cebago, the neighbouring island, while a few secluded beaches can be reached on foot.
Stay for two nights on the seafront, a little way from the town centre, in a small, friendly establishment overlooking an outdoor swimming pool and the beach below.
Optional - Private tour of Coiba Island. Formerly a penal colony, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has now become a biosphere reserve of incredible richness. With a mask and snorkel or during a scuba dive, you can explore the coral reefs and encounter rays, turtles and other harmless sharks. The island's tropical rainforests are home to a wide variety of birds, mammals and endemic plants. They also serve as a last refuge for several endangered species that have virtually disappeared from the rest of the country, such as the harpy eagle and the scarlet macaw.
Drive to Boquete, in the Chiriqui mountains. Stay for two nights in a charming location on the slopes of Baru Volcano National Park. The finca, which is a coffee-producing estate, has a few comfortable rooms and provides breathtaking views of the Chiriqui mountains. A mild climate, coffee plantations and colourful flowers have made the area famous, and it has gradually become a popular holiday destination for Panamanians.
You can stroll through the village. You’ll find out about the local festivities, which revolve around flowers and coffee. You’ll also go hiking on the slopes of Baru Volcano, the highest summit in the country at 3,475 metres. Along the way, birdwatching can hold some wonderful surprises, such as the emerald green plumage of a resplendent quetzal or the scarlet of a green-winged macaw...
Optional - Rafting down the Rio Chiriqui Viejo; a series of zip lines skimming the canopy; a guided walk through the forest and coffee plantations.
Drive to Almirante, return your rental car and take a boat to Isla Pastores in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. You will stay for three nights on the southern side of the island, in a lodge comprising five bungalows and a house spread between the seafront and the hills, where you will also find the restaurant and a pleasant swimming pool. You will appreciate the comfort and relaxed atmosphere of the place. Although the island has no beach, you can explore the jungle and plantations on foot or the seabed from the pontoon. Boat trips make it easy to reach the beaches of the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
The crystal-clear waters, white sandy shores, lush greenery and an abundance of tropical wildlife, make Bocas del Toro a superb end to this Panamanian journey. This archipelago is made up of nine main islands and 200 islets and invites you to indulge in a life of leisure, enjoying the Caribbean atmosphere of its traditionally colourful dwellings.
Optional - A private day dedicated to dolphin watching and exploring the rich marine life of Cayo Coral and Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park.
Private transfer to Panama City, where you will go back to your starting point for the day so you can rest and freshen up before departure. At the end of the day, another private transfer to the airport and return flight. Night on board, arrival the next day.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Panama Viejo, Casco Viejo and Miraflores
With a private guide, you’ll set out for a day exploring the main sites of the Panamanian capital. You’ll start with the remains of Panama La Vieja, the original site of the city founded by Pedro Arias Dávila and the Spanish on 15 August 1519, and the colonial district known as Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose origins date back to the city’s reconstruction around 1670. As you stroll along, you’ll discover the many buildings that have appeared over time, mostly in a colonial style. Today, these carefully restored buildings and palaces house gourmet restaurants, boutiques, chic residences and museums. The museum about the Panama Canal traces the history of how this marvel of engineering was built. San José Church, which houses an impressive gilded altar, completes the visit. Finally, stop at the Miraflores Locks on the Canal to watch the operations at the two locks from a viewing platform.Caribbean escape: Portobelo and Isla Mamey
Located 1 hour and 45 minutes from Panama City, the village of Portobelo offers a mix of Afro-Caribbean culture. Explore it by kayak or on foot, tracing its history, before a local lunch. In the afternoon, head to the idyllic setting of Isla Mamey to unwind among coconut trees and white sand.Diving day in Coiba National Park
Coiba Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has stunning underwater scenery. The entire national park is surrounded by the most extensive coral reefs on the Pacific coast of the Americas, making it an excellent place to observe a wide range of marine life. Among the most common, you often see whitetip sharks, rays, turtles, swordfish, tuna and barracudas. Depending on the season, you can spot humpback whales, dolphins, tiger sharks, whale sharks or hammerhead sharks. Depending on your wishes or abilities, you can choose snorkelling trips or scuba diving, either in a group or in private.Walk in the forest and coffee plantation
Departing from Boquete, you will visit a beautiful estate set in the middle of a coffee plantation. The owners are deeply connected to their land and proud to export one of the region’s finest crops each year. The morning begins with a hike along the estate’s 10 km (6 miles) of developed trails. You’ll travel through the heart of the primary forest, encountering a great diversity of wildlife and plant life. In the early afternoon, around the plantation, you’ll discover almost all the secrets of coffee production: the three factors that influence its quality (the soil, the climate and the variety), as well as the stages leading up to roasting. The tour naturally ends with a tasting, along with some advice for preparing good coffee.
Why visit Panama with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to Panama
- Globally unique concierge service
- CO2 absorption
