Panama Journey

Enjoy an included airport VIP lounge access before your day flight from the UK to Panama City. Upon arrival, you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel in the old quarter of Panama City – and idyllic location to explore the nearby historic buildings, fine restaurants and city museums. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure as you lounge by the rooftop pool or explore the city by foot, both fantastic options.

Stay: American Trade Hotel (Superior)

An early start this morning sees you travelling to El Corotu on the shores of picturesque Madden Lake, where you'll board a motorised piragua (dugout canoe) that will take you up the Chagres River to the indigenous village of Embera Drua. Travelling through Chagres National Park, which runs alongside the Panama Canal watershed, you'll have the chance to see some of the local wildlife including toucans, kingfishers and ospreys. Spend the morning at the Embera indigenous village, learning about their customs, traditions and deep connection to nature, before enjoying authentic music and live dance. And, you'll have the chance to browse their beautifully crafted masks and woven baskets – unique to the Embera. After a traditional lunch, make your way back to Panama city for an afternoon at leisure.

Stay: American Trade Hotel (Superior)

After breakfast, you'll embark on a historic tour of Panama City visiting the many important sites that dot the city. You'll explore the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites with visits to the ruins of Old Panama, where you can climb the remains of the cathedral tower, before you'll walk the narrow streets of the old quarter and a visit the Old Panama City museum. Continue on to Casco Antiguo and the French quarter where the statue of Ferdinand de Lesseps can be found.

Stay: American Trade Hotel (Superior)

After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for a short flight to David, where you'll be met and taken to the coastal town of Boca Chica. Here, you'll find the stunning Bocas del Mar Hotel with its privileged coastal location and contemporary bungalow guest rooms surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Take the time to unwind and relax at either of the two infinity pools, the ideal place to sunbathe or dive into the book you've been saving.

The next day you'll venture into the Gulf of Chiriqui Marine National Park with your local captain to explore the many islands that are scattered in the area. As the boat weaves between the beautiful islands, keep a keen eye out for dolphins, turtles and manta rays which are known to frequent the waters. And, you'll visit at least two islands, where you'll have the chance to snorkel the clear waters and relax on the white sandy beaches. A picnic lunch is included.

Stay: Hotel Bocas del Mar

This morning you'll say goodbye to the beautiful coastal region as you head inland by private transfer to the small town of Boquete which sits on the Caldera River and is surrounded by the Chiriqui highlands. Home to Baru Volcano National Park, coffee plantations, lost waterfalls and abundant birdlife, this cloud forest is full of adventure waiting to be explored. Check into the Hotel Panamonte, where you'll find exquisite cuisine, well-appointed rooms and impeccable service, perfectly matched to its European atmosphere.

The next day after breakfast, you'll explore the highlands by hiking the nearby trails – the best way to experience the forest. Head up the scenic trails that surround Baru Volcano National Park, where you'll discover a world of diverse wildlife, hidden waterfalls and unique flora and fauna.

Stay: Hotel Panamonte (Superior)

This morning you'll transfer down out of the highlands to Almirante, where you'll enjoy a short boat transfer to Isla Colon. Here, on the Caribbean coast you'll experience authentic Afro-Panamanian culture and a fantastic place to enjoy snorkelling, kayaking and swimming in the crystal clear waters around Bocas del Toro.

The next day you'll enjoy a shared boat tour. Take the chance to snorkel among colourful reefs, swim in crystal-clear water, and sunbathe on beautiful golden beaches as you visit the likes of Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay before tucking into the catch of the day at a locals' favourite fish restaurant. Lastly, you'll visit Bastimentos Island where a walk through the mangroves of this national park will bring you to Red Frog Beach. Named after the red frogs found in the lush parts of the island, this idyllic enclave is one of the most popular beaches in Bocas.

Stay: Divers Paradise Boutique Hotel (Standard)

Today you'll say goodbye to the island life and catch a domestic flight back to Panama City for your final night in Panama. Spend your last day at leisure with time to further explore this fascinating city and pick up some last-minute souvenirs. 

Stay: American Trade Hotel (Superior)

Transfer to Panama City airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving the following morning.