“Experience Panamá Tour”

Celebrating 30 years of exploration, adventure, and transformation!!

Celebrate by joining us on our upcoming…

Experience Panamá Tour

The Highlights of Panamá in one wonder-filled week

Saturday February 24 - Sunday March 3, 2024

 

Tour Highlights

  • Panama City

  • Miraflores Locks

  • Embera Puru

  • Guna Yala

  • Chagres Park

  • Casco Viejo

  • Monkey Island

  • Coiba National Marine Park

  • Panama Canal

  • El Valle

  • Boquete

Highlights

  • Miraflores Locks

  • Casco Viejo, Panama City

  • Panama Canal

  • Embera Indigenous Rainforest Community

  • El Valle de Anton

  • Santa Catalina / Coiba National Marine Park

  • Boquette

  • Chagres & Soberania National Parks

 

Included

  • Transportation

  • Lodging & Breakfasts

  • Guided Service

  • In country flight

  • Indigenous Village Visit

  • City & Canal tours

  • Coffee Plantation Tour

  • Welcome Dinner

Itinerary

Map Legend: A - Casco Viejo B - Panama Canal C - El Valle D - Santa Catalina E - Boquete F - David

See the highlights of Panama, all in one wonder-filled week with passionate, knowledgable guides!   Hike virgin forests in Panama’s mountains, explore the national parks by boat, soak up the sun on Panama’s Pacific and Atlantic coast beaches and islands, spend nights in beautiful local boutique hotels, and be amazed by the abundant wildlife. 

  • Saturday: Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), where our driver will transfer you to your hotel in Panama City (Casco Viejo Hotel Central or equivalent). Meet your fellow travelers and prepare for the upcoming adventure at our included welcome dinner!

  • Sunday: We have a full day to explore this fantastic city! Starting with a visit to Cerro Ancon, the administrative center of the Panama Canal and Ex US Canal Zone before we head to Miraflores Locks and canal musuem. We follow the Panama Canal to Punta Culebra (owned by the Smithsonian) where we might see sloths, iguanas and some of Panama’s marine life, all while learning about the history of Panama, the canal, and the ships passing through. Have lunch on the Amador Causeway with fantastic views of the city skyline before a final stop in old town (Casco Viejo) for a tour that will take you back in time. Enjoy your 2nd night in the city.Description text goes here

  • Monday: Disconnect from technology and the modern world as we travel up the San Juan River in a traditional Embera dug out canoe into the protected watershed of the Chagres National Park, the source of water for the Panama Canal. Visit a remote Embera Village and experience the welcoming, gentle nature of the first residents of Panama as they share their unique history, culture, and relaxed way of life. This is a real community of our friends inviting you in to their daily lives - no dress up act.

  • Tuesday: Explore the Panama Canal in the most intimate way possible - cruising alongside giant cargo ships as we make our way to see monkeys on islands created in 1913 by the damming of the Chagres River! Soberania National Park is a wonderful place to watch for sloths, crocodiles, the Harpy Eagle and hundreds of bird species.

    Spend the afternoon in El Valle de Anton, the city inside of a dormant volcano. View the endangered Golden Frog and hike to the Square Tree. Enjoy dinner at one of Panama’s premier and most beautiful restaurants at the base of the caldera’s rim. Stay at beautiful Los Mandarinos Hotel at the base of the caldera rim.

  • Wednesday: After a welcome night in El Valle, we have all morning to explore. Hike the India Dormida, go for a horse or bike ride, visit the market and waterfalls, enjoy the amazing new Butterfly Garden or just relax! After lunch we’ll enjoy a beautiful drive along the Pan American Highway to the community of Santa Catalina where we’ll spend two nights on one of the world’s best and most beautiful beaches. Lodging at Santa Catalina Hotel or Sol y Mar (4:30 drive time)

  • Thursday: We’ll spend the day in Santa Catalina where you will have the option to visit the amazing Coiba National Marine Preserve. Otherwise known as the poor man’s Galapagos, Coiba is one of those hard to reach places that is worth the effort of getting there! You have the options of snorkeling or diving if you visit the UNESCO world heritage site. You might just see a whale shark! Other options are kayaking, fishing, surfing and relaxing on one of the world’s best surf beaches (2nd night in Santa Catalina)

  • Friday: We will head out in the morning and drive to Boquete. Nestled into the mountains of western Panama, Boquette is the adventure capital and gourmet coffee growing area of Panama. After lunch in Boquete, we’ll enjoy a unique Coffee Plantation tour and then a relaxing evening enjoying this beautiful town. (Hotel in Boquete) (4:30 Drive Time)

  • Saturday: A free day with a variety of options to choose from. You will be able go zip lining in the jungle canopy, hike to the continental divide or a waterfall, or for the more ambitious, maybe a trip up the 11,400 ft Baru volcano. There’s also whitewater rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and rock climbing.

  • Sunday: Fly back to Panama City from David on your included in country flight (1 hr 10 min). Spend one last evening in Panama City before you catch your flight home. If need be, you can catch a flight home Sunday evening.

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Have an extra day… …or more? 

Stay in Boquete or add an option below and extend your time in paradise!  Maybe add both.  You deserve it!

Add on 1 – Arrive a day or two early, or extend your trip at the end, and check out Guna Yala (San Blas).  Sovereign territory of the Guna Indigenous, this is an area of the Caribbean Coast with over 360 islands.  This trip is unlike any other. It gives you the chance to mingle with the Guna on their coconut-covered islands, enjoy the pristine beaches and turquoise blue water, learn about Guna culture, and more.

Add on 2 – Want more beach time?  Head to Bocas Del Toro where you’ll experience a Caribbean vibe and pristine beaches.  Maybe you’re up for a sailing trip throughout the islands, snorkeling among coral reefs, surfing, or a pick of many other daytrip destinations.  Party the night away at the best nightlife spot outside Panama City (featured on Discovery Channel's Wild on Panama).

Testimonials

  • “Best Tour Ever” - David is a great guide! What sets him apart is his desire to make each guest happy. He has a great personality and is very comfortable to be around.

    Craig C

  • David took my wife and I on a private tour and it was just exceptional. His attention to detail was spot on, with his knowledge of the area and extra attention to our needs.

    George Hirst

  • Hi David, I wanted to tell you again how much we enjoyed you guiding us on our visit to the Embera village. It was the highlight of our trip

    Dale, Kellie, Delaney and Riley McIntyre

  • David, Thanks for making the last day of our holiday perhaps the most memorable. We really appreciate your insight, knowledge, candor, professionalism, kindness, and all the extra little things.

    Wade & Nadine Wilson

  • I had a great time in panama thanks to you. I must say I have never had such a great, fun & caring tour guide in my life.

    Darla Lantz

  • David guided us on an unforgettable visit to the Embera tribe. With his in depth knowledge of the country, history and nature, David made this tour very special for us.

    Rene S.

  • David planned everything for our large group! From main attractions to unique excursions to the lesser known areas. A wonderful experience from start to finish. Professional, seamless organization!

    Anna K

  • David's the most knowledgeable & honest person in Panama's tourism industry. His tours are outstanding - well organized, have lots of content and extremely interesting.

    Dorte V. - World Bank Lead Ag Economist

  • See the real Panama with David. He's knowledgeable, funny, and knows the best places. It was more than a treat. When we left we felt like we really knew Panama.

    Charlie B

  • All in all, this is up there as one of my top travel trips I have ever taken and I know that if we had tried to do this on our own, we would have missed out on the opportunities that David at Adventure Tours Panama had given us.

    Jason P

  • The right mix of "must see sights" and going off the beaten path and immersing into the culture and nature. An exceptional visit to Panama! Thank you David!

    Nav S

  • Not only was everything perfect, but David went out of his way to make the trip extra memorable. His special connection to this unique tribe and their culture made it extra special.

    Nancy H

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Price: $3,795 per person (double occupancy)

Optional Activity Costs

  • Snorkel in Coiba National Marine Park, fondly referred to as “The poor man’s Galapagos”. Sea turtles, Whale Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays… this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not to be missed!.

  • Enjoy a 2-Tank Scuba Dive in Coiba National Marine Park, fondly referred to as “The poor man’s Galapagos”. Sea turtles, Whale Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays… this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not to be missed!.

  • Get out and shred or take a lesson and try your hand in the gentle break of one of the world’s top surf beaches. You can Boogie Board and Body Surf here too!

  • Appropriate for rafters of all experience levels, Boquete tops the list as offering some of the best whitewater rafting trips in the world. The combination of the region’s topography, abundant watersheds, and incredible biological diversity make Panama an extraordinary whitewater river rafting destination featuring breathtaking views of nature and wildlife.

  • There’s no more exciting way to explore the jungle than from up in the canopy. Whether gliding through the air, or quietly traversing a sky-bridge while watching for the rare Resplendent Quetzal and one of the other 900+ species of birds in Panama, you won’t be disappointed.

Arrive Early, Stay Later

Extend your time in paradise! You deserve it!

  • Come a few days early or stay a few extra days and go back in time to disconnect and unwind in the most laid back part of Panama. Guna Yala (San Blas) is home to the Guna Indians. This trip is unlike any other. Enjoy coconut-covered islands, turquoise blue waters and white sand beaches, while learning about Guna culture. $265 for the first night. $85 for each additional night. 2 nights recommended. All inclusive: Transportation, lodging, meals, daily tours.

  • Need more beach time? Off to Bocas Del Toro where to experience the Caribbean vibe - maybe a sailing trip throughout the islands, snorkeling among coral reefs, surfing, or another of many other day trip options. Party the night away at the best nightlife spot outside Panama City (featured on Discovery Channel's Wild on Panama). $40 Shuttle from Boquete to Bocas. Too many hotel options and tours so contact us to discuss.

Not Included

  • Breakfasts and a welcome and farewell dinner are included. There may be a few included meals with certain activities but plan on 8-9 lunches and 8-9 dinners that are not included. Rather than limit you with an all inclusive price, we prefer to let you eat and drink what you want where you want. It adds to the experience! There are local restaurants available in all locations.

    Prices vary widely in Panama, from $5 at a local “Fonda” to $100 for a 5-Star meal at a gourmet restaurant with drinks. Budget an average of $75 per day for lunch and dinner and you’ll eat like royalty.

  • Tipping in Panama is in line with that in the United States. Whether wait staff in restaurants, activity guides, or your in-country tour guides, the suggested standard is 10-15%. If they do great, feel free to tip more. If the service is lacking, by all means adjust your contribution accordingly.

  • Traveling solo? Prefer your own room? Need to get away from a snoring spouse? Add $1,000 onto the cost for the single occupancy supplement.

 

Panama: An Amazing History and Rich Culture

Known as the “Crossroads of the World”, Panama has a long and unique history. In 1513, Spanish Conquistador Vasco Nuñez de Balboa “discovered” the “Southern Sea”, proceeded to dismantle his ships, carried them across the Isthmus of Panama and then reconstruct them and sail to South America.

In 1671 the Privateer/ Pirate Henry Morgan let an attack across the Isthmus to attack and destroy the original settlement of Panama City. The city was rebuilt in the current location of what is now known as Casco Viejo, the old quarter, where the Presidential Palace currently resides.

In 1855, in response to the California Gold Rush, the United States completed the world’s first transcontinental railroad across the 47 mile wide Isthmus of Panama.

In 1881, the French, led by promoter of the Suez Canal, Ferdinand de Lesseps, began their ill fated 9-year long attempt to build a canal across Panama. The inevitable failure due to overwhelming deaths due to Malaria and Yellow Fever, and the impossibility of building a sea level canal not only destroyed de Lesseps, but almost bankrupted France.

In 1903, US President Theodore Roosevelt purchased the rights to the Canal Zone and the rights to build the Canal from the French. The US construction was completed 11 years later in 1914 and the US retained control of the canal and the Canal Zone until the final turnover on December 31, 1999 that had been negotiated in 197?? by US President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian Dictator Omar Torrijos.

Panama is as rich culturally as it is historically. Besides the 500 year old majority Spanish population and 150 years of US Military and Civilian influence, there is a large West Indian/ Afro-Caribe population from the US Canal Construction era, a large Chinese population from the time of the railroad construction in Panama, a good sized Jewish population from waves of European and Middle Eastern immigration over the past 150 years, a booming US/ Canadian/ European ex-pat retiree population, and 8 remarkably unique indigenous tribes (Embera, Wounaan, Guna, Ngäbe, Buglé, Naso, Bokota, and Bribri).

Welcome To Panama!!

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