Classic Panamanian Highlights

After breakfast in the hotel, we will head to the ruins of Panama Vieja, on the edge of the city, dating back to the 17th century. We will then head off to visit the famous Panama Canal, an incredible feat of engineering, one of the greatest and most expensive in history. We will stop at the Visitor’s Centre of the Miraflores Locks, where we can appreciate the ships sailing along the canal. We will head to the Amador Causeway, offering one of the city’s most impressive panoramic views of the canal. We will then stop off at the Mercado de Abasto market, which the city’s largest fruit and vegetable market and where the countries best products arrive. We will then enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant of the seafood market, where of course, the menu is the catch of the day. We will finish the tour in the Old Quarter of Panama City, the UNESCO World Heritage site of San Felipe.

After breakfast, we will experience a partial canal transit to feel the excitement of going through part of the canal to experience the actual workings of the locks, which allow massive ships to pass through the canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. 

We will head to the Flamenco Marina, where you will set sail towards the canal's entrance. We can appreciate a panoramic view of the city, the Bridge of the Americas and the spectacular gulf with many ships waiting to pass through the canal. Every vessel should be secured using mooring lines in order to be towed by electric locomotives called mules which keep the vessels aligned. In a few minutes, water will reach the established level and the lock will open by the side of the stem allowing the ship to pass to the following basin. We will continue to the Miraflores Lake, to reach Pedro Miguel’s locks and then under the Centennial Bridge until we reach the famous Culebra Cut, known for its meandering bends, where the Chagres River converges. 

After breakfast, we will head to the airport for our flight to David, where the guide will be waiting to take you to the small mountain town of Boquete. Hiking the area is spectacular and is the launching spot to climb the Baru volcano or hike The Quetzal Trail. If we are lucky, we could actually see the national bird in its natural habitat. If you prefer a more "cultural" activity, you can visit a coffee plantation, or if you are looking for an adrenalin-filled adventure, there are rafting trips abound on the Chiriqui Viejo River. 

Today we will enjoy one of Boquete's best exports – its coffee!  Boquete’s weather is the reason that the coffee in this region is as incredible as it is. The fertile soil, the precise altitude combine to provide one of the world's best coffees. We will visit the La Milagrosa Farm, where one of the country’s best organic coffee is produced. We will then walk through the plantations to see the different coffee plant varieties, including the prestigious Geisha coffee. We will enjoy a coffee-tasting, where the scent, aroma and character merge for the perfect balance between sweet and bitter.

After breakfast, we will head to Almirante to take a short boat ride to Isla Colon in The archipelago of Bocas del Toro. The Bocas del Toro Islands are found towards the west of the country, close to the Costa Rica border. Six main islands form the archipelago: and by a number of coral reefs and islets boasting idyllic beaches, palm trees, a spectacular barrier reef, several sea species, emerald‐green waters, mangroves and lush tropical rainforests. Each island has its own qualities and natural beauty, offering a water-based transport system, where water- taxis are the only means of transportation. 

Today we will discover more of the fascinating Bocas del Toro Archipelago. We will be able to marvel at its beautiful beaches hidden within the lush vegetation of its islands, to come across groups of mangroves and its characteristic impressive marine life. The endless white sand and clear waters surrounded by barrier reefs, ideal for diving and snorkelling. The tour will stop at Laguna de Bocatoritos, where you will be able to see dolphins happily playing around the boats. We will then head to Coral Cay for some excellent snorkelling home to countless colourful fish that hide among coral reefs. Later, we will have some relaxing time at the Zapatilla Cays, two of the most beautiful islands of the archipelago, located within the boundaries of Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park. This area is blessed with dream beaches, crystalline waters, magnificent sea beds with splendid coral reefs home to angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, moray eels, lobsters and crabs. 

Today, we will enjoy a free day in Bocas del Toro. We recommend a visit to some of the several coral reefs and islets offering idyllic beaches surrounded by palm trees, a spectacular barrier reef, several sea species, emerald-green waters, mangroves, tropical forests inhabited by an incredible fauna and a lush flora. Each island has its own personality and natural beauty and is a world that revolves around water.

Today is the final day of the tour. We will head to the Bocas del Toro airport for our flight to  Panama City, to take your flight back home or onto your next exciting destination.