Experience the richness of Panama's National Parks and Beaches in a 9-day adventure, from the historic ruins of Old Panama and colonial charm in Casco Antiguo to the iconic Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. Sail through the Canal, witness live ship transits, and explore the Amador Causeway. Return to Flamenco Marina, then venture into the countryside, crossing mountains and rivers. Discover waterfalls, local culture, and enjoy a 4x4 journey. Conclude the day with a thrilling zip line canopy tour through the forest, flying on cables up to 300m. This diverse tour offers history, nature, and exhilarating experiences in one.
Highlights
Visit Pacific Ocean's first city, the ruins of Old Panama
Explore the Gailard Cut's Historical Significance
Sail through the Canal, pass the iconic Bridge of the Americas
Explore mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and rural life
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Panama City and rest up after your travels. You can opt to stretch your legs and explore your surroundings. If arriving early in the morning, let your trip planner know and we can assist with arranging a city tour today.
This morning, your canal transit experience starts at Flamenco Marina. You will embark and set sail along the Pacific Coast towards the entrance of the famed Panama Canal. Admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline from the water before passing under the Bridge of the Americas and into the the Miraflores Locks. Next, the boat will continue into the Pedro Miguel Locks, the second set of locks on the Pacific side. Upon exiting the Pedro Miguel Locks, take in views of the new Centennial Bridge crossing over the Canal, before entering the North end of the Gaillard Cut where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gaillard Cut (formerly named the Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) was carved through the Continental Divide and is known for being the most challenging section of the canal to cut, due to it's unstable geological composition and tendency to produce landslides during construction. Learn about the tumultuous history of building and completing this section of canal, as well as the dredging that is still required to maintain the cut today. You will disembark your transit at the Gamboa Dredging Division where you will board private transportation for a 45 minute ride back to your hotel.
This afternoon you will have a two hour transfer, to your next stop in the mountains, Elle Valle de Anton. After a busy day, relax and rest up for your next adventure tomorrow.
**Alternatively, if you would prefer a guided city tour of Panama City, we can swap this out with this morning's partial canal transit. Let your trip planner know in advance.
Today, visit a native handicraft shop situated in the mountain community of El Aguila, specializing in natural fibers and woodworking, gaining insight into the local crafts constructed in the region and how the materials are sourced. Subsequently, continue on into the community of Pozo Azul to stretch your legs a bit. Here, exploration of a series of cooling pools and waterfalls provides an opportunity to swim and immerse yourself in pristine nature. Following your refreshing swim stop, a journey to the community of Chiguirí Arriba presents a chance to explore a local farm with a magnificent waterfall and enjoy lunch at an on-site restaurant, sample local flavors. Be sure to come prepared for swimming and bring a change of clothes with you.
On the return journey, drive back to El Valle de Anton on an adventurous a 4x4 road to complete the loop through the mountains that you have traveled today!
Day 4: El Valle Canopy Zipline | Return to Panama City
Featuring four distinct cable styles, this morning's activity takes you soaring through the breathtaking cloud forest-covered hills of El Valle de Anton. You will start with a safety briefing and your guide will assist with assembling your equipment before heading out on a 30 minute uphill forest path towards the first canopy platform. As you glide through the treetops, you'll have wildlife spotting opportunities and magnificent views of Chorro El Macho, the largest waterfall in the El Valle region. Experience the heart-pounding excitement of crossing over this stunning waterfall not once, but twice during your descent!
After your thrilling descents have come to an end, you will be transported back to Panama City this afternoon.
Today, it is time to escape the city and head to the coast! You will be transferred to Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” Airport for your flight to Bocas del Toro. Once landed, your driver will be waiting at the airstrip to take you to your tropical hotel stay for the next few nights. This afternoon, relax and settle into the Caribbean ambiance and slower pace of life on the islands.
Experience the wonders of the Caribbean and prepare for an unforgettable day trip to witness dolphins in their natural habitat, explore the beauty of mangroves, observe sloths moving slowly or hanging from tree branches, and enjoy the pristine white sand beaches with crystal-clear waters of the Zapatilla Cays. Take advantage of the pristine waters of the National Marine Park and snorkel among the golden sand and coral reef teeming with life. Along the way, as your guide about the legends of pirate treasure buried among the islands.
Today is a free day to spend as you please among the islands. Enjoy the various activities that Bocas del Toro has to offer. Explore one of the many beautiful beaches, such as Starfish Beach (be sure to only look and not touch the starfish!). Venture through Bocas Town and brows the handicraft and artisan markets, enjoy bird spotting and trying local flavors on Isla Bastimento or take a water taxi over to Isa Carenero to walk the island path that passes multiple beaches along the way.
If you would like to plan something in advance, let our trip planners know, otherwise, this day is yours to relax and enjoy as you wish.
Today, either in the early morning or the afternoon (flight schedule dependent), you will be transferred to the Bocas del Toro Airstrip for your flight back to Panama City. Your driver will be waiting for you at Albrook Airport to transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to do any final souvenir shopping in Panama City and prepare for your return flight home tomorrow.
Day 9: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Make your way to the airport for your international flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400 (50% during holiday season) plus internal flight fare, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
