Included:
- All transfers [2]
- Entrance tickets and transportation
- All meals as indicated on tours
- Breakfast each morning
- Free Wi-Fi at selected hotels [as available]
Not Included:
- International airfare to and from the destination, please contact us for the best available prices from your home city.
- Travel Insurance is not included, but available, please contact us for the best options for your family.
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary below.
- Tours not mentioned in the itinerary below.
- Gratuities (optional).
Day 1 – Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day on your own
Day 2 – Panama City Tour and Canal Tour
We pick you up at your hotel around 8am (depending on the location of your hotel). Most days we start with an incredible view of the city from atop Cerro Ancon, before heading off to the Miraflores Locks to watch the ships transit. Enjoy the viewing platforms, learn more about the canal at the museum and watch a short film about the canal’s history. We pass under the Bridge of the Americas and head out to the Amador Causeway where we will stop for lunch (not included) and a short walk on a nature trail in the historic Smithsonian owned Punta Culebra. The rest of the afternoon will be spent on a walking tour of old town, Casco Viejo. Marvel at its spectacular architecture and learn about the history of this UNESCO world heritage site. From Casco Viejo we provide transportation back to your hotel, or you can decide to stay for sunset, dinner or drinks in one of the many plazas.
Day 3 – “Caribbean Adventure”
Choose to do an adventure day! Leave early and drive 1 hour to the Caribbean and on to Portobelo to start the day with snorkeling in crystal clear water. We take a short boat trip to a bay with a nice beach for the 1st snorkel site and later a reef wall for the second site. Enjoy the warm and clear ocean water and catch some sun!? Return for lunch, a brief historic tour of Portobelo and head back along the coast for the spectacular zip line/canopy tour over Lake Gatun!
Day 4 – Monkey Island, Indian Village and Lake Gatun
Leaving Panama City behind we pass the Panama Canal’s famous Culebra Cut, Gamboa resort, and Chagres River before we head into the Soberania National Park. Known for its birding (the Audubon Society’s annual bird count has spotted over 500 species in 24 hours!),Soberania is full of wildlife and is a wonderful place to watch for monkeys, sloths, the Harpy Eagle and more. A boat tour gets us on the Panama canal and gives us time to explore Lake Gatuns’ hidden bays in search of wildlife.
We will stop for a bite to eat at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort and take in the views of the Chagres River. After lunch, we will visit an authentic Indian village; learn about the community history, art, music and dance. We can take a short hike along the trails through the rainforest to learn more about the native plants and how they are used.
*If it rains you get wet!
**Wear shoes that can handle a little dirt/mud
Day 5 – Lake Bayano Boat and Caves Tour
On the edge of the Darien Gap in the furthest corner of majestic Lago Bayano there is a hole in the earth, and those brave enough to explore are rewarded with an amazing experience.
The adventure starts as we hike deep into and through the wet, but spacious, caves as we make our way through the caverns and pools. Water cascades from the ground above into the Jurassic underworld. As we near the end of the cave light creeps in from crevasses above and eventually we are hiking through narrow canyons. A natural rain forest swimming hole greets us on the other side. After the hike we enjoy lunch prepared by a family from the local village and take plenty of time to enjoy the serene and picturesque surroundings.
This is adventure tourism at its best. Our boat drivers and guides come from the local village and we contribute funds to the community, which are used to maintain and protect the unspoiled natural enviroment. In addition, upon return from the caves, a delicious meal of fresh tilapia and patacones prepared by woman of the local village awaits us.
What you need to know/bring:
- Good Hiking Shoes
- Swim Suit
- Dry Change of Clothes
- Your Passport
- Bug Spray
- Bottled Water
- Bathing Suits
Shoes: Shoes or sandals with straps (the caves are wet and the rocks can be slippery, please choose footwear appropriately!) We also have Crocs available for rent in your size for $5.
We will stop at a store on the way to the caves if you would like to buy water or snacks.
Day 6 – Lets add something you might like to do, or simply enjoy the day on your own
Day 7 – transfer to the airport to board your flight home
Exact days may change for reasons beyond our control
As us about adding a trip to Costa Rica or Panama for a day or two, or more!
Prices starting from:
3 star hotel $1,223.25 U.S., per person, based on double occupancy
4 star hotel $1,364.00 U.S., per person, based on double occupancy
Above pricing includes taxes where stated. In Canada, GST/HST included. Country taxes that must be paid locally are not included. Prices listed were correct at time of publication. Prices can change to reflect exchange rate changes. Custom World Vacations reserves the right to amend prices at any time without prior notice. All vacations are subject to availability.
