Day 1 Arrival in Tocumen International Airport, and guests will be picked up by one of our drivers and transferred to a hotel in the city.
Day 2 Lake Bayano Caves. The tour to Panama’s Bayano Lake Caves is an experience that touches the human spirit. Discovering a natural place, of so huge and enormous beauty, is an experience that fills the senses with pleasure and it shows all together, how our passage through this world is ephemeral; reminding us that we must preserve our world’s natural wonders.
The Tour leaves at 7:00 a.m. from Panama City as we set course to Bayano Lake, an important natural resource of Panama. After approximately an hour and forty five minutes by land, we arrive in Cañita, and board a boat, for an estimated thirty minute ride to the entrance of the caves.
Upon arriving at the caves, we will don our protective gear to begin this beautiful and impressive route filled with many passages and enormous caverns. We will find a variety of small animals that inhabit this ecosystem without sunlight, containing crystalline water lagoons, enormous limestone rock formations until finishing in a lagoon, where we will be able to bathe in these crystalline waters.
After a brief rest, we will return to the small pier on the bridge at the Bayano lake, drive back to Cañita, eat lunch, and begin our journey back to Panama City.
It is possible we will see many bird species on this tour such as the Neotropic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Great Egret, Black Vulture, Osprey, Broad-winged Hawk, Ringed Kingfisher, Toucans, Great Kiskadee, and the Crested Caracara. We may also get to see mammals such as the Mantled Howler Monkey, Neotropical River Otter, Three-toed Sloth, Northern Tamandua, and the Short-tailed Fruit Bat; There are also reptiles like Green Iguana, Brown Vine Snake, Tiger Rat Snake, Fer-de-Lance; as well as many amphibians and butterflies. (B,L)
Day 3 We begin trekking at 7:00 a.m., enjoying all the beauty of this historic and natural Las Cruces Trail, located along the Panama Canal, and between Panama and Colon provinces. The famous Las Cruces Trail (Camino de Cruces) preserves the remains of an ancient cobblestone road. If we get lucky we might get to see the wildlife that inhabits this historic path.
We will be able to see many different trees and plants located along the path as we hike. This route will take us to a famous plantation road that leads us out of the forest and to a place where we can take a brief rest, eat and recuperate our energies.
It is very important for participants to have proper foot wear, and be in excellent physical condition as we will be in the jungle and will be walking the entire time.
Day 4 After breakfast, we will transfer to the Port of Corotu to visit an indigenous community that lives in harmony with nature on the banks of the Chagres River. This Embera tribe forms part of seven indigenous groups that inhabit Panama. They sustain themselves mostly by fishing, but they also live from hunting and agricultural activities. After a short boat ride on the Chagres River, we will arrive at the village, where we will learn their cultures and traditions. The discovery of this indigenous village is considered a new tourist destination, and this community opens its doors to any tourist that comes into contact with them. We will be surrounded by natural beauty, while at the same time discovering the culture of one of the indigenous groups located in Panama, which tries to preserve its valuable traditions.
Day 5 Transfer to the Gamboa area. The aerial tram ride traverses a mile long tract of Humid Forest that lies within the resort boundaries. We observe the forest canopy in some areas and are likely to encounter birds and hear Howler monkeys. The tram ascends 280 feet over half a mile and ends atop a hill. From here we walk to the observation tower (which is optional) and for those with some stamina, involves a climb of approximately 100 feet up a mildly inclined ramp which is also wheelchair accessible. From the observation tower you'll get great views of the Canal, the Chagres River as well as the surrounding forested areas of Soberania National Park and the town of Gamboa. The Tower is slightly less than 500 feet above sea level with most of this elevation attained by tram. On the return portion of the tram we descend the final half-mile back to our starting point.
After the exciting tram we will take a break for lunch.
Of aquatic activities the most favorite is Monkey Island. Starting from the marina to Lake Gatun in the Panama Canal we will tour some islands and channels where you can enjoy lush flora and fauna, Spider and Howler monkeys, and birds of different species are awaiting you. Without a doubt there is always something delightful to see whether they are sleepy or relaxing as they hold on to the branches. We will also see some shy turtles and observe crocodiles basking in the sun drenched shores of the Canal.
Time permitting, on our way back to Panama City, we will visit Summit Botanical Garden, which was opened in 1923 as an experimental garden. It is an enjoyable walking tour in a tranquil setting that allows guests to appreciate the diversity of different flora and fauna. In one of the enclosures guests can observe the Harpy Eagle, the national bird of Panama and the largest of the New World raptor species.
Day 6 Panamá offers internationally recognized beaches in the world of surf, such as Santa Catalina, Bocas Del Toro, and Venao, which are visited by surfers from around the world year round.
If you are located in Panama City and would like to have a surfing day trip at our nearest beaches: Gorgona, Rio Mar (Pacific side) or at Isla Grande (Caribbean side), ReConTur, S.A provides a plan which includes, transportation by land or sea, drinks and personal guide.
Day 7 Panama Canal Transit (partial) – Only on Saturdays.
Departing from Isla Flamenco, we transfer to the Panama Canal Dredging Division where we will board the Ferry Boat, which will take us on a transit of Gaillard Cut, Pedro Miguel Locks, and Miraflores Locks. Lunch is included during the partial transit. Tour ends at Isla Flamenco.
Day 8 Continuing with our adventure, we will depart Panama City towards Cartí in mainland San Blas archipelago for a unique day trip. During our drive, you will enjoy the exuberant landscape of the pristine forest until we reach Cartí where we will board a dug out canoe (cayuco), to enjoy the beauty of crystal clear waters, unspoiled beaches, and interaction with the Kuna Yala peoples.
Day 9 Today we will a relaxing day touring Panama City, three cities in one; Old Panama, Colonial Panama, and Modern Panama. We visit sites such as the Cathedral Tower in Old Panama, the original settlement that was attached and sacked in 1671 by the infamous Sir Henry Morgan. A walking tour of the French Plaza, the Golden Altar Church, Las Bovedas, and other sites in Colonial Panama takes place. Both sites have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. You will have shopping opportunities during the day.
Day 10 Leave Panama City and fly to the island paradise of Bocas del Toro where you will be greeted by sea breezes and friendly locals. Your second day will be highlighted by a guided boat tour of nearby islands along with some relaxed swimming in the crystal clear beaches of Bocas del Toro. The staff at Hotel Vista Mar will make your stay on the main island comfortable and enjoyable.
Day 11 Guests will awaken to a complimentary breakfast in the hotel then depart for a day of fishing on board a thirty eight foot Robalo center console fully equipped with the serious angler in mind. A box lunch, drinks, fruit, water and beer will be provided throughout the trip. If you so choose, your catch will be cooked for you in the hotel restaurant accompanied with a bottle of wine.
Day 12 Guests will wake up excited to know another day of fishing is in store. Capt. Julio Cotes will take you to his special spots once again for a day filled with fishing and breath taking sights.
Day 13 Wave goodbye to the beautiful island paradise of Bocas del Toro as you come back to the hustle and bustle of Panama City where you will be delighted with a tour of the city that includes a historic tour along with a visit to the famous Panama Canal. Guests will once again get a comfortable night’s rest in Las Huacas Hotel and prepare for their departure back home.
Day 14 Guests will leave the hotel after enjoying a complimentary breakfast and transfer to Tocumen International Airport to catch their flight back home.
**This package includes lodging, bilingual guide service, land and in country transportation, taxes, and meals as shown per day.
