Panama Adventure Tour

By connecting the new world with the old, the Panama Canal made the tiny isthmus of Panama synonymous with progress. But strip away the canal and its capital, and you'll find a timeless paradise of glorious unspoiled tropical rainforests and deserted picture-perfect white-sand beaches. On this Panama vacation you'll experience the primordial splendor of Panama, absent the crowds of popular Latin American coastal get-aways. Explore the western highlands where world-class whitewater raftin... READ MORE >>
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Panama City
Day 2: Soberania National Park - Panama Canal
Day 3: Ancon Hill & Panama City Fish Market & Casa Viejo - Boquete
Day 4: Gian Millenary Querus Tree Hike & Canopy Tour
Day 5: Boquete - Bocas del Toro - Isla Colon
Day 6-7: Isla Bastimentos
Day 8: Bocas Del Toro - Panama City - Home
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Panama City

Arrive at Panama City's Tocumen International Airport and be transferred to your hotel for the night.

Day 2: Soberania National Park - Panama Canal
Spend the day in nature on an exciting day outside of Panama City in the surrounding rainforest. After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide in the lobby to begin with a morning visit to Soberania National Park, a biologically diverse swath of rainforest only 16 miles outside of the city. Spanning 55,000 acres, the park is known for its abundance of birds, with over 525 species identified here. Soberania National Park is also part of an ecotourism and environmental education project whose main objective is to conserve the area’s birds through environmentally sustainable projects. 
At the park, enjoy a walk on the trails to take in the rainforest scenery and discover its great variety of bird and mammal species. Howler monkeys, sloths, anteaters, coatis and white-faced capuchin monkeys all call the park home. Visit the viewing platform by the lake, or climb Soberania’s 40-meter (131-ft) observation tower to observe the famous blue cotinga and toucans. Next you’ll visit the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. You’ll learn some of the most important and unique details of this marvel of engineering. You’ll learn about the history and construction of the first set of locks at the Visitor’s Center and Museum and have the opportunity to watch the massive vessels travel through the locks. (B,L)
*This is about a 7 hour tour 1 hour round trip transportation from Panama City and 3 hours moderate hiking over 3 miles.
Day 3: Ancon Hill & Panama City Fish Market & Casa Viejo - Boquete

Begin your day with a tale of two Panamas. Travel by foot 200 meters above sea level to Cerro Ancon for a spectacular 360 view of Panama City and the Canal. Here, your guide will explain important details of the modern history of Panama including the US former presence and how it shaped Panama into the country we see today. Our next stop visits the famous fish market where you will have a delicious ceviche tasting. This market was donated by the Japanese government in 1989 at a cost of 8 million dollars and opened its doors to the public in 1994. The idea was for local fishermen to greatly benefit from it and create a sustainable living for them and their families. Today the fish market is a must stop when visiting Panama City.
Next you’ll continue to the picturesque Casco Viejo, commonly called the walled city. Casco Viejo was founded by the Spaniards in 1673 after the First City of Panama (Old Panama) was destroyed. Together with Old Panama, the Casco Viejo is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is appreciated worldwide for its unique historical and artistic value. The neighborhood’s character comes alive with a walk through its narrow cobblestoned streets. You will have the opportunity to appreciate this area’s beautiful colonial and neoclassical architecture, squares and monuments, while learning more about the history and culture of the city.  You’ll visit the famous Santa Ana Park, which was used by the Spaniards in the 19th century as a place for celebrations and special events. Visit the famous café Coca-Cola built in 1875 being the oldest café in Panama were famous personalities have visited such as Che Guevara among others. Feel the vibe and get to know the places were the locals do their shopping and live their day-to-day lives. After lunch you’ll transfer to the domestic airport for a fifty minute flight to David. Upon landing take a 45 minute private transfer to your hotel in Boquete. This small town is located between 1000 to 1800 meters above sea level, which creates a very unique microclimate that combined with its volcanic soil produces some of the best coffee in the world among other produce. Boquete is know to both locals and expats as Panama's mecca for outdoor adventures. (B,L)

Day 4: Gian Millenary Querus Tree Hike & Canopy Tour

This amazing hike begins in a Nature Reserve that belongs to Baru Volcano National Park, it retraces the steps of pre-Columbian Indians into a remote virgin cloud forest, surrounding the perimeter of Baru Volcano, habitat of five of the most ancient trees in Panama. During the hike you’ll have the experience of visiting the enormous Quercus Trees that survived a volcano eruption 800 years ago. These magnificent millenary trees grow naturally throughout primary forests of Panama and Costa Rica. The trail parallels Quebrada La Mina, a gorgeous creek that meanders through the ridges and valleys above Boquete. With more than 220 bird species native to the area, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, birding opportunities abound. During the hike, you will also have many opportunities to spot mammals such as howler monkeys, white faced capuchins and two-toed sloths. This adventure offers the chance to see the cloud forest like no other hike will do and it is suitable for all passengers given the easy and accessible trails. In the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling canopy tour. Glide through the treetops of century-old forests, high above the pristine rivers and waterfalls that make up the incredible collection of natural landscapes bordering the National Park La Amistad and the famous Baru volcano. A harness, an ultra-resistant steel cable and gravity are the only elements necessary to suspend and propel the fearless rider in this incredible adrenaline rush. Travel through the rainforest canopy on a series of ziplines and platforms. After your exciting tour, return to your comfortable Boquete hotel. (B, L)
**This is a 4 hour tour 30 min round trip transportation from Boquete and 3 hours easy hike and 30 min for lunch.  

Day 5: Boquete - Bocas del Toro - Isla Colon

Today your Panamanian guide will escort you through the Cordillera de Talamanca mountain range to the charming Caribbean town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colon. (About a 3 hour drive) Along the way you’ll visit Almirante to witness the impressive engineering work of the Fortuna Dam Bridge. From there, you'll board a water taxi and navigate through the Bocas archipelago's narrow canals, passing villages and mangroves, arriving in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free to rest and relax . (B)

Day 6-7: Isla Bastimentos

Tranquilo Bay is an owner-operated eco adventure lodge located on Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Pa specializes in all-inclusive adventure eco-tours and rejuvenation. The secluded facilities were designed to remove travelers from pressures of the real world and to comfortably immerse them in one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. Tranquilo Bay is adjacent to Bastimentos National Marine Park. It has over a kilometer of Caribbean coastline covered in coral gardens teaming with tropical fish. The facilities encompass over 110 acres and three ecosystems, with over a mile of hiking trails full of wildlife. At least 75% of the acreage has been left to evolve in its natural state. Extreme biodiversity of flora and fauna, tropical rain forest, primary growth mangrove forest, incredible coral reef, and the Caribbean Sea are all here for the next two nights. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Bocas Del Toro - Panama City - Home

Transfer by boat (30 minutes) to the Bocas airport for your short flight to the domestic airport and transfer to the Tocumen International Airport for your return flight home or arrange to spend a few more days here, visiting the San Blas Islands, learning about the Kuna Indians, taking a zip-line adventure through the rainforest canopy and more. We'd be happy to fill extra days with some fascinating Panama vacation extensions. (B)

Weather

When to Visit
  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

Seasons in Panama:

Rainy Season & Dry Season
In Panama seasons are not as much defined by drastic changes in temperature; rather, they are determined by the amount of rainfall. The Panama dry season, December through April, or what is known in Panama as "summer", tends to be much sunnier and drier. The rainy season in Panama, May through November, in has more rainfall in the mornings and then tends to dissipate in the afternoons to blue sky. Lower temperatures during these months can be expected in Panama. Panama's Dry Season is not always dry and the rainy season is not necessarily rainy and wet all the time. Panama is a tropical country where the rains and sunshine intermingle. During the rainy season, mornings are generally very bright and sunny and afternoon rain showers are common every day.

Panama Tropics:
The country's climate is characterized by heavy rain that does not normally last long, or more constant rainfall lasting all night (or all day) long. Temperature changes are mostly determined by altitude rather than by season or amount of rainfall. The weather is, on the whole, quiet unpredictable.

Humidity:
Panama is a very humid country. In some regions relative humidity can reach 90% (especially on the Atlantic coast). The North Pacific is less humid, but the entire Caribbean coast is quite damp.
 

PANAMA CITY

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN76-890.0
FEB76-900.0
MAR77-900.0
APR78-890.3
MAY78-872.4
JUN77-862.6
JUL77-873.0
AUG77-862.6
SEP76-864.0
OCT76-855.2
NOV76-863.6
DEC76-871.2

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
 

BOCAS DEL TORO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN68-874.9
FEB68-8710.4
MAR69-883.3
APR70-8814.5
MAY72-897.0
JUN72-8910.2
JUL71-8816.5
AUG71-8917.3
SEP71-8912.2
OCT71-895.9
NOV71-8911.5
DEC69-8722.1

*Year Round Temperatures in °F
 

BOQUETE

Avg Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN661.1
FEB660.6
MAR681.7
APR683.8
MAY6811.3
JUN6813.7
JUL689.2
AUG6813.1
SEP6817.1
OCT6814.1
NOV6811.6
DEC662.5

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
 

Maps

TRANQUILO BAY

Panama Adventure Tour

Pricing
Per Person
$3,895

Single Supplement: $595
A single supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy.

Included in tour cost
  • Domestic airfare in South America
  • Private transportation
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • All hotel accommodations
  • All listed activities
  • English-speaking certified guides
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated
  • Southern Explorations pre-departure services
Excluded from tour cost
  • Airport taxes, international and local
  • International airfare to and from Central & South America
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Hiking boots and other necessary sports gear

Panama Adventure Tour

Trip Dates
Can’t find a date that works for you in the list below? Southern Explorations can arrange a private departure on any date that works with your schedule. Custom tours are also available. Contact us for details.
Saturday, January 19, 2019 to Saturday, January 26, 2019
Available
Saturday, February 16, 2019 to Saturday, February 23, 2019
Available
Saturday, March 16, 2019 to Saturday, March 23, 2019
Available
Saturday, April 13, 2019 to Saturday, April 20, 2019
Available
Saturday, May 11, 2019 to Saturday, May 18, 2019
Available
Saturday, June 22, 2019 to Saturday, June 29, 2019
Available
Saturday, July 20, 2019 to Saturday, July 27, 2019
Available
Saturday, August 17, 2019 to Saturday, August 24, 2019
Available
Saturday, September 7, 2019 to Saturday, September 14, 2019
Available
Saturday, October 19, 2019 to Saturday, October 26, 2019
Available
Saturday, November 16, 2019 to Saturday, November 23, 2019
Available
Saturday, December 21, 2019 to Saturday, December 28, 2019
Available
Saturday, January 18, 2020 to Saturday, January 25, 2020
Available
Saturday, February 15, 2020 to Saturday, February 22, 2020
Available
Saturday, March 14, 2020 to Saturday, March 21, 2020
Available
Saturday, April 11, 2020 to Saturday, April 18, 2020
Available
Saturday, May 23, 2020 to Saturday, May 30, 2020
Available
Saturday, June 20, 2020 to Saturday, June 27, 2020
Available
Saturday, July 18, 2020 to Saturday, July 25, 2020
Available
Saturday, August 15, 2020 to Saturday, August 22, 2020
Available
Saturday, September 5, 2020 to Saturday, September 12, 2020
Available
Saturday, October 10, 2020 to Saturday, October 17, 2020
Available
Saturday, November 14, 2020 to Saturday, November 21, 2020
Available
Saturday, December 19, 2020 to Saturday, December 26, 2020
Available
Bocas del Toro
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Boquete
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Panama City
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.

One Day

Multi-Day

Our trip to Panama exceeded all our expectations. Jonathan and everyone at Southern Explorations is a pleasure to work with. They listened to what we wanted to do and customized our trip. From start to finish it was a great trip, Panama surprised us, it was much more beautiful and exciting then we had imagined. Seven years ago they planned at vacation to Ecuador and Galapagos for us, a trip of a lifetime, it was amazing and we were blown away by the level of detail, the guides, transportation, all planned and timed to perfection. We didn't think they could impress us again when we set off for Panama but we were wrong. Thank you Southern Explorations for another exceptional vacation. - Denise and David Nardie (Panama)


Thanks so much for planning this wonderful trip for us. I cannot stress how much we enjoyed ourselves. The variety and pace were perfect. We had no idea that Panama would wow us quite the way it did. Kudos to the Southern Explorations team for introducing us to such an amazing country. We are very appreciative.   - Tanya & Pierre, Canada (Panama)


I found the staff very helpful that I dealt with, primarily Jonathan. I think the itinerary of Panama City, Boquette and Bocas is a great introduction for first time travelers to Panama.”
- Grant Kvalheim, New Jersey (Panama)

 

Panama - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose an itinerary?
A: We offer both active and cultural tours that showcase the beauty of Panama by hiking through pristine rainforest, visiting native communities, or exploring the massive Panama Canal by kayak. These itineraries vary in length and level of accommodation. Our Adventure Travel Coordinators would be happy to chat with you to help you find the itinerary that best meets your needs and interests.
Q: Can I make changes or additions to these tours?
A: Yes! We are happy to put together a custom Panama tour for you if our current itineraries are not quite what you are looking for. We can also add extensions onto any of our existing tours.
Q: When is the best time to go to Panama?
A:  Panama is best visited during the dry season from December to May, with the busiest times of year around Christmas, the New Year, and Easter.
Q: What is the weather like?
A: Panama’s mild, tropical climate makes it a great destination most of the year. From November to May you can expect temperatures in the low-70s to upper-80s, depending on the region you’re exploring, and little rainfall. The rainy season (May to November) offers similar temperatures with frequent morning rain storms. May and November are transitional months and can offer nice weather. Please see the weather tab on your specific trip for more details.
Q: What is a typical day like on a Panama tour?
A: A typical day in Panama will vary from tour to tour, but you can generally expect to start your excursions right after breakfast, with a full day of scheduled activities or sightseeing. A lunch break is included and you’ll retire to your accommodations in the late afternoon, with evenings free.
Q: How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy a trip to Panama?
A: Our Panama trips vary in level of activity, so the requirements differ based on itinerary. Please check our physical ratings for each itinerary to see what may be required of you when assessing your ability to enjoy a trip. If you have any specific questions, please contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator. We have personal experience with these activities and can help you decide whether a trip is right for you.
Q: How much time do we need to visit Panama?
A: Most of our Panama trips are between seven and 10 days, depending on how much of the country you would like to see.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: For the best guide availability and selection in hotels, we recommend booking three to six months in advance. December through April are especially popular times for Panama travel, so more advance planning is ideal. For the Christmas holiday season and the week prior to Easter, we recommend booking a year in advance.
Q: What are your booking and cancellation policies?
A: Click here to see our booking and cancellation policies.
Q: Do you use certified guides?
A: Our guides have been carefully selected for their knowledge, professionalism, experience and ability to effectively manage groups with finesse. We only hire guides who are native to the destination and licensed or certified in accordance with the government regulations of their country. All are fluent in Spanish and English. Most have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, native culture or other related field. All guides are experienced in the outdoors and trained in basic first aid.
Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?
A: In major cities we offer a variety of hotels including boutique properties and larger business-style hotels. Throughout the rest of the country we work with a combination of resorts, small traditional hotels, and remote lodges. The majority of the properties are family-run or locally owned. All of our accommodations are clean and comfortable, with private bathrooms and hot water. We offer basic or luxury options in many locations, depending on taste and budget.
Q: Do tours include airfare?
A: Travelers are responsible for their own international airfare. Internal flights are quoted separately from our base trip costs. We will include any necessary internal flight pricing in your quote.
Q: How many people are on your tours?
A: Eight travelers is the maximum for our Panama trips, but the majority of our departures are private.
Q: Will I get more information on packing, vaccines, currency, electricity, etc.?
A: After booking you will receive a link to our online trip portal, which includes all of the need-to-know information that is specific to your itinerary. This includes packing lists, restaurant recommendations, tipping guides, FAQs, vaccine recommendations and currency information. Your Adventure Travel Coordinator will also be a great resource for any other information you may need.