Panama Highlights, tour Panama while it's still off the beaten tourist path
Meet indigenous Chocoe-Embera and Kuna people as part of this Highlights tour
Duration: 11 days
Cost: $2,310 (2+ Travelers on Fixed Departure Dates)
With breathtaking scenery, sensational beaches, modern infrastructure and few tourists, it's easy to see why Panama has gained a reputation as Latin America's most spectacular up-and-coming adventure travel destination. In eleven glorious days, you'll experience much of what Panama travel has to offer: the crashing waves of the Pacific and the tranquil aqua waters of the Caribbean, three national parks, hikes through lush tropical rainforests accompanied by naturalist or indigenous guides, unforgettable snorkeling, hiking and other outdoor pleasures. You'll visit modern Panama, touring the canal and the sophisticated capital as well as the country’s timeless countryside where indigenous traditions still flourish. Discover Panama while it's still off the beaten tourist path.
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding details and private departure costs.
Itinerary for Panama Highlights Tour
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Day 1 (Thu) Arrive in Panama
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A Southern Explorations representative will meet you at the airport in Panama City to transfer you to your hotel.
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Day 2 (Fri) Chagres National Park/Indian Village
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Today's Panama travel adventure leaves the capital after breakfast with a ride in a piragua (a native boat) following the route commonly used by the indigenous people for their daily transport along the Chagres River. Hike through the forest with a native guide, learning about the flora and fauna and the culture of the Chocoe-Embera people. When you reach the village itself, you'll experience tribal culture through dances, rituals and cuisine and get a jaguar vegetable-dye body-painting if you wish. You'll return to Panama City in the late afternoon. (B,L)
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Day 3 (Sat) San Blas Islands
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While lying in your hammock you might start to wonder if you're in heaven
Depart from your hotel early in the morning for a short flight to the San Blas archipelago airstrip on Panama’s Caribbean coast. From there, you’ll be transferred by a motorized dugout canoe to the charming quite rustic San Blas Lodge to spend the next two nights. You may visit the Kuna Indians’ principal community and enjoy exquisite beaches on the nearby islands. Lunch and dinner feature fresh San Blas Islands seafood. (B,L,D)
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Day 4 (Sun) San Blas Islands
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Rent (or bring your own) snorkeling gear to explore the beautiful reefs of the San Blas Islands. If you prefer, relax on white-sand beaches in a hammock under the palms. (B,L,D)
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Day 5 (Mon) Panama City
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In the early morning, you'll return to Panama City. In the afternoon your guide will meet you for a Canal Tour, you will visit the Pacific Locks, exhibitions and museum of the Panama Canal. If you would like, you can also enjoy an optional folkloric show and dinner at Tinajas Restaurant. Spend the night at a hotel in the city. (B)
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Day 6 (Tue) Chiriqui Cloud Forest
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Early morning transfer by plane to the provincial city of David. Located in Chiriqui, the western province bordering Costa Rica, the region is known for its whitewater rafting and coffee and flower fields. Here you'll be transferred by car to the quaint mountain village of Boquete, a must for foreign visitors. Enjoy this afternoon of your Panama vacation in the beautiful (and cooler) highlands, hiking, riding horses or taking optional tours such as visiting a private flower garden or coffee plantation. Spend the night at a lodge in Boquete. (B)
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Day 7 (Wed) Boquete/Baru Volcano
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A view to Volcan Baru near Boquete
After breakfast, explore the trails around Baru Volcano National Park with a naturalist guide. You’ll have the opportunity to see the elusive and resplendent Quetzal bird in its mountain habitat of wild orchids and bromeliads and enjoy a box lunch in the field. If you wish, optional tours may be arranged for such activities as whitewater rafting, a trek or a zip-line adventure through a cloud forest. Lodging will be in Boquete. (B,L)
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Day 8 (Thu) Bocas del Toro
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Early today travel through the beautiful Cordillera de Talamanca mountain range to Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean where you'll experience the country's Afro-Panamanian culture. Transfer to a hotel in the town of Bocas. The rest of the day, you're free to explore on your own, or we'd be happy to arrange optional tours to round out this portion of your Panama vacation. (B)
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Day 9 (Fri) Bocas del Toro
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After breakfast, spend the day in Bastimentos Marine National Park, touring, snorkeling or beachcombing and enjoy an outdoor lunch. If you'd like to scuba dive in these bio-diverse waters or go kayaking, optional tours may be arranged. Lodging will be at a hotel in Bocas. (B)
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Day 10 (Sat) Panama City
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In the morning, return to Panama City and transfer to your hotel. On your last day in the capital, you’ll be free to explore on your own or just relax. (B)
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Day 11 (Sun) Departure
A Southern Explorations representative will return you to the international airport for your scheduled departure home. (B)
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
Itinerary Map
CONTACT A BOOKING AGENT
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Thursday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
August
21-31
September
18-28
October
23-11/2
November
13-23
December
25-1/4
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Thursday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
January
8 - 18
01/22 - 02/01
February
5 - 8
02/19 - 03/01
March
12 - 22
19 - 29
April
2 - 12
16 - 26
May
7 - 17
21 - 31
June
4 - 14
18 - 28
July
2 - 12
17 - 26
August
6 - 16
20 - 30
September
3 - 13
17 - 27
October
1 - 11
15 - 25
November
5 - 15
19 - 29
December
10 - 20
12/24 - 01/03
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Meals as indicated
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- All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis)
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- All airport/hotel transfers
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- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours and archaeological sites
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- Private transportation
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- English speaking certified guides
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services.
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Excluded in tour cost
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- Airfare $355 (Panama City / El Porvenir / Panama City / David / Bocas del Toro / Panama City) – Subject to Change
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- International round - trip airfare to and from Panama
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- Airport taxes international and local (around $20)
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- Tips and gratuities
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- Travel insurance
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- Alcoholic beverages
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- Personal equipment
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- Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
PANAMA ACCOMMODATION
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Panama Highlights:
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7 nights hotel
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