Day 1 – London / Panama City
Arrival to Panama City. Transfer and accommodation. Free time.
Day 2 – Panama City Tour – B, L
Breakfast at the hotel.
Discovery of the ruins of Panama la Vieja, remains of the first Spanish city in the Pacific, founded by the conquistador Pedro Arias de Avila in 1519 and destroyed in 1671 by the famous pirate Henry Morgan when it was at its peak. Later, it became a major city because of the gold and silver from all America converging there.
Discover the colonial district called Casco Viejo (classified World Heritage Site by Unesco). Walk through the streets of this charming neighborhood: churches, Plaza de Francia (view on the modern city), Bolivar Square, etc.
Lunch in a local restaurant
Visit of the Miraflores Locks, where you can observe the transit of ships through the locks. Admission also includes the exhibition room and the projection of a 3D video of the history of the canal.
In the Plaza de Francia, you will taste a delicious raspado, refreshing drink with crushed ice and syrup, sold by hawkers, very popular among the local population
Dinner not included and overnight at your hotel.
Day 3 – Panama City / Rio Chagres / Embera Community - B, L
Breakfast at your hotel.
Departure for an excursion into the world of the indigenous. Boating aboard a canoe to go up the Chagres River in the heart of the jungle. Observation of different kinds of birds (toucans, kingfishers, vultures, etc.) and other animals during the voyage. Meet the Embera community to learn more about their lifestyle. Walk in the forest to find out all about the use of plants to feed, heal and dress (accompanied by your guide and a member of the tribe). Presentation of their traditional dances, their body painting made with the fruit Tagua and their crafts.
Lunch in the Community.
Dinner not included and overnight at your hotel.
Day 4 – Rainforest Discovery Center / Soberania Park / Gatun Lake – B, L
Breakfast at your hotel.
Departure early in the morning to go to Soberania Park. You will discover the Rainforest Discovery Center. It was built (70% of it) with recycled materials of the old buildings in the Canal Zone (wood, metal). You can climb a tower of 30 meters where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the jungle and observe many species of birds and other animals. We will continue our observation of the fascinating nature of Soberania Park along the famous ‘‘Pipeline Road'', a legendary route for birdwatchers, but where you can also spot many mammals (howler monkeys, capuchins, tamarins, sloths, anteaters, agoutis), reptiles (lizards, snakes), amphibians, insects, etc.
Lunch in a local restaurant by the Gatún Lake.
Navigation for an approach of the small islands of the Gatun Lake, including the famous Isla Mono to observe many species of monkey. A part of this journey will be on the Panama Canal, where with some luck, you will come across huge container ships.
On the way back, you will stop by the Pedro Miguel locks that bring the boats to the Miraflores Lake, located 16 meters above sea level.
Dinner not included and overnight at your hotel.
Day 5 – El Valle de Anton – B, L
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to El Valle de Antón, mountain village located in the crater of an extinct volcano. This village is known for its handicraft market as well as its fresh and sunny climate.
Contemplation of el Chorro Macho, waterfall of nearly 30 meters high from which the water, according to the legend, is holy. Discovery of another part of the jungle and observing many bird species.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
Stroll in the Mercado de Artesania, rich in Panamanian handicrafts.
On the way back, you will stop by a craftsman who makes all sorts of furniture and typical objects of the region with endemic wood.
Dinner not included and overnight at your hotel.
Day 6 – Colon / Gatun / Portobelo – B, L
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure early in the morning to reach the Caribbean coast following the old route the "Camino Real" used by merchants transporting mule Inca treasures. You will climb aboard the transisthmic train, decorated as in the days of the gold rush to follow the Panama Canal. Stop at the Gatún locks to observe the operation of the first locks of the Atlantic side then departure and visit the Portobelo walled town classified by Unesco and nestled on the coast of the Caribbean Sea.
Delicious Afro-Caribbean lunch in a local restaurant
You will visit the Church of the Black Christ and Portobello museum which contains important historical documents also recognized by UNESCO in 1980.
Visit of an exhibition hall of Congo art to discover the fascinating riches of this culture.
Dinner not included and overnight at your hotel.
Day 7 – Isla Taboga – B, L
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, you will head to Amador Causeway, where you will embark to go to Isla Taboga. Taboga is a lovely island facing the Pacific coast of Panama City. This island seduced several Spanish conquistadors, French painter Paul Gauguin and many known Panamanian writers.
Morning at leisure on the beach.
Lunch in a local restaurant by the beach.
Taste a delicious ceviche by the beach. It’s a typical dish made with marinated fish in lemon, chili pepper, coriander and onion.
After lunch, visit the San Pedro church of Taboga, the second oldest church of the American Pacific Coast as well as the house where Paul Guaugin used to stay.
Dinner not included and overnight at your hotel.
Day 8 – Panama City / London or Extension to Santa Clara – B
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time at your leisure. Transfer to the airport and flight home.
OR
Transfer to Santa Clara.
Check-in and free time.
Day 9 to Day 11 – Santa Clara – AI
Free days at your leisure in Santa Clara.
Day 11 – Santa Clara / Panama City / London
Transfer to the airport and flight back to the UK.
