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| Panama Discovery |
Discover the incredible diversity of Panama in this exciting cross-section of the country. From the cloud forest to the rainforest to white Caribbean beaches, Panama has so much to offer-why not see it all? You'll search for exotic wildlife and experience colonial Panama's architectural treasures, swim with fish in the crystal-clear Caribbean and learn about Panama's native people.
Day 1 – Panama City, PanamaWe'll pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel in Panama City for the night.
Day 2 – Panama City to El Valle Craft Market, Cloud forest and Pacific Ocean
In the morning, we'll take a scenic drive along the Pan-American Highway to El Valle de Anton, also known as Crater Valley. We will spend the morning in this lovely village, nestled in the crater of a 5-million-year-old extinct volcano, arriving in time to visit the Sunday Market. Artisans come down from the surrounding mountains to sell their goods here, in one of the best markets in the region. We can buy local handicrafts directly from the sellers, such as ceramics, bateas (wooden trays) and totumas (carved and painted cups made from gourds).
After lunch, we will head to a trail to explore the cloud forest in the mountains. Those with daring spirits can experience "The Canopy Adventure," a series of zip lines in the forest canopy. After a short climb to a ridge-top, you are strapped safely into a harness before soaring through the treetops from platform to platform. You'll pass over streams and waterfalls from the heights of the sturdy, cloud-forest trees. We then continue our journey to the Ocean, visiting Santa Clara beach on the Pacific, before returning to Panama City for the night. B,L
Day 3 – Pipeline Road
Beautiful, pristine forest surrounds the 17-Km long, world-famous Pipeline Road, and today we'll have the chance to take a nature hike there. Once part of the restricted Canal Zone area, Pipeline Road is considered to be one of the finest places in the world for birding and nature observation. You can see monkeys, frogs, and many kinds of birds, including Motmots and Puffbirds as well as Manakin leks. The rich and diverse habitat changes along the slopes of the Continental Divide, and we'll be on the lookout for ant swarms and their attendant Antbirds, as well as Woodpeckers and Trogons.
In the afternoon, we'll head to the Gamboa Resort, our lodge for the evening. Enjoy the many activities offered at this sprawling complex, including butterfly and orchid farms and an aerial tram. Or just kick back at the swimming pool or Spa. B,L
Day 4 – Aquatic Rainforest Tour and Spanish FortAfter breakfast, we'll board a boat for a different perspective of the rainforest. As we travel through the waterways, we'll be on the lookout for monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, capybara and even sloths.
In the afternoon, we'll make our way to the colonial Spanish fort of San Lorenzo. To protect the Spanish ships loaded with gold and silver from the New World, the fort was built at the mouth of the Chagres River, the gateway to Panama City. As we drive to the fort, we'll pass through the San Lorenzo Forest Reserve and have a chance to look for birds and some of the large groups of coatimundis that roam the region. Then it's on to the impressive Fortress. Designated a World Heritage site, it is built on a promontory overlooking the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chagres River. Enjoy the sweeping vistas as you roam amongst the old stone walls of the fortress. You can take the return journey to Panama City on the beautifully restored Trans-Continental Railroad, following the route of the canal and enjoying the beautiful scenery. B,L
Day 5 – Panama City to Bocas del Toro Islands
Enjoy a morning tour of Panama City's French Quarter, exploring the colonial architecture and plazas as your guide explains the history of the region.
In the afternoon, we'll head to the Bocas del Toro Islands-a short flight and a world away from Panama City. These islands are part of a protected marine reserve and are a great place for swimming, diving and snorkeling. We enjoy the white sand beaches of these Caribbean islands, and take a walking tour of the town to see its interesting architecture. Later, we'll take a boat to our island home, the Solarte del Caribe Inn, where we can snorkel and explore the surrounding reefs. B,L,D
Day 6 – Dolphin Bay and Coral CaysIn the morning, we'll cruise over to Dolphin Bay, passing mangrove islands on the way, to look for dolphins. Then it's on to Coral Cay, with its extensive coral reefs. This area is part of the Bastimentos Marine National Park, and has an incredibly diverse marine environment where you can snorkel among schools of brightly colored fish.
We'll have the afternoon free to soak up the island atmosphere. You can relax with a book, swim, or explore the nearby forest. B,L,D
Day 7 – Sea Star Beach and Swan Cay
After breakfast, we'll head to Colon Island to explore more coral reefs there. The sandy beach is filled with sea stars-hence its name of Sea Star Beach. Then we'll visit the nearby bird sanctuary of Swan Cay, which is a nesting colony for many seabirds, including cormorants, boobies, and tropicbirds. Later in the afternoon we'll catch our plane back to Panama City. B,L
Day 8 – Emberá Village
The Emberá people are true natives of Panama-they have lived in the rainforest there for centuries. We'll travel back in time to experience their traditional way of life, learning about these fascinating people along the way.
We'll head up the Chagres River-on the lookout for herons, toucans and kingfisher in addition to the beautiful scenery – to the Chagres National Park, where the Emberá live. Hosts from the village will meet you, show you around and answer your questions about local culture and how the people live. The Emberá are known for their wood and nut carvings and woven baskets, and you'll have the opportunity to buy some of these local handicrafts. B,L
Day 9 – Panama City
After breakfast, we'll take you to the airport for your flight home or on to your next adventure. B
| Panama Discovery | |
| Trip length | 8 days/7 nights |
| 2008 Departure Dates | January 26-February 2 // March 8-15 // May 24-31 // June 14-21 // July 12-19 // August 9-16 // October 25-November 1 // November 15-22 // December 27-January 3 (’09). |
| Per person cost | $1890.00 |
| Single supplement | $420.00 |
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| Prices based on two people sharing in 3-star accommodations. Four and 5-star accommodations available on request. Price may be lower for group bookings of four or more. International airfare not included. Pricing and itinerary are subject to change until booking is confirmed. | |
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