Two oceans and one land! Short for PAN by abbreviationfinder, Panama is without a doubt best known for its channel. However, the country has much more to offer those who come here. Buzzing world city Panama City with skyscrapers in contrast to the deep rainforest, plantations for coffee, fruits and vegetables in the high mountains, diving on one of the 19 coral reefs, swimming with dolphins at sea. Flora and fauna that even the most stubborn are amazed by. Small country with great experiences !! According to countryaah, Panama is a country located in South America.
Panama – 14 days
Day 1 Departure from Sweden
Departure from Sweden with scheduled flights
Day 2 Arrival in Panama
Upon arrival, you will be met by our local transfer representative to your hotel located in the central parts of Panama.
Day 3 The Panama Canal
Today, for a whole day up close, you will get to know what is called the world’s 8th wonder during a boat trip on the canal from Gamboa to Panama City. You will be picked up at your hotel for transfer to Gamboa where your boat will depart. This is where the boat trip along the legendary Panama Canal begins. You pass the locks in Pedro Miguel, and then continue across Lake Miraflores, through the Strait of Gaillard and the Miraflores locks to reach the Pacific Ocean. The boat trip ends in Flamenco where you are met by your car for the return trip to your hotel.
Day 4 Panama City
Today you do a full day city tour with your English-speaking guide In this bustling city that was founded in 1519. The mighty skyscrapers stand as a marked contrast to the ancient palaces and lush hills. Initially, you will take you through the old town dating from the 16th century. Here is time to visit the bustling Native American markets with beautiful handicrafts. The tour continues along the beach in the Casco Antiguo district. Here you will find the Presidential Palace, built in the 16th and 18th centuries, the impressive Cathedral and the Church of San José with its beautiful altar. After lunch with a view of the city, you continue to the locks in Miraflores, here you get a good overview when the huge ships lock in and out of the canal. The evening on its own.
Day 5 Gatun Lake
The day begins with a 45-minute drive from Panama City to the small village of Gamboa where you board your private boat that takes you to Lake Gatúnsjön. Prepare for a morning full of experiences in the pristine rainforest that supplies the Panama Canal with water. You have a good chance of seeing both two- and three-toed sloths, capuchin monkeys and howler monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas and a variety of bird species. In contrast, you will probably also see some of the huge ships passing through the canal daily. After a few hours by boat, you make a beach break on one of the islands in the lake for lunch. In the afternoon you will visit the Biomuseo, designed by the world-famous architect Frank Gehry, his only building in Latin America. The building itself tells the story of how the Panama Canal rose from the sea, uniting two continents, split a large ocean in two and change the planet’s biodiversity forever. Inside the museum you will find eight permanent exhibition galleries that combine art and science to give the visitor a unique experience. The Biomuseo is located on the Amador Causeway, at the mouth of the Panama Canal facing the Pacific Ocean. From here you can see Panama City’s modern skyline, the historic district, Ancon Hill and the Bridge of the Americas.
Day 6 Portobelo and San Lorenzo Fort
Today you make a trip to the San Lorenzo fort at the mouth of the river Chagres near the town of Colon. It was along this river that the infamous pirate Henry Morgan came to Panama to burn and plunder. On the way to San Lorenzo you pass the locks in Gatun and Sherman Fort, a former military base, surrounded by a dense rainforest with a rich flora and fauna. It is above all a good area for bird watching. After passing Colón you arrive in Portobelo. The port was the hub and gathering place for Peruvian treasures during the 15th century. Gold and silver were collected and on to Spain. The city was also the customs center for goods arriving from Spain. The ruined city is surrounded by tropical rainforest and consists of a number of fortresses, palaces and military bases. After your historical experience, you are invited to a tasty lunch at Hotel El Otro Lado. The dishes offer a culinary journey of aromas, colors and flavors. The staff reveals their secrets to achieve a balance between colors, texture and quality. You’re back at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 7 Panama City – Bocas del Toro
After breakfast you check out of your hotel and are picked up for transfer to the airport and the 45 minute long flight to Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival, you will be met by representatives from your hotel who will take you on the short boat trip to your hotel. This is a little gem hidden near the Marine National Park in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Here is a rich wildlife with everything from sea turtles, whales and dolphins at sea to howler monkeys and ozelots in the rainforest.
Day 8 to 10 Bocas del Toro
Days on your own to dive and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of your hotel. Bocas del Toro is a collective word for several islands. Here it is the Afro-Caribbean atmosphere that determines the pace and the food is spicy and good. The beaches are of whitest sand and the palm trees sway blowingly. Water sports such as fishing, diving and snorkeling are popular here and there is also the opportunity to swim with dolphins, in the open sea!
Day 11 Bocas del Toro – Boquete
After breakfast transfer to the airport for domestic flights to David. On arrival you will meet for further travel by car to Boquete. The journey takes about 60 minutes. The Boquete Valley is located in the western highlands of Panama, 1200 meters above sea level. With its 20,000 inhabitants and its safe, friendly atmosphere, it is a perfect base from which to explore the region. The weather is pleasant all year round with temperatures between 16 ° – 28 ° C and cool winds. When you check in at your hotel, you have the rest of the day to do at home.
Day 12 Boquete
Together with your guide, you go on a full day trip in the region. Here you are given good opportunities to see many of Panama’s famous birds and enjoy the beautiful vegetation that surrounds you. You visit one of Boquete’s oldest and most traditional coffee plantations where you get a guided tour of the plantation and get to experience the whole process in the production of their coffee. After lunch you continue to an organic fruit and vegetable cultivation. If it is season, you get the opportunity to pick your own fruit to mix into a milkshake or fruit juice. The day ends on El Parador Terrace – with its veranda that has an incomparable view of the Boquete Mountains. Relax with a cup of coffee and some snacks before returning to your hotel.
Day 13 Boquete – Panama City – Return
Early transfer to David Airport for return to Panama City. Upon arrival, you will be met for a transfer to your hotel where you will have a day room until it is time to check in on the flight back to Europe.
Day 14 Return to Sweden.