ADVENTURE PANAMA

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival to Panama

Welcome to Panama! We will pick you up at the International airport and transfer you to your hotel in Panama City with great views to the Panama Canal. 

Meals: on own today (not included)
Lodging: Hotel in Panama City facing the Panama Canal (Radisson Panama Canal Amador)

Day 2 Panama Canal & San Lorenzo (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Casco Viejo historical walking tour & dinner

Today you’ll get to see the Panama Canal in action. We start with a scenic coast-to-coast drive alongside the Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea and visit enroute the Panama Canal Locks Visitor Center. Here you will learn about the history and operations of this engineering marvel of the world as you watch huge cargo ships passing by. Continue to the Atlantic side to the San Lorenzo nature reserve, a hidden treasure and a great place to go for a bicycle ride while looking for wildlife. This ride will take us to the historic ruins of the San Lorenzo Fort, built on the side of a steep cliff by the Spanish crown in the late 1500’s with the purpose of defending the mouth of the Chagres River from the constant treat of pirates. Once back in Panama City, we will go for a historical walking tour in the old town followed by dinner at a restaurant in one of the plazas of “El Casco Viejo”, the historic district founded in 1673. This area of Panama City, formerly a walled city, is quite unique and well worth a visit, with an unusual combination of beautifully restored buildings, low-income housing, churches, and ruins on just about every block. After dinner we will go for a pleasant walk on it’s lovely narrow streets... Make sure to bring your camera.nal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Hotel in Panama City facing the Panama Canal (Radisson Panama Canal Amador)
Skill Level: For the bicycle ride you can choose from 20K, 30K, 40K, or skip the bicycle and ride in the support vehicle.

Day 3 Pacific Coast Beach, Surfing Lessons & Sunset Hike

The Pacific Coast beaches near Panama City have become a very popular destination, however, on weekdays we can still have them mostly to ourselves. One of these beaches has a surf school and it happens to be one of the safest places in the country to learn the basics of this fun sport. So if you have never done this before, you will be encouraged to give surfing a try, and if you have some previous experience, you can grab your board and jump in the water right away. After lunch we will continue enjoying the countryside alongside the Pan-American Highway, making stops to try local snacks and check some of the handcrafts made by the local artisans. We then drive up to the mountains, leave our stuff at the hotel, and set off for a sunset hike in one of the highest peaks in the area. It will be the “golden hour” as we get to the top, so you will be able to really use the light to capture some amazing pictures.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Hotel in Santa Fe (Coffee Mountain Inn)
Skill Level: Approx. 2 hr hike on a dirt trail with loose rocks on some areas, steep inclines, and descents.

Day 4 Hiking to Waterfalls & Rainforest Night Hike

This morning you will be introduced to Panamanian fry bread or “Hojaldras”, which you will probably love and be looking forward to them the following morning. Today is all about going for that “real” flavor of the country, and this is a very good way to start. We will go to secluded areas in an already off the beaten path destination. We will visit an organic farm and spend some time with the friendly family that lives there. Their graciousness of inviting us into their home to experience their way of life is something special that you will cherish for a long time. Oh, and their backyard is surrounded by waterfalls in all shapes and sizes, most of them with the convenient natural pool at the bottom inviting everyone for a swim. On the trails, you will have the opportunity to see fruit trees, flowers, and spot colorful butterflies. Then at night, those with some energy left in the tank can go for a walk in the forest in search of the red-eyed tree frog. Regardless if we find it or not, the experience of walking in the jungle at night is memorable enough to give it a shot, and we always find at least a cool-looking insect or two.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Hotel in Santa Fe (Coffee Mountain Inn)
Skill Level: Hiking on uneven terrain, crossing creeks, and small rivers, going over boulders and slippery rocks for a total of approx. 3 hrs (including stops) on each of the two hikes. The night hike is mostly on a flat dirt road and it lasts approx. 2 hrs total.

Day 5 River Tubing & Fun at the Beach

After a delicious Panamanian breakfast of fruit, scrambled eggs, “hojaldres” of course, and a good cup of coffee, we put on our swimsuits and go to the river to have some fun. We suit up with a life-vests and a helmet, sit on a big inflatable tube, and let the river current do the rest. The scenery along this joy ride is absolutely fantastic, and we will make the most of it. Later on in the day we come down from the mountains and go back to the beach, this time to one of the longest beaches in Central America, with miles upon miles of unpopulated coastline stretching as far as the eye can see. The beach is one of those that remains shallow for a very long way, the water is warm, the sand is soft, and it’s a lot of fun to play in the waves. The hotel where we will be staying is located right next to the beach and it has a well-stocked bar, so you can order a cold beer or a cocktail as we relax and watch the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Las Lajas (Las Lajas Beach Resort)
Skill Level: Floating down the river and swimming at the beach.

Day 6 River Canyon & Coffee Farm Tour in Boquete

Wake up to the sound of the waves and walk a few steps from your room to enjoy the ocean breeze and the beautiful view as we have breakfast. After a few more pictures, we say goodbye to this tropical paradise and shortly thereafter say hello to a new one, this time a river canyon where we can go for a refreshing dip and have some fun with the local kids jumping to the water from the rocks. From here we move on to Boquete, a small mountain town picked by Forbes as one of the top 5 places in the world to retire. The town is nestled in a valley where flowers bloom everywhere and rainbows are a common sight. On the surrounding mountains, you will find small family-run coffee farms producing some of the best coffee in the world. Needless to say, it’s appropriate to do a coffee farm tour here. We will tour the grounds of one of these small farms and learn about the picking, roasting, and processing of coffee. Whether you are an avid coffee drinker or not, you will find much to enjoy about this unique experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Hotel in Boquete (Isla Verde).
Skill Level: Swimming at the beach and river canyon.

Day 7 White Water River Rafting & Boquete

Today is nature's roller-coaster day, as you will be river rafting on an exciting Class III river, rich with virgin forest, waterfalls dripping from canyon walls, and a great variety of exotic wildlife. The day starts with a scenic drive to the put-in, going high up in the mountains, and at some point "riding the border" with Costa Rica. Once on the water, you will experience what many river experts consider to be one of the finest river runs, with excellent speed, non-stop excitement, thrilling rapids, and breath-taking scenery. The tour itself is set up very safely and professionally. For lunch, the guides flip the boats on the riverbank and set up a picnic area with fresh fruits, cold cuts, cheeses, veggies, bread, and cakes. We take out and transfer back to Boquete for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Hotel in Boquete (Isla Verde)
Skill Level: River rafting is an adrenaline rush type of activity, you have to pay close attention to the safety instructions and do your best not to fall off the raft as you go over the rapids, if you do, remain calm while the safety kayakers come to pick you up. No previous experience necessary.

Day 8 Boquete Zip-Line & Panama City Nightlife

This morning you will have the opportunity to experience the Boquete zip-line canopy tour, with 12 platforms set high up in the cloud forest trees and with some spectacular views of the Volcan Baru and other surrounding mountains. After lunch, we will meet at the hotel and drive to the airport in the city of David for the afternoon flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a comfortable hotel in the lively downtown area of the city, with many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and casinos at walking distance.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel in downtown Panama City (Tryp Panama Centro)
Skill Level: The zip-line tour only requires you to lift your feet from the platforms and gravity will do the rest, however, the altitude of the cables can easily scare those afraid of heights.

Day 9 Departure

After an amazing trip, we will drive you to the International Airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Pre-tour and post-tour extensions available upon request.

DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES
This itinerary is available at any time (subject to availability)

TRIP CLASSIFICATION

• Varied daily activities ranking from 4-6 hours per day, occasionally over muddy, steep, slippery slopes.
• Good physical conditions required.
• Exposure to variable climatic conditions.
• Accommodations are comfortable.
• Fully guided throughout

DISCLAIMER & NOTE

• Prices and itineraries are correct at the time of printing, however they are subject to change due to tidal/weather or local conditions, availabilities or factors beyond our control.
• The route and duration of the Panama Canal Transit can vary and depend on the Panama Canal Authority´s daily established transit schedules.
• The Canopy Zipline Tour in Boquete has the following maximum weight restrictions: 175 lbs (80 kg) for women and 250 lbs (113 kg) for men.
• White Water Rafting in Chiriqui: Minimum age restrictions will apply and depend upon the River Class and Section being run. Participants are expected to listen and follow instructions given both before and during the river outing. Some river sections are tougher than others and require an honest assessment of participants’ physical fitness level and capabilities. Participants must alert Ancon Expeditions of Panama as to any physical conditions that may impede performance on the river in advance. Persons suspected of being under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any other mind-altering substance will not be allowed to participate on the river trip. No refunds will be issued in this event.

AIR PANAMA BAGGAGE REGULATIONS

• For domestic flights, each passenger is allowed 1 bag of up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
• Carry-on luggage is limited to 8.8 lbs passenger (4 kg).
• Passengers are responsible for excess baggage fees: US$5.00 per extra kilo (max. 3 kg extra allowed on 1st checked bag). 2nd checked bag at US$35.00 extra cost of up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
• Name or date changes on flight tickets are subject to a penalty of US$25 plus 7% tax (per change, per route.
• Ticket cancellations with more than 30 days before your trip are subject to a service fee of US$25 per ticket (taxes included). Within 30 days from your arrival, our regular cancellation policies apply.
• The penalty for no-show is 100% of all applicable fares, taxes, and surcharges.
• Surcharge for transportation of a pet or a surfboard is US$30 per item per route.

WHAT TO BRING

• Camera with extra batteries & film
• Flashlight with extra bulb & batteries
• Insect repellant, Sunscreen, bathing suit
• Hat, day pack / dry sack
• Extra personal snacks and beverages for daily activities recommended
• Toiletries & personal medications
• Re-usalbe water bottle
• Lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes
• Sandals, sneakers
• Water shoes / tivas for rafting adventure
• Good traction footwear or hiking shoes
• Trekking pole
• Rain gear, Windbreaker
• Money in small denominations

TIPPING

Ancon Expeditions is Panama’s top eco-tourism operator. Our Natural & Cultural History Guides are the country's finest. Due to frequently asked questions from our clients about suggested guide & staff gratuities, we would like to provide you with the following universal tipping guidelines:

• Naturalist guide/Tour leader: US$10.00-US$20.00 per person/day
• Day tour guide: US$10.00 per person/day
• Transfer driver: US$2.00 per person
• Tour driver: US$5.00 per person/day
• Tour boat driver: US$5.00 per person/day
• Hotel bellman: US$1.00 per person per suitcase
• International airport bellmen (red caps): US$1.00 per piece of suitcase

REVIEWS

"Our amazing family trip to Panama exceeded expectations thanks to the superb service provided by Luis Calvo. From the detailed and timely responses to our questions during the lead-up to our trip, to the care and attention provided along each exciting chapter in our adventure, we felt that we had lucked out with Luis! Apart from being great company during our adventures, we learned a lot and experienced Panama in a way that would not have been possible without Luis. We can't say enough positives! Thanks for a family trip of a lifetime!"

Jack Goodman, PhD Associate Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

LODGING

COUNTRY INN & SUITES PANAMA CANAL

For the Panama City/Panama Canal area we use a hotel facing the Canal, selected based on their privileged location and views, as well as providing comfort and familiarity for a smooth transition into the new culture.

Address: Amador Ave. & Pelicano Ave.
Website: www.countryinns.com/panama-city-hotel-pa-8001/pancanal
Phone: (+507) 211-4500
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m.

HOTEL SANTA FE

Then we move on to a small mountain town and the simple, jet cozy, Hotel Santa Fe, with a strong Panamanian flavor. It has amazing views and a perfect location for exploring the nearby attractions.

Address: Avenida Principal, 500 mts before town center
Website: www.hotelsantafepanama.com
Phone: (+507) 954-0941
Check in/Check out: Flexible

LAS LAJAS BEACH RESORT

On the beach we use Las Lajas Beach Resort, right next to the beach. Needless to say, it is a little difficult to leave this place.

Address: Las Lajas, Chiriqui. Right on the beach
Website: www.laslajasbeachresort.com
Phone: (+507) 6790-1972
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m.

ISLA VERDE

In lovely Boquete we stay at Isla Verde, a very comfortable small hotel with a perfect location in town, away from the main road but close enough to walk to the excellent restaurants in the area.

Address: 3 minutes walking from the Boquete town center
Website: www.islaverdepanama.com
Phone: (+507) 720-2533
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m.

TORRES DE ALBA SUITES

At the end of the tour you will stay in a comfortable suite at Torres de Alba, with a great location in the lively downtown area, it even has a laundy machine inside your suite in case you don't want to travel back home with dirty clothes.

Address: Calle Eusebio A. Morales y 55
Website: www.torresdealba.com.pa
Phone: (+507) 300-7130
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m.

GALLERY

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