Panama. Panama Family Adventure

Day 1: Panama City

Welcome at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City where you are met and transferred to overnight at Victoria Hotel and Suites.

Accommodations: Marriott Executive Apartments

Day 2: Embera Indigenous People

Morning departure to board a motorized piragua (dugout canoe) and travel into another world far from home when we visit an Embera indigenous village on the shores of the Gatun River. Along the river we may spot iguanas on tree branches over the river, heron, great egret, anhingas, and neotropical cormorants, along with keel-billed toucans and ospreys flying overhead. At the Embera village we are greeted with dance and song as an introduction to learning about the customs and lifestyle of these native people of the rainforest. They share their handcrafts and we have a chance to be painted with the traditional jagua, a natural dye the Embera use to adorn their bodies. After a traditional Embera lunch we head back to our hotel for some relaxed fun time around the pool. A variety of restaurants are available within walking distance for you to explore local fare. Overnight at Victoria Hotel and Suites.

Accommodations: Marriott Executive Apartments

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Chiriqui - Boquete - River Rafting

It’s a short drive to Albrook domestic airport where we catch our flight to David, capital of the Chiriqui province, in western Panama. Chiriqui is the country’s fertile “breadbasket” dominated by spectacular volcanoes covered in rich farmlands and lush cloud forests, some of the most breathtaking highland scenery and spectacular views in Central America. This afternoon we experience the rushing waters of the highlands on a calm float trip or easy rafting adventure on the famous rivers of Chiriqui. (Choice of rivers depends on the age of the participants and experience of each family.) Overnight at Finca Lerida.

Accommodations: Hotel Finca Lerida

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Canopy Zip Line, Horseback Riding or Waterfall Hiking & Hotsprings

Start the day flying high in the rainforest on a canopy zip line that gives you a close-up, aerial view of the highland forest from fourteen different canopy platforms while smoothly soaring through the sky from one treetop to another! Gliding through the treetops is a fun way to experience the most diverse part of the habitat where most of the birds, insects and mammals of the forest live. Lunch is served in a mountain restaurant with amazing views over the valley and the surrounding cloud forest. There is a strong culture in this part of Panama, and this afternoon we ride horseback exploring Chiriqui's mountains and valleys, fertile farmlands and cloud forests, by crossing pristine streams and rising to a majestic hilltop setting to view the Pacific Ocean and the Baru Volcano. After the ride it’s a short distance to the Caldera hot springs where we frolic in the hot waters surrounded by nature. For non-riders we offer a short nature walk to a pristine 100 foot waterfall. Overnight at Finca Lerida.

Accommodations: Hotel Finca Lerida

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Bocas Del Toro - Bastimentos Island

Pack your belongings and head out for the 3.5 hour drive across the Continental Divide of the isthmus of Central America. En route we stop to view the impressive Fortuna Dam and spectacular waterfalls. The transition from the cloud forest to the lowland rain forest is impressive. Upon arrival at the Caribbean coast in Almirante, we board a water taxi for the 45 minute boat ride between small mangrove forest to Bastimentos Island, our home for the next three nights. Overnight at Casa Cayuco.

Accommodations: Casa Cayuco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6 & 7: Bocas Del Toro - Bastimentos Island

Bocas del Toro is all about basking in the warm clear Caribbean waters, white-sand palm-fringed cayes, and a friendly, English- speaking Afro-Caribbean culture. We explore by kayak and motorized boat, swim and snorkel, hike on jungle trails, and search for wildlife including monkeys, parrots in this area for two full days. Complimentary kayaks, snorkel gear, surf and boogie boards, stand-up paddleboards and a Hobie Cat sailboat are available for your use. There are great snorkeling spots easily accessed from the hotel and a hike to Los Pelicanos trail is included. Casa Cayuco also offers unlimited hiking options where we can walk through the rain forest to the other side of the peninsula on well maintained jungle trails or stroll along the beach on footpaths that parallel the coast on both sides of the island. You can explore the rainforests of the island, hike or kayak to a nearby indigenous village on your own or book at activity of your choice (not included). Three gourmet meals per day are included as well as snacks and dinner is a three course meal that includes a generous beer or wine pour. Overnight at Casa Cayuco.

Accommodations: Casa Cayuco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Pirates, Panama Canal & Jungle Boat Expedition

An early morning flight takes you back to Panama City. Our guide is waiting to take us to Miraflores Locks Visitors Center at the Panama Canal where we learn about the canal’s amazing history and get a close-up view of the locks and ships passing through. A farewell lunch at the visitor center offers a breathtaking view of 5,000+ ton vessels rising and dropping as they transit through the locks connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Nearby we take a short walk around Casco Viejo, the colonial section of the city which dates back to the 17th century and reflects Panama’s colorful history when Spanish explorers and conquistadors passed through and gold was transported to Spain attracting pirates the likes of which including Captain Morgan and many others.
At the Gamboa docks we board a specially equipped expedition boat that takes us across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal passing by rainforest-covered islands where we find white-faced capuchin, howler monkey, spider monkey and the endemic red-napped tamarin. We’ll likely spot green iguanas and three-toed sloth resting on tree branches, crocodiles, keel-billed toucans along with many other birds, and gigantic cargo ships transiting the waterway in contrast to the natural surroundings. Overnight at Victoria Hotel and Suites.

Accommodations: Marriott Executive Apartments

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch