Explore Panama: islands, jungles and local culture

Itinerary in brief: 

• 4 nights Panama City
• 4 nights Isla Colon  

Day 1: Arrive Panama 

On arrival in Panama, you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in the city, checking in for three nights. Why not head out to a rooftop bar to enjoy the skyline of shimmering skyscrapers at night? 

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 2: Miraflores Locks & Casco Viejo 

Today, you'll head out to discover the iconic Panama Canal, a feat of engineering that is one of the greatest human achievements of its time. You'll start at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre, where you can observe the ships up close as they move along the canal, learning about the operation, as well as watching a film about the history of the Panama Canal. 

Next, you'll enjoy a panoramic tour of the Amador Causeway, which offers one of the most spectacular views of the city. On the way back to your hotel, you'll visit Casco Viejo, the old town of Panama City. Enjoy a walking tour through the cobbled streets, admiring the colonial and neoclassical architecture with your guide before enjoying a delicious lunch. 

Included: Breakfast, lunch, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 3: Embera Puru Biakiru in Chagres National Park

After breakfast, you'll head out of the city to Chagres National Park, around an hour away. Here, you'll board the dugout canoes of the Embera tribe, travelling from Lake Alajuela to their community. The water sources in this region are incredibly important for Panama City and the operation of the Panama Canal. As you travel up the river, you'll admire the surrounding jungle, looking for monkeys and butterflies as you go. 

On arrival, you'll be welcomed by the chief of the community and you'll learn about the tribe's history, cultural wealth and traditions. Watch the men building the famous dugout canoes alongside the riverbanks where the stilt-house communities are found, whilst the women create beautiful baskets and masks from plant fibres. You'll enjoy a delicious lunch whilst watching a a show with traditional music and dances about local folklore, before heading back to the city for the late afternoon. 

Included: Breakfast, lunch, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 4: Aerial tram and Gatun Lake

Today, you'll explore nearby Gamboa, to experience the lush beauty of the Panamanian rainforest. Start with a visit to Gatun Lake, a vast lake that was once the largest reservoir in the world. Look for monkeys, butterflies and turtles as you head out to enjoy the scenery. Next, you'll board the aerial tram, taking you up through the rainforest to the canopy, giving you a true bird's-eye view of the surrounding trees. 

You'll learn about the diverse ecosystems and animals species that call this region home. Enjoy lunch before exploring the rainforest exhibits, including the sloth sanctuary and the orchid area, where you'll learn about the importance of conservation and preserving this natural treasure for future generations. 

Included: Breakfast, lunch, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Fly to Bocas del Toro 

After breakfast, you'll be driven to the airport for the short flight to Bocas del Toro, on the north Caribbean coast. On arrival, you'll be taken to Isla Coron, a nearby island, where you'll check into your hotel for four nights. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel 

Day 6: Zapatilla Bay, Coral Cay and Dolphins Bay 

Explore the beautiful Bocas del Toro Archipelago on a full day tour today, taking you to find hidden beaches, lush mangroves and colourful marine life. Stop in at Laguna de Bocatoritos, where you'll be surrounded by dolphins that dance around the boats. Next, you'll head to Coral Cay to enjoy some snorkelling in the turquoise waters. After lunch, you'll spend some time relaxing on the white-sand beach of Zapatilla Cays, in the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park. Swim off the beach with angelfish, parrotfish and shimmering butterflyfish before heading back to the hotel in the late afternoon. 

Included: Breakfast, lunch, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Snail Point, Starfish Beach and Bird Island

After breakfast, you'll enjoy another day exploring the nearby islands. Starting at Boca del Drago, where you'll stroll down pristine beaches before heading to Bird Island. This is a haven for bird enthusiasts, including the red-billed tropic bird and magnificent frigatebirds. Tuck into lunch on the beach before finishing the day at Playa Estrellas (Starfish Beach), where you can snorkel in the clear water and admire the countless starfish that are dotted along the white sands. Unwind on the pristine beach as the sun sets and you'll witness the magic of bioluminescent plankton that twinkle and wink in the early evening hours. 

Included: Breakfast, lunch, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Isla Colon

Today is yours to relax at the hotel or explore the local area. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the infinity pool, join a yoga class or head to the spa to indulge in one of their luxurious treatments. Stroll along the beach watching the surfers and tuck into fresh seafood as the sun sets, soaking up the peaceful vibe on your final night in Panama. 

Included: Breakfast, 4* hotel 

Day 9: Depart Panama

After breakfast, you'll be taken back to the airport for the flight back to Panama City, ready to connect to your onwards flight. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights