Visit Panama: two weeks of jungles and beaches

Itinerary in brief: 

• 3 nights Panama City
• 3 nights Boquete  
• 4 nights Bocas del Toro 

Day 1: Depart UK 

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. 

Included: International flights

Day 2: 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 3: 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 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 Boquete 

After breakfast, you'll be driven to the airport for the short flight to David, where you'll be met and taken to your hotel in Boquete, a pleasant mountain town. Enjoy the cool air as you settle into your hotel for two nights. 

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

Day 6: Pipeline Trail 

This morning, you'll head out to enjoy the Pipeline Trail in the nearby Bajo Mono Forest. This is one of the most popular short trails in the Boquete area, with an easy ascent along a water pipeline. Stroll through the lush cloud forest, looking out for orchids and ferns, as hummingbirds flit through the air. You might even be lucky and spot the resplendent quetzal, an iconic bird to find in Panama. At the end of the trail you'll find a hidden waterfall, before heading back past an ancient tree that is over 1,000 years old. It's a pleasant way to spend the morning and soak in the nature of this mountain region. If you'd like a more challenging hike, we can organise that too - just ask!

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Baru volcano summit 

Starting early today, you'll head into Panama's highlands on a thrilling 4x4 adventure to the summit of Baru Volcano, Panama's highest peak. Climb through the national park, past coffee plantations and through cloud forest until you emerge from the treeline to soak up the endless mountain views. On reaching the summit, you'll enjoy one of the most remarkable views in Panama - on a clear day you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and hot coffee on your way up, before bathing in the brilliant blue skies at the summit - a truly fantastic experience.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Travel 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 9: 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 10: Cacao tour 

After breakfast, you'll head back to the mainland for the morning to visit the nearby Oreba Farm, famous for its cocoa production in the native Ngäbe community of Rio Oueste. Learn about the process of organic cocoa production, including the harvesting, drying, roasting and the final product - chocolate! The morning includes a hike through the dense forest to reach the farm - looking out for frogs, sloths and birds as you walk. The local women will show you the way they have been making chocolate for centuries, before enjoying a traditional Ngäbe  with ingredients like vegetables, rice, roots and chicken. 

You'll head back to Isla Colon after lunch to spend the day at your leisure, relaxing at the hotel. 

Included: Breakfast, lunch, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 11: 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 12: 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

Day 13: Arrive UK