Extraordinary Panama
Combine Panama’s urban delights, indigenous culture, natural beauty, bird, and wildlife with a chance to relax on a private island idyll on the country’s Caribbean coastline. This guided tour is a superb introduction to the country, offering a range of diverse and enriching activities including cloud forest hiking, hot spring bathing, birding, wildlife spotting, a private behind the scenes tour of the iconic Panama Canal, time with the Emberá Quera community, and some beachside relaxation.
Journey highlights
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Stimulate your senses with a stay in Panama City enjoying a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo district, resplendent with colonial architecture, shady plazas, grand churches and some of the city’s best bars and eateries. Go behind the scenes to learn more about the incredible history and engineering triumph of the Panama Canal and spend a day with the indigenous Emberá Quera learning about their traditions, culture, and timeless way of life.
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Immerse yourself in the misty cloud forest, waterfalls, hot springs, bird, and wildlife of Boquete in the Chiriqui Highlands. Take a suspension bridge hike for superlative views of Baru Volcano and the rainforest canopy, to marvel at the colourful birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.
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Savour the opportunity to explore the coffee, flower and fruit plantations that thrive in the mild climate and fertile soil of the Highlands and sample the region’s exceptionally good produce, with a coffee tasting session and farm to table dining experience.
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Dive into the laidback island life of the Caribbean Coast, with a stay on the private island resort of Nayara Bocas del Toro in a romantic overwater villa. Meet the dolphins, snorkel the crystalline waters of Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, paddleboard, kayak, take a guided night swim by the light of the bioluminescent plankton or simply kick back and enjoy the sights and sounds of this natural paradise.
- Exceptional itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Exceptional Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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The best time of year to visit Panama is typically from December/January to April. The rainy season runs from May to December and tropical downpours can be torrential, so always pack good waterproofs if going at this time of year. Sunshine levels are highest in the winter months from January to April, so this is considered a great time to visit.
Itinerary
Panama City, Panama
The tour begins with three nights in the vibrant capital, Panama City. On arrival at Tocumen International Airport your driver will meet you for the 30-minute drive to the historic Hotel La Compan~ia. Well located in the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo colonial district (also known as Casco Antiguo), the hotel dates to 1688. Each of the three wings reflects a period of the building’s history, with magnificent Spanish and French Colonial architectural features and vintage American Beaux-Arts retro charm. A wonderful blend of sophisticated grandeur and luxe styling, the artworks, antiques, and architectural heritage of the hotel give it the feel of a living museum.
The Panama Canal is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, and your first full day is a chance to learn more about the engineering prowess behind this iconic waterway. Accompanied by a representative from the Panama Canal Authority, you’ll be treated to a private behind the scenes tour of the historic Miraflores Visitor Centre. At each end of the canal, a set of locks raise and lower the ships onto the artificially created Lake Gatún, which forms the central waterway of the canal. At around 82km long, the canal takes between 8-10-hours to navigate and connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, allowing vessels to avoid the dangerous and longer journey around Cape Horn. More recently, a third set of locks has been built to accommodate the supersized New Panamax ships.
This tour is to the original docks at Miraflores. Both an audio-guide and an IMAX documentary film will help to explain the history, construction, and development of this amazing structure, and you’ll be able to watch the huge tankers and cargo ships navigate the locks and waterway. As a private tour, your guide will also be able to show you areas not normally seen by the public, such as canal platforms and control cabins.
Following this fabulous experience, you will head back into the city for a guided tour of Casco Viejo (also referred to as Casco Antiguo). This is a chance to explore the city’s colonial history dating from 1673. The district became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, and the tour will take you through the atmospheric narrow cobblestone streets dotted with vibrant plazas, beautiful churches, handsome colonial architecture, art galleries, museums and some of the capital’s most popular bars and restaurants.
The following day brings the opportunity to learn more about the country’s indigenous peoples, with a trip to visit the Emberá Quera community, who live on the shores of Lake Gatun. The day begins with a drive north towards Colón, before you board a traditional dugout canoe, carved from the hollow of a tree trunk. This will carry you along the lake through the surrounding rainforest to Emberá Village, where you’ll receive a warm welcome and the village chief will explain to you the history of the tribe, its culture, tradition, and customs.
After enjoying an authentic and homecooked lunch of fish and plantains prepared by the Emberá women, you’ll watch a traditional dance performance, before having the opportunity to shop for the woven baskets, wooden carvings and other handmade handicrafts that help to support the community. There is even the opportunity to get a temporary tattoo from jagua ink derived from local fruit, for a truly unique souvenir of your visit.
The following morning you will be taken to Panama’s domestic airport for a short 1-hour flight to David, before a 1-hour land transfer to the stunning Chiriqui Highlands for a 3-night stay in beautiful Boquete.
Boquete, Panama
Close to the Costa Rican border, the small mountain town of Boquete stands in the shadow of the majestic Baru Volcano and is the gateway to fabulous cloud forest hiking, coffee, fruit, and flower plantations, as well as the birdwatching that this highland region is known for. Your base for the following three nights is the Panamonte Inn. Full of old-world charm, this boutique guesthouse dates from 1914, and has a relaxed country house vibe, along with picturesque gardens.
After a restful night’s sleep, the following day is an opportunity to explore the best of the region on a full-day tour. Beginning with the aptly named Waterfall Trail, you will enjoy a guided hike through the cloud forest, home to exotic birds, abundant wildlife, and stunning waterfalls. After refuelling with a picnic lunch, you will then head along the famous Quetzal Trail through cloud forest, bamboo woodland and beautiful green rolling hills cut through by crystal-clear streams. Look out for the rare and colourful Resplendent Quetzal birds. Your guide will mimic its call to persuade these shy birds to reveal themselves. This is one of the few places on the planet to see these birds in their natural habitat. Also look out for trogons, bellbirds, hummingbirds, toucans, and tanagers, among many others.
For a renewed burst of energy, next on the agenda is a coffee tasting experience. With a growing reputation for producing complex and distinctive coffee, the plantations of the Chiriqui Highlands are a great place to sample a variety of different roasts and blends. Finally, the day ends with a chance to relax in the hot springs of Caldera. The brave can alternate the warm spring water with the cold water of the Caldera River, for an exhilarating and revitalising bathing experience.
After breakfast the following morning, you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of the cloud forest, with a canopy tour across the suspension bridges of the private Rio Cristal Nature Reserve in the Talamanca Mountains. The reserve borders La Amistad International Park and the series of hanging bridges provide glorious views of the rivers, waterfalls, volcano, bird, and wildlife. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, this is a wonderful way to view the landscape and learn more about the area’s flora and fauna. The tour also includes a hike along several nature trails, all over 1.6km above sea level, providing glorious views.
Having worked up an appetite, there’s a real treat in store this evening, with a trip to the Hacienda Mamecillo, a sustainable farm and coffee plantation. After an introductory tour of the greenhouse and trout pond, you’ll enjoy a 6-course gourmet farm to table tasting menu, followed by delicious freshly brewed coffee. The meal includes live cookery demonstrations and is created with meat, vegetables, and fruits from the farm. You will also learn more about the production and process of coffeemaking, while sampling the farm’s exquisite roasts and blends.
The following day, you will be transferred to the beautiful islands of Bocas del Toro on Panama’s northern Caribbean Coast.
Bocas del Toro, Panama
The timeless beauty of Bocas del Toro makes it an idyllic destination for relaxation. The province includes part of the northwest Panama mainland and a stunning archipelago of islands in the Caribbean Sea. Boasting pristine rainforest, mangrove and coral reef ecosystems, as well as picture perfect beaches, the area includes the superb Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos.
The exclusive private island resort of Nayara Bocas del Toro will be your base for the following four nights. Inspired by Balinese architecture, you will stay in a romantic overwater villa with private plunge pool on an all-inclusive basis. The resort is adult only and eco-friendly, being powered by both solar energy and rainwater.
On your first full day you’ll enjoy a boat ride to Dolphin Bay to see these friendly creatures playing in their natural habitat. You then move on to Coral Cay to enjoy two snorkelling locations to view the colourful corals and equally colourful shoals of tropical fish. Also look out for the sea turtles, manta rays, crabs and lobsters that live in the marine-rich waters of Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos. After a relaxed lunch on the beach, it’s time to head off to Red Frog Beach. Once of the most beautiful beaches of the region, the rainforest backdrop means there’s a good chance of spotting a poison-dart frog or three-toed sloth.
The following days are yours to spend at your leisure. Whether that’s relaxing on the world’s first aerial beach (constructed to lessen any impact on the local environment), exploring the tropical gardens, enjoying a spa treatment, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, or island-hopping on the resort’s private boat. One experience not to be missed is a guided night swim lit by the water’s bioluminescent plankton.
On your last morning at Nayara, you will take the 20-minute boat transfer back to Bocas Town, for a 45-minute flight back to Panama City.
Panama City, Panama
After your arrival at Panama Airport, you will be transferred back to Hotel La Compan~ia for your final evening in the capital. This is a last chance to soak up the atmosphere of the magnificent Casco Viejo area with a drink and a meal.
The following day, your driver will transfer you back to Tocumen International Airport for the journey home.
Call us on 020 3930 4802 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | GBP £10,100 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| December 2024 | GBP £10,300 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £10,300 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £10,300 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £10,300 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | GBP £10,300 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | GBP £10,100 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | GBP £10,100 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | GBP £10,000 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | GBP £10,000 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | GBP £10,000 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | GBP £10,000 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
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November 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
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December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,300
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,300
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,300
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,300
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,300
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,000
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,000
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,000
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,000
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
- plan your trip
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