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- Destination: Panama
- Duration: 10 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
The Best of Panama Tour is a 10-day private and bespoke journey designed to showcase the very best of Panama’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Starting in vibrant Panama City, this immersive tour features the world-famous Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks, a scenic ride on the historic Panama Canal Railway, and guided exploration of the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo. You will also discover the colonial fortifications of Portobelo and enjoy a memorable Gatun River cruise to an authentic Embera Indigenous village, offering rare insight into Panama’s living traditions and cultural heritage.
The journey continues into the cool highlands of Boquete, where you will hike through pristine cloud forests filled with millenary Quercus trees, abundant wildlife, and exceptional birdlife. Your adventure concludes with a relaxing escape to the idyllic Chiriqui Gulf, known for its untouched islands, turquoise waters, and peaceful beaches. Blending culture, nature, and leisure, this Panama private tour package is ideal for travelers seeking a seamless combination of iconic sights and off-the-beaten-path experiences, making it one of the most complete and rewarding ways to explore Panama.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3
Panama City
Mirafores Locks, Panama Canal Railway, Casco Viejo, Embera Indian Village
4 - 5
Boquete
Giant Millenary Quercus Tree Hike
6 - 8
Chiriqui Gulf
Relaxing Beach Holiday
9 - 10
Panama City
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Panama City – Welcome to Panama
Arrive in dynamic Panama City, the gateway to your unforgettable Best of Panama Tour. Upon landing at Tocumen International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred privately to your hotel in the heart of the city. After check-in, enjoy free time to relax from your journey or take a gentle walk around nearby neighborhoods, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and skyline views.
Highlights: Panama City arrival, private airport transfer, city skyline views, leisure time
- Panama City
- Day 2: Panama Canal Experience & Casco Viejo Exploration
Today, experience one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements with a guided visit to the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks. Watch massive cargo ships transit the canal and learn about its history and global importance. Continue along the scenic Amador Causeway, offering breathtaking views of the canal entrance and Panama City skyline. In the afternoon, explore the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo, wandering through colonial streets, historic plazas, cathedrals, and beautifully restored buildings that reveal Panama’s Spanish heritage.
Highlights: Panama Canal Miraflores Locks, Amador Causeway, Casco Viejo UNESCO site, colonial architecture
- B
- Panama City
- Day 3: Panama Canal Railway, Portobelo & Embera Indigenous Village
Begin early with a memorable ride on the historic Panama Canal Railway, traveling through dense rainforest from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean side. Upon arrival in Colón, continue to Portobelo, where you will explore UNESCO-listed Spanish fortifications that once protected the empire’s transatlantic trade routes. Later, cruise the tranquil Gatun River by boat to visit an authentic Embera Indigenous village, where you will learn about traditional lifestyles, enjoy a home-cooked local lunch, watch cultural dances, and support the community through handicraft purchases.
Highlights: Panama Canal Railway, Portobelo forts, Gatun River cruise, Embera village culture
- B , L
- Panama City
- Day 4: Panama City – David – Boquete Highlands
Transfer to the city airport for your domestic flight to David, followed by a scenic drive into the lush highlands of Boquete. Located at approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, Boquete is famous for its refreshing climate, fertile landscapes, and coffee-growing traditions. After arrival, enjoy time to explore the charming town, relax at your hotel, or admire the surrounding mountain scenery.
Highlights: Domestic flight, Boquete highlands, cool mountain climate, scenic landscapes
- B
- Boquete
- Day 5: Boquete Cloud Forest & Giant Quercus Tree Hike
Today’s guided hike takes you deep into the Boquete cloud forest, following ancient trails once used by pre-Columbian civilizations. Walk beneath towering millenary Quercus trees, cross crystal-clear mountain streams, and encounter an incredible variety of bird species, plants, and wildlife. This moderate hike offers excellent opportunities for nature photography and birdwatching, making it a highlight for eco-travelers on a Panama nature tour.
Highlights: Boquete cloud forest, Giant Quercus trees, birdwatching, biodiversity hike
- B , L
- Boquete
- Day 6: Boquete – Boca Chica – Chiriqui Gulf
After breakfast, travel south toward the Pacific coast to Boca Chica, then board a short boat ride into the pristine Chiriqui Gulf. This unspoiled region is known for its calm waters, lush islands, and peaceful atmosphere. Upon arrival, check in to your beachfront accommodation and spend the rest of the day relaxing, swimming, or enjoying sunset views over the ocean.
Highlights: Chiriqui Gulf, Boca Chica boat transfer, island scenery, beachfront relaxation
- B , D
- Chiriqui Gulf
- Day 7: Chiriqui Gulf – Leisure & Resort Activities
Enjoy a full free day in the Gulf of Chiriqui, perfect for rest and rejuvenation. Optional shared activities offered by your lodge may include kayaking, paddleboarding, island hikes, rock fishing, or cooking classes. Alternatively, simply unwind on the beach, listen to the waves, and enjoy the serenity of this off-the-beaten-path Panama beach holiday destination.
Highlights: Chiriqui Gulf leisure, kayaking, island hikes, tropical relaxation
- B , D
- Chiriqui Gulf
- Day 8: Chiriqui Gulf – Island & Marine Exploration
Another day at leisure to further explore the natural beauty of the Chiriqui Gulf. Optional excursions include island hopping to nearby islands, sport fishing adventures, or seasonal whale and dolphin watching, offering unforgettable marine wildlife encounters. This day perfectly balances adventure and relaxation within your Best of Panama Tour.
Highlights: Gulf of Chiriqui islands, whale watching, marine wildlife, island hopping
- B , D
- Chiriqui Gulf
- Day 9: Chiriqui Gulf – David – Return to Panama City
Depart the Chiriqui coast and transfer back to David for your return flight to Panama City. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Spend your final evening revisiting favorite spots, shopping for souvenirs, or dining at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.
Highlights: Return flight, Panama City evening, shopping and dining
- B
- Punama City
- Day 10: Departure from Panama City
Your unforgettable Best of Panama Tour comes to an end today. At the scheduled time, enjoy a private transfer to Tocumen International Airport for your onward journey, taking with you lasting memories of Panama’s culture, nature, and pristine beaches.
Highlights: Tour conclusion, private airport transfer, departure
- B
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