The Essence of Panama

During this 8-days-itinerary you will experience the essence of Panama. Historical sites, a stunning train ride, the fascinating Panama Canal as well as the exuberant nature and coffee plantations around Boquete. And, of course, the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Bocas del Toro Archipelago with plenty of opportunities to relax.

Day 1, Friday: Arrival in Panama City :
Upon arrival to Panama a representative of Panama Trails will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your city hotel for your firs night in Panama.

Panama City is the capital and largest city in the country. It is home to a diverse blend of cultures and an enormous historical sector in the Old City. The lively and vibrant banking district on the other hand is very modern and often compared to Miami. Panama City is a thrilling location you will surely enjoy during your visit to this gorgeous country.

Overnight at the Baru Lodge, Standard Room, breakfast included.

Day 2, Saturday: Partial Canal Transit :
After a transfer from your hotel to Flamenco Marina, the partial transit starts with a motor coach ride for 45 minute to the town of Gamboa where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located. Once in Gamboa, you will aboard the cruise ship to start the water portion of the tour. You will enter the canal at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. Your boat will travel the Cut's 13.7 kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. In this area you will also be able to observe the work in process for the Panama Canal expansion project.

Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. Next, your ship will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 16 meters in two distinct steps.

Once in the Pacific Ocean the vessel will sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina where you disembark. On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City's splendorous skyline. Upon arrival at Flamenco you will be transferred back to your city hotel.

Important Note: Every first and third Saturday of the month you can upgrade to a Complete Canal Transit (Pacific to Atlantic) for an additional $55 per person.

Overnight at the Baru Lodge, Standard Room, breakfast included.

Day 3, Sunday: Panama City - David - Boquete :
In the morning you will be transferred to the domestic airport in Panama City to fly to David. Upon arrival to David our representative will pick you up and bring you to Boquete. Check in at the beautiful Finca Lerida, a lodge in midst of a Coffee Plantation. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight at the Finca Lerida, Standard Room, breakfast included.

Day 4, Monday: Coffee Tour :
Today you will visit the coffee plantation at Finca Lerida where you can learn about the process of coffee cultivation. You will also have the chance to sample some different bean varieties. The afternoon is free for optional hiking in the cloud forest.

Overnight at the Finca Lerida, Standard Room, breakfast included.

Day 5, Tuesday: Boquete – Bocas del Toro :
You will be transferred from Boquete to Isla Colón on pristine Bocas del Toro archipelago. At first you will enjoy a 3.5 hour drive across the Continental Divide to the Caribbean Coast and then a 20 minutes boat transfer to the archipelago.

Overnight at Hotel Bocas del Toro, Standard Room, breakfast included.

Day 6, Wednesday: Bocas del Toro :
Free day at leisure to spend in Bocas del Toro. Take advantage of this free day and participate in one of the optional tours such as snorkeling, dolphin watching, hiking or just relax at the beach.

Overnight at Hotel Bocas del Toro, Standard Room, breakfast included.

Day 7, Thursday: Bocas del Toro – Panama City :
Local flight from Bocas del Toro back to Panama City. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your city hotel for your last night in Panama City. Enjoy an evening out in the vibrant and lively capitatl often compared to Miami.

Overnight at the Baru Lodge, Standard Room, breakfast included.

Day 8, Friday: Departure :
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Tocumen Airport for your international flight back home.

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