Enjoy a tailor-made holiday in Panama, where you can discover the country’s natural beauty, engineering marvels and rich culture.
Your journey begins in Panama City, where you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed old town, known for its charming colonial buildings and lively atmosphere. You’ll also spend time in Soberanía National Park, a lush rainforest full of wildlife. A visit to the famous Panama Canal is a must. Watch large ships pass through the impressive Miraflores Locks—a feat of engineering.
The highlight of your trip is a relaxing stay on Isla Palenque, a beautiful private island. While here, go kayaking, walk through scenic trails to spot monkeys and birds, and enjoy a selection of fine rums from England, France and Spain.
Trip Highlights
- Discover all that modern, diverse and lively Panama City has to offer
- View engineering marvels such as the Panama Miraflores Locks, Bridge of the Americas and more
- Explore the Soberania National Park on a hike and take a boat tour to spot various wildlife
- Enjoy pristine beaches, hike through jungles and visit mangrove forests at Isla Palenque
Start your Journey
Panama City
Fly into Panama City airport. Once you arrive, your English-speaking driver will drive you to your hotel in a private vehicle.
Explore Panama City, the trendy, cosmopolitan capital of Panama, which lies on the isthmus connecting Central and South America. In this charming city, wander through Casco Viejo with its Baroque colonial charm and explore the ruins of Panamá Viejo. Then, take in the modern skyline of this busy metropolis.
The 48-mile Panama Canal, a feat of engineering, links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Stroll along waterfront parks and causeways and enjoy top-notch dining and nightlife. Sample rare Geisha coffee, artisanal rum, and regional dishes in stylish eateries. Browse lively markets for colourful textiles and classic Panama hats—great souvenirs.
Just beyond the city, unwind on picture-perfect islands with white sand beaches, and discover lush rainforests—a peaceful contrast to the city’s vibrant pace.
Private Tour of Panama City and Canal
Discover Panama City on this guided tour. Begin at Miraflores Visitor Centre on the city’s edge, a modern museum detailing the Panama Canal’s history and ecology. Learn all about the Miraflores Locks construction as you take in panoramic views of the canal, and watch ships pass through the locks from the viewing platform.
After, drive through the Canal Zone with its former military bases now turned into residential areas, universities, and commercial hubs. See the 5,425-foot Bridge of the Americas, linking North and South America.
Next, visit the Biodiversity Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, overlooking the Pacific and showcasing Panama’s rich wildlife.
Stop for lunch in Casco Antiguo, the old city. Wander the pedestrian-friendly streets of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO-listed quarter featuring heritage buildings and colonial landmarks like the Presidential Palace and the Church of San José with its Golden Altar.
Private Pipeline Road Hike with Shared Boat Tour
Set off on a personalised hike along the popular Pipeline Road trail in Soberanía National Park. On the drive there, discuss your preferences with your guide so that the walk can be customised to suit your pace and fitness level.
Stroll at your own speed through the lush rainforest, home to many birds and monkeys. After a couple of hours, head to Gamboa marina to board a comfortable boat.
Relax as you cruise on Gatun Lake, passing huge cargo ships and rainforest-covered islands. Keep an eye out for endemic wildlife in the treetops. Enjoy a light picnic lunch onboard before returning to shore in the early afternoon.
Isla Palenque
Travel by private vehicle to Panama City airport. Board your flight to David. This is an hour-long journey. Once you reach David, your chauffeur will drive you to Boca Chica in a private vehicle. The drive is an hour long. From Boca Chica enjoy a half-hour shared boat ride to reach Isla Palenque.
Isla Palenque lies just off Panama’s western Pacific coast, in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The 400-acre island is mostly covered in mature tropical forest. Historically, ‘palenque’ meant a refuge for escaped slaves, hinting that the island may once have offered sanctuary.
The island is home to diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys, armadillos, coati, and agouti. Reptiles like the spectacled caiman and birds such as toucans, hawks, owls, and woodpeckers can be seen here.
Since around 2010, an exclusive private resort has operated here. It consists of eight beachfront casitas and a six-bedroom villa. Activities on offer include snorkelling, wildlife hikes, and visits to nearby coffee farms. Marked trails also allow you to explore on your own and take in your beautiful surroundings.
All Inclusive Package at Isla Palenque
Enjoy a variety of activities at Isla Palenque, a resort on a 400-acre island. Your stay includes a 15-minute boat transfer each way from the mainland.
While staying here, explore the ocean on a stand-up paddleboard with a guide, kayak to nearby Boca Brava or Isla Palenquito’s secluded beach, and fish for catfish and snapper along the rocky coast at low tide.
Go on guided hikes through the jungle to learn about the island’s history and culture and visit tide pools and mangroves. You could also climb to the Punta Ballena blowhole for stunning views of Gulf of Chiriquí as you enjoy the refreshing spray.
Walk the Paso Mangle trail to Cala Esta beach, watching for howler monkeys on the way. Head out on bird-watching expeditions early in the morning. Your guide will point out frigates, ibis, and woodpeckers among other birds. You can also go in search of howler monkeys on special tours.
For when you want to stay indoors, opt for a pastry class at Las Rocas or visit the bar for a rum tasting, sampling English, French, and Spanish varieties. The resort also offers additional activities at an extra cost.
Plan Your Dream Trip
What To Expect
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Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Excludes
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
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