From Discovery to Serenity: A Journey Through Panama
Panama is one of those rare places that feels like several destinations rolled into one. Modern yet historic, vibrant yet peaceful, sophisticated yet wonderfully untamed, it offers travelers an experience that's as diverse as it is memorable.
One of our favorite ways to experience the country is through an itinerary that perfectly balances discovery and downtime. This 8-day journey combines the highlights of Panama City with a luxurious escape to the country's stunning Pacific coast, creating the ideal vacation for travelers who want both adventure and relaxation.
Trip highlights:
1. Explore Panama’s culinary diversity and fascinating history on a private full-day gastronomy tour through the colonial neighborhood of Casco Antiguo. Join your private guide and visit a local coffee shop to learn about different types of coffee produced in Panama. Treat your senses to a sample of delicious local chocolate. Stop by a microbrewery to try local artisanal beers and gain insight into their production.
Next, walk along Cinta Costera to experience the city's seafood market, home to must-try ceviche. With numerous stands offering a variety of seafood, this picturesque marketplace is a popular place with locals who visit for both the savory delights and beautiful scenery. Top off your experience with a cocktail tasting of locally-produced rum, an indulgent way to end this incredible day tour.
2. Join your private guide in a kayaking excursion along the Chagres River, experiencing the local wildlife and peaceful surroundings. As the Chagres River feeds into the Panama Canal, you'll be able to observe ships transiting in the distance.
Gain insight into the geographic intricacies of the canal from your guide. Native trees, plants and birds species are the immediate highlights as you can get close to them from your kayak. Learn about the area's rich flora and fauna from your knowledgeable private guide. As you make your way down the waterways, keep alert for toucans, sloths, and other animals as they awake with the morning sun.
3. Escape the bustling energy of Panama City and retreat to Metropolitan Park with your private naturalist guide. Located a mere 15 minutes away from the city’s downtown area, the park is considered to be the most accessible rainforest in the region. The walking trails of the Metropolitan Park invite you to observe countless bird species and numerous mammals inhabiting the jungle canopy. With a little bit of luck, you may even be able to spot the elusive sloth.
4. Your next stop is the city's famous Biodiversity Museum, designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The design of this colorful building tells the story of how the Isthmus of Panama rose from the sea, uniting two continents, separating vast ocean, and changing the planet’s biodiversity forever. The museum’s impressive 43,055 sq. ft. of space boasts eight permanent exhibits, each highlighting Panama’s spellbinding natural and ethnic heritage.
5. Continue to Playa Blanca to enjoy a bit of time on your own! Spend time at leisure to enjoy the selection of activities and facilities offered by Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool and unwind with swim-up bar service. If you'd prefer to sunbathe on the sand, a short 10-minute stroll leads to the pristine El Faro Beach. Plunge into one of five pools available at the El Faro Beach Club while your junior holiday-makers splash about in the children's pool. For active adventure, take to the waters and kayak, snorkel, sail, or jet-ski.
Trip details:
Date: you choose! The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season from mid-December to mid-April
Duration: 8 days
Package price: starting from $4,280 per person
What‘s included:
A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
24/7 in-destination support from the local office
All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities
A private driver for tours and transfers
Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences
A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of the representatives
Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
If Panama has sparked your imagination, Trabeona Travels would be delighted to help you turn that dream into reality. From the first conversation to the moment you return home, we're always here to make the planning process easy, seamless, and enjoyable.