2 week Panama beach and wildlife holiday
Itinerary
Day 1 – The canal and cobblestones of Panama City
On arrival in Panama City you will be greeted in the hall by a representative of our local partner. They’ll be carrying a sign with your name on it and transfer you directly to your comfortable, modern hotel in the Obarrio district (or you could upgrade to a colonial-style hotel in the heart of the old town, Casco Viejo). You’ll spend two nights here and get well acquainted with the Panamanian hospitality. This area can be a bit noisy at times but you’ll be in close proximity to bars and restaurants.
Day 2 – Guided city tour
After breakfast, an English-speaking guide will take you through the historic district of Casco Viejo. Walk between restored colonial buildings, churches, squares, monuments and museums; it’s a great way to learn more about life in Panama. Whilst you’re here, you won’t want to miss the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, the famous Panama Canal.
Day 3 – Panama island getaway
We’ll arrange for a transfer to pick you up from your hotel in Panama City and take you to the airport. Here you’ll catch a flight to Bocas del Toro, which takes roughly an hour, and we’ll arrange a pick you up at the other end to transfer you to your hotel.
When you arrive at the dock in Bocas del Toro you’ll make your own way to your cosy hotel on Isla Colon. Explore the colourful streets, browse souvenir shops or sit back and watch village life unfold with a Panamanian beer in hand. There are plenty of restaurants serving local cuisine but you’ll also find European and Asian options too.
Day 4 & 5 – Free time in Bocas del Toro
We haven’t planned anything for the next two days, so you can choose how you spend your time here. Much like the UK, in the tropics, your daily activities are very much determined by the weather! If it’s calm, you can book a boat trip to one of the deserted sister islands of Bocas. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the waves from the boat, especially near Dolphin Bay. If the captain spots anything, he’ll sail in circles, making extra waves for the dolphins to splash around in. Back in the village, take some time to wander through the streets, then sit on a bench, grab a tropical cocktail and watch the Bocas life pass you by.
Day 6 – Coffee beans in the countryside
We’ll arrange your transfer by boat to the mainland, which takes roughly an hour, and then we’ll arrange a private transfer for you to Boquete. If you’re travelling by hire car, you’ll pick up your car in Almirante. The drive to Boquete is truly spectacular and should take between 3 to 4 hours.
This area is known for its fresh, cool climate; the perfect place for coffee plants. The lush gardens at your hotel are home to many plants and wildlife that provide an explosion of smells and colours. Kick back and take in the view across the green landscape.
Day 7 – From coffee bean to coffee cup
This afternoon, you’ll be met by your friendly guide and head out to find out what makes the coffee in this area so special. As you stroll through the grounds of the coffee farm, you’ll get to witness the whole process, including picking the beans and seeing the patios where beans are laid out to dry in the sun. Your guide will share stories about the coffee-growing community, and it quickly becomes clear just how much work is involved in producing this iconic beverage.
Day 8 – Make a splash in snorkelling coves
From Boquete, you’ll travel by private car or hire car to Boca Chica in the Golfo de Chiriquí. The drive takes roughly 2 hours. Far away from the tourist throngs is the quiet fishing village of Boca Chica, nestled amongst the Chiriquí lowlands. You’ll stay in a small bungalow, about a 5-minute drive from the centre of the village with spectacular views across the coast. Grab a cocktail, sit back and relax…
Day 9 – Boat trip
After breakfast, you’ll head out on a boat trip to discover the islands in the Golfo de Chiriquí. Not only are these islands home to sea turtles and dolphins, they’re also blessed with soft, powdery sand. At lunch time, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch on the beach. Sink your toes into the sand, watch the waves lap against the shoreline and listen to the birds twittering away amongst the palm trees.
Day 10 – Travel to Pedasi
From Boca Chica, you’ll make the journey to Pedasi by hire car or private transfer. It’s a longer travel time today of roughly 5.5 hours, so do make sure to have an earlier start if you’re on a self-drive adventure.
Laid-back Pedasi is a gem of a town tucked away on Panama’s Pacific Coast, where local folks rock away on colonial porches and tiny cafes tempt you in for a lazy drink. Situated on the Azuero coastline and backed by rolling hills, it’s the perfect place to hop on your bike and explore the area at your own pace. You’ll stay in a cosy, family-run guest house, outside town, but close to the beach.
Day 11 – Bike hire in Pedasi
We’ll arrange a bike for the day with some route tips so that you can explore the area under your own steam. Pedasi is surrounded by rolling hills and unspoiled beaches – what better way to explore them than peddle power? Pack your swimming costume and a bite to eat and you can explore some of the beaches, take a dip in the ocean and enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the swaying palm trees.
Day 12 – Travel to El Valle de Anton
From Pedasi, you’ll travel by hire car or private transfer north to El Valle de Anton. The town itself is surprisingly small and picturesque considering its proximity to Panama City, and you’ll find a smattering of shops and restaurants and a fantastic bakery. Your charming B&B is set amongst lovingly-kept gardens, just a gentle stroll or cycle ride from the centre.
Day 13 – Self-guided hiking trail
After breakfast, it’s time to lace up your boots, pack your bag with a few snacks and a swimming costume and head into the rainforest. We’ll provide you with a route description so you can set your own pace. Along the way is a chance to see pre-Columbian petroglyphs and take a dip beneath a waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful birds of paradise and sweeping mountain views.
Day 14 – Departure from Panama
Next, you’ll travel the 3 hours back to Panama City by private transfer or hire car. If you’re travelling by hire car, you’ll drop it off here. After 1 final night in the same hotel in Panama City, we’ll arrange for a transfer to take you back to the airport.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Travel by Hire Car
For a little extra freedom, you can choose to travel by hire car. Aside from the occasional pothole on the rural roads, driving in Costa Rica is pretty easy and stress-free, and we think it’s a really lovely and adventurous way to explore the country. You’ll have a modern SUV car complete with GPS and insurance cover, so you’re all good to go!
