This fantastic itinerary is ideal for lovers of nature and wildlife, visiting both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines enables you to see a diversity of land and marine animals as well as the numerous bird species, plants and insects. Heading off the beaten track to snorkel the remote Coiba Island with a chance to see reef sharks, turtles, tropical reef fish and possibly even whales if travelling between July and October. Hike to the impressive Kiki waterfall before staying in Boca Chica and then head to the cloud forests of the Chiriqui Highlands for some hiking, a chance to spot the Resplendent Quetzal and visit the town of Boquete renowned for its Geisha coffee (one of the most expensive coffees in the world).
Then cross to the Caribbean coast of Panama where you can relax on the beautiful tropical islands of the Bocas del Toro province and snorkel reefs that have different soft and hard corals from the Pacific coast. A chance to see sloths, frigate birds, dolphins, starfish and red poison dart frogs. Enjoy some laid back island life and sandy beaches for a few days.
You holiday finishes with a visit to Soberania National Park and a guided boat trip on Gatun lake which is surrounded by steamy jungle and plenty of wildlife such as Mantled Howler monkeys, Geoffroys tamarin, iguanas, caiman and a variety of birdlife such as Keel Billed toucans, snail kites and the purple gallinule. Observing the wildlife as huge great tankers pass along the canal is a surreal experience.
Day to Day
Below is an example day by day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Panama City where you will be met and transferred in an air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in the old town (Casco Viejo). Overnight Central Hotel.
Day 2
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal, where you will see giant ships transiting the canal and will learn about the incredible story of its construction.
The tour continues in the Old Quarter of Panama City, the historic center of San Felipe declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 thanks to its eclectic fusion of colonial, neoclassic and French architecture. This stop includes a walk along the streets, squares and gravel roads and a visit to emblematic colonial buildings, churches and palaces. Overnight Central Hotel (B).
Day 3
You will take a 45 minute flight from Panama City Domestic airport to the town of Chitre, then you will be transferred in an air-conditioned vehicle through the scenic Azuero Peninsula to the Pacific coast village of Santa Catalina, a charming fishing community famed for its surfing, diving and snorkelling. Overnight Villa Coco (B).
Day 4
Today you will have a boat trip and a full day to visit Isla Coiba National Park, home to 38 pristine islands, each offering a unique experience. This island once housed a penal colony, after it was closed down, the lack of habitation on the island made it ideal as a protected reserve and distance from the mainland has meant isolation of species and there are several endemic species to Coiba such as the Coiba howler monkey and the Coiba spinetail, scarlet macaws are also resident on the island as well as capuchin monkeys and numerous other birds and wildlife. You will take a short walk on one of the islands with your guide. The waters around the island are rich with coral, reef sharks, turtles, Manta rays, eagle rays and whales (between July and October). You will have the opportunity to snorkel in several spots before returning to the mainland (weather dependent). Overnight Villa Coco (BL).
Day 5
Day at leisure, enjoy walking along the volcanic sand beaches, or take a surf lesson. Overnight Villa Coco (B).
Day 6
Transferred in an air-conditioned vehicle to Boca Chica on the gulf of Chiriqui. The journey takes approx. 4 hours. Overnight Bocas del Mar (B).
Day 7
Today you embark on a full day adventure to one of Panama's hidden natural treasures, the stunning Kiki Waterfall. You start with an exciting 4x4 drive through rural country side, offering scenic views of the lush highlands. Upon arrival at the trailhead, enjoy a guided hike through beautiful landscapes. The hike to the waterfall requires good physical condition. Arrive at the falls to cascading waters and pristine nature, perfect for a refreshing dip. Includes a traditional lunch in a local home or local rural restaurant. Overnight Hotel Boca Chica (BL).
Day 8
Today you will explore the islands of the Gulf of Chiriqui Marine National Park accommpanied by your boat captain. The tour includes stops at two enchanting islands, beautiful Bolanos island for snorkelling and Gamez island for a relax on its tropical beach. Transfer back to mainland by boat. Around 3pm you will transfer from Boca Chica to the cooler mountain town of Boquete on the edge of the Baru Volcano National Park. Transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle to the cooler climate and mountain town of Boquete which is on the edge of the Baru Volcano National Park. You will stay at Finca Lerida which is part of a working coffee plantation dating back to the 1920's. It now has 21 converted rooms and suites, the restaurant serves local produce and the coffee shop is an opportunity to try the famous export coffee from this region the award winning Geisha coffee. There is excellent birdwatching on the hotel grounds and the surrounding trails. Overnight Finca Lerida (B).
Day 9
Early morning hike the Pipeline trail with a guide and enjoy the pristine cloud forest in the surroundings of the Baru Volcano National Park, you will hike for 3 to 4 hours in the forest enjoying the old growth forest, butterflies and a variety of birds, as well as a chance to see the Resplendent Quetzal, sloths and monkeys. Overnight Finca Lerida (B).
Day 10
An early start sees you head to the summit of Baru Volcano, Panama's highest elevation at 3,475 metres above sea level, without the physical strain of hiking. On a clear day you can enjoy the views of the Pacific and Caribbean oceans from a single view point. The journey starts with a 4x4 ride along a rugged 13kkm trail to the top of the volcano, taking approx. 2.5 hrs each way. The route offers dramatic landscapes, changing temperatures and a sense of awe as you ascend through the different ecosystems. *Alternative excursions could include a hanging bridges walk, ziplining or a tour of the coffee plantation. Overnight Finca Lerida (B).
Day 11
Today you will depart for Bocas Del Toro province. You will be transferred in an air-conditioned vehicle to Chiriqui Grande (approx. 4 hours). Then you will boar a shared boat for a one hour crossing to Isla Colon. You will then transfer to another boat for a 25 minute ride to the island of Bastimentos. Overnight El Palmar Hotel (B).
Day 12
Today you will enjoy a tour to discover Bastimentos Marine National Park, on this private boat tour you will have the opportunity to spot sloths in the mangroves, dolphins and frigate birds around the islands and snorkel in the warm Caribbean seas to see the beautiful soft corals and brightly coloured tropical fish. You will finish the trip with time on the stunning, tiny Zapatilla Cayes where you can swim in the azure coloured gentle waters, relax on the white sand beach or explore the small island. Overnight Island Plantation (B).
Day 13
Day at leisure to explore the island. *Optional excursions could include a visit a Ngobe village and learn about their way of life on the island or learn about how they make chocolate in a chocolate tour. Overnight El Palmar (B).
Day 14
Transfer to Bocas del Toro airport and take a short flight back to Panama City. Met at the airport and you will then take a scenic transfer to Soberania National Park, a protected area that is part of the Panama Canal watershed. You will have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including Keel Billed toucans, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys and Geoffroys Tamarins as well as many other birds, plants and butterflies. Your guide will lead you through the park's trails providing insight into the rich biodiversity. The tour continues to the magnificent Gatun Lake, this artificial lake was created as part of the Panamal Canal and is surrounded by dense tropical rainforest and serves as a vital waterway for international trade. Your boat trip across the lake gives you a chance to observe wildlife such as crocodiles, monkeys and various birds, with a backdrop of giant tankers crossing the canal. Overnight Central Hotel (BL).
Day 15
Transferred back to Panama International Airport for your international flights back to the UK (B).