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8 Day itinerary in Panama, Central America & Caribbean

Panama & San Blas Local Encounters 8D/7N

Discover the vibrant culture and pristine beauty of Panama and the San Blas Islands with an unforgettable local experience. Traverse Panama City’s historic sites, explore indigenous Guna Yala villages on tropical islands, and relish serene beaches. Highlights include snorkeling in crystal-clear wate... Read More

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Antoine

By Antoine

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Panama City

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Nature & Widlife

Wildlife

Nature & Wildlife

Explorer Trips

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Cultural Encounter with the Indigenous Community: The Embera

2

Authentic Discovery of Casco Viejo, Panama's Old Quarter

3

San Blas Islands - The Hidden Paradise of the Guna People

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: Panama City, Panama

Duration: 8 Days

Departure Time: 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, 00:00

Meet and Greet upon arrival and transfer to your hotel.
This country that links American continent and owns the 8th wonder of the modern world "The Panama Canal" will surprise you! Prepare for meeting beautiful landscapes, cosmopolitan and colonial cities, pristine islands, tradition, culture, rainforest and Indian communities.

Day 2

place Day 2: Panama City, Panama

Authentic Discovery of Casco Viejo (B/L)

Today, visit the Casco Viejo and walk around the principal alleys and architectural monuments of the old quarter. Then, continue to the Popular district of Santa Ana, to encounter a vibrant and quite unique culture behind the touristic scene of The Casco Viejo. The inhabitants of Santa Ana are promoting the development of their district to show you hidden treasures of their culture. You will notice a social contrast between the neighborhoods, yet a very friendly and charming environment with smiling faces that will welcome you! Taste the Panamanian flavors with a homemade lunch, play dominoes in the Park of Bored (Parque de los Aburridos). Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3

place Day 3: Panama City, Panama

Encounter & Bivouac with an Indigenous Community: The Embera (B/L/D)

Prepare for a cultural encounter with the indigenous community "The Emberas". Embark on a canoe ride through the Chagres River and explore its surroundings where natural life runs at its edges. One of the village chiefs will present their lifestyle and traditions: developing of baskets, colorful clothes, body paintings, dances. A typical lunch based on fish and plantains is included. Overnight in one of the cabins in the community.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

place Day 4: Panama City, Panama

Return to the city (B)

After breakfast, return to the city. Early check in in your hotel and rest of the day free.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5

place Day 5: Panama City - San Blas, Panama

San Blas Islands- the hidden paradise of the Guna People (B/L/D)

The driver will pick you up early in the morning approximately at 5:30 a.m. on a 4X4 grouped transfer, and you will be driven for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes until you reach Llano Carti. Then you will take a boat transfer from Carti to San Blas or Guna Yala Islands.
Discover a destination with over 360 pristine islands scattered along 400 kilometers in the Caribbean ocean. In addition to its exceptional landscapes, this archipelago will share with you its most important treasure: the cultural ancient heritage of the indigenous community Guna.
These 50,000 Indians have managed to keep their traditional lifestyle over the years and still live in the community under a regime of territorial autonomy.
IMPORTANT: Accommodations are rustic and traditionally built. Comfort levels do not correspond to western standards. Housing is managed by the Guna Yala community and there are some facilities that won't be available during your stay such as: acclimatization, current potable water, electricity and hot water, private toilet.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

place Day 6: San Blas, Panama

Free Day (B/L/D)

These days, a visit of a pristine island is included Activities and tours suggested to be organized locally:
• Swimming
• Discovery of Guna village
• Purchase of handcraft “Molas”
• Snorkelling (no water sports engines allowed)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

place Day 7: San Blas - Panama City, Panama

Return to Panama City (B)

This day, return to the city. Check in your hotel and rest of the day free.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8

place Day 8: Panama City, Panama

Departure Day (B)

Shuttle transfer to the international airport.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (7)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (3)

Transport expand_less

  • All transport as per itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • All transport during activities
  • Maritime transfer

Activities expand_less

  • Discover Casco Viejo
  • Explore San Blas Islands
  • Cultural encounter with the indigenous community “The Emberas”

Not Included expand_less

  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • International flights
  • Entry fees on sites and museums mentioned in the itinerary to be paid on site

About Antoine

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

Panama specialist for over 14 years with a great passion for sharing all the special places of Panama: a land of contrasts! Panama is an unforgettable destination, home to many indigenous tribes, and of exceptional natural beauty!

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