12 Day itinerary in Panama, Central America & Caribbean
Learn the lifestyle, traditions and costumes of the indigenous communities in Panama embarking on amazing cultural encounters with the Embera and the Ngäbe ethnic groups. Marvel at their colorful clothes, body paintings, dances and traditional food and also relax and dive into the crystalline waters... Read More
By Antoine
Physical Difficulty
Recommended Age
Operated in
GUIDANCE
starting point
trip type
trip attributes
Rural home stays
Indigenous culture
Visit markets
Meet local people
Outdoors & Nature
Culture & Arts
Start/End
Night
Follow the technical operations of the Panama Canal locks from a platform at the Miraflores locks
Embark on a cultural encounter with the indigenous community Embera and learn about their lifestyle
Visit the Ngäbe community, the largest ethnic group in Panama
Enjoy some relaxing days at San Blas Islands
Follow the technical operations of the Panama Canal locks from a platform at the Miraflores locks
Embark on a cultural encounter with the indigenous community Embera and learn about their lifestyle
Visit the Ngäbe community, the largest ethnic group in Panama
Enjoy some relaxing days at San Blas Islands
Mid-Range Accommodation
Accommodation Categories
Airport Transfer
Meet & Greet upon arrival and transfer to your hotel in the capital. 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.
Accommodation:
Discovering Panama and its canal
Explore the colonial area with a private guide: The Casco Viejo, neighborhood declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. Walk through the streets of Casco Viejo and visit different historic monuments, France Square (beautiful view of the modern city) and Bolivar Square. Continue to Miraflores, where you can follow the technical operations of the canal locks from a platform. The Miraflores locks, is one of the 3 set of locks of the Panama Canal.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Encounter with the embera community & nature walk
Prepare for a cultural encounter with the indigenous community “Embera”. Embark on a 20-min canoe ride towards the Chagres River and explore its surroundings where natural life runs at its edges. Nature-walk through the jungle until a waterfall to refresh yourself before continuing to the community (if the level of water is adequate- moderate hike). One of the village chiefs will present their lifestyle and traditions: developing of baskets, colorful clothes, body paintings and dances. A typical lunch based on fish and plantains is included. This day tour is based on the cultural exchanges, simplicity, and humility.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Back to the capital
Free morning to enjoy the last minutes with the community, then transfer back to the city. Rest of the day free to chill or to organize activities. Activities and tours in options (not included): • Gastronomic City Tour in Casco Viejo • Biking in Cinta Costera • Ceviche Tasting at the local fish market • Visit of Panamá la Vieja (closed on Mondays) • Visit of Portobelo & San Lorenzo forts • Visit of the Biomuseo & Causeway of Amador • Cerro Ancón hiking • Full Day Pearls Islands
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Discovering San Blas Islands
Early morning transfer to the national airport and flight to San Blas Islands, then boat transfer to the village of Mamitupu Guna Yala has more than 360 islets gorged over 400 km. In addition to its exceptional landscapes, this archipelago will allow you to discover the Guna culture. These 50,000 indigenous have perpetuated their ancestral methods over the years and live in community, independently. Your host, Pablo, will welcome you in his authentic huts for a charming stay, far from the touristy and distorted tourist islands of the western San Blas. IMPORTANT: The Guna Yala Archipelago of San Blas is an autonomous Indigenous territory. The stay is spent in rustic lodges that do not correspond to Western standards. Cabins are huts managed by the Guna community, and built of natural materials, on the sand or stilts with shared bathroom. No air conditioning, potable water and hot water available on site. Your highlight will be, above all, an encounter with the Gunas Indians and their traditions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Free Day in San Blas Islands
Free days to organize activities. The variety of possible activities, cultural and seaside, and the warm welcome of the Gunas will always make you regret leaving this enchanting place too quickly. Walks to visit the food gardens of the villagers can be proposed or even take a walk in the forest to go for a swim under the waterfalls of the river. An introduction to the sewing of the famous molas is also possible. For other activities of relaxation, do not forget that you are on vacation, the choice will be between beach sessions with swimming, snorkeling (gear not included) or fishing. Not to mention lazing in the hammocks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Back to Panama City
Early morning flight to the capital and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free to chill or to organize activities. Activities and tours in options (not included): • Gastronomic City Tour in Casco Viejo • Biking in Cinta Costera • Ceviche Tasting at the local fish market • Visit of Panamá la Vieja (closed on Mondays) • Visit of Portobelo & San Lorenzo forts • Visit of the Biomuseo & Causeway of Amador • Cerro Ancón hiking • Full Day Pearls Islands
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Flight to Bocas del Toro
Today, you will take your domestic flight to Bocas del Toro Islands. At your arrival on the main island, transfer to your hotel. Bocas del Toro and all the islands that form this formidable archipelago; represent one of the most important touristic regions of the country. Dive into the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea, admire an incredible fauna and flora while exploring the Bastimentos National Marine Park and enjoy pristine beaches to dive in, relax and surf.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Cultural meeting with the Ngäbe community of Bocas del Toro
This morning you will take a boat trip to meet of the indigenous communities of Bocas del Toro: The Ngäbe. The Ngäbe is the largest ethnic group in Panama. They maintain their language and traditions and costumes. Take a walk deep in the jungle to discovery ancient herbology secrets, learn different techniques used to make crafts with natural products. This day tour is based on the cultural exchanges, simplicity, and humility. Traditional lunch included.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation:
Free Day in Bocas del Toro
Enjoy a free day in Bocas del Toro to explore the island by your own. Activities and tours suggested being organized locally (not included): • Diving • Snorkeling • Surfing • A nature walks in Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park • Explore the “Bat Cave” • Visit Sal Creek Village • Zip Line Tour in Red frog • Encounter with indigenous communities Ngäbe-Bugle • Cacao "Chocolate" tour • Visit of San San Pond Sak for manatee and sea turtle observation
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Flight back to Panama City
This day return by domestic flight to Panama City and private transfer to your hotel in the capital.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Airport Transfer
Time to say goodbye. At the scheduled time, take your private transfer to the international airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Meals
Transport
Activities
Extras
Not Included
TEAM LEAD
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!
Travel that Makes a Difference
By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.
Let’s regenerate the planet together
We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.
$2,639.00 USD