arrow_back

12 Day itinerary in Panama, Central America & Caribbean

Panama’s Indigenous Heritage

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

1 / 1
All Photos
Antoine

By Antoine

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Panama City

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Visit markets

Meet local people

Outdoors & Nature

Culture & Arts

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Follow the technical operations of the Panama Canal locks from a platform at the Miraflores locks

2

Embark on a cultural encounter with the indigenous community Embera and learn about their lifestyle

3

Visit the Ngäbe community, the largest ethnic group in Panama

4

Enjoy some relaxing days at San Blas Islands

Itinerary

Mid-Range Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place 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:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Riande Granada Urban
Day 2

place 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:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Riande Granada Urban
Day 3

place 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:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Local Cabin
Day 4

place 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:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Riande Granada Urban
Day 5

place 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:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Kalu Obaki Cabins
Day 6

place 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:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Kalu Obaki Cabins
Day 7

place 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:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Riande Granada Urban
Day 8

place 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:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Divers Paradise Boutique Hotel
Day 9

place 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:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Divers Paradise Boutique Hotel
Day 10

place 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:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Divers Paradise Boutique Hotel
Day 11

place 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:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Riande Granada Urban
Day 12

place Airport Transfer

Time to say goodbye. At the scheduled time, take your private transfer to the international airport.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Hotel Riande Granada Urban
  • Local Cabin
  • Kalu Obaki Cabins
  • Divers Paradise Boutique Hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (11)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (3)

Transport expand_less

  • Domestic flights as per itinerary (baggage limit up to 14kg+ 4kgr)
  • Boat transfers asper itinerary
  • All transfers and transport as per itinerary

Activities expand_less

  • Private visit of Casco viejo & Panama canal
  • Private encounter with the embera community
  • Guided cultural meeting with the Ngäbe community

Extras expand_less

  • Meet and greet at the airport
  • Phone support by our team all along the trip
  • Administration fees
  • Miraflores Tickets

Not Included expand_less

  • Not mentioned drinks
  • Accommodation services and supplements
  • Private English-speaking guide during the whole stay
  • Personal expenses
  • International flights
  • Optional tours
  • International airport taxes
  • Life insurance and repatriation
  • Anything that is not mentioned in "Included"

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!

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.

Learn more
FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,639.00 USD