Classic Panama

Duration
10 days
Price from
$3,270 pp.
Location
Panama, Central America
Panama City skyline

Trip Highlights

  • Explore vibrant Panama City
  • Spot wildlife at the National Parks
  • Experience the Panama Canal

What's Included

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • Internal flights and transfers
  • Activities and excursions

Modern Panama City, the Canal's engineering marvel, cloudforest birdwatching and Caribbean bliss all in one trip

From Panama City's modernity to the historic canal, lush rainforests and highland beauty in Boquete, and Caribbean bliss in Bocas del Toro.

Exploring Panama's classic destinations promises an exhilarating journey through a country rich in history, culture, and natural wonders. Begin in Panama City, a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers blend seamlessly with the historic Casco Viejo district. Stroll along cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture, visit well-preserved cathedrals, and indulge in local cuisine at charming cafes.

A visit to the iconic Panama Canal is a must. Witnessing massive cargo ships traverse this engineering marvel at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is truly awe-inspiring, offering insight into its global significance.

For nature enthusiasts, the highland town of Boquete beckons with cloud forests and coffee plantations. Hike through lush trails, partake in thrilling zip line adventures, and savour Panama's renowned coffee.

For beach lovers, Bocas del Toro, especially Isla Colón, is a Caribbean paradise. Dive into crystal-clear waters, explore vibrant coral reefs, and bask on pristine beaches.

From the cosmopolitan allure of Panama City to the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, the natural wonders of Boquete, and the idyllic shores of Isla Colón in Bocas del Toro, Panama's classic destinations offer a diverse and exciting adventure for every traveller.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Panama City

On arrival in Panama City, you will be greeted at the airport and transported to the American Trade Hotel in the charming Casco Viejo area of the city.

Panama City, the nation's capital and its largest urban centre, offers a rich tapestry of cultures and a sprawling historic district of Casco Viejo. In contrast, the bustling banking district exudes a modernity often likened to Miami. Panama City promises an exhilarating experience for your visit to this stunning country.

Day 2 Half day partial Panama Canal transit

Miraflores Lock Panama Canal Canva Pro

Take an unforgettable journey with our Panama Canal experience, a tour that immerses you in the fascinating workings of this engineering marvel. As you set sail towards the entrance of the canal, take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Panama City, the iconic Bridge of the Americas, and the spectacular gulf adorned with numerous vessels eagerly awaiting their turn to traverse the canal.

Your adventure unfolds as you cruise through the Miraflores Lake, reaching the Pedro Miguel's locks, where the canal elevates another impressive 9 metres. Feel the canal narrow, and your ship continues its course under the imposing Centennial Bridge. The voyage takes you through the famous Gaillard Cut, also known as Culebra Cut, renowned for its winding bends where the Chagres River converges.

Day 3 Visit Soberanía National Park & Gatun Lake

Day 4 Boquete Coffee Region

Day 5 Jeep tour to Volcan Baru

Day 6 Off to Bocas del Toro

Day 7 Free day

Day 8 Tour Dolphin Bay, Coral Cayo and Zapatilla Cayo

Day 9 Return to Panama City

Day 10 Depart Panama City

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When to go to Panama

Best time to visit Panama

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is part of the dry season, offering pleasant temperatures and ideal beach weather on both coasts. Go snorkelling and diving in Bocas del Toro or explore Panama City's festivals and vibrant nightlife.

February

Dry season continues, perfect for wildlife spotting in national parks like Soberania. Participate in Carnaval celebrations four days before Ash Wednesday, with colourful parades, music, and “mojaderos” that will spray the crowds with water.

March

Dry season persists, making it a great time for hiking and exploring volcanic landscapes. Head to Azuero Peninsula for Semana Santa celebrations.

April

Dry season nears its end, but pleasant weather lingers. Witness sea turtles nesting in Bocas del Toro and Coiba National Park.

May

Transition to the rainy season begins, with lush landscapes and fewer tourists. For a unique cultural experience try the Foundation Day celebrations in the province of Chiriquí.

June

Rainy season intensifies, but showers are often short-lived. Visit the San Blas Islands for clear waters and fascinating indigenous culture in a land that entirely governed and managed by the Kuna people.

July

Rainy season in full swing, ideal for river rafting adventures in Chiriquí. Explore the Embera villages in the Darien Gap and learn about one of Panama’s incredible indigenous cultures.

August

Rainy season continues, but there’s plenty of adventure to be had. Discover the Panama Canal's engineering marvel and learn about its history. Explore the lush rainforests, teeming with unique wildlife.

September

Rainy season persists, offering excellent surf conditions on the Pacific coast. Head to Guararé for the Festival de la Mejorana, dedicated to preserving and celebrating all the diverse forms of Panamanian folklore.

October

Rainy season begins to ease up but not entirely, making it a good time to take in the stunning natural beauty of the country by exploring rainforests and national parks like Soberania and Darien. Experience eco-tours and birdwatching amidst lush landscapes.

November

Transition to the dry season begins, with less rain and more sun. Enjoy the splendour of magnificent whales breaching the ocean in the Gulf of Chiriquí.

December

Dry season officially starts, perfect for beach vacations and exploring the Pearl Islands. Visit Bocas Del Toro, San Blas or Santa Catalina. Embrace the festive spirit during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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