This fascinating journey will give you a little bit of everything: you will experience Panama’s stunning beaches on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, meet the Chocoe-Embera and the proud Kuna Indians, hike the mountains of Chiriqui in search of the elusive quetzal, and snorkel in the pristine waters of Bastimentos National Park. There is also free time in Panama City to visit the colonial quarter and learn about the famous Canal operations.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
Arrive Panama (Panama City)
After clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the reception area, where our local representative will be holding a board with your name on it. You will be greeted with a “Bienvenidos a Panama” and transferred to your hotel in the city. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight.
Chagres National Park and Indian Village (Panama City)
After breakfast visit a paradise found in its purest form. This tour leaves Panama City at 8:30 AM and begins with a ride in a "piragua" (a native boat) following the route commonly used by the Indians for their daily transport along the Chagres River. Then hike through the forest with a local indigenous guide and an expert who will explain the botanical aspects of the trail and the culture of this authentic Chocoe-Embera village. In the village, members of the tribe will share their culture through dances, rituals, food, etc. You will have the opportunity to partake in "jagua" body painting with vegetable ink. Arrival back to Panama City is estimated at 4pm. Free evening. (B,L)
Meet the proud Kunas (San Blas)
Depart from your hotel early in the morning for a 25-minute flight to Porvenir airstrip on Panama's Atlantic Coast. Transfer by motorized dugout canoe to Dolphin Lodge. You will visit the Kuna Indians' principal island. This tribe has an ancient and vibrant culture that practices unchanged traditions. You will enjoy beautiful beaches in front of your villa. The Lodge has outside fresh water showers and toilets. Lunch and dinner will feature delicious San Blas seafood. In the afternoon, tour a desert island for relaxation on the beach or snorkeling. (B,L,D)
At leisure (San Blas)
Rent (or bring your own) snorkeling gear and explore the beautiful living reefs in San Blas. You can also tour a neighboring island and swim in crystal clear waters. Relax on white-sand beaches or in a hammock under the palms. (B,L,D)
Return to civilization (Panama City)
Early morning return from San Blas to Panama City. Free afternoon for relaxing by the pool or shopping. Optional: Folkloric show and dinner at Tinajas Restaurant. Overnight. (B)
Depart for the highlands (Boquete)
This morning we depart for Albrook airport where we board the flight to David, the Capital of the Chiriqui Province, in western Panama. A driver and mini van will be waiting to transfer us to the picturesque town of Boquete, located on the foothills of the dormant Baru Volcano. The rest of the day is free to scout the surroundings on your own. (B)
Baru Volcano (Boquete)
After an early breakfast, explore the trails around the Baru Volcano National Park. At an elevation of 7,500 feet, you will have the opportunity to see the elusive and resplendent quetzal in its mountain habitat of wild orchids and bromelaids. Box lunch in the field. Overnight in Boquete (B,L)
Over the forest and into the Caribbean (Bocas del Toro)
After a good night’s sleep, we pack up and get ready for an early morning flight to Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean side. After checking in at your hotel, the day is free to start exploring the archipelago on your own. We suggest visiting Colon Island's several beaches including Boca del Drago and Star Beach, which also offer good beach snorkeling. (B) * Deluxe option includes dinner daily at Punta Caracol.
Bastimentos National Park (Bocas del Toro)
This morning we board our boat and travel to Bastimentos Marine National Park where we snorkel along pristine coral reefs observing stunning Queen Angels, Blackbar Soldierfish, Blue Tang and Pederson Cleaner Shrimp and Four-eyed Butterfly fish. We also snorkel along the archipelago of tiny clear-water mangrove islands where the marine inhabitants are protected during their infant stages. We will return to the lodge for lunch and a short siesta. Balance of the day at leisure. (B) * The deluxe option does NOT include any tours today although you can book excursions at Punta Caracol (at extra cost)
Back to the city (Panama City)
Breakfast, then return to Panama City where you will be transferred to your hotel. Free day for town exploration and relaxation. (B)
Depart Panama
Today our local representative will be transferring you to the airport in time for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back home and hope to enjoy your company in another exciting adventure very soon. (B)
PRICES FROM
From $2,888 per person in double occupancy
SPECIALS
June Special : Book any 2010 departure and receive a $75 per person discount!
FACTS
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Departures: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays year round.
Travel documents: American, Canadian and EU citizens only need a valid passport for stays of up to 30 days.
Type of services: Small groups led by experienced bilingual local guides.
Highlights: A day in the rainforest with the Embera Indians; meeting the Kuna Indians in San Blas; hiking in Baru Volcano National Park; snorkeling in Bastimentos National Park.
Inclusions: All ground and air transportation at the destination; lodging, meals and tours per itinerary; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
Maupin Journeys
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