Compare Grand tour of Panama by Audley Travel vs Panama in 7 days - Panama City & All-Inclusive Playa Blanca - Superior by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 18 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 8,822 | $ 1,299 |
| Price Per Day | $ 490 | $ 186 |
| Highlights |
N/A
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 3 breakfasts and All-Inclusive in Playa Blanca. * |
| Description |
Panama’s capital is the only city in Central America to have real heft on the global stage, and its mighty canal is undoubtedly an engineering tour de force. Comparatively few visitors venture farther afield, but our specialists have explored Panama’s remoter areas, from rainforests to coastal mangroves. They’ll tell you that other treasures lie in store on this twisting strip of land. They can suggest experiences beyond the city for your holiday to Panama, such as birdwatching around Gatún Lake (home to 385 species), exploring botany with the indigenous Emberá, and snorkeling with turtles in Bocas del Toro. |
Get a taste for the vibrant culture, natural beauty and bustling cityscapes of Panama on an adventure from Panama City to Playa Blanca. Stroll through the historic Casco Viejo and get up close to the magnificent Panama Canal, a true feat of engineering. After a slice of city life, head to dreamy Playa Blanca, on the Gulf of Panama, where an All-Inclusive stay awaits you. |
Day 1 : Panama City
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Panama City. Arrive in Panama City today. You will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in a private vehicle.
Day 2 : Panama City
Today you will explore Panama City, taking in the colossal Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal, the remains of the original capital Panama Viejo which was sacked by Henry Morgan in the 1600's and the beautiful colonial quarter of Casco Antiguo.
Day 3 : Panama City
Today enjoy a partial transit of the Panama Canal, travelling from the Pacific through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks to Gatun Lake, the canal's watershed.
Day 4 : Coral Lodge
An early start this morning for your light aircraft flight to the San Blas Islands. Spend the day meeting the Kuna people, snorkel on pristine islets and enjoy a picnic lunch before you travel by boat onto Coral Lodge. All meals are included in your stay.
Day 5 : Coral Lodge
Day at leisure at Coral Lodge.
Day 6 : Panama City
This morning enjoy a short boat trip to the jetty at Miramar where you will be met and driven to Portobello to see the old Spanish fortifications used to defend against marauding pirates in colonial times. After lunch you continue back to Panama City.
Day 7 : Panama City
This morning you will visit the beautiful Soberania National Park for an easy hike along one of its famous birdwatching roads. After the walk you then take a boat ride on Gatun Lake, which was created for the Panama Canal in 1913 and is now a haven for wildlife as well as a transit for shipping.
Day 8 : Tranquilo Bay
Transfer to Panama City's domestic airport for your short flight to Bocas del Toro where you will be met and transferred by boat to the lodge.
Day 9 : Tranquilo Bay
Enjoy the wide range of inclusive activities on offer at Tranquilo Bay.
Day 10 : Tranquilo Bay
Activities at Tranquilo Bay.
Day 11 : Boquete
Enjoy a scenic journey by boat and road across the continental divide to the Pacific slope and the town of Boquete.
Day 12 : Boquete
Enjoy an easy trek on one of Central America's most beautiful trails today. You should see a variety of different landscapes and numerous bird species, perhaps even the elusive Quetzal.
Day 13 : Boquete
Day at leisure in Boquete.
Day 14 : Cala Mia
Transfer down from the cool highlands to the tropical plains surrounding David. From here you will be driven onto sleepy Boca Chica, where you travel by boat to Cala Mia.
Day 15 : Cala Mia
At leisure at Cala Mia.
Day 16 : Cala Mia
At leisure at Cala Mia.
Day 17 : International return flight
Travel back to Boca Chica by boat and then onto David airport by road for your short flight back to Panama City. Transfer to the international airport in time for your onward flight.
Day 18 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: US - Panama City
Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight to Panama City. Arrive in the capital of Panama, a metropolis of contrasts, home to the iconic Panama Canal. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Panama City. * * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a guided walking tour of Casco Viejo, the oldest part of Panama City. See the most emblematic landmarks of this charming neighbourhood such as Panama Cathedral, Santo Domingo Covent and the National Theatre. Admire the impressive Bolivar Palace and stroll through the narrow 17th-century streets to Paseo Las Boveda, a waterfront walkway with views of Puente de las Américas where you can watch the ships lining up to enter the Panama Canal. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Panama City at your leisure. Overnight stay in Panama City.
Day 3: Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day at your leisure, enjoying the delights of the city or setting off on an optional excursion to either the dreamy San Blas Islands or for an exciting Rainforest Day Trip.* Overnight stay in Panama City. * Optional Full-Day San Blas Islands Excursion (shared service): Explore some of the worlds most remote and pristine islands. Set off early in the morning along the Pan-American Highway towards the port of Carti. Board a motorboat and set about exploring these tiny untouched islands where you can swim in the turquoise waters and relax amongst the palm trees on the shore. Traditional lunch included. Return to Carti and transfer back to Panama City. Note: You will need to take your passport with you. * Gamboa Rainforest Day Trip: Head to the rainforest to discover the abundant wildlife of Panama. Get up close to slow-moving sloths at a sloth sanctuary and discover many butterfly, orchid and frog species as you delve deeper into the verdant rainforest. Climb the observation tower for uninterrupted views of the canopy and enjoy an exciting high-speed boat cruise on the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake. Lunch included.
Day 4: Panama City - Playa Blanca
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, check-out and transfer to Playa Blanca, a dreamy beach resort region on the tropical Gulf of Panama. Check-in, begin your All-Inclusive stay, enjoying all the amenities on offer at your hotel. Overnight stay in Playa Blanca.
Day 5: Playa Blanca
All-Inclusive at the hotel. Spend the day relaxing at your leisure, soaking up the sunshine, swimming in the turquoise waters or simply relaxing on the beach. Alternatively, we recommend an optional excursion to the Embera Indigenous Village.* Overnight stay in Playa Blanca. * Optional Embera Indigenous Village visit: Head deep into the rainforest to meet the Embera people, a unique tribe who will share their culture and history with you. See traditional dancing and enjoy an authentic Embera lunch as you get to know the locals.
Day 6: Playa Blanca
All-Inclusive at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure. We recommend relaxing on the beach and enjoying the fantastic facilities of your hotel. Why not treat yourself to a beach-side massage? Alternatively, we recommend an optional excursion to the beautiful Las Yayas Waterfall.* Overnight stay in Playa Blanca. * Optional Las Yayas Waterfall Excursion: Experience the natural beauty of the amazing Las Yayas Waterfalls, which gush across the volcanic rocks into glistening crystal clear pools. Enjoy the refreshing climate and lush natural surroundings, take in the views from a small viewpoint and swim in the refreshing natural pools. Snacks included.
Day 7: Playa Blanca - US
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.
