Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Panama City - Isla Colon - Isla Palenque - Panama City
100% customisable for you
Set your alarms bright and early – Central America’s most beautiful capital city is calling. Head to the airport, speed through security and enjoy some nibbles and refreshments in the lounge as you await departure. Your flight to Panama City is around 14 hours including a layover, giving you plenty of time to rest and relax before stepping off the plane later this evening.
Your home for the next three nights here is a boutique hotel in Casco Viejo, the epicentre of the capital’s colonial architecture. Spend the rest of this evening soaking in the traditional atmosphere of this old Panamanian property with a celebratory rum-based cocktail and a delicious dinner bursting with local flavours.
Don your Panama hat this morning and board a private boat headed for the legendary Panama Canal, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, this strip of water now plays a major role in maritime trade, sparing around 40 boats and ships from sailing around South America.
Your journey along the canal begins with a stop at the Miraflores lock viewing platform, where you can witness complex traffic regulations and precise manoeuvres. From here, sail down to the village of Gamboa, which showcases a collection of beautiful colonial houses from the 1930s. Continue on to the serene Gatun Lake, artificially created during work on the Chagres River and today forming a large part of the canal. Relax on the boat, discuss the history of the canal with your guide and keep your eyes peeled for a passing cruise or container ship.
Today’s all about soaking in the vibrant culture of Panama City, Central America’s most cosmopolitan capital. Beyond its urban centre, the city still boasts old churches and cobblestone streets in the historic district of Casco Viejo. Admire crumbling colonial homes reminiscent of Havana, stroll the stalls and markets of the Santa Ana district, learn about Panama’s rich biodiversity at the Biomuseu museum, enjoy a cocktail on Bolivar Square or set sail for nearby Taboga Island, nicknamed the ‘Island of Flowers’. An alternative option for today is a private guided visit to Portobelo village and Mamey Island, both of which showcase the best of Panama’s thriving Afro-Caribbean culture.
Swap the bright lights of the capital for the serenity of the Bocas del Toro archipelago as you hop on a short flight to Isla Colon. This is the main island of the archipelago, from where you can easily reach the smaller islands by water taxi. Enjoy a private transfer from the airport and spend the rest of today getting into the groove of island life: practice yoga or meditation on the deck, enjoy an open-air massage at the high-end spa or slip on your sandals and walk to the nearby beach for sunset.
Today is yours to spend enjoying both the luxuries of your resort and the wild coastal beauty of the archipelago. Venture into the thick tropical vegetation for an early morning yoga session, enjoy a nutritious breakfast surrounded by palm trees, rent bikes and follow the coastline and settle in for a lunch of grilled shrimp and fried plantains. Alternatively, make use of the handy water taxi service to explore local islands. This will allow you to visit the marine park on Isla Bastimentos, stroll along the calm beaches of Isla Caranero or gain an insight into the traditions of the indigenous Ngobe-Bugle people on San Cristobal Island. Later on, retreat back to your hotel to lounge by the pool and sip a refreshing cocktail as the sun sets.
Bid farewell to Bocas Del Toro as you begin the journey to the Gulf of Chiriqui this morning. After breakfast, a driver will be waiting to whisk you off to the pier ahead of a private boat crossing to Almirante. Settle in for a four-hour private transfer to Boca Chica, at the gateway to the little-known archipelago of the Gulf of Chiriqui. The final stage of the journey is a boat crossing to Isla Palenque, where you’ll be greeted by the friendly staff of the only hotel on the island. Settle into in a charming little cabin and spend the rest of today enjoying the total relaxation that comes with being on a secluded island. Rest on the beach, snooze in a hammock, soak in the spa and indulge in some delicious food at the resort’s restaurant.
Savour your final day in paradise today – walk along winding trails; swim, kayak or snorkel in the warm water; or escape by boat to one of the many deserted islands in the Gulf of Chiriqui. It’s even possible to observe humpback whales from late August to October. Those seeking a more relaxing experience can laze on one of the seven sandy beaches in the area and enjoy the luxuries of the hotel and its spa.
Enjoy some final views of Palenque Island as you return by boat to Boca Chica today. You’ll be met by a private driver and taken one hour to the airport in David (capital of Chiriqui Province) for your one-hour flight to Panama City. A private driver will then whisk you off to your final hotel in Panama: a grand colonial hotel nested in the old quarter.
Spend your final afternoon and evening combining the hustle and bustle of city life with the charms of your hotel. Stroll around the now familiar Casco Viejo, revisit your favourite wining and dining spots, shop for local souvenirs (a Panama hat from Panama is a must) or simply retreat to your hotel for spa treatments, a gym workout or a final feast at the in-house restaurant. Alternatively, our team could arrange for you to spend today cycling around the old town in the company of a private guide.
Sadly, the time has come to say adios – or more likely hasta luego (until next time) – to beautiful Panama and begin the journey home. A private driver will collect you from your hotel and whisk you away to the airport. Your flight back to the UK will depart in the evening and take around 14 hours including a layover, so you’ll spend tonight onboard and set foot on home turf tomorrow.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
