The best of Panama: Canal, Boquete & Bocas

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we begin the day with a visit to the Panama Canal, an impressive feat of engineering stretching approximately 80 km between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Here, we will see the gates of the Miraflores Locks and, if possible, witness large ships passing through these enormous gates. The locks operate as water elevators: they lift vessels from sea level up to the level of Gatun Lake (26 metres above) so they can navigate through the canal.

We will then continue with a walk through the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) to see its main squares, Panama Cathedral, Santo Domingo Convent, the Presidential Palace, Bolívar Palace, the National Theatre, Las Bóvedas promenade and more. To round off the day, we recommend joining our optional boat trip on Gatun Lake.* Overnight stay in Panama City.

Please note: The order of visits may vary depending on ship traffic, the season, or weather conditions.

*Boat trip on Gatun Lake: Enjoy a scenic boat trip on Gatun Lake, a vast artificial lake that forms the canal’s central section. Explore jungle-covered islands and discover the region’s rich tropical wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, crocodiles and more. In this protected area, you’ll experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest up close, guided by expert naturalists who will help you spot and understand the local fauna and their habitat.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the Panama City bus terminal to take the public bus to David*, the capital of Chiriquí province (approx. 7-hour journey). From David, continue in shared transport to Boquete (approx. 45 minutes), Panama’s main mountain destination. Its main attraction is the inactive Barú Volcano, which offers spectacular views and rich volcanic soil home to exceptional flora and fauna. Overnight stay in Boquete.

Important: Remember to keep your passport handy for the transfer.

*For an additional cost, you can replace the bus journey with a domestic flight from Panama City to David. The transfer to the hotel will then be included. The luggage allowance for this flight is as follows:

• Checked luggage: up to 18 kg per person
• Hand luggage: up to 6 kg, without wheels.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is all about adrenaline! We'll take on a 4.5 km circuit of hanging bridges, reaching heights of 10 to 75 metres above the ground, offering breathtaking views of rivers, waterfalls, and the majestic Barú Volcano. Along the way, we’ll walk various trails accompanied by a local guide, who will help us discover the rich flora and fauna of the region’s stunning forests.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time – we recommend making the most of it by joining our optional activities: the Canopy Tour or the Panamanian Rum Tour. Overnight stay in Boquete.

*Canopy Tour: adventure & adrenaline: Soar over the treetops, rivers, and waterfalls on a thrilling canopy tour set against the lush backdrop of La Amistad International Park and the iconic Barú Volcano. Spanning 4.5 kilometres across 12 cables, this high-flying experience offers a unique perspective of the cloud forest, where you may spot monkeys, birds, rodents, and even the elusive quetzal. Along the way, admire the rich biodiversity, including a wide variety of orchids and tropical flowers.

**Panamanian Rum Tour: A multisensory journey designed to refine your palate and awaken your senses. Learn about the intricate processes of distillation and ageing, while discovering the distinct qualities of rum—from aroma and body to alcohol content, colour, and presentation. The tour includes a professional tasting of four premium varieties.

Important: You can take part in both optional activities on the same day.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free day to explore Boquete at your own pace, though we also recommend joining our optional excursions: the Barú Volcano 4x4 Adventure* or a Coffee tour**. Overnight stay in Boquete.

*Barú Volcano 4x4 Adventure: Experience an exhilarating 4x4 excursion to Panama’s highest point, Barú Volcano, offering breathtaking 360° views where the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. Departing early to catch the sunrise, the rugged jeep ride takes around two hours to reach the summit at 3,474 metres. At the top, witness stunning landscapes, endemic wildlife, and enjoy a picnic breakfast before descending with daylight to fully appreciate the scenery.

**Coffee tour: A fascinating tour of a unique coffee plantation, where you’ll learn about the distinct flavours—nutty, fruity, or floral—that develop in the beans, and how processing and roasting affect taste. As Boquete is Panama’s coffee capital, home to the world-famous Geisha variety, this iconic tour includes a fresh coffee tasting.

Important: You can participate in both optional activities on the same day.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the designated time, transfer to Bocas del Toro (approximately 5 hours). Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax and begin exploring the area. We also recommend joining our optional Bioluminescence Experience* for a truly unique evening. Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro.

*Bioluminescence Experience: As night falls, witness a magical natural phenomenon in the Caribbean waters of Bocas del Toro, where countless microorganisms glow in the dark with every movement. A gentle boat ride takes you to the best secret spots, guided by local experts, to admire this enchanting display. Most nights, you'll see at least two types of bioluminescence along with a sky full of sparkling stars.

Please note: The bioluminescence tour is only offered during the new moon.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is full of marine life and coastal beauty on a tour to Dolphin Bay, Coral Cay, and Zapatilla Cay. Arrive at the tranquil Dolphin Bay, where you can observe wild dolphins in their natural habitat and feel at peace surrounded by mangroves and rainforest. You’ll then continue to Coral Cay for a snorkeling adventure to remember, swimming among colorful coral gardens. Finally, visit Zapatilla Cay, known for its pristine beaches and wildlife. During the tour, there’ll be a stop for lunch at a restaurant built over the sea.

After an eventful and memorable day of immersing yourself in paradise, spend the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro.

Please note: The order of stops may vary depending on weather, season, or group demand. Lunch is not included (approx. $12–$20 per person), but you’re welcome to bring your own if preferred.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day to explore Bocas del Toro at your own pace. We also recommend joining one of our optional tours, such as a visit to a cacao plantation* or a tour that includes Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach.** Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro.

*Optional Cacao Plantation Tour: In a charming Ngäbe village, dive into the world of cacao and watch it transform into delicious chocolate. Experience every centuries-old step—from harvesting and chocolate-making to the best part: tasting! Enjoy a scenic hike through cacao trees, lend a hand in the chocolate-making process, and finish with a traditional lunch.

**Optional Bird Island, Boca del Drago & Starfish Beach Tour: Birdwatching and coastal beauty take center stage on this unforgettable adventure. Explore the northern tip of Isla Colón, beginning with Bird Island—an offshore islet and a haven for year-round birdwatching. Next, stroll through Boca del Drago for sweeping views of the Caribbean waters. Finish your tour at Starfish Beach, an idyllic spot perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Please note: you can only choose one of the two optional activities.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the designated time, transfer to Bocas del Toro Local Airport to board your domestic flight back to Panama City*. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore.

To wrap up your day, we suggest enjoying a delicious traditional dinner with a live folkloric show**. Overnight stay in Panama City.

*The luggage allowance for this flight is as follows:

• Checked luggage: up to 18 kg per person
• Hand luggage: up to 6 kg, without wheels.

**Optional Panamanian Dinner and Show: Taste authentic Panamanian cuisine while listening to musicians play the repicadores, pujadores, and güiro — all traditional instruments. The experience is a vibrant fusion of cultural elements, from dancers dressed in Panama’s national costume, the Pollera, to finely handcrafted hats and the rhythmic beat of the drum.

Breakfast at the hotel.* It’s time to bring this experience to a close. At the designated time, transfer to Tocumen Airport to board your flight back to Canada. Night on board.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Arrival in your hometown and the end of this extraordinary journey.