Highlights
- Relax on one of Taboga Island's many beaches
- Enjoy a walking tour of the island, visiting historic sites and a panoramic viewpoint
- Join a food tour through Panama City's old town, Casco Antiguo
- Visit landmarks like the Panama Canal and the natural history-focused Biomuseo
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Panama, Transfer to Taboga Island in the Gulf of Panama | Taboga Island |
| Day 2 | Walking Tour of the Island, Visit Cerro de la Cruz | Taboga Island |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Panama City, Casco Antiguo Food Tour | Panama City |
| Day 4 | Visit the Panama Canal, Biomuseo & Casco Antiguo | Panama City |
| Day 5 | Depart Panama City |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Panama, Transfer to Taboga Island in the Gulf of Panama
Welcome to Panama, the link between Central and South America! Touch down at Tocumen International Airport and meet your driver outside to transfer to Marina Flameno, the launching point for ferries to the island of Taboga. This tropical paradise, also known as the "Island of Flowers," offers an idyllic setting with sandy beaches, abundant wildlife, colorful flora, and exotic fruits. Enjoy the short, 12-mile (20 km) ferry ride to the island and check into your hotel. After settling in, the day is yours to enjoy.
Take a stroll around the island, exploring its cobblestone streets lined with Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the quaint churches, indulge in fresh seafood at local eateries, or look out for birds, as there are 126 species flying around. If you're up for an adventure, sign up for water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding around the island. Those who just want to rest after their flight can relax on one of the many beaches, such as Playa Restinga, which is conveniently located along the pier.
Day 2: Walking Tour of the Island, Visit Cerro de la Cruz
After a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide for a one-hour tour around the island. As you walk, your guide will share stories about the island and its interesting history as a haven for pirates. Stop at San Pedro Church, built in 1524, making it the second-oldest church in Latin America. Enter the small building to appreciate the serene ambience, beautiful stained-glass windows, and intricate altar.
After the walking tour, ride a utility cart up Cerra de la Cruz to reach the highest point of the island. Enjoy views of the surrounding Pacific Ocean, Panama City, the famous Panama Canal, and the island of Las Perlas in the distance. When you're done taking in the sights, return to town for a delicious lunch. Then, the rest of the day is yours. Head back to the beach to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters or return to your hotel to rest before dinner.
Day 3: Transfer to Panama City, Casco Antiguo Food Tour
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Say goodbye to island life as you catch a ferry back to Panama City this morning. Check into your hotel, leave your bags, and set out on a food tour through the historic center of Casco Antiguo. The Panamanian capital was the first city to earn UNESCO's "Creative City of Gastronomy" title, and its culinary scene is a fusion of flavors influenced by its diverse cultural heritage. Take your pick of three tours today, depending on your tastes. The first visits local restaurants serving traditional foods, such as sancocho de gallina, a chicken soup that's become the national dish, or ceviche, marinated seafood with a Panamanian twist.
The second option explores a more modern part of the neighborhood, allowing you to sample traditional regional plates with international infusions. The third tour is hosted by a Panamanian-Chinese chef and celebrates the culinary traditions introduced by the Chinese railroad workers who immigrated to Panama in the mid-1800s. Try staple Panamanian dishes that have roots in Chinese culture, like fried rice, stir-fried noodles, or roasted pork with sweet sauce.
Day 4: Visit the Panama Canal, Biomuseo & Casco Antiguo
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your driver outside for a tour of the city's landmarks. Start at the Miraflores Visitor's Center to see the intricate workings of the Panama Canal firsthand. Head to the viewing platform to watch as colossal ships pass through the series of lock chambers, rising or descending to match the level of the canal. After witnessing this incredible feat of human ingenuity, continue on to Biomuseo, an immersive museum that explores the country's diverse plant and animal life and natural history. Browse the interactive exhibits to learn about Panama's impact on the world's biodiversity.
Next, you'll return to the historic Casco Antiguo district to visit landmarks like its San José Church. Admire the picturesque stone facade of this 17th-century building, then step inside to see the intricate golden altar the church is known for. After appreciating the solid gold details, head back outside to the bustling folk market. Browse the stalls full of handcrafted wares for souvenirs to take home, then continue to the last stop on your tour, Plaza de Francia, on the southern tip of the city. Head up the stairs in the square to enjoy a panoramic view of the modern city and watch as the large ships pass you by.
Day 5: Depart Panama City
After a quick five days in Panama, it's time to say goodbye to this Central American gem. If you have some time before your flight, you can explore the area on your own. Rent a bike or stroll along the scenic Amador Causeway for views of the bay and the city's skyline, or if you're looking for a more cultural experience, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art. Admire the diverse and thought-provoking collection of artwork, but keep an eye on the clock as a driver will meet you back at your hotel to take you to the airport. Have a safe flight!
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