Highlights
- Spot jungle wildlife as you canoe through Chagres National Park
- Visit the famous seaside fortresses of Portobelo on the Caribbean coast
- Experience a traditional dance show as you learn about Afro-Panamanian culture
- See the famous Panama Canal up close with a scenic cruise
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Panama City, Cultural Experience Dinner | Panama City |
| Day 2 | Nature & Indigenous Culture Tour Along the Río Chagres | Panama City |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Portobelo, Gastronomic Experience in Colón | Portobelo |
| Day 4 | Portobelo Kayaking Tour, Visit San Lorenzo | Portobelo |
| Day 5 | Historic Portobelo Tour & Traditional Dance Performance | Portobelo |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Panama City, Dinner in Casco Antiguo | Panama City |
| Day 7 | Cruise the Panama Canal, Depart Panama City |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Panama City, Cultural Experience Dinner
Welcome to Panama! After you arrive at Tocumen International Airport, your driver will transfer you to your hotel in Panama City. This vibrant, metropolitan capital is an intriguing mix of modern towers, colonial history, accessible nature, and a cosmopolitan feel. When you're ready to start exploring, get your bearings with a stroll around Panama Viejo, the UNESCO-protected remains of the original pre-Colombian settlement, or opt for a tour of the beautifully preserved neighborhood of Casco Antiguo.
End the day with a dinner and cultural experience featuring typical recipes and a traditional folklore show. Try dishes such as sancocho de gallina (chicken stew), ropa vieja (shredded beef), ceviche, or cocadas (Panamanian macaroons), made with locally sourced seafood, meats, and produce. While you eat, enjoy the folklore performance, highlighting traditional dances and the national dress, la pollera, with colorful frills and intricate embroidery.
Day 2: Nature & Indigenous Culture Tour Along the Río Chagres
Today you'll strike out into nature with a day trip into the jungles of Chagres National Park. Located just 40 miles (64 km) north of the capital, this vast reserve is home to diverse ecosystems, plentiful wildlife, and the Indigenous Embera people. Upon arrival at the park, your adventure begins at Lago Alajuela, followed by a piragua (traditional canoe) trip up the Río Chagres. As you paddle, you'll likely have a chance to glimpse plenty of the local wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans.
Disembark at a small Embera village, where you can meet the locals, immerse yourself in their culture, delve into their nature-entwined customs, and savor a freshly made meal. Traditional meals here are rich in local flavors, offering an authentic gastronomical experience. At the end of the day, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in the capital to spend the evening unwinding in the city.
Day 3: Transfer to Portobelo, Gastronomic Experience in Colón
It's time to discover a different side of Panama today as you transfer two hours north to the Caribbean coast and the laid-back fishing village of Portobelo. This was once Central America's most important Spanish port, with fortresses lining a coastline that processed incredible amounts of South American gold and Asian treasure. Several of these UNESCO-listed colonial fortresses still stand in the village, but nowadays, you'll mostly find a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.
Once you arrive and check into your hotel, settle into the slower rhythms of life in this part of the country. Several nearby beaches and islands can be reached via boat, including Isla Padre, popularly known as "Venas Azules," and the idyllic Playa Blanca. Swim in the crystal-clear water surrounded by mangroves, surf on the breaks of Isla Grande, or explore the underwater reefs of Portobelo Bay.
Finish off the day with a gastronomic experience in nearby Colón to experience yourself in the vibrant flavors of Caribbean Panama. Start by visiting a bakery to learn about the process of making authentic plantain empanadas. From there, head to the municipal market for a chombo (local soft drink) tasting and finish the day at a local restaurant, sampling the most famous Caribbean ingredients.
Day 4: Portobelo Kayaking Tour, Visit San Lorenzo
Dive into the landscapes and coastline around Portobelo today, starting with a two-hour kayaking excursion. It starts with a transfer to the mouth of the Río Cascajal, where the river meets the sea. Here, you'll paddle through tunnels created by mangrove trees and past hidden beaches, getting an up-close-and-personal view of the diverse ecosystems. Keep an eye out for caimans, iguanas, turtles, monkeys, sloths, and the distinctive basilisk lizards (also known as "Jesus Christ lizards" for their ability to walk on water).
Day 5: Historic Portobelo Tour & Traditional Dance Performance
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today you'll take a peek into Portobelo's fascinating past, filled with stories of pirates and Spanish conquistadors. You'll tour the most important sites of the village with a knowledgeable local guide, including the UNESCO-listed colonial fortresses, The Plaza, and the pretty purple-trimmed Black Christ Church, home to Portobelo's annual Festival of the Black Christ.
End the tour at San Jerónimo Fort, which makes up a portion of the once larger fort built here by the Spanish military as a defense system intended to protect its lucrative trans-Atlantic trade. All that remains are ruins of the lower battery, upper battery, a hilltop stronghold, and a dozen original cannons. You can also see the original offices, barracks, and a terrace overlooking the Caribbean. On this terrace, you'll have a chance to witness a traditional dance performance combining three of the most famous dances of the area, including the Afro-Panamanian congo.
Day 6: Transfer to Panama City, Dinner in Casco Antiguo
It's time to say goodbye to the charming Portobelo and return to Panama City. Enjoy the scenic two-hour transfer in a comfortable car before arriving at your hotel in the capital. The rest of the day is free for you to explore more of the city, catching the sights you missed the first time. Immerse yourself in the story of Panama's famous mola tapestries at the Museo de la Mola or brush up on some history at the Museo de Panama La Viejo.
For something more active, take a bike ride along Panama Bay on the Cinta Costera Beltway or hike up Cerro Ancón for panoramic views of the city. If you're looking for less of a challenge, grab some raspao (Panamanian shaved ice) at Plaza de Francia (French Square) and wander the city's booming boardwalk, the Amador Causeway. Finish the day with a three-course dinner at a quaint, gourmet restaurant in historic Casco Antiguo. The area is full of rooftop bars, fusion restaurants, and some of the best nightlife in the city to enhance your dining experience.
Day 7: Cruise the Panama Canal, Depart Panama City
More Great Panama Itineraries
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