Panama City & Pearl Islands Getaway - 5 Days

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the skyscrapers and cobbled streets of the capital
• Relax on the idyllic beaches of Isla Contadora
• Island hop, fish, and snorkel among the idyllic Pearl archipelago
• Taste test your way through Panama City's Casco Antiguo neighborhood

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Panama City & Explore

Welcome to Panama! After you land at the Tocumen International Airport and pass through customs, your host will be waiting to take you to your Panama City accommodations. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to get your bearings and start your exploring. Panama's iconic capital and commercial center is like nowhere else in Central America. Big business and giant skyscrapers meet cobbled colonial streets and a mix of cultures formed by centuries of immigration and trade. 

For a city break, visit Chagres National Park, where you can travel up the Río Chagres via canoe, spotting wildlife in the jungle before a warm welcome by the Indigenous Embera villagers. Or, visit Soberania National Park, near the banks of the Panama Canal, for a nature-filled city escape featuring monkeys, birds, and reptiles (plus an up-close view of the famous canal). 

To explore more of the city, join a tour to learn about the fascinating history of Panama, from early settlers to the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. Explore Panama Viejo, the UNESCO-protected remains of the original pre-Colombian settlement, and the historic district, Casco Antiguo, for beautifully preserved colonial churches and buildings.

Day 2: Transfer to the Pearl Islands & Isla Contadora 

Today you'll be picked up and transferred to Marina Flamenco, one of Panama City's main seaports, for a ferry ride to the beautiful Pearl Islands. In a mere two hours, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this archipelago, with over 200 islands and islets off the Pacific coast in the Gulf of Panama. You'll base yourself on Isla Contadora for the next two days, with visits to other nearby islands and bays.

After settling in, take the rest of the day to explore Isla Contadora and its 13 picturesque, uncrowded beaches. Relax on the white sand, swim in the clear waters, or enjoy an island tour, bike rental, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or hiking excursion.

Day 3: Whale Watching & Island Hopping Around the Pearl Islands

For your full day on the Pearl Islands, you'll have several tour options depending on the time of year. From July to September, humpback whales migrate to the waters around the archipelago to breed and give birth in the warm Pacific. Board a motor boat with a naturalist guide to find the majestic animals. You'll also island hop while searching for whales, with the opportunity for snorkeling or beach time.

If you visit from October to June, your tour will include island hopping, fishing, and snorkeling. Visit the sandy beaches of uninhabited islands in the archipelago like Mogo Mogo, Bartolomé, Chapera, or Boyarena. Along the way, drop a line and see what you catch—the waters are full of fish species such as mahi mahi and Spanish mackerel. Your experienced crew will be on hand to ensure your fishing success and identify ideal snorkeling spots so you can explore the underwater world. 

Day 4: Transfer to Panama City, Experience Culture & Flavor in Casco Antiguo

Today you'll say your goodbyes to the islands and transfer back to your hotel in Panama City. After you settle in, meet your guide for a culture and flavor tour of Casco Antiguo, Panama's historic district. The oldest European settlement on the American Pacific coast, Panama Viejo, was once built on this spot. Although the original city was abandoned in the mid-17th century, Casco Antiguo was erected around the remains, preserving the initial layout and the Spanish and French-style architecture.

While you explore the charming streets and visit the main highlights of Casco Antiguo, you'll also taste some of Panama's most delicious gastronomic traditions. Tour local markets and sample world-famous geisha coffee, chocolate made with Panamanian cacao, local rum, ceviche, and the popular raspao (shaved ice with cream). 

Day 5: Depart Panama City

Your brief Panamanian adventure comes to a close this morning. Say a fond farewell to the capital as you're transferred back to Tocumen International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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