Tourcan Vacations
The Essence Of Panama

© Tourcan Vacations

Panama · 8 days · 7 nights

The Essence Of Panama

Duration
8 days · 7 nights

Overview

The Essence of Panama is an 8-day journey that shows three very different sides of the country. It starts in Panama City, continues to the highland town of Boquete and finishes on the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro before returning to the capital for departure.

The first days in Panama City include a shared partial transit of the Panama Canal. The route then heads through David to Boquete, where a shared coffee tour explores one of the region's signature crops.

From Boquete the journey continues to Bocas del Toro, where a free day leaves room to unwind by the sea. Accommodation, arrival and departure transfers, local guides, meals as per the itinerary, sightseeing fees and the transportation described are all part of the package.

The route

Day by day, at a glance

  1. Day 1 · Panama City

    Arrive Panama City

  2. Day 2 · Panama City

    Shared Partial Canal Transit

  3. Day 3 · Boquete

    Panama City - David - Boquete

  4. Day 4 · Boquete

    Shared Coffee Tour

  5. Day 5 · Bocas del Toro

    Boquete - Bocas Del Toro

  6. Day 6 · Bocas del Toro

    Free Day In Bocas Del Toro

  7. Day 7 · Panama City

    Bocas Del Toro - Panama City

  8. Day 8 · Panama City

    Departure

Day by day

The itinerary

  1. Day 1 · Panama City

    Arrive Panama City

    Upon arrival at airport in Panama, you will be warmly met by a representative, who will provide assistance and transfer to your accommodation to check-in. Panama City is the capital and largest city in the country. It is home to a diverse blend of cultures and an enormous historical sector in the Old City. The lively and vibrant banking district on the other hand is very modern and often compared to Miami. Panama City is a thrilling location you will surely enjoy during your visit to this gorgeous country. Overnight: Panama City – (B)

  2. Day 2 · Panama City

    Shared Partial Canal Transit

    Activities: • After a transfer from your hotel to Flamenco Marina, the partial transit starts with a motor coach ride for 45 minutes to the town of Gamboa where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located. • Once in Gamboa, you will aboard the cruise ship to start the water portion of the tour. You will enter the canal at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. Your boat will travel the Cut’s 13.7 kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. In this area you will also be able to observe the work in pro-cess for the Panama Canal expansion project. • Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. • Next, your ship will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. • You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 16 meters in two distinct steps. • Once in the Pacific Ocean the vessel will sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina where you disembark. • On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline. • Upon arrival at Flamenco you will be transferred back to your city hotel. Overnight: Panama City – (B)

  3. Day 3 · Boquete

    Panama City - David - Boquete

    Activities: • In the morning you will be transferred to the domestic airport in Panama City to fly to David. • Upon arrival to David our representative will pick you up and bring you to Boquete. Enjoy spring-like weather all year round!! Tucked away on the eastern slopes of Barú Volcano at 1200 meters is the small and charming mountain village of Boquete. Known to produce some of the sweetest oranges and richest coffees in all of Panama, Boquete is quickly becoming a destination for those visitors seeking the sunniest though cool mountain weather. • Check in at the beautiful lodge in midst of a Coffee Plantation. • The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight: Boquete – (B)

  4. Day 4 · Boquete

    Shared Coffee Tour

    Activities: • This amazing hike begins in a Nature Reserve that belongs to Baru Volcano National Park, it retraces the steps of pre-Columbian Indians into a remote virgin cloud forest, surrounding the perimeter of Baru Volcano, habitat of 5 of the most ancient trees in Panama. During the hike you will have the experience of visiting the enormous Quercus Trees that survived a volcano eruption 800 years ago. These magnificent millenary trees grow naturally throughout primary forests of Panama and Costa Rica. The trail parallels Quebrada La Mina, a gorgeous creek that meanders through the ridges and valleys above Boquete. • With more than 220 bird species native to the area, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, birding opportunities abound. • During the hike, you will also have great possibilities to spot mammals such as howler monkeys, white faced capuchins and two-toed sloths. This adventure offers the chance to see the cloud forest like no other hike will do and it is suitable for all passengers given the easy and accessible trails. Overnight: Boquete – (B)

  5. Day 5 · Bocas del Toro

    Boquete - Bocas Del Toro

    Activities: • You will be taken from Boquete to Isla Colon on the paradisiacal Bocas del Toro archipelago. This transfer starts with a lovely 3.5 hours drive through the highlands and down to the Caribbean coast where you board a boat to Bocas del Toro. Isla Colon is the largest and most developed island of the archipelago. It is home to the provincial capital of Bocas del Toro, a colorful town made of wooden houses built in the early 20th century. Isla Colon serves as a convenient hub for exploring the archipelago as water taxis can bring you away to remote beaches and magnificent snorkeling sites. The appeal of Bocas is basically slowing down and soaking up the Caribbean vibes. Overnight: Bocas Del Toro – (B)

  6. Day 6 · Bocas del Toro

    Free Day In Bocas Del Toro

    Activities: • Free day at leisure to spend in Bocas del Toro. • Take advantage of this free day and participate in one of the optional tours such as snorkeling, dolphin watching, hiking or just relax at the beach. Overnight: Bocas del Toro – (B)

  7. Day 7 · Panama City

    Bocas Del Toro - Panama City

    Activities: • Local flight from Bocas del Toro back to Panama City. • Upon arrival you will be transferred to your city hotel for your last night in Panama City. • Enjoy an evening out in the vibrant and lively capital often compared to Miami. Overnight: Panama City – (B)

  8. Day 8 · Panama City

    Departure

    Departure: After breakfast you will be transferred to the Tocumen Airport for your international flight back home. – (B) Meals as per itinerary: (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) We can personalize this tour just for you! Call: 1 800 263 2995 / 416 391 0334 or complete form in: CUSTOM-CRAFTED tab on this page.

Where you'll stay

Accommodations

Accommodation for this trip is tailored to your dates and travel style — your specialist will confirm the exact properties when shaping your itinerary.

How it works

Made to order

  • Every Tourcan trip is built by a specialist, not a template — the route, hotels, and pace are tuned to how you want to travel.
  • Dates are flexible. There are no fixed departures; we plan around your calendar.
  • Quotes and bookings happen by phone and email with your specialist — no automated checkout, just a real conversation.

What's included

Inclusions and exclusions

Included

  • Accommodations Per Person Sharing, including hotel taxes
  • Arrival & departure transfers where applicable
  • Local guides where applicable
  • Meals per itinerary
  • Park entrance fees and sightseeing fees where applicable
  • Applicable transportation

Not included

  • Airfare and air taxes
  • Cancellation, baggage, travel and medical insurance
  • Items of a personal nature such as baggage porterage, gratuities/tips, laundry, telephone calls, bottled water, etc.
  • Visa and visa fees
  • Optional sightseeing and activities
  • Meals, beverages and services not mentioned in itinerary
  • For additional information or reservations please complete QUOTE REQUEST form in side bar of this page or contact us directly to speak to one of our Destination Experts.
  • We can personalize this tour just for you! Call: 1 800 263 2995 / 416 391 0334 or complete form in: CUSTOM-CRAFTED tab on this page.
  • Thank you for choosing Tourcan Vacations! Providing Vacations of a Lifetime.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is not included in the price of any Tourcan itinerary. We strongly recommend comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, and baggage.

Purchase travel insurance →

Your specialists

Plan this trip with Roshan and Edith

Roshan Matovu, Assistant Manager

Roshan Matovu

Assistant Manager

Assistant Manager specializing in Africa, the Middle East, South America and Central America.

Edith, Senior Travel Consultant

Edith

Senior Travel Consultant

Senior Travel Consultant specializing in Africa, the Middle East, South America and Central America, helping travel advisors and clients plan customized journeys, tours and memorable destination experiences.