Panama Adventures

Panama City

On arrival in Panama City you will be met at the airport and driven to your preferred hotel for a 3 night stay.

Rainforest Discovery Centre and Panama City

The Panama Rainforest Discovery Center is located on the famous Pipeline road, one of the most renowned places in the world for bird watching. In fact, here was established a record number for a bird count organized in 1985 by the Audubon Society, when 385 species were identified in 24 hours. Together with your naturalist guide you drive to Gamboa and start walking on the pipeline road arriving at the visitor center, observing up to 13 species of hummingbirds that are recorded on the feeders. Continue on the trails and see manakins, anteaters and trogons, before heading up the 40-meter tower for the canopy birds such as the famous blue cotinga and toucans, and visit the viewing platform by the lake to see aquatic birds like wattled jacanas, least grebes, herons and snail kites. As well as birds you have good chances of seeing monkeys, crocodiles, coatis, and butterflies. You then return to Panama City later in the day and are taken on a city tour visiting Panama La Vieja, the first city established by the Spanish in 1671, Casco Antiguo with its unique French, Spanish and Italian architecture styles and Miraflores Lock where you can see ships as they pass through the canal.

Las Cruces Jungle trail and Gatun Lake

Just 45 minutes from Panama City in Soberania NP is the Las Cruces trail, a 400 year old stone road built through the jungle to connect Panama City on the Pacific with the town of Cruces from where the Spaniards continued their passage by small boat, down the Chagres River to Fort San Lorenzo and the Caribbean Sea. A 6 mile hike along this mostly flat but muddy and uneven trail (5 hrs) takes you into rainforest and past historic landmarks. Be prepared to get your feet wet fording creeks along the way. On arrival at the Chagres River you have a picnic lunch on a small island, then travel by expedition boat across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal, where you pass gigantic cargo ships in sharp contrast with the natural surroundings. Along the way, there are opportunities to spot green iguana and three-toed sloth resting on tree branches, crocodile, osprey hunting for peacock bass, snail kite and keel-billed toucan among much else. On islands within the lake there are capuchin, howler monkey, spider monkey, and Geoffrey’s tamarin.

Multi-active in the Chiriquí Highlands

Leisurely start for a flight to David below the Chiriquí Highlands. You are met and driven to Volcán on the west of Barú volcano for 2 nights at Los Quetzales Lodge at a cool 2200m. The lodge’s 400ha reserve extends into Barú NP and La Amistad reserve. There is time to stretch your legs on a walk near the lodge.

Lots to do around here. The lodge’s options include riding in nearby farming scenery or walking in their cloud forest reserve. Mountain bikes are available independently. Spa therapies include massage, hot stones and reflexology. It is 10 min walk to an impressive orchid farm.

Los Quetzales Trail

The Los Quetzales Trail runs for 10km through fabulous cloud forest on the slopes of Volcán Barú. It’s a very scenic walk of about 5hr (sometimes up and down, sometimes muddy), with good chances of seeing a number of birds and mammals. The locals put a near 100% chance of seeing the Resplendent Quetzal here January to May; 25% at other times. As you emerge at the rangers station at the end of the trail a vehicle will be waiting with your luggage to take you to your lodge in Boquete for a 3 night stay.

Canopy bridges and zipline

Today you will be taken on a guided hanging bridges & canopy zipline tour. The hanging bridges is a system of trails and suspended walkways through the forest. Here you have a chance to see a variety of fauna including birds such as the resplendent quetzal, monkeys and cloudforest flora including orchids, ferns and bromeliads high in the tree tops. You will then enjoy a canopy zipline adventure where you glide through the forest on a series of 12 different zip-line cables for 4.5 kilometers suspended at heights of between 30-60m (100 to 200ft) above ground. After the tour you will be taken back to your hotel.

Whitewater rafting

Several good rafting rivers tumble down the volcano carving their way through the cloud forest. There’s a gentle 2½hr class II introduction, several class III trips, and an exhilarating world class 4hr class IV run. For pristine nature and waterfalls the 3hr mostly class II and III rapids on the Río Gariche are recommended. Choose sensibly, according to season and your experience. Rest of the day free at the lodge.

Island-hopping in Bocas del Toro archipelago

Crossing to the Caribbean by road you take a boat to the reefs and islands of Bocas del Toro. You stay 3 nights at a 2-3* lodge in the wacky little town of Bocas del Toro, mingling with locals, ex-pats and backpackers in its bars and cafes. (Or upgrade to a quieter superior over-the-water lodge on a remoter island.)

Today you go island-hopping in the marine national park, on a shared trip that starts with a short boat ride from Bocas pier to Dolphin Bay where there is an excellent chance that dolphin will play around the boat. On to Coral Keys for some great snorkelling, and stop at a simple restaurant nearby for lunch (not included). Continue by boat to the aptly named Red Frog Beach for a spot of relaxation (and frog spotting). Boat back to Bocas pier in the late afternoon. Bocas pier is a short walk from your hotel.

A second day’s shared island-hopping, beginning with a short boat ride from Bocas pier to Playa de las Estrellas, where snorkellers can see the many starfish usually found in the clear waters here. On to the white sands of Boca del Drago for some beach time and swimming in calm turquoise sea. There’s a simple restaurant here for lunch (not included). In the afternoon it’s onwards by boat to visit Bird Island, home to large colonies of sea birds, and then return to Bocas pier.

Panama City

A leisurely start for the mid-morning flight back to Panama City. You are met on arrival and driven to your hotel. There’s free time for shopping, city sightseeing, etc.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK or perhaps add a 2 night trip to the Kuna Yala (San Blas) archipelago - see days 4 and 5 of our ‘Panama Odyssey’ itinerary.