Currently, around the 58% of the total territory of Panama is covered by forests – which are home to more than 9,915 known species of plants, 218 species of mammals, 302 species of birds, 242 species of reptiles and 182 species of amphibians.
During 7 days, not only you will discover all the hidden secrets behind the lush forest of Panama, but also will learn on how both the indigenous lifestyle and the infrastructure growth interact with nature.
Day 1
Duration: 25 minutes approximately
In Central America, Panamá stands as the most cosmopolitan city and the only capital on the seashore. Its tropical climate is characterized by high temperatures ranging between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The city offers a variety of choices for all tastes, combining impressive, modern infrastructure with some treasures of distant times such as the Old Quarter – a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Lodging at Best Western Plus Panama
Best Western Plus Zen Panama Hotel is located just 25 minutes away from Tocumen International Airport (PTY). The property is strategically located in the financial district of Panama City, close to the best malls, restaurants, casinos and entertainment centers; and 200 meters away from the Metro Station, allowing guests to travel quickly and at the lowest cost through the City.
The hotel features 89 superior rooms and 1 junior suite; all of them offering amazing views of Panama City.
Day 2
The Embera Quera Indigenous Community is located at the end of the Gatun River. The tour begins with a 30-minute ride through the river in a canoe with outboard; during the trip is possible to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna of the region and learn a little bit about the lifestyle of the community.
Once in the community, one of the members will explain you in detail about the culture, the food and the language of the Emberas; and will answer all the questions you may have about their way of life. Besides, a cultural presentation with traditional dances and music will allow you to interact with the group and the members of the community.
At the end, you will have the opportunity to shop some of the handmade crafts by the community residents.
A light, traditional lunch is included during the tour; usually based on the catch of the day.
Lodging at Best Western Plus Panama
Day 3
The perfect combination to admire and learn about the Panamanian rainforest and its diverse wildlife, not only from above but from within.
The tour starts with a peaceful and relaxing ride in a gondola with capacity up to 4 people. This gondola ascends 280 feet over half a mile and the trip ends at a spectacular viewpoint atop a hill. Accompanied by a naturalist guide that will help you to interpret some of the jungle’s most interesting facts, once you get to the observation tower you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the most amazing views of the Panama Canal, Chagres River, an Embera Indigenous Community, and much of the Soberania National Park. Then, before ending the tour, a 45-minute visit to the ecological exhibitions, which is an excellent opportunity to learn about the most interesting creatures and plants of the Panamanian forest. The three exhibits available are: butterfly farm, frog garden and orchid nursery.
The Gatun Lake is the longest artificial lake in Panama – with an area of 166 square miles, and constitutes a major part of the Panama Canal.
The expedition through this lake is perfect for nature lovers, interested in see and learn about the fascinating tropical wildlife of the lake and the surrounding forest.
Aboard a comfortable boat, and for a little bit more than one hour, you will explore some of the islands formed after the creation of the lake. With the help of a naturalist guide, you can see crocodiles, caimans, sloths, iguanas, monkeys and a host of birds’ native to the area.
Lodging at Gamboa Rainforest Resort Hotel & Golf
Gamboa Rainforest Resort Hotel & Golf is within a beautifully landscaped 160-acre property located just 30 minutes from Panama City, and 5 miles from the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. Its 103 stylish and spacious hotel rooms offer contemporary decor and a full range of amenities to make your stay comfortable.
Besides, the hotel features a complimentary fitness center, two outdoor pools, a 24-hour business center, a kid’s club, and four different dining options ranching from an international cuisine restaurant to a relaxing poolside terrace. Also, a butterfly farm and two ecological trails are available for those guests interested in discovering the flora and fauna of the surroundings.
Day 4
Day 5
Duration: 2 hours approximately
El Valle de Anton is located in the province of Cocle, 120 km – 90 minutes – away from Panama City. This picturesque town is set in the crater of an extinct volcano, 600 meters above sea level, offering impressive panoramic views, a pleasant climate, and many attractions to visit – making it a paradise for those looking for relaxation and adventure at the same time.
Upon arrival, you will first visit the scenic local market where it is possible to buy fresh fruits and the most beautiful indigenous crafts. After this, you will visit El Macho waterfall – a water drop of 70m, the largest in the region; and the pre-Columbian petroglyphs. During the visit to the waterfall, you will have some free time to take a dip into the natural pools.
To end the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit El Nispero Zoo – home to many exotic species, both birds and mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Lunch is included in one of the local restaurants.
Lodging at Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Los Mandarinos Boutique & Spa is located in El Valle, approximately two hours away from Panama City and the Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Thousands of years ago el Valle de Anton was the crater of a volcano, and now it’s known for its pleasing climate and its many attractions to visit – making it a paradise for those looking for relaxation and adventure at the same time.
This cozy boutique hotel was designed with a charming Tuscan style and boasts 70 guestrooms divided into six different categories. All of the rooms and suites are equipped with a private balcony, a fridge, a coffee maker, a private bathroom with hot water, satellite TV, air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi.
For dining, “La Tasca de Triana” – the main restaurant of the hotel – offers a Spanish menu with a variety of wines and Tapas and a pleasant flamenco-style atmosphere. Besides, “La Casa de Lourdes” – a restaurant located in the property next to the hotel – offers a wide variety of exotic dishes with tropical accents and exquisite desserts.
Day 6
Day 7
Duration: 2 hours approximately
In Central America, Panamá stands as the most cosmopolitan city and the only capital on the seashore. Its tropical climate is characterized by high temperatures ranging between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The city offers a variety of choices for all tastes, combining impressive, modern infrastructure with some treasures of distant times such as the Old Quarter – a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
First thing in the morning, a visit the charming “Casco Antiguo” or Old Quarter, built in 1673 after Panama La Vieja (the first city) was looted and burned. The predominant architectural style of the Casco Antiguo is a combination of Italian, French and Spanish colonial.
During the expedition through this colonial part of the city, you will have the opportunity to visit some churches – including the famous Golden Altar which survived the plundering and destruction of pirate Morgan, and different parks and plazas while you learn about the history of the city.
Lunch is included in a local restaurant
To end the day you will visit the emblematic Panama Canal. Visiting the Miraflores Locks visitor’s center – the nearest set of locks to the city, makes it possible to learn about the history and the daily operation of the Canal. This visitor center has three main attractions: The Museum, the audiovisual presentation, and the lookout point where it’s possible to observe the ships passing through each one of the chambers.
Lodging at Best Western Plus Panama
Day 8
Duration: 25 minutes approximately
You must be at the airport 2 hours prior the flight time.
