Panama Self-Drive Tour Pacific & Caribbean with Playa Jaguar – 4 Weeks

Panama Self-Drive Tour Pacific & Caribbean with Playa Jaguar – 4 Weeks

Duration 29 days
Region San Blas, Pacific & Chiriquí
Price from €3325 p.p. in a double room

Guided tours around Panama City, an excursion to San Blas and a self-drive tour through western Panama pack all the country's highlights into 29 days.

Highlights

  • Panama City and a transit through the Panama Canal
  • Playa Jaguar Rainforest Lodge
  • Santa Catalina and Coiba Island in the Pacific
  • San Blas Islands and Bocas del Toro

Panama Self-Drive Tour Pacific & Caribbean with Playa Jaguar – 4 Weeks

This trip combines guided tours around Panama City, an excursion to San Blas at the start, and a self-drive tour through the western provinces of Panama, so you experience all the country’s highlights. The guided tours teach you a great deal about the country and its people, which leaves you well prepared for the time behind the wheel. From there you travel at your own pace and pick the activities you like best.

In Panama City we begin with a guided excursion to the colonial old town (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the locks of the Panama Canal. The next morning we drive to a smallholders’ village in the rainforest and explore the Camino Real, the gold route of the Spanish conquistadors, before continuing to Portobelo on the Caribbean coast in the afternoon. We follow the coast to the huge new locks at Agua Clara and the Spanish fortress of San Lorenzo, take a boat trip to several islands on Lake Gatún to spot monkeys and other wildlife, and then visit a village of the Emberá people. Over the next two days you head to the San Blas Islands in the Caribbean to unwind beneath the palm trees. A boat passage through the locks of the Panama Canal rounds off the excursions around Panama City.

Then your self-drive tour begins. You pick up your car at the hotel and drive to El Valle de Antón and on to the mountain village of Santa Fé. From there you head to the Caribbean and the Playa Jaguar Lodge, then straight back to the Pacific coast and Santa Catalina, where you can take a boat trip out to Coiba Island. Next you head into western Panama and the province of Chiriquí. Here you can tour a coffee plantation, hike in the cloud forest, and visit an orchid farm with hundreds of different species. In Boquete you can explore the cloud forest canopy on hanging bridges and drive up Panama’s highest mountain. Finally you return the rental car and settle in to relax in the natural paradise of Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean.

Type of trip: Self-drive tour

Duration: 29 days

Participants: 2-6

Highlights

  • Panama City and a transit through the Panama Canal
  • Playa Jaguar Rainforest Lodge
  • Santa Catalina and Coiba Island in the Pacific
  • The Chiriquí highlands (coffee and cloud forest)
  • San Blas Islands and Bocas del Toro

Itinerary Overview

Panama self-drive tour 4 weeks

  1. Day 01 | Welcome to Panama!
  2. Day 02 | Visiting the Miraflores Locks and the old town
  3. Day 03 | Boat excursion to the Camino Real and drive to Portobelo
  4. Day 04 | The Spanish fortress at San Lorenzo and the Agua Clara locks
  5. Day 05 | Boat trip to Monkey Island and a visit to the Emberá
  6. Day 06 | San Blas Islands
  7. Day 07 | San Blas Islands
  8. Day 08 | San Blas Islands
  9. Day 09 | Aboard a ship on the Panama Canal
  10. Day 10 | El Valle de Antón
  11. Day 11 | El Valle de Antón
  12. Day 12 | El Caño – Santa Fé
  13. Day 13 | Santa Fé
  14. Day 14 | Drive to Calovebora and the Playa Jaguar Lodge
  15. Day 15 | Playa Jaguar Lodge
  16. Day 16 | Playa Jaguar Lodge
  17. Day 17 | Drive to Santa Catalina
  18. Day 18 | Excursion to Coiba Island
  19. Day 19 | Santa Catalina
  20. Day 20 | Santa Catalina
  21. Day 21 | Drive to the province of Chiriquí
  22. Day 22 | Sitio Barriles and a visit to a coffee plantation
  23. Day 23 | Hiking in La Amistad National Park – orchid farm
  24. Day 24 | Across hanging bridges through the treetops
  25. Day 25 | Bocas del Toro
  26. Day 26 | Bocas del Toro
  27. Day 27 | Bocas del Toro
  28. Day 28 | Bocas del Toro and back to Panama City
  29. Day 29 | Departure from Panama

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 | Welcome to Panama!

Panama tour - Causeway Amador

After your arrival at Panama’s international airport you are met by your driver and taken to your hotel.

Overnight in Panama City (B).

Day 02 | Visiting the Miraflores Locks and the old town

Panama San Blas self-drive tour

In the morning we visit the Miraflores Locks, the best-known locks on the Panama Canal. From a viewing platform we watch the ocean giants ease through the narrow lock chambers. Afterwards we catch an impressive 3D film in the IMAX cinema about the canal’s construction and operation.

Then we head into the old town of Panama City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The district is full of magnificent churches, quiet squares, parks and 19th-century colonial buildings, and we explore it on foot. From the Plaza de Francia at the far end, we take in spectacular views of the skyline of Panama City’s modern banking district, the canal entrance and the Bridge of the Americas.

(Depending on the ship transit times, the order of the activities may change.)

Overnight in Panama City (B).

Day 03 | Boat excursion to the Camino Real and drive to Portobelo

Camino Real dugout canoe on Lago Alajuela

In the morning we drive to Chagres National Park, where we trace the history of the Camino Real, the gold route the Spanish conquistadors used between the Pacific and the Atlantic. Christian Strassnig rediscovered the route on adventurous expeditions through the park’s near-impenetrable rainforest.

We take a boat excursion on Lake Alajuela. From a starting point on the shore we hike about two hours along the Camino Real through rolling terrain, learning more about the route’s history along the way: the Spanish conquistadors, the mule caravans, Francis Drake and other pirates. Several times we come across well-preserved colonial cobblestones of the old road.

In the village of Quebrada Ancha we have a traditional lunch and get to know the way of life and culture of the Panamanian campesinos. The village played an active part in the Camino Real research and reopened a section of the route, and your visit supports its sustainable tourism project. Afterwards we take the boat back to the dock and continue on to Portobelo.

[3 km, 80 m ↑, 80 m ↓, walking time approx. 2 hrs]. The hike can be adapted to your fitness level.

Overnight in Portobelo (B, L).

Day 04 | The Spanish fortress at San Lorenzo and the Agua Clara locks

Lake Gatún by the Agua Clara locks

In the morning we visit the customs house and Fort San Geronimo from the Spanish colonial era, built to guard against pirates and other raiders.

Then we continue to the Agua Clara locks, where we see the new locks of the expanded Panama Canal in action and watch enormous ships move through the chambers opened in 2016.

From there we drive to the mouth of the Chagres River to visit the colonial-era fortress of San Lorenzo, which guards the river mouth where it meets the Caribbean. This UNESCO World Heritage site was captured by the English pirate Henry Morgan during his 1671 attack on Panama City.

We cross a bridge over the Panama Canal with views of both the old and new lock systems, then drive back to Panama City.

Overnight in Panama City (B).

Day 05 | Boat trip to Monkey Island and a visit to the Emberá

Capuchin monkey on Monkey Island

In the morning we drive to Gamboa for a boat excursion on Lake Gatún. As we cross the lake we pass close to the huge ships transiting the Panama Canal. Tropical rainforest blankets the whole area, and we stop at a few small islands where capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys and Geoffroy’s tamarins live in the wild. Watching these free-roaming monkeys up close makes for unforgettable moments.

Afterwards we visit the Emberá, an indigenous people whose village we reach by traditional dugout canoe. There we immerse ourselves in Emberá culture and daily life and enjoy a traditional lunch, then walk a short rainforest trail to learn about the plants the Emberá use as medicine. Afterwards we drive back to Panama City.

Overnight in Panama City (B, L).

Day 06 | San Blas Islands

Panama San Blas Islands Guna Yala

Today calls for an early start: around 5:00 a.m. you set off for the San Blas Islands, 365 unique coral islands scattered off Panama’s pristine Caribbean coast.

We drive over the mountains to a dock in the Gulf of Guna Yala, where a fishing boat carries you on to an idyllic island. Here you can simply relax or take an excursion to other islands. The “Piscina Natural”, a shallow spot with turquoise water, and “Isla Perro” are popular spots.

The San Blas Islands belong to the “Comarca” of Guna Yala, an autonomous territory of the Guna people. You can relax on one of the dreamy white beaches in the turquoise water, snorkel through an incredibly rich underwater world, and get to know the culture and daily life of the Guna, who inhabit only a handful of the islands in the archipelago.

Overnight in San Blas in a simple lodge; lunch and dinner are also included. (B, L, D).

Day 07 | San Blas Islands

San Blas Islands starfish

Today is entirely yours.

Overnight in San Blas in a simple lodge; lunch and dinner are also included. (B, L, D).

Day 08 | San Blas Islands

Panama San Blas Islands Guna Yala fisherman dugout canoe

Today you can explore your island’s beach or take another excursion. Lunch is again included.

In the afternoon you take the boat back to the harbor, then drive about 2.5 hours to Panama City, where you stay again at our city hotel.

Overnight in Panama City (B, L).

Day 09 | Aboard a ship on the Panama Canal

Panama self-drive tour Caribbean Pacific

In the morning you head to the harbor and board a boat that lets you experience the workings of the canal up close. The canal runs 80 km in total, from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast. You start by passing beneath the “Puente de Las Américas” and soon reach the Miraflores Locks. The Pedro Miguel Locks are the next step on the Pacific side, raising the boat to the level of Lake Gatún. You then cross the Gaillard Cut, the narrow stretch that had to be blasted through the central cordillera. After about 4 hours you reach Gamboa and disembark, and a bus takes you back to the starting point in Panama City (the canal passage can also run in the other direction).

In the afternoon you can optionally visit the ruins of Panamá Viejo, the first European city on the Pacific. Founded in 1519, it lies about 10 km east of present-day Panama’s old town (a UNESCO World Heritage site). A few ruins and the well-preserved church tower still hint at how important this settlement once was. The city was the launching point for the conquest of South America (Francisco Pizarro, Diego Almagro and their associates) and for the Camino Real to the Caribbean, and it flourished for over 150 years before the English pirate Henry Morgan destroyed it in 1671.

Overnight in Panama City (B, L).

Day 10 | El Valle de Antón

El Valle Chorro El Macho waterfall

In the morning you pick up your rental car and set off along the Pan-American Highway, the legendary road that runs from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. You drive about 2½ hours southwest, then turn off the highway roughly 4 km past the town of San Carlos and climb into the mountains to El Valle. El Valle de Antón sits in the largest inhabited volcanic crater in Central America, dormant for more than 12,000 years. On arrival you can browse the El Valle market, which is at its best on Sundays, and spend the afternoon at the El Macho waterfall or the Aguas Termales (hot springs).

Overnight in El Valle (B).

Day 11 | El Valle de Antón

El Valle India Dormida

In the morning you can hike up the India Dormida, Cerro La Silla or Cerro Gaital. These hikes take about 2-3 hours and reward you with a beautiful view from the top. Afterwards, stop by the Piedra Pintada to see its pre-Columbian rock carvings. In the afternoon you can visit a breeding station for the endangered Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki), also known as the “Golden Frog of El Valle” – well worth the trip.

If you’d rather, stroll through the local market or visit the butterfly house, the reptile exhibition with its snakes, or the local zoo.

Overnight in El Valle (B).

Day 12 | El Caño – Santa Fé

Church of San Francisco altar

Today you continue to Santa Fé, a town in the central cordillera at a pleasant altitude, north of the city of Santiago. Along the way we recommend a stop in Natá de los Caballeros, founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1522 and one of the oldest European settlements on the American continent. You can also visit the El Caño excavation site, where archaeologists have unearthed pre-Columbian princely tombs and spectacular gold artifacts. Closer to Santa Fé, the village of San Francisco de la Montaña is well worth a stop. The church looks plain from outside, but its interior is striking. Indigenous wood carvers created the altars in the late Baroque style (known as Churrigueresque), blending Catholic and indigenous elements in a way that is unique in Panama.

Overnight in Santa Fé (B).

Day 13 | Santa Fé

Cerro Tute near Santa Fé

The region around Santa Fé is dotted with waterfalls and mountains. Spend the day exploring its nature. A short hike leads up Cerro Tute, where only the last stretch near the summit calls for using your hands. Or you can visit one of the waterfalls, or get to know the region’s farming.

Overnight in Santa Fé (B).

Day 14 | Drive to Calovebora and the Playa Jaguar Lodge

Panama Playa Jaguar self-drive tour Caribbean Calovebora

Today you continue to the Playa Jaguar Lodge on the Caribbean. The road to the village of Calovebora is only a few years old (and just the fourth road link between the Pacific and the Caribbean), so it’s still in good shape. It does drop steeply to the coast, though, so you’ll need to drive slowly and should allow about two hours for the short distance. Along the way you can stop at the Golondrina waterfall right beside the road. You park your car in Calovebora and continue by boat to the Playa Jaguar Lodge, taking in an untouched coastal landscape on the way.

The Playa Jaguar Lodge protects a 300-hectare private rainforest area to help preserve the Caribbean coast’s rainforest for the future.

Overnight at the Playa Jaguar Lodge (B).

Day 15 | Playa Jaguar Lodge

Playa Jaguar Mariposas waterfall

Spend today relaxing on the nearby beach (Playa Jaguar) or take a boat trip along the untouched coast. Or set off on a hike into the rainforest around the lodge. The hikes come in different lengths: short ones of 1-2 hours, or a longer trek to a rainforest waterfall.

Overnight at the Playa Jaguar Lodge (B).

Day 16 | Playa Jaguar Lodge

Playa Jaguar Lodge river

Today there’s more to do. Another exciting boat trip leads to a remote village reachable only by boat along the coast. Or you can take a 4-day hike across the central cordillera. The village sits at a river mouth and is home to smallholders and the indigenous Ngäbe people. Still untouched by tourism, it gives you a window into the relaxed rhythm of a place cut off from the world.

Overnight at the Playa Jaguar Lodge (B).

Day 17 | Drive to Santa Catalina

Playa Jaguar Lodge

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in the morning.

Then you take the boat back to Calovebora and drive on to Santa Catalina, the next stop on your journey.

Overnight in Santa Catalina (B).

Day 18 | Excursion to Coiba Island

Coiba Island Panama

Today you can take a boat trip to Coiba National Park. With its palm-shaded white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise water, Coiba Island could be straight out of Robinson Crusoe. The park’s waters teem with large fish and offer excellent snorkeling and diving.

A large area around Coiba is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site that, together with the national park, protects the Pacific’s coral reefs. These reefs shelter countless marine creatures and form part of a marine protected corridor reaching all the way to the Galápagos. The boat trip out takes about 2 hours. On the island you’ll find white coral-sand beaches and, with a bit of luck, can watch sea turtles while snorkeling. In the afternoon you return to Santa Catalina by boat.

Overnight in Santa Catalina (B).

Day 19 | Santa Catalina

Coiba sea turtle

Today you can head out on another diving or snorkeling trip, or give surfing a go: the beach at Santa Catalina is a firm favorite with surfers for its waves.

Or you can take walks along the beach, relax by the pool and soak up the view of the surrounding cliffs, or simply do nothing at all and unwind in a hammock.

Overnight in Santa Catalina (B).

Day 20 | Santa Catalina

Hermit crab Coenobita compressus

Today is again yours to spend as you like.

Overnight in Santa Catalina (B).

Day 21 | Drive to the province of Chiriquí

Volcán Barú summit

After a relaxed breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to Santa Catalina and the picturesque Pacific and head on to the province of Chiriquí. This province in Panama’s far west borders Costa Rica and is home to the majestic Volcán Barú, the country’s highest peak at an imposing 3,475 meters. In clear weather its summit offers a breathtaking view of both oceans. Volcanic ash has made the soil extremely fertile, so a wide range of crops, coffee, oranges, tobacco and much more, thrive in the rainforests and cloud forests around the volcano.

Overnight in Volcán/Bambito (B).

Day 22 | Sitio Barriles and a visit to a coffee plantation

Coffee cherry on the plant

In the morning you can visit the archaeological site of Barriles. This unassuming spot yielded stone statues and ceramic fragments excavated in the 1940s, the work of pre-Columbian cultures dating to between 500 and 800 AD.

In the afternoon, the Janson Coffee Farm is well worth a visit. The tour gives you a fascinating look at how coffee is grown and produced, along with plenty of facts about this popular bean. The local climate is ideal, and the coffee grown here ranks among the best in the world. The standout is the famous, prized Geisha variety, whose smooth, tea-like flavor has made it hugely popular, especially in Asia. To finish, you get to taste a few of these delicious coffees yourself and treat your palate.

Overnight in Volcán/Bambito (B, L).

Day 23 | Hiking in La Amistad National Park – orchid farm

Cerro Punta Dracula Gigas orchid

In the morning a fascinating hike awaits through the impressive cloud forests of the “La Amistad” biosphere reserve (“Friendship” in Spanish), a 400,000-hectare protected area straddling the border between Panama and Costa Rica. The park has two trails: the first is relatively well maintained (walking time approx. 1 hour, +50 m/-50 m), the second is barely maintained and crosses ground strewn with fallen trees, suitable only for experienced hikers (walking time approx. 2 hours, +150 m/-150 m). Either way you’ll walk through the national park’s mystical mountain cloud forests, and with a bit of luck you may even glimpse the quetzal, the legendary sacred bird of the Aztecs and Maya.

Afterwards the Finca Dracula is well worth a visit, an orchid farm with an impressive collection of more than 1,500 different orchid species. From there you continue to the far side of Volcán Barú and drive on to Boquete.

Overnight in Boquete (B).

Day 24 | Across hanging bridges through the treetops

Boquete hanging bridges

In the morning you experience the cloud forest from a special vantage point: a trail of hanging bridges that carries you through the forest canopy, where you can marvel at the treetops up close. The rest of the day is free. You might take a zipline tour through the treetops, go for a hike, or explore the picturesque town of Boquete.

There are two options for reaching the summit of Volcán Barú:

  1. Drive to the summit: you set off early at 4:00 a.m. in an off-road vehicle up Volcán Barú. Once at the top, with a bit of luck, you can enjoy the spectacular sunrise view of both oceans at once. You’re back at the hotel around 10:00 a.m. with the rest of the day free, perhaps for the planned canopy walk.

  2. Alternatively, you can climb Volcán Barú on foot, starting at midnight. The route covers 28 km with 1,700 meters of ascent and 1,700 meters of descent, and takes about 10-12 hours.

Overnight in Boquete (B).

Day 25 | Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro Cayo Zapatilla

After breakfast you continue to the Caribbean island paradise of Bocas del Toro. Once there, the rest of the day is yours.

The people of the archipelago are mostly of Afro-Caribbean descent, which only deepens the Caribbean feel. Communities of indigenous origin live here too, and together they form a harmonious rainbow society. You can simply relax, soak up the sun, beach and sea, and slip into the vibrant rhythm of Caribbean life. The more adventurous have plenty of excursions to choose from across the surrounding islands, which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving and more. The island’s main draw is the magnificent coral reefs just offshore: with nothing more than a mask and snorkel you can explore an impressive underwater world. We can arrange diving excursions for divers (just let us know when booking).

Overnight in Bocas del Toro (B).

Day 26 | Bocas del Toro

Boat excursion Bocas del Toro

Today you have plenty of time to unwind, and there’s no better place for it: Bocas del Toro is a dreamy Caribbean archipelago full of natural treasures, many of them protected by Bastimentos National Park. The park also holds one of the few sea turtle nesting grounds, where turtles come ashore to lay their eggs from May to October.

Today you can take an excursion through the islands of Bocas del Toro. First to Dolphin Bay, where with a bit of luck you can watch dolphins, then on to the Cayos Zapatilla, an idyllic beach where you can let the Caribbean waves do their thing. At midday you head to Cayo Coral, a reef perfect for a long snorkel, with a restaurant right over the water for anyone who’d rather sip a piña colada.

Overnight in Bocas del Toro (B).

Day 27 | Bocas del Toro

Punta Caracol Bocas Panama

Today is again yours to spend as you like.

Overnight in Bocas del Toro (B).

Day 28 | Bocas del Toro and back to Panama City

Boat trip Bocas del Toro

Today in Bocas del Toro is yours to enjoy.

In the afternoon you take a short one-hour domestic flight back to Panama City.

Overnight in Panama City (B).

Day 29 | Departure from Panama

Cerro Ancón Panama

Today is free, perfect for a last stroll through the city or some souvenir shopping. You could also hike up Cerro Ancón, Panama City’s local hill (walking time approx. 2 hours in total). The rainforest-covered slope offers a beautiful panorama of the old town and the Panama Canal.

The rest of the day is yours. In the afternoon your driver picks you up and takes you to the international airport. (B)

Photos

  • Panama tour - Causeway Amador
  • Panama Canal locks
  • Las Bóvedas old town Panama
  • Panama San Blas self-drive tour
  • Cruise ship passing through a canal with lock systems and a control tower in the background.
  • Howler monkey Panama
  • Lake Gatún by the Agua Clara locks
  • Panama Agua Clara locks
  • Panama Jagua Emberá
  • Camino Real Panama
  • Camino Real
  • Camino Real
  • Camino Real hike Panama
  • La Amistad quetzal Panama
  • Ngöbe coffee Panama
  • Volcán Barú
  • Hanging bridges Boquete Panama
  • Cayo Zapatilla Panama
  • Punta Caracol Bocas Panama
  • Cerro Ancón Panama

Services & Hotels

Included services

  • Accommodation in comfortable hotels, lodges or resorts of the 3, 4 and 5* category, see accommodation list
  • All entrance fees included in the program
  • Meals as per the program
  • English-speaking guide on days 2, 3, 4, 5
  • English-language excursion on day 8 (Panama Canal boat passage)
  • Domestic flight Bocas del Toro – Panama

Not included

  • International flight to Panama
  • Excursions and entrance fees during the self-drive trip and in Bocas del Toro
  • Meals not listed in the detailed program
  • Drinks
  • Optional tips
  • Other personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions

Hotels

Panama City, 6 nights

Classic/Comfort: Plaza Paitilla Inn, 4*; Tryp Panama Centro, 4*

Luxury: Central Hotel Panama, 5*; Hilton Panamá, 5*; Waldorf Astoria Panama, 5*

Portobelo, 1 night

Classic/Comfort: Bongo Boutique Hotel, 3*; Casa Congo, 3*

Luxury: El Otro Lado, 5*

San Blas Islands, 2 nights

Simple accommodation only: Yanis Island Cabins; Hotel El Porvenir

El Valle de Antón, 2 nights

Classic/Comfort: Golden Frog Inn, 3*; Hotel Campestre, 3*

Luxury: Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotel, 5*

Santa Fé, 2 nights

Classic/Comfort: Coffee Mountain Inn, 3*; La Qhia Eco Retreat, 2*

Calovebora, 3 nights

Playa Jaguar Rainforest Lodge, 3*

Playa Jaguar Lodge room

Playa Jaguar Lodge

Santa Catalina, 4 nights

Classic/Comfort: Villa Coco, 3*; Vista Coiba Villas, 3-4*; Hotel Santa Catalina, 4*

Volcán / Bambito, 2 nights

Classic/Comfort: Hotel Bambito, 4*; Hotel Dos Ríos, 3*

Boquete, 2 nights

Classic/Comfort: The Inn at Palo Alto, 3*; Boquete Garden Inn, 3*; Hotel La Ladera, 3*

Luxury: Hotel Panamonte, 4-5*; Valle Escondido Resort Golf & SPA, 4-5*; Finca Lerida, 4-5*

Bocas del Toro, 3 nights

Classic/Comfort: Ataraxia Guesthouse, 3*; Villa Fabienne & Benoit, 3*; Bambuda Lodge, 3*; Palmar Beach Lodge, 3*; Playa Tortuga Hotel & Beach Resort, 3-4*

Luxury: Red Frog Beach Resort, 4-5*; Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge, 4-5*

Notes, Info & FAQ

What are the requirements for this trip?

On this tour you do:

  • 3-4 walks of about 2 hours each
  • 2-3 hikes of 2-3 hours each (shorter hikes are possible on request)
  • Maximum elevation changes of 250 meters

Boat trips (lakes, rivers and sea): on top of that, you travel one day by dugout canoe, on 8-9 other days by boat, and once by boat on the Panama Canal.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination, and which vaccinations do I generally need for Panama?

The standard vaccinations recommended in Germany are enough. The tales of malaria and yellow fever epidemics go back to the building of the Panama Canal from 1881 and are long since a thing of the past. The last locally acquired case of yellow fever in Panama was recorded in 1972.

Weather and climate in the various regions (daily lows and highs)

  • Coastal areas, lowland rainforest and lowlands: 24 – 34 °C
  • Boquete, 1,000 meters above sea level: 15 – 25 °C
  • Cerro Punta/La Amistad National Park, 1,900 meters above sea level: 8 – 20 °C
  • Summit region of Volcán Barú, 3,475 meters above sea level: 0 – 10 °C

What clothing and equipment do I need for this trip?

  • For excursions, breathable lightweight outdoor or summer clothing appropriate to the days; for higher elevations in Chiriquí you need additional layers (the onion principle) such as a fleece jacket, a rainproof and windproof jacket or rain jacket, which you also need on the flight
  • Comfortable trekking boots with good (non-slip) tread
  • Crocs or sandals; flip-flops are only of limited use
  • (Sun) hat, sunglasses, possibly cream or remedy for sunburn/sun allergy, camping towel
  • Swimwear; you can swim in Bocas del Toro, on the Camino Real and in Portobelo
  • Suitcase or travel bag for your main luggage
  • Daypack for excursions (ideally a waterproof backpack/drybag, the only kind that keeps things dry in tropical rains or on boat trips)
  • A foldable bag or light backpack for the luggage needed on days 6, 7 (main luggage is kept at the hotel)
  • First-aid kit and your personal regular medication, (blister) plasters
  • Sunscreen (high factor, at least 30), insect repellent & ointment for insect bites

Top tips for equipment

  • Waterproof daypack
  • Sports or trekking shoes with good tread
  • Crocs for the beach

With your booking you receive detailed travel documents, including the corresponding packing list.

General country and travel information for Panama

Follow this link to read detailed country and travel information for Panama.

Dates & Prices

As a local travel agency based in Panama, we can run this trip any week of the year, not just on a handful of fixed departure dates like many operators back in Germany.

This itinerary starts (Day 01) every Saturday from Panama City.

You can arrive on any other day of the week too. Just note your planned or preferred arrival and departure dates in the inquiry form.

If you arrive on a Sunday, you join the program from the next day and simply fit in the Day 02 activities at the end of the trip.

If you arrive earlier, our team is happy to suggest a suitable pre-program.

Prices

Number of participantsSUV RegularSUV LargeKia Carnival (6-7 seats)
2 participantsEUR 4480EUR 4720EUR 4660
3 participantsEUR 3850EUR 4020EUR 3995
3 participants (triple room)EUR 3620EUR 3795EUR 3760
4 participantsEUR 3580EUR 3680EUR 3660
5 participantsEUR 3475EUR 3460
6 participantsEUR 3325
  • Prices per person in a double room.
  • The price may vary depending on the hotels booked in the individual destinations.
  • Single room supplement: EUR 1660
  • For 3 and 5 participants, if one person is accommodated in a single room, a single room supplement is payable once.
  • For trips during Christmas, Easter and national holidays (3-10 November) there is a holiday surcharge of EUR 200 per person.

Where it goes

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