Best of Panama - 6 Days
Trip Snapshot
Age range
8 - 100Physical rating
Guide style
Self GuidedMeals included
6Highlights
- Panama City - Discover the colonial ruins of Old Panama and wander Casco Antiguo, visiting key landmarks while learning how the capital evolved to its present location
- Panama Canal - Experience a partial transit by boat, passing through Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks and sailing the historic Gaillard Cut carved through the Continental Divide
- Chagres River - Journey by dugout canoe through dense jungle waterways within Chagres National Park, observing riverine birdlife along this vital canal watershed
- Soberania National Park - Encounter rainforest wildlife on a boat trip across Gatun Lake and guided forest walk, with chances to spot monkeys, birds and canal traffic
- Embera Village - Learn about Embera culture during a community visit featuring traditional music, dance, crafts and a locally prepared lunch
Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.
What's inside the PDF
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.Packing & kit list
Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.What's included
Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Summary
Dive into Panama's colonial past in the ruins of Old Panama and the charming streets of Casco Antiguo, then experience one of the world’s greatest engineering feats with a partial Panama Canal transit. Venture into the rainforest of Soberanía National Park for wildlife spotting on Gatun Lake and jungle walks, before travelling by dugout canoe to meet the Embera community along the Chagres River. This journey blends history, nature and culture for a well-rounded Panamanian escape.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Panama City
On arrival in Panama City, you will make your own way to the hotel. Overnight in Panama City
Day 2
Colonial Panama City and Casco Antiguo
We meet our guide in the morning and set out to explore the ruins of Old Panama, tracing the colonial roots of Panama City. We climb the cathedral tower for panoramic views and visit the Old Panama City Museum for insight into the country’s early history.
We then continue to Casco Antiguo, the historic old quarter, and stroll through its narrow streets, visiting landmarks such as the Flat Arch, the Cathedral, Las Bóvedas and the French Plaza. Along the way, our guide explains the dramatic events that shaped the city, including the failed French attempt to construct a canal across the isthmus and the eventual relocation of the capital.
Our tour concludes with a private transfer back to the hotel.
Optional: Panamanian Dinner and Folkloric Show Available Monday to Friday only. This evening experience combines traditional Panamanian cuisine with a lively folkloric performance. You are collected from your hotel and taken to a themed restaurant showcasing different regions of Panama. Dancers perform in traditional costume, and the atmosphere offers an engaging introduction to local culture. Transfers back to your hotel are included
Day 3
Panama Canal Partial Transit Experience
After breakfast, we travel to Flamenco Marina to board the Pacific Queen for a partial transit of the Panama Canal. Sailing across the Bay of Panama, we enjoy views of the city skyline before passing beneath the Bridge of the Americas.
The canal transit begins at the Miraflores Locks, where the vessel is raised 18 metres in two stages, followed by a crossing of Miraflores Lake. We then enter the Pedro Miguel Locks, lifting the ship a further 9 metres, before continuing past the Centennial Bridge and into the Gaillard Cut.
This historic section of the canal was carved through the Continental Divide and remains one of its most impressive engineering achievements. As we travel through the Cut, we see firsthand the ongoing maintenance required in this landslide-prone area.
We disembark at the Gamboa Dredging Division and return by coach to Flamenco Marina.
Optional: Upgrade to Full Panama Canal Transit You may choose to upgrade to a full canal transit, lasting approximately 10 hours and continuing through to the province of Colón.
Day 4
SoberanÃa National Park and Gatún Lake
Panama City - Soberania National Park. Early this morning, after breakfast, we meet our guide and depart Panama City for Soberanía National Park. As we leave the city behind, urban landscapes gradually give way to dense rainforest. We pass former Fort Clayton, as well as the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, before entering the park.
Here, we board a boat and cruise across Gatún Lake, sharing the waterway with vast cargo ships transiting the Panama Canal. Along the way, we keep watch for wildlife such as green iguanas, ospreys, frigate birds and snail kites. The boat circles forested islands where we may spot mantled howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins and Geoffroy’s tamarins.
After the boat tour, we enjoy a guided walk along one of the park’s rainforest trails.
Day 5
Embera Village and Chagres River
After breakfast, we travel to El Corotú on the shores of Madden Lake. From here, we board a motorised piragua and journey upriver through dense jungle along the Chagres River to visit an Embera indigenous village.
This river journey passes through the vast Chagres National Park, which protects much of the Panama Canal watershed. Wildlife sightings may include herons, egrets, kingfishers, anhingas and ospreys.
On arrival at the Embera village, we are welcomed with traditional music and dancing. We learn about Embera culture, craftsmanship and their close connection to the natural environment. Handcrafted baskets, masks and wood carvings are available to purchase, and you may choose to have a traditional jagua body painting applied using natural dyes.
After a traditional Embera lunch, we return to our accommodation.
Day 6
Departure from Panama
After breakfast, you will make your own way to Panama City airport in time for your onward flight.
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 5, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 0
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
Self GuidedWifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Nov 2026
from £1,946Jan 2027
from £2,044Feb 2027
from £2,044Mar 2027
from £2,104Apr 2027
from £2,044May 2027
from £1,924Jun 2027
from £2,044Jul 2027
from £2,104Aug 2027
from £2,104Sep 2027
from £1,924Oct 2027
from £1,984Nov 2027
from £2,044Dec 2027
from £2,104
May 2027
31 departuresClick the bell to get notified when the price drops
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Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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