2023 Fascinating Panama with Bocas del Toro

Dates August 11 - 19, 2023
Destination Panama City, Panama; Bocas del Toro, Panama; United States
Duration 9 days 8 nights
Price From 2,899
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Religious Focus:

Sightseeing:

Activity Level:


A diverse multicultural city of almost 1.3 million, Panama City offers a lot more than an up-close view of the Canal. We include a visit of Casco Viejo the restored old district of Panama, an authentic Embera village deep in the rainforest, where you will be able to step back in time as the Embera people share their culture and traditions with us. We will visit Bocas del Toro, “The Galapagos of the Caribbean,” for its biodiversity both on land and in the sea. This paradise will delight you with its coral reefs, its multicultural diversity, its natural beauty that surrounds the archipelago, and its exotic species of flora and fauna. Bocas del Toro will become your best experience to tell.

Join our experienced tour host, Carol Alegre. She is originally from Cochabamba, Bolivia, and moved to the United States her senior year of High School. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s degree in Travel & Tourism, and a Masters in Recreation Management & Youth Leadership.

During the last 25 years, she has had the opportunity to design unique and unforgettable experiences for her clients. She has been fortunate enough to have visited approximately 100 countries around the world, gaining knowledge, respect and appreciation for all cultures. However, she has a deep love for South America because of its diverse cultures, unique landscapes, delicious food and for her first-hand experience growing up in that area.

As she takes care of every detail of your trip, all you have to do is pack your bags, and be ready to have a wonderful experience!

To Book This Tour, Contact:

Carol Alegre, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6165
Email Carol

TOUR ID#9223H11

CASH DISCOUNT of $75.00 for final payment by check

Day 1: Friday, August 11, 2023
Day 1: Friday, August 11, 2023

Home Cities - Panama City, Panama

Departure from your home city to Panama City, Panama. Once we arrive in the international airport of Quito, we will be greeted by our local English-speaking guide, and will transfer us to our hotel.  Overnight in Panama City.

Meals : In-flight
Day 2: Saturday, August 12, 2023
Day 2: Saturday, August 12, 2023

Old Panama & Panama Canal

The Full Day City and Canal Tour will give a detailed focus on the most relevant sites of Panama City and the Panama Canal Area. We will have the opportunity to do a walking tour at the Casco Viejo section, walking past monuments such as the Plaza Bolivar, the San Francisco de Asis Church, Bolivar Palace and the National Theater; “Las Bovedas Promenade”, with one of the most spectacular views of Panama City.

At the Panama Canal, we will be able to witness the magnificent Miraflores Locks and most likely, its operation. An expert canal guide will take us back in time to be part of it. What a wonderful way to experience this magnificent architectural masterpiece and to have a breathtaking view of the 8th wonder of the World. This tour will also include a visit to the Miraflores Locks Exhibits.  As part of this wonderful tour, we will visit the “Causeway”, a group of three islands linked to main land by the breakwaters of the Panama Canal. The US Army used this area for the defense of the Panama Canal, due of strategic location. Today the Causeway has restaurants offering international fine cuisine, great bars, shopping and the new Flamenco Cruise Terminal. Tonight, we will enjoy a welcome dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants. Overnight in Panama City.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Sunday, August 13, 2023
Day 3: Sunday, August 13, 2023

Gatun Expedition boat tour & Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

Today we will enjoy a panoramic tour along the world-famous Panama Canal. This trip will take you into the Gatun Lake, a major part of the Panama Canal, where you will see and learn about the fascinating tropical wildlife of the lake and the surrounding forest. We will explore some of the islands formed after the creation of one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. With a little luck and with the help of a naturalist guide, we might be able to see crocodiles, caimans, sloths, monkeys and a host of birds native to the area.

Afternoon Ziplining in Gamboa Rainforest Reserve. Slide through the treetops of the tropical forest and admire the most incredible collection of natural landscapes bordering the Panama Canal and Soberanía National Park. Enjoy a different view of the Panama Canal and the Chagres River across 1.4 kilometers of length divided into 10 cables and 13 platforms. You will discover an unknown world and a fascinating perspective of life that you never thought would exist. The wildlife among treetops is abundant and varied, and with a little luck we will be able to see Howler monkeys, White faced capuchin monkeys, and birds like the Keel billed Toucan. Lunch included at the Don Caiman Restaurant. Overnight in Panama City.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Monday, August 14, 2023
Day 4: Monday, August 14, 2023

Embera Village Tusipono tour

This trip is truly paradise found in its purest form! The enchanting journey takes us deep into the dense jungles of Chagres where the Emberá natives have lived for centuries. Our adventure begins with a half hour ride up the river in dugout canoes, the Emberá traditional, hand carved boats. Upon arrival to the village, you will be taken back in time as you are immersed in the ancient Embera cultural dances and music that have not changed much since Columbus arrived in the 1500´s. During our visit, the Emberas will give you a glimpse into their mystical rituals and amazing knowledge of medicinal plants and other natural remedies. The Embera women are known as one of the world’s finest basket makers, and you will be able to watch them create these beautiful objects made out of palm leaves and dyed with natural dyes. You can also have your body painted with the natural fruit dye called Jagua, used by the natives for body decorations as well as for its health-giving properties. Before returning back to civilization, the natives will offer us a traditional meal of fresh fish and plantains and you will have an opportunity to purchase some of their beautiful handicraft. Overnight in Panama City.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 5: Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Day 5: Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Panama City to Bocas del Toro

After breakfast, we will get a transfer to the local airport for our flight to Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival, you will have your afternoon at your own leisure, and a sunset snorkeling tour. Hands down, the best snorkeling in Panama can be found in Bocas del Toro, thanks to the protection of the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, and the natural safe haven of the archipelago of the islands dotting the Caribbean Sea. Aside from the rich variety of coral reef, you have a good chance of spotting moray eels, sting rays, sea turtles, giant starfish, sea horses, and hundreds of colorful tropical fish.  We will enjoy the Caribbean sunset from the water or while sitting on the while enjoying some local snacks.  Overnight in Bocas del Toro.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 6: Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Day 6: Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Dolphin Bay, Coral Cay & Zapatilla

Today we will head towards the Zapatilla Cays, where we will receive white sand beach, exotic tropical vegetation and crystal-clear waters. After arriving we will watch the dolphins in the Bocatorito Lagoon and go snorkeling in Cayo Coral. Colorful and picturesque, Coral Cay is 20 minutes by boat from the town of Bocas del Toro, located on the southeast side of Isla Bastimento. There is a lot of calm, clear and tropical water in Cayo Coral. The rest of day will be at your leisure. Overnight in Bocas del Toro.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 7: Thursday, August 17, 2023
Day 7: Thursday, August 17, 2023

Bocas del Toro

The day is at your leisure to explore the area at your own pace.  The archipelago of Bocas del Toro in Panama is situated on the northwestern coast of Panama in and around the Lagoon of Chiriqui. Bocas del Toro offers the perfect combination of Caribbean charm, nature and history with cultural traditions. Due to its variety of aquatic species, coral reefs, mangroves, tropical forest, beaches with crystal clear water and undisturbed jungles the main attractions are snorkeling, diving, hiking and bird watching. Overnight in Bocas del Toro.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 8: Friday, August 18, 2023
Day 8: Friday, August 18, 2023

Bocas del Toro to Panama City

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Today we will enjoy a farewell dinner & show. Overnight Panama City.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Saturday, August 19, 2023

Panama City to the U.S.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our flight back to the U.S.

Meals : Breakfast

Price includes:

  • 1 tour-bus experience for the entire tour
  • Roundtrip transfers from airport
  • Experienced tour manager
  • Round trip airfare from Panama City/Bocas del Toro/Panama City
  • English Speaking guides 
  • Sightseeing as outlined on the itinerary
  • Meals as noted in the itinerary-Daily breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
  • 8-night accommodations in first class hotels
  • Travel documents & Digital travel App
  • Tips for guides and drivers

Price does not include:

  • International round trip flights to Panama City, Panama (Group Air with Delta from Salt Lake City $ 1,299 pp)
  • Airport transfers for those not arriving/departing with main group
  • Single Occupancy: $ 3,399.00
  • Meals not included on tour
  • Additional nights or sightseeing tours not included
  • Items of a personal nature (room service, phone calls, internet, etc.)
  • Medical Coverage and Travel Insurance

Payment information:

  • Deposit due at time of booking $500.00 p/p
  • Final payment due May 10, 2023

To Book This Tour, Contact:

Carol Alegre, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6165
Email Carol

TOUR ID#9223h11

CASH DISCOUNT of $75.00 for final payment by check