Taste of Panama

The adventure will start in the rain forest where you will have the chance to see a variety of birds and wildlife.  Transfer to the western Chiriquí province to explore the highlands and stay in an eco-lodge on a secluded island just off the Pacific coast.  Enjoy an adventure canopy zip line excursion and some free time to enjoy the pristine beaches.  Finally, make your way back to Panama City to stay in a unique boutique hotel. 

Day 1:   Upon your arrival into Panama City, Panama you will be met and transferred 45 minutes to the Gamboa Rain Forest Resort for overnight.  Go beyond the expected resort experience at Gamboa Rainforest Resort.  From this beautiful deluxe resort, you have immediate access to Panama's pristine rainforest and the Panama Canal. You can explore miles and miles of the Soberania National Park, meeting wild exotic birds and monkeys on expertly guided tours and then return to the comforts of resort luxury. The lodge was built in the year 2000 with spacious modern rooms according to the highest hotel standards.  All the hotel rooms include balconies overlooking the enchanting Chagres River, the Rainforest and the National Park. Each balcony has a comfortable hammock, and a patio table with chairs. In addition, each room has a large desk, easy chairs or love-seat, mini bar, electronic safe deposit box, satellite TV, crystal showers, hair dryers, makeup mirror, iron and ironing board, coffee and coffee maker, fire protection system and 24 hours Room Service.  The resort features a large swimming pool, spa, tour desk, gift shop, library and business center. 

Day 2:   In the morning enjoy the Pipeline Road Hike:  Join a morning hike through Soberania National Park as you observe a variety of exotic tropical birds while enjoying the surrounding trees and plants of this area.  Pipeline Road, where the hike takes place, is a dirt road that goes through the heart of this national park and affords you views of some of the diverse bird life that abounds in the area. Pipeline road has for several years in a row; set world record bird counts in a 24-hour period - up to 367 different species of birds. Some of the more common sights are the Slaty-tailed Trogon, Keel-billed Toucan, Thick-billed Mot-Mot, and several species of ant birds, wrens, tanagers and flycatchers. Of course, just because this tour focuses on observing the bird life, it does not mean that you might not hear or even see Howler monkeys or other mammal life like sloth, anteaters and agoutis. 

Afterwards, depart on the Monkey Island Tour:  Travel on small boats northbound on the canal for 25 minutes where you might come close to some of the big ships that transit the canal daily. Slowly you will motor along the forested banks of Gatun Lake, a protected area. Look for wildlife such as Capuchin Monkeys, 3-toed sloth, Howler Monkeys, various kinds of Toucans and other bird life. This is a place to observe the raw regenerative power of the forest as it struggles to claim what was once wild.  The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the grounds or plan additional day trips.  Overnight Gamboa Rain Forest Resort. 

Day 3:    This morning you will be met and transferred to the domestic airport in Panama City for a short flight to David.  Upon arrival you will be met and transferred 45 minutes to Boquete in the Chiriqui Highlands to arrive at the Panomonte Inn & Spa, for overnight.  Famous for our gracious hospitality, charm and exquisite cuisine, the Panamonte is the true definition of a country inn: a warm and friendly place for travelers seeking a pleasurable ambiance and personalized attention, a home away from home.  Located at the foot of Barú Volcano, the Panamonte is the perfect base for exploring the Chiriquí Highlands, and it is the only full-service lodging option in Boquete, offering a deluxe SPA, fireside lounge, excursion planning, and a regionally renowned gourmet restaurant.  All guestrooms are equipped with newly upgraded bathrooms, telephones, hair dryers, air-conditioning, security safe, Wi-Fi, and Sky TV; our suites feature fluffy robes and slippers. All rooms are surrounded by beautiful gardens full of birds and butterflies, with lots of outdoor areas for lounging … or napping.

Day 4:  This morning enjoy the Zipline Tour / Canopy Tour:  Glide through the treetops of century-old forests, high above the pristine rivers and waterfalls that make up the incredible collection of natural landscapes bordering the National Park La Amistad and the famous Baru volcano. Tarzan, 21st century! Who would have thought that a technology utilized hundreds of years ago by our indigenous people and later perfected by botanists and naturalists to observe and study the behaviors of wild creatures in their natural habitat, would be transformed into one of the most revered extreme sports? A harness, an ultra-resistant steel cable and gravity are the only elements necessary to suspend and propel the fearless rider in this incredible adrenaline rush.  The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore on your own.  Overnight Panomonte Inn & Spa. 

Day 5:   This morning you will be met and transferred about 2 and ½ hours to Boca Chica.  Upon arrival you will be met for a boat transfer to Isla Boca Brava to arrive at Hotel Cala Mia for overnight.  This magical island eco - resort is located on the tip of a pristine island that runs into the Pacific Ocean, flanked by untouched tropical palm-lined beaches. At a 15-minute boat-ride from Boca Chica, bordering on the unspoiled, for-you-to-discover Panama’s Marine Park "Archipielago de Chiriqui", Cala Mia is the perfect jumping-off point to world renowned sportfishing grounds: Coiba’s Hannibal Bank or Islas Las Secas; Islas Los Ladrones for scuba diving and for surfing: Moro Negrito and Isla Afuera!  The hotel consists of 11 beautiful bungalows / suites, each with its own thatched roof rancho, ceiling fans (no a/c) and all within 10 meters from the Pacific Ocean or the beach/bay-side. Furniture, materials and woodwork are home designed and handcrafted by local artisans blending aesthetics, art, quality and functionality into a new standard!  The restaurant with its excellent Mediterranean-inspired gourmet cuisine, is built on the highest point of a small peninsula for breathtaking views of surrounding islands and bays and views of the resort’s private beach. The infinity-edge freshwater pool is perched on the edge of the ocean. A small island, accessible by hanging-bridge, houses a Spa for massages and a variety of beauty treatments.

Day 6 – 7:    Free days to enjoy the beach or to plan day excursions.  Come and explore the Chiriqui Gulf and enjoy sport fishing, snorkeling, whale watching & dolphins, surfing, horseback riding, boat rides or just relaxing at a tropical beach!  The surrounding area with countless bays, white sand beaches, sea & wildlife provides for numerous tours and activities that will surprise even the most seasoned traveler.  Or, read a good book by our infinity pool, enjoy & explore our palm-lined beaches and bay with swim/sunbathing-platform; take our sea-kayaks unlimited for free.  Tours can be booked after arrival at the hotel or in advance.  Overnight Hotel Cala Mia. 

Day 8:  Boat and ground transfer about 1 and ½ hours to the domestic airport in David for a short flight back to Panama City.  Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to The Bristol, for overnight.  The Bristol is a boutique hotel with a standard of luxury and attention to detail. Set in the heart of the bustling financial center, minutes from shopping, cultural attractions and nightlife, The Bristol is a rare jewel where luxurious accommodations and sumptuous dining are blended to create uncompromising quality.   Demanding travelers will discover inviting luxury, absolute privacy and unobtrusive security at The Bristol. Each room is elegantly decorated with custom fabrics and prints by noted Latin-American and Panamanian artists. The rooms are all equipped with an entertainment center with 29’’ Plasma TV, DVD player, CD player, fax machine, wall-to-wall marble bathrooms with separate glass-enclosed showers, sumptuous baths and luxurious personal amenities, high-speed wired and wireless internet access.  The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the city. 

Day 9:   Morning transfer to the international airport in Panama City for your return flight home. 

INCLUDES:

• Roundtrip private ground transfers Panama City / Gamboa. 
• 2 nights Gamboa Rain Forest Resort, deluxe river view room.  Breakfast daily included. 
• Pipeline Road Hike.  Includes:   transfers and guide (park entrance NOT included). 
• Monkey Island Boat Tour.  Includes:  transfers and guide. 
• Roundtrip domestic flights Panama City / David.  *MAX 25 lbs luggage per person to avoid excess luggage fees. 
• One way private ground transfer David / Boquete. 
• 2 nights Panamonte Inn, garden terrace room.  Breakfast daily included. 
• Canopy Zipeline Tour.  Include:  transfers, guide and equipment. 
• One way private ground transfer Boquete / Boca Chica. 
• 3 nights Hotel Cala Mia, bungalow suite.  Includes:  roundtrip boat transfers from Boca Chica and breakfast daily. 
• One way private ground transfer Boca Chica / David. 
• One way Panama City domestic airport transfer. 
• 1 night The Bristol Hotel, deluxe room.  Includes breakfast. 
• One way Panama City international airport transfer. 
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED. 

Price valid through October 31, 2012