11 days - from $1580

- Explore old Panama & take a boat along the iconic Panama Canal
- Walks & quetzal spotting in La Amistad National Park
- Snorkel with tropical fish in the warm waters of the Caribbean

Panama City & Canal
After exploring the ruins of Old Panama we spend the day exploring the vibrant colonial heart of Panama City, with its balconied houses and ramparts overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We then spend a day on the canal itself, travelling by boat through Gatun Lake as far as Gatun locks, keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife along the densely forested river banks.

Highlands & Bocas del Toro
Heading west up into the cooler highlands we explore on foot a landscape of lush, tropical forest, occasionally scarred by the volcanoes whose peaks dominate the region. After quetzal searching in La Amistad Park and the chance to try white water rafting we take a ferry across to the Caribbean Islands of Bocas del Toro where we can relax, comb the white-sand beaches and snorkel in the clear warm seas.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Panama City. Days 2/3 Panama City We discover the Spanish colonial roots of the capital, take a boat trip on the Panama Canal and spot the diverse and colourful birdlife on a Gatun Lake. Day 4 Cerro Punta Driving west, we head up into the volcanic highlands. Day 5 La Amistad National Park Our guided walk leads us through vast and rich highland forests. Day 6 Los Quetzales Trail Panama's most popular hike takes us through pristine forest in search of the Resplendent Quetzal along a UNESCO-listed trail. Day 7 Boquete We have free time to go white-water rafting, bird watching or on a canopy trail. Days 8/9 Bocas del Toro Islands We head to these idyllic Caribbean islands by ferry where we can relax, comb the white-sand beaches and snorkel in the warm seas. Day 10 Embera Indians Returning to Panama City you can visit the indigenous people of the Chagres NP optional). Day 11 Tour ends in Panama City.

Accommodation: 10nts hotel; 10 breakfasts & 1 lunch included.
Transport: Bus (charter & public)/Ferry/Flights as itinerary.
Comment: It is possible to opt out of all walks although they are recommended.
Group: Approx. 13 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader, drivers, boatmen and some local guides.
Trip Reference: PN2010