en
- Adventure
- 16-day trip
- From €4,925 p.p.
Panama trip | Round trip Panama with accommodation Naso community
This special roundtrip will take you to the main highlights of Panama. The trip starts in the dynamic capital, Panama City, where you will visit the beautiful colonial centre called Casco Viejo and, of course, the world-famous Panama Canal. Here you will see the giant container ships sailing through the Miraflores locks. You will then fly to David, where you will set off by hire car to explore Panama further. You will first drive to paradisiacal Boca Chica on the Pacific coast and then on to the cloud forest of Boquete, known for the mighty Baru volcano and coffee. You will then drive to the Caribbean coast to return your rental car and have an adventure with the local Naso community in La Amistad. You will end the trip on the spectacular beaches and azure waters of Bocas del Toro. Ultimate enjoyment!
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Arrival in Panama
- Day 2 Exploring Panama City by bike
- Days 3–5 Start of self-drive tour, first destination: Boca Chica
- Day 6 Boca Chica – the mountain village of Boquete
- Day 7 El Pianista walk
- Day 8 – 9 Coffee tour and free time
- Day 10 Boquete – Caribbean coast
- Day 11 Stay with the indigenous Naso community in La Amistad
- Days 12–14 Rafting trip down the Teribe River and relaxing in Bocas del Toro
- Day 15 Final night in Panama City
- Day 16 Departure from Panama
- Day 17 Arrival
Arrival in Panama
Welcome to Panama! Your round trip begins in the great metropolis of Panama City, where our local representative will welcome you at the airport. A private transfer will then take you to your hotel, where you will spend the next few nights in the old city centre of Panama City. Casco Viejo is a beautiful colonial district, which contrasts sharply with the modern district with its tall apartment buildings with mirrored windows.
Included:
• Meet & greet on arrival
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Exclusive:
• Intercontinental flight to Panama City
Discovering Panama City by bicycle
An English-speaking guide will take you out today to explore the city by bicycle, including a visit to the Miraflores locks. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Panama City, a city known for its impressive skyline and iconic Panama Canal. In front of the Miraflores locks, large container ships are already waiting to pass through the Panama Canal. But Panama City offers more. Your guide will tell you more about the city's history and show you the different neighbourhoods.
Includes:
• Private guided city tour of Panama City by bike
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Start self-drive, first destination Boca Chica
Your stay in Panama City is coming to an end. You’ll take a domestic flight to David, situated in the west of the country. Upon arrival at the airport, your hire car will be waiting for you, ready for you to continue exploring Panama over the coming days.
The first drive takes about an hour and a half to Boca Chica, situated on the northern edge of Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí. The region is dominated by the ‘Gulf of Chiriquí Marine National Park’. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this breathtaking setting. Most activities therefore centre on, under or by the waters of the mighty Pacific. The ocean is at its most beautiful here, adorned with green islets and palm-fringed white beaches. And all of this right on your doorstep.
At your hotel, you can book various excursions to explore the beautiful islands in the area. We’ve already included a boat trip to the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine National Park in the programme for you. Here, you can enjoy the stunning underwater world and a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. The boat trip takes around 4 hours.
Included:
• Private transfer to the airport
• Domestic flight from Panama City to David
• Car hire
• Half-day boat trip to the Gulf of Chiriquí National Park, including snorkelling equipment, entrance fees and a boat with a captain
• Accommodation including breakfast
Boca Chica - mountain village of Boquete
Your next destination is Boquete, a drive of about 100 kilometres. The road leads you through rugged mountains and beautiful valleys. A mountain village in a picturesque setting on the slope of the volcano Baru, Boquete is famous for its cooler climate, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Surrounded by mountains, cloud forests, waterfalls and coffee plantations, Boquete offers a relaxed atmosphere with numerous opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the local culture.
Included:
• Car hire
• Accommodation including breakfast
El Pianista walking tour
This day is dedicated to the famous Pianista hike through the beautiful nature of a mystical cloud forest of about 7.9 km. It is considered a medium/difficult hike, but unique! The Pianista trail winds its way through a beautiful meadow to the beautiful cloud forest. The first section is open and forms a green valley with beautiful panoramic views, and then, in the second section, it climbs up into the forest and crosses some streams on a staggered path until you reach the so-called Continental Divide. This is the strip between Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro, where, weather permitting, you can see the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. The entire hike takes about 6-7 hours.
Travel Specialist Tips
This trip is recommended for people in good physical condition who do not suffer from any physical ailments.
Included:
• Private jungle hike excursion (El Pianista Hike) including an English-speaking guide, transport, entrance fees and water
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Coffee tour and leisure
The morning begins with a coffee tour through the beautiful coffee-growing region around Boquete. Join Wilford Lamastus, a true coffee guru and multiple-time winner of the Producer of the Year award, for an exclusive tour of Elida Estates. The plantation is situated high in the mountains at over 1,900 metres above sea level. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views and sample local delicacies such as tree tomatoes. You’ll discover what makes each coffee plot so special and get a behind-the-scenes look at the beneficio, where top-quality coffee is produced with care and precision. As the icing on the cake, you’ll round off the tour with a coffee tasting, where you’ll put everything you’ve learnt into practice to fully savour the unique and distinctive flavours of Elida.
The following day is yours to spend as you wish, so you can choose to have a relaxing day at your hotel, learn even more about coffee or go birdwatching. The area around Boquete is renowned for its biodiversity and is a true paradise for birdwatchers.
Included:
• Hire car
• ‘La Torre’ coffee tour with private service
• Accommodation including breakfast
Boquete - Caribbean coast
A scenic drive through the mountains will take you to the Caribbean coast, where you need to return the car in the town of Almirante. It is ca.170 kilometres, taking about three hours, and after you return the car, you will be transferred to your hotel in the town. The next day, you will embark on a special adventure.
Included:
• Hire car
• Private transfer from the Almirante car park to the hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Staying with the indigenous Naso community in La Amistad
The coming days will be truly special. You’ll be visiting the indigenous Naso community in La Amistad, a place visited by very few tourists. The accommodation is simple, but the experience makes it special. In the morning, you’ll be picked up for an overland transfer of about an hour.
The Naso Tjër-Di region lies within the boundaries of two large nature reserves: La Amistad International Park (PILA), designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Palo Seco Protective Forest, situated in the heart of the central mountain range, west of Bocas del Toro. Covering an area of 1,300 km², this region encompasses a large part of the Teribe River and the San San river basin. There are approximately 3,500 inhabitants living in 11 communities. For centuries, they have protected these areas and fought to preserve them.
The people live in wooden houses with palm-leaf roofs. These houses are generally situated on high ground to protect themselves from the severe flooding of the River Teribe. By visiting these communities, you will learn more about these people and how they protect this area.
Once you have settled into your accommodation for the night, the adventure begins with a guided walk through the jungle in the central mountain range. During this activity, you will have the chance to see various species of local birds, insects and plenty of wildlife. The walk takes approximately 3–4 hours.
Included:
• Private transfer with a bilingual driver-guide from Almirante to Sixaola (indigenous community)
• Guided 3–4-hour walk through the jungle
• English-speaking guide and local Naso guide
• Lunch and dinner in the community
• Accommodation in a rustic local house (no air conditioning or fan), including breakfast
Float down the Teribe River and reminisce at Bocas del Toro
In the morning, a traditional wooden raft trip down the River Teribe is on the programme. The name Teribe is ‘Tjër Di’ in the indigenous language, a combination of the words ‘Di’ (water) and ‘Tjër’ (great-grandmother). For this people, the Great Mother Tjër has given everything that represents their culture: their way of life, their environment and their traditions. During your stay, it is also possible, for an additional charge, to go traditional fishing with the Naso, learn more about their healing rituals or, for example, find out about the organic cocoa-making process. Handicrafts are also available for purchase.
After lunch, you will be taken to Almirante harbour to catch the water taxi to your hotel in Bocas del Toro, a tropical destination with unspoilt beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. The archipelago offers travellers many attractions, such as a rainforest rich in flora and fauna, stunning beaches, mangroves and a vibrant underwater world with excellent diving opportunities. There is plenty to do and see, but all at a leisurely pace and in a friendly atmosphere. Enjoy this paradise over the coming days.
Includes:
• Traditional raft trip on the Teribe River
• Lunch
• English-speaking guide
• Transfer to Almirante
• Boat transfer to hotel in Bocas del Toro
• Overnight stays on a bed and breakfast basis
Last night Panama City
By domestic flight, you will travel from Bocas del Toro back to Panama City. Here you will stay one last night before flying back home the next day.
Tips from a Travel Specialist
As domestic flights do not always depart on time, we always include an overnight stay in Panama City to ensure you do not miss your intercontinental flight.
Included:
• Private transfer to the airport
• Domestic flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City
• Private transfer to the hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Accommodations
La Concordia
Located in a busy spot on Avenida Central, between the Santa Ana and San Felipe districts, La Concordia is housed in an iconic building that has been home to an array of local businesses and institutions since the 19th century. Classic, elegant and spacious, each of the rooms at La Concordia is exclusively tailored...
Located in a busy spot on Avenida Central, between the Santa Ana and San Felipe districts, La Concordia is housed in an iconic building that has been home to an array of local businesses and institutions since the 19th century. Classic, elegant and spacious, each of the rooms at La Concordia is exclusively tailored to provide a tasteful and unique experience. Always mindful of the guest's comfort, the decoration and every detail is deliberately chosen to evoke a relaxed sense of home within an ornate setting. With high ceilings, generous windows, colourful accents and bespoke style. Each suite ranges from 35m² to 60m² and has a private balcony.
Your stay: 2 nights
Bocas del Mar Hotel
Bocas del Mar Hotel in Boca Chica is a beautiful boutique hotel in a privileged location on the bay on the mainland of Boca Chica. All rooms are set in tropical gardens next to the shimmering blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, an ideal place to experience 'Pacific Coast' 'boutique' style. You will stay in...
Bocas del Mar Hotel in Boca Chica is a beautiful boutique hotel in a privileged location on the bay on the mainland of Boca Chica. All rooms are set in tropical gardens next to the shimmering blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, an ideal place to experience 'Pacific Coast' 'boutique' style. You will stay in bungalow-style rooms, called 'cabañas' here, equipped with every comfort. During your stay, make use of the hotel's own jetties with boats and kayaks. The hotel also organises excursions to the Chiriqui national park where you will find dozens of islets with white beaches and various animals to spot.
Your stay: 3 nights
Coffee Estate Inn
The Coffee Estate Inn is Boquete's original mountain inn offering personal attention, privacy and luxury bungalows with great food and coffee. The private 2.5-hectare estate offers enough privacy for all guests during their stay, and the attentive staff will be sure to make it a memorable...
The Coffee Estate Inn is Boquete's original mountain inn offering personal attention, privacy and luxury bungalows with great food and coffee. The private 2.5-hectare estate offers enough privacy for all guests during their stay, and the attentive staff will be sure to make it a memorable escape. All bungalows have stunning views of the towering Baru volcano, the surrounding mountains and the Boquete Valley below.
During your stay, learn more about coffee growing, participate in the roasting process and finally enjoy the taste of freshly roasted coffee. Nature trails wind through the lush private estate and numerous species of exotic flowers, birds and mammals can be easily seen from the spacious deck of the private bungalows.
Your stay: 4 nights
Bocas Ridge Hotel & Residences
Surrounded by verdant tropical jungle, Bocas Ridge Hotel & Residences is located above the community of Ojo de Agua. All rooms are comfortably furnished and have air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Guests can visit the on-site restaurant and enjoy delicious meals. Other amenities include...
Surrounded by verdant tropical jungle, Bocas Ridge Hotel & Residences is located above the community of Ojo de Agua. All rooms are comfortably furnished and have air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Guests can visit the on-site restaurant and enjoy delicious meals. Other amenities include a swimming pool and a bar.
Your stay: 1 night
Posada La Media Luna La Amistad
Posada La Media Luna is a rustic accommodation of the Naso community in La Amistad National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. These very simple houses are mostly on wooden stilts and have a roof of palm leaves (no air conditioning or fan available).
Your stay: 1 night
Hotel Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge
Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge is committed to the environment and biodiversity. The lodge is an Eco Resort with seven water bungalows carefully decorated. Each bungalow has a private terrace, ideal for diving or relaxing with a view of romantic sunsets.
Among the amenities...
Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge is committed to the environment and biodiversity. The lodge is an Eco Resort with seven water bungalows carefully decorated. Each bungalow has a private terrace, ideal for diving or relaxing with a view of romantic sunsets.
Amenities include private bathrooms with hot water, fans, hammocks, sun loungers, wireless Wi-Fi and complimentary room service. The lodge's bungalows are built with local wood and natural palm leaf roof, giving a cool ambience. They have tasteful furnishings and finishes in the finest Caribbean style. All bungalows offer unique views of the most beautiful sunsets in Bocas del Toro.
Your stay: 3 nights
American Trade Hotel and Hall
American Trade Hotel & Hall opened its doors in autumn 2013 in Panama City, in a restored landmark building in Casco Viejo. The property is connected to both the historic old quarter and the emerging new Panama City. Furthermore, the property and its surroundings are steeped in local heritage and...
American Trade Hotel & Hall opened its doors in autumn 2013 in Panama City, in a restored landmark building in Casco Viejo. The property is connected to both the historic old quarter and the emerging new Panama City. Furthermore, the property and its surroundings are steeped in local heritage and culture, while the hotel is thoroughly equipped with the modern conveniences and luxuries required by today's travellers.
Your stay: 1 night
Experiences
Elida Estate Coffee
Join multiple-time Producer of the Year Wilford Lamastus for an exclusive tour at Elida Estates, located over 1900 metres above sea level. Enjoy a scenic drive, taste local fruits like tree tomatoes, and explore the unique character of each coffee lot. Discover the meticulous processes at the beneficio that ensure top-tier...
Join multiple-time Producer of the Year Wilford Lamastus for an exclusive tour at Elida Estates, located over 1900 metres above sea level. Enjoy a scenic drive, taste local fruits like tree tomatoes, and explore the unique character of each coffee lot. Discover the meticulous processes at the beneficio that ensure top-tier quality. Wrap up the experience with a curated coffee tasting, where you'll apply what you've learned to enjoy Elida's distinct and exceptional flavours.
Destinations
Boquete
Surrounded by the beautiful Chiriquí highlands, close to the Costa Rican border, lies the small town of Boquete. This town is world-famous for its coffee plantations, lush vegetation and an impressive kaleidoscope of colourful flowers. In Panama, it is said that the best coffee in the world comes from Boquete. The fertile valleys surrounding Boquete are therefore home to many coffee plantations. Nature lovers come to Boquete primarily for the vast cloud forests where the legendary quetzal bird still soars.
Discover traditional Panama in the surrounding rural villages, walk along the beautiful Sendero de los Quetzales or visit Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama. Visitors can also enjoy a range of wonderful activities, including: ziplining, birdwatching, seasonal rafting, hiking, golf and horse riding.
Panama City
Panama City is a modern metropolis on the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal, the world’s most famous shortcut. In ‘Casco Viejo’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find old Spanish colonial buildings and various government buildings. From this old quarter, situated on a peninsula, you can see the many skyscrapers of the modern city in the distance. This ‘Dubai’ of Latin America is undergoing rapid development, and every month it seems as though a new building has been added to the skyline. One of the liveliest neighbourhoods is ‘Bellavista’, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars.
What makes Panama City special is that, right in the heart of the city, you’ll find a tropical forest where you can go for lovely walks and even spot wildlife (including many exotic birds, iguanas and sloths). A walk through the city’s ‘green heaven’ also takes you to a lovely viewpoint from where you can see the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks; next to the latter is a museum about the construction of the canal that you certainly shouldn’t miss.
Just outside the city lie the ruins of Panama Vieja, the remains of the town originally founded by the Spanish, before the pirate Henry Morgan burnt it to the ground.
Panama
Colourful Panama forms the land bridge between North and South America and is world-renowned for the world’s most famous ‘shortcut’: the Panama Canal. Panama City is often referred to as the ‘Dubai of the Western Hemisphere’, a cosmopolitan city where there’s always something happening and skyscrapers seem to be springing up like mushrooms. Yet the city also has a historic centre, ‘Casco Viejo’, which is listed as a World Heritage Site; the best boutique hotels can be found in this part of the city. Just a 30-minute drive away lies the world’s most accessible tropical rainforest, which, despite its proximity to the city, is an excellent place to explore the country’s diverse flora and fauna. The jungle has been inhabited by the Embera Indians for centuries.
On the Caribbean coast and on the San Blas Islands lives another indigenous tribe: the colourful Kuna people. The lodges you’ll find here are rustic yet situated on idyllic little islands, where you’ll spend a few days amongst this remarkable community. The word ‘Panama’ is said to mean ‘abundance of fish’. Water and the coast are therefore key elements of your trip to Panama; the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean are just 80 kilometres apart, and there are hundreds of small islands off the coast.
Bocas Del Toro
The archipelago offers travellers many attractions, such as a rainforest rich in flora and fauna, stunning beaches, mangroves and a vibrant underwater world (with excellent diving opportunities). There is plenty to do and see, but all at a relaxed pace and in a friendly atmosphere. You won’t find any major hotel chains here (yet), which means the islands have retained their authenticity.
You can also enjoy fantastic diving here. The underwater world is breathtaking! From your (unique) accommodation, you can go on various excursions, including trips to a range of beautiful dive sites.
Boca Chica
The popular resort town of Boca Chica is located on the northern edge of Panama's Gulf of Chirqui, about an hour and a half drive east of David. The coast has breathtaking white beaches fringed by palm trees and turquoise waves, and two UNESCO sites are nearby, including the Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements. The abundance of black marlin, dorado, tuna and other fish offers excellent fishing opportunities, while nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching, horseback riding, hiking, whitewater rafting on Volcan Baru (the highest peak in the country), exploring coffee plantations, or taking canopy tours in Boquete. There are also plenty of atmospheric bars and restaurants.
Gulf of Chiriqui
Located on Panama's beautiful Pacific coast, the Gulf of Chiriquí is the epitome of a remote, untouched paradise. Less developed than other parts of Panama, it remains firmly off the regular tourist itinerary. While the journey here may be a little longer than to more trafficked destinations, travellers who make the effort will be hugely rewarded with well-preserved coral reefs, lush mangrove forests and some pristine powder-white beaches. Add two impressive marine parks, some ancient tropical forests and dozens of uninhabited Pacific islands waiting to be discovered and you have the ideal natural wonderland. Dive, snorkel or surf the aquamarine waters, take part in world-class sport fishing or marvel at the abundance of exotic wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, whales and manta rays. Whether it is sandy beaches, marine life or island lifestyle, you will find what you are looking for in this extraordinarily idyllic holiday.
Bastimentos Island
Bastimentos Island is part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama. The island is a popular destination for tourists and is known for Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park and the Red Frog Island Resort nature reserve, which covers a large part of the island. The western tip of the island is clearly visible from the town of Bocas and is not part of the National Park itself.
You won’t find any major hotel chains here (yet), which means the islands have retained their authenticity. It’s also a fantastic place for diving. The underwater world is breathtaking! From your accommodation, you can go on various excursions, including trips to a number of beautiful dive sites.
Chiriqui Province
The mountainous province of Chiriquí is located in western Panama, bordering Costa Rica and the Pacific Ocean. This immensely beautiful area is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. A highlight for visitors is the Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, named after the volcano with Panama's highest peak in the northern Chiriqui Highlands, with scenic hiking trails winding through lush cloud forests. Visitors can go white river rafting, climbing and hiking here. Beach and water sports enthusiasts can visit the pristine Golfo de Chiriquí with long sandy beaches and countless marine life. With coffee plantations galore, a delicious cup of arabica is never more than a café away.
La Amistad
Panama trip | Round trip Panama with accommodation Naso community
We offer the described trip from €4,925 per person.
The price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flights as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’, including hold luggage
• 15 nights’ accommodation in good-quality, charming properties
• All meals as mentioned in the programme
• Hire car (automatic), Toyota RAV 4 or similar model, including comprehensive insurance and taxes
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘programme’, including a city tour of Panama City, a coffee tour, a boat trip in El Gulf of Chiriqui National Park and a visit to the Naso community
• Entrance fees to national parks for scheduled excursions
• Meet and greet on arrival
• Booking fee (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Cycle tour in Panama City
• El Pianista hike
• Visit to a local coffee farmer at Elida Estates
• Stay with the indigenous Naso community near La Amistad
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Seat reservations on flights
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Personal expenses/tips
• Local car hire costs, such as administration fees, parking charges, tolls and fuel
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)