Ocean to Ocean Journey
Overview
Regions explored: • PANAMA CITY: Discover the cosmopolitan capital where modernity and colonial history blend, with the historic Casco Viejo district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. • VERAGUAS (Santa Catalina): Province with rich agricultural lands, bordered by the Pacific and home to the largest island in the American Pacific - Isla Coiba, the true "Galápagos of Central America" • CHIRIQUÍ (Boquete): Mountainous region with refreshing climate, famous for its coffee plantations among the world's finest and its Baru volcano, the country's highest point. • BOCAS DEL TORO: Caribbean archipelago with crystalline waters, marine biodiversity sanctuary with preserved coral reefs and authentic Afro-Caribbean communities.Self Drive
- Flexible Dates
- 24-Hour Local Assistance
- Flexible Itinerary
- Travel at Your Pace
- Amend Accommodation
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tocumen International Airport, a French-speaking welcome and delivery of your travel documents followed by transfer to the hotel.
The isthmus of Panama, caressed by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is much more than a simple bridge between continents. It's a land of adventure and wonders, where every corner holds its share of surprises. Here, the Panama Canal, a true 8th wonder of the world, reigns supreme, testifying to human ingenuity and architectural boldness. But this is just the beginning of your journey.
Beyond the canal, Panama will reveal its most intimate treasures: pristine beaches and dreamy archipelagos await you, offering paradisiacal refuges for unforgettable moments of relaxation. Explore the colonial vestiges that tell the rich and eventful history of the country, or venture into the tropical jungle, where authentic Indian villages open their doors to share their customs and way of life.
Prepare to be dazzled by the diversity and breathtaking beauty of this country with a thousand faces. Your trip to Panama will be much more than a simple getaway, it will be a captivating adventure that will awaken all your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Hotel/Other Details: Gran Evenia Ciudad
Meal Plan: No Meal
Morning breakfast at the hotel. Day free to explore Panama or enjoy below suggested activities and excursions which can be organized on site.
Suggested activities and excursions to organize on-site.
• Visit to the Panama Canal: Miraflores Locks
• Visit to the Colonial Quarter and Interoceanic Canal Museum
• Bike ride on the Cinta Costera
• Ceviche tasting at the fish market
• Visit to the ruins of Panama la Vieja (closed on Mondays)
• Visit to the Fortifications of Portobelo & San Lorenzo
• Visit to the Biodiversity Museum and the Causeway
• Hike to Cerro Ancón
• Visit to Soberania National Park
• Visit to Metropolitan National Park
• Day Tour to Pearl Archipelago
• Day tour to San Blas Archipelago
• Visit to Lake Gatún
• Discovering the rooftops of Casco Viejo
• Shopping
Hotel/Other Details: Gran Evenia Ciudad
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Private transfer to the rental agency.
Take possession of your vehicle to head towards Santa Catalina de Veraguas.
Get comfortably settled in your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Veraguas, Panama's largest province, is characterized by the richness of its agricultural lands, its mountains, its coastlines, and its history. Veraguas is also known for the largest island in the American Pacific, called Coiba Island, considered the Galapagos of Central America for its great biodiversity and its preserved sublime beaches.
IMPORTANT: Catalina is a sweet mix of surf spot, fishing village, and starting point for many activities. It consists of a main street and although bordered by a large beach, it is not a seaside resort, just a few hotels, bars and restaurants, few shops, no bank or ATM. From the village, you can organize different excursions oriented towards surfing, fishing, diving, or visiting the surrounding islands, particularly the famous Coiba National Park.
Hotel/Other Details: Santa Catalina (Standard Room)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Morning breakfast at the hotel. Day free to explore Santa Catalina or enjoy below suggested activities and excursions which can be organized on site.
Suggested activities and excursions to organize on-site:
• Visit to Isla Coiba National Park.
• Visit to Isla Cebaco
• Snorkeling.
• Diving.
• Surfing
• Bird watching
Hotel/Other Details: Santa Catalina (Standard Room)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Road to Boquete. Check in and free rest of the day is free!
CHIRIQUI, one of the favorite places of Panamanians. It represents an ideal stop to cool down from the tropical climate.
The villages of Boquete and their Volcano are famous for coffee production: one of the best in the world! But also, for their flowers of all kinds (the famous orchids among others).
The two national parks: La Amistad and Volcan Barú will satisfy seasoned hikers and will captivate you with the richness of their fauna (ornithology) and flora (flower and coffee fair in January, then orchids in April).
Hotel/Other Details: Boquete Tree Trek (Standard Room)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Morning breakfast at the hotel. Day free to explore Boquete or enjoy below suggested activities and excursions which can be organized on site.
Here is a selection of activities to organize on site in Boquete:
- Horseback riding through the magnificent mountainous landscapes.
- Excursions on suspended bridges offering spectacular views of the rainforest canopy.
- Trekking and hiking through the picturesque trails of the region.
- Bird watching to discover the diversity of local avian species.
- Coffee tour to learn more about the coffee production process and taste quality coffees.
- Tea tour to explore tea plantations and taste local teas.
- Rafting on the rapids of surrounding rivers for a dose of adrenaline.
- Zip-lining in the trees for a high-altitude adventure experience.
- Visit to the islands of the Gulf of Chiriqui to enjoy paradise beaches and marine life.
- Visit an orchid farm to admire the beauty and diversity of these exotic flowers.
- Excursion to the Gualaca Canyon to explore natural pools and unique rock formations.
- Visit to local hot springs to relax in natural hot springs.
- Mountain bike excursions to explore the trails and surrounding landscapes with a dose of adventure.
- Meeting with the Ngabe indigenous community to learn more about their culture and traditional way of life.
Hotel/Other Details: Boquete Tree Trek (Standard Room)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Morning breakfast at the hotel. Day free to explore Boquete or enjoy below suggested activities and excursions which can be organized on site.
Here is a selection of activities to organize on site in Boquete:
- Horseback riding through the magnificent mountainous landscapes.
- Excursions on suspended bridges offering spectacular views of the rainforest canopy.
- Trekking and hiking through the picturesque trails of the region.
- Bird watching to discover the diversity of local avian species.
- Coffee tour to learn more about the coffee production process and taste quality coffees.
- Tea tour to explore tea plantations and taste local teas.
- Rafting on the rapids of surrounding rivers for a dose of adrenaline.
- Zip-lining in the trees for a high-altitude adventure experience.
- Visit to the islands of the Gulf of Chiriqui to enjoy paradise beaches and marine life.
- Visit an orchid farm to admire the beauty and diversity of these exotic flowers.
- Excursion to the Gualaca Canyon to explore natural pools and unique rock formations.
- Visit to local hot springs to relax in natural hot springs.
- Mountain bike excursions to explore the trails and surrounding landscapes with a dose of adventure.
- Meeting with the Ngabe indigenous community to learn more about their culture and traditional way of life.
Hotel/Other Details: Boquete Tree Trek (Standard Room)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Drive from Boquete to the north of the country to meet the Caribbean. Drop off of the rental car and transfer to the Bocas del Toro Archipelago.
Local transfer to your hotel upon arrival. Rest of the day free.
Dive into the transparent waters of the Caribbean Sea amidst incredible marine fauna (Dolphins, turtles, tropical frogs, fish), surf the waves, stroll along the long white sandy beaches, and contemplate splendid sunsets with your loved one. You will succumb to the charm of Bocas!
Hotel/Other Details: Divers Paradise (Standard Room)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Morning breakfast at the hotel. Day free to explore Bocas Del Toro or enjoy below suggested activities and excursions which can be organized on site.
Suggested activities and excursions to organize on site in BOCAS DEL TORO:
- Diving, snorkeling, surfing
- Hiking in Isla Bastimentos National Park.
- Mangrove tour and visit to Salt Creek village
- Visit to Cayo Zapatillas National Park, Coral Cay, and Dolphin Bay
- Zip-lining in Red Frog
- Visit to a Ngabe indigenous community
- Chocolate tour*
- Manatee and turtle tour in San San Pond Sak
Hotel/Other Details: Divers Paradise (Standard Room Town View)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Morning breakfast at the hotel. Day free to explore Bocas Del Toro or enjoy below suggested activities and excursions which can be organized on site.
Suggested activities and excursions to organize on site in BOCAS DEL TORO:
- Diving, snorkeling, surfing
- Hiking in Isla Bastimentos National Park.
- Mangrove tour and visit to Salt Creek village
- Visit to Cayo Zapatillas National Park, Coral Cay, and Dolphin Bay
- Zip-lining in Red Frog
- Visit to a Ngabe indigenous community
- Chocolate tour*
- Manatee and turtle tour in San San Pond Sak
Hotel/Other Details: Divers Paradise (Standard Room Town View)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Morning breakfast at the hotel. Day free to explore Bocas Del Toro or enjoy below suggested activities and excursions which can be organized on site.
Suggested activities and excursions to organize on site in BOCAS DEL TORO:
- Diving, snorkeling, surfing
- Hiking in Isla Bastimentos National Park.
- Mangrove tour and visit to Salt Creek village
- Visit to Cayo Zapatillas National Park, Coral Cay, and Dolphin Bay
- Zip-lining in Red Frog
- Visit to a Ngabe indigenous community
- Chocolate tour*
- Manatee and turtle tour in San San Pond Sak
Hotel/Other Details: Divers Paradise (Standard Room Town View)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Morning transfer to Bocas del Toro airport, return to the capital by domestic flight.
You will have a driver at your disposal to do the last visits before your international connection.
Transfer to Tocumen International Airport
International flight not included
Note: Driver at disposal for 5h + 45 min private transfer to Tocumen international airport.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Inclusions
• Follow-up of your trip by our local multilingual staff
• 11 nights in the mentioned accommodation or similar in a standard room
• The mentioned meals.
• The transfers mentioned (land, boat, air).
• The mentioned excursions
• Domestic flights *(rates subject to change - to be confirmed with our services at the time of quotation) *
• Car rental with BASIC MANDATORY COVERAGE - 6 days - Wi-Fi included
TYPE: HYUNDAI CRETA 4X2 (base 2) / SUZUKI VITARA 4X4 (base 4) / TOYOTA FORTUNER 4X4 (base 6)
COVERAGE: BASIC (mandatory)
Exclusions
• International flights
• International airport taxes (approximately AUD 94/person, normally included in your ticket)
• The security deposit for the vehicle rental (An authorization will be made on the credit card corresponding to approximately 30% of the rental costs plus the cost of the rental, or a minimum amount of AUD 702 will be authorized on the credit card for economy or compact vehicle rentals, and a minimum amount of AUD 1170 for intermediate or larger vehicle rentals, at the time of rental. The amount of this authorization will be used to cover any potential damages to the vehicle or late fees.), supplementary insurance, fuel costs and tolls, legal representation fees in case of dispute or accident (AUD 374).
• Optional or recommended excursions
• Drinks
• Meals mentioned as free
• Guide and Driver tips
• French-speaking guide 24/7
• Personal expenses
• Bank fees when paying by wire transfer or credit card.
• Luggage storage service during domestic flights (additional fee depending on the routes involved)
• Additional overweight fees during domestic flights
• Life and repatriation insurance
• Anything not mentioned in "included"
Notes
Signature experiences:
• Immersive encounter with the Emberá community, includinga traditional meal.
• Exploration of Isla Coiba and its exceptional biodiversity
• Discovery of colonial heritage and exceptional coffee tasting
• Navigation between paradisiacal islands with snorkeling in coral reefs
IMPORTANT REGARDING THE LOCATION: The hotel is in the center of the village. You will not find a beach nearby. The closest beach is Bluff Beach, approximately 30 minutes away by car. Bluff Beach is more recommended for surfing. For other beach options, you can check with the hotel or go to the nearest boat service on the main street (5 minutes walking distance) to visit the paradise islands.
RATES and AVAILABILITY** (subject to change - to be confirmed with our services at the time of booking) -- Rates not valid on holidays.
Important regarding our circuit
About the itinerary:
-Program design and Organization of excursions: This program has been designed based on existing services and rates in effect to date. The itinerary, the order of stages, and prices must be confirmed at the time of booking.
-National Park rates: National Park entry fees are provided for information purposes only and are subject to changes by authorities without notice.
-Wildlife observation in Panama depends on the seasons. We offer activities that allow observation of certain animals according to the seasons (turtles, whales, quetzal, monkeys, etc.). Please note that, even if the chances of observing animals during tours are very high if the seasons correspond well to each species, we do not visit zoos and cannot guarantee the observation of animals every day. We strictly practice responsible wildlife observation and are governed by international standards - please always follow your guide’s instructions.
About Schedules:
-Domestic flights: Flight schedules are provided for information purposes only. The final schedule is subject to flight availability at the time of booking.
-Transfers: Transfer schedules for air connections will be calculated considering airline requirements (Check-in for domestic flights: 1h before departure / Check-in for international flights: 3 hours before departure.
About accommodation :
-Hotel booking: The hotels mentioned must be confirmed according to availability at the time of booking. In case of unavailability, we will always offer you a hotel of the same category and price. If a hotel of equivalent category and price is not available, we will offer you different options with the necessary pricing information for your choice.
-Hotel category in Panama does not correspond to European standards because there is no entity that regulates the number of stars. That said, each hotel receives the stars that its hotel chain bears or according to the type of services it offers. For this reason, the number of stars we have communicated will not necessarily correspond to the information you will find online, as we have selected and categorized based on European standards.
WARNING: Local imperatives, such as transport delays, events, weather conditions, festivals, holidays, opening of museums, restaurants or visited sites, and places of interest may oblige us to modify the itinerary on the spot.
Information regarding Rental Car
•The driver must have a valid driver's license from their country of origin.
•A BASIC COVERAGE of the vehicle will be mandatory and systematically included in the package.
•The minimum age to drive our vehicles is 23 years for standard vehicles and 25 years for 4x4s.
•An authorization will be made on the International credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) (cash or debit not accepted) corresponding to approximately 30% of the rental costs plus the cost of the rental, or a minimum amount of AUD 702 will be authorized on the credit card for economy or compact vehicle rentals, and a minimum amount of AUD 1170 for intermediate or larger vehicle rentals, at the time of rental. The amount of this authorization will be used to cover any potential damages to the vehicle or late fees - Will be required only through an International credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
•The vehicle rental will be valid for a period of 24 hours with 4 extra hours allowed for returning the vehicle.
•ALL cars in our catalog include WIFI beacons (limited) for the duration of the rental.
•NO COVERAGE IN PANAMA includes legal representation fees related to disputes in case of an accident. The legal representation service for the hearing costs approximately AUD 374 which will be debited directly from your credit card at the time of giving statements.
•To be covered by the coverages in case of an accident (minimal or complete coverage), it will be mandatory to present the accident report (PARTE POLICIVA O COLILLA IN SPANISH) issued by the traffic police. If you do not submit this requirement, the coverage will be void.
Failure to bring the accident report (PARTE POLICIVA O COLILLA IN SPANISH) to the nearest rental agency will allow the rental company to charge your credit card the fees corresponding to the accident + legal representation fees while waiting for the hearing. This payment is mandatory and non-refundable.
