Family trip to Panama

Between culture and tradition, breathtaking landscapes and pristine beaches

Trip summary

Panama City, Boquete, the archipelagos of San Blas and Bocas del Toro

Panama is a perfect family destination that will offer you a wide range of landscapes depending on the regions you are traveling to.

Discover Panama City, a city and two worlds that share the same bay : discover the colonial architecture of the Casco Antiguo, visit the famous canal and its locks, observe the fauna and tropical flora (monkeys, iguanas, toucans, etc.).

The San Blas archipelago will delight you: coral reefs, deserted islands, white sand beaches and idyllic sunsets, encounter its inhabitants called the Kunas. They are great defendants of their culture and their territory and they will be able to share their customs with you.

The Coclé region is a land of contrasts, renowned for its crafts and more particularly the manufacture of traditional hats.

The province of Chiriqui is renowned for its flowers and coffee. In the surrounding valleys grow citrus fruits, vegetables, but also coffee and orchids.

Finally, you will be heading north, towards the Bocas del Toro archipelago, a corner of paradise moored on the Caribbean coast. Mangroves, red corals, giant turtles, sloths and dolphins are part of the treasure of the Bastimentos Marine Park.

A tailor-made itinerary created for adults and children, and suited to everyone’s pace.

Panama City, Boquete, the archipelagos of San Blas and Bocas del Toro

The route day after day

Day 1: Panama City

Welcome at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Miraflores locks

Your driver will pick you up for a one-day city tour of Panama City.

Discover Panama La Vieja, which was the first capital of the country before being destroyed by the famous pirate Henry Morgan. Then, you will go to the famous Panama Canal and Miraores locks (the visit is scheduled according to the schedule of the passage of boats). The visitor center offers you the chance to watch of all kinds of ships in transit (cruise ships, ocean liners or tiny sailboats, etc.).

In addition, exhibits retrace the history of the construction of the locks and describe how they work.

Then you will reach Casco Antiguo. This bohemian district plunges you into the country’s historic past, between typical alleys and colorful buildings that lead to the Place de France. (Bkfst)

Day 3: The San Blas Islands

Today is a day dedicated to the San Blas Islands.

You will therefore enter the territory of the Kuna Yala indigenous community, and you will discover three islands : Waily Lodge, Perro Island and a natural swimming pool. (Bkfst, L)

Day 4: Embera Community

Early in the morning, your driver will drive you to the Rio Gatun pier, where you will take a motorized canoe to one of the villages in the Embera Indians community.

You will be welcomed by the cacique (spiritual leader) and the children of the village. Throughout the day you will discover their way of life and their traditions among which the art of tattoos will be presented to you.

You will also have the opportunity to be introduced to their knowledge of medicinal plants and to attend a performance of ancestral dances and then go to a small island to watch the monkeys.

Finally, a typical fish-based meal will be served in banana leaves.

In the afternoon, your driver will pick you up at the pier to take you to your hotel in Panama City. (Bkfst, L)

Day 5: El Valle de Anton

You will collect your car and go to the province of Coclé, more precisely the Anton Valley nestled in the heart of an extinct crater.

Along the way (2 hour drive), you will see magnificent landscapes between fields and lush forests. Installation at the hotel and end of the day free to enjoy the assets of the region. (Bkfst)

Day 6: El Valle de Anton

Enjoy a free day in Valle de Antón and the variety of activities in the surrounding area.

You can hike (on foot or on horseback), bring back a famous Panamanian hat or try the adventure from the treetops by taking a ride on the canopy or descend by zip line … (Bkfst)

Day 7: El Boca Chica

This morning you will go to Boca Chica, in the province of Chiriqui.

You will take the Pan-American (6 hour drive). Along the way, we suggest you make a short stop at the Church of Natá, the oldest church in Panama. If you have time, you can also take a detour to the province of Veraguas for a visit to the Baroque church in the picturesque village of San Francisco de la Montaña.

You will then arrive at Boca Chica. Installation at your hotel and end of the day free. (Bkfst)

Day 8: Boca Chica

You will discover the breathtaking beauty of the Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park, with its pristine islands covered in tropical jungle. The National Park covers 155 km² of ocean and islands, and is famous for its green iguanas, humpback whales, dolphins, many species of turtles, rays, monkeys, as well as hundreds of species of birds exotic and tropical fish. (Note: from July to October you can do whale watching and all year long you can see the dolphins in Bahia Muertos).

With a local captain at the helm, discover hundreds of heavenly sandy bays lined with palm trees. Snorkeling equipment will be available : the kids will love it ! (Bkfst)

Day 9: Boquete

Back on the road (2h30 drive) to the mountains of Chiriqui up to the village of Boquete, known for its flowers and coffee.

Installation at the hotel. (Bkfst)

Day 10: Boquete

Visit a coffee plantation to learn all about coffee, from the seed to the cup! The visit consists of a professional explanation of the treatment plant, an introduction to organic coffee growing, harvesting and roasting processes.

The end of the day is free to enjoy Boquete and its surroundings. Located at 1600m above sea level and boasting an ideal temperature all year round, the village of Boquete will delight nature lovers with its superb mountains and roads full of flowers. Your kids will love walking in true nature. (Bkfst)

Day 11: Almirante - Bocas del Toro

You will go to the port of Almirante, gateway to the Caribbean archipelago.

Along the way (3h30 drive), you will meet various landscapes of the Cordillera de Talamanca to the Caribbean coast and will see the dwellings of the Guayami Indians.

When you arrive at the port, you will give back your car and embark on a public motor boat bound for Isla Colón. (approximately 30 minutes of navigation). You will then arrive at your lodge. (Bkfst, L, D)

Day 12 & 13: Isla Bastimientos

Relaxing days to rest, enjoy the Afro-Caribbean atmosphere of Bocas, explore the Bastimentos National Marine Park, swim among the stars  sea, observe the dolphins, search for the famous red frogs, or go to meet the Ngobe Buglé Indians.

You can also take advantage of the lodge’s trails and canoes. (Bkfst, L, D)

Day 14: Panama city

Transfer to Bocas del Toro airport where you will take a flight to Panama City. Once arrived, transfer to your hotel. (Bkfst)

Day 15: Departure

Free morning, then transfer to the airport for your return flight. (Bkfst)

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