Global Travel Central American Travel Specialists 21 Years of Arranging Dream Holidays
Panama: Coast to Coast Adventure Tour
Day 1 - Saturday - Arrival in Panama
Meet & Greet on arrival at Panama International Airport and transfer to the Hotel Radisson Decapolis for a 2 night stay.
Located in the heart of Panama City, the Radisson Decapolis the hotel combines a chic, modern design with Panamanian art and atmosphere.
The spacious rooms are exquisitely decorated and feature spectacular views of the ocean or Downtown Panama City through floor to ceiling windows.
Day 2 - Sunday - Panama City - Through the Ages - (B,L,D)
Today you will enjoy a tour of Historical Panama City and the
Canal Locks. First it is off to the historical regions of Old
Panama which was founded in 1516 by the Spaniards and destroyed in 1671 by
the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan. This
will be followed with visits to the major sites including the fascinating
"Museum of the Interoceanic Waterway" where it is
possible to get a glimpse of the true cost (both financial and human) of the Panama Canal. Next it is
time for a typical Panama-style lunch at a restaurant in the Handicraft Market. Finally, it is off to the Panama
Canal Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side of the canal for a bird's eye
view of the operation of the locks.
Day 3 - Monday - San Blas Islands - (B,L,D)
Early transfer to the local airport to take a 50 minute flight in an
Islander aircraft to the Achutupo airstrip on Panamas Atlantic Coast.
Transfer by motorized dugout canoe for the 5 minute trip to Dolphin Island
Lodge on the Island of Uaguitupo, in the San Blas Archipelago.
The Lodge
has capacity for 26 guests. Dolphin Island Lodge has outside fresh water showers
and toilets, also 3 comfortable double size beds in each Kuna style
thatched roof cabin. When you have settled in, a breakfast will be waiting
for you in the bohio dinning room. Lunch and dinner will feature delicious
San Blas seafood. Tour to the neighboring Island of Achutupo to observe
the Indian culture. The afternoon is free to snorkel in the surrounding reefs or just
relax in a hammock slung between two palm trees.
Day 4 - Tuesday - The Kuna People - (B,L,D)
A day to realax and experience the Kuna way of life by visiting the nearby local communities.
Day 5 - Wednesday - Bocas del Toro - (B,L,D)
Early flight back to Panama City and onward connection to Bocas del Toro. In a land already rich in colourful biological and cultural diversity, one
isolated area stands out. On the remote northwest coast of Panama on the
border with Costa Rica is the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, visited by Christopher Colombus on his
fourth and final voyage to the New World in 1502. The islands have provided
a protected anchorage for ships throughout history and many famous pirates
have sought sanctuary here.
Bocas del Toro has had a see-saw existence over the years. Founded in the
early 1800's by Scottish and American Slavers, exploited by the Banana
Barons at the turn of the century and finally finding its niche in the
world of ecotourism. More than a dozen coral reefs protect a marine
environment unequaled in most of the Caribbean because of its remote
location.
From October to April, four of the world's eight species of sea
turtles nest in and around the Bastimentos National Park.
Day 6 - Thursday - Bocas del Toro - (B,L,D)
Whilst the scuba divers are off exploring the underwater wonders of the amazing reef around
Bocas del Toro, non-divers will enjoy boat excursions around the area.
Day 7 - Friday - Bocas del Toro/Panama City - (B,L,D)
There are several indigenous tribes in the Bocas del Toro area including,
Teribe, Bokota and Guaymi Indians. A visit will be made to a native village to learn
about a completely different culture and way of life. Late afternoon return to Panama City for another overnight stay.
Transfer from the hotel to the docks for your boat trip on the Panama Canal.
Enter the Miraflores Locks where you can get a close up view of the workings
of the canal as the boat is lifted to 56 feet above sea level. Next the boat
moves into Miraflores Lake before cruising out to Panama Bay and back to
the Pacific anchorage of the canal. In Panama Bay you will get a great view
of the Panama City skyline, a bird sanctuary on Flamenco Island and other ships awaiting transit.
Chiva Parrandera Night Tour
After dinner you can choose whether you wish to relax at the hotel or join the Chiva Parrandera Party Bus, specially designed to carry a Murga Band (typical Panamanian band)) that plays Latin and Salsa music whilst the bus is driven around the main zones of the City. All the seats have a bar system that holds glasses ad bottles in order not to loose even a drop of the Open Bar of Rum and Seco which is included in the tour. Drink, dance and meet new friends. The tour guide will be happy to suggest some good discos for those who want to carry on partying when the trip ends about 11.00 pm.
Day 9 - Sunday - Contadora Island - (B,L,D)
Transfer to the domestic airport in Panama City for the 17 minute commuter flight to Contadora
Island - the crown jewel of the Pearl Islands - chosen by the Shah of Iran
for his home when he was exiled.
Contadora attracts people from all around the World offering luxury
accommodations, gourmet dining, entertainment, golf, tennis and 16 glorious
beaches. The waters of the Pearl Islands offer great scuba diving and some
of the world's best salt water fishing.
3 nights / 4 days at the fabulous, ALL-INCLUSIVE, CONTADORA RESORT situated on
the most perfect Pacific Coast beach imaginable. All meals, all local drinks, entertainment and non-motorised aquatic sports, sport areas with equipment and participation in activities organised by hotel staff is included.
SCUBA DIVERS :
There is a full service dive center right
next door to Contadora Island Resort.
Day 12 - Wednesday - Back to Panama City - (B,L,D)
Most of the day free on Contadora Island before returning to Panama City and a final overnight stay at
the Radisson Decapolis Hotel.
FOLKLORIC NIGHT SHOW AND DINNER
As this is your last evening there will be a Farewell Dinner at a typical Panama restaurant where
there will be a show including muscians and dancers wearing the unique "Pollera" a hand
made cotton dress complemented with precious body and head jewelry.
Day 13 - Thursday - Departure - (B)
Transfer from the hotel to the airport in time to connect with your homebound flights.
