Authentic Panama: City, Islands, Nature
Jaguars, Toucans & Whales 19 days Charm & Character

Authentic Panama: City, Islands, Nature

The skyscrapers of Panama City fade away, revealing the pristine islands of the San Blas and the tropical forests of Gamboa.

From€2,735per person
6 years of local expertise4.8/5 (225 reviews including 225 Google)

Duration

19 days

From

€2,735/pers.

Ideal seasons

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec

Style

Guided tour

Comfort

Charm & Character

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends

The spirit of travel

This circuit in Panama combines the must-sees of Panama City, an island getaway to San Blas, then an immersion between tropical forest and Caribbean coast, before finishing on the archipelago of Las Perlas at Saboga.

A balanced itinerary, organized by an attentive and professional local agency, to travel peacefully and enjoy each stage at your own pace.

The stages of your journey

D1–2
Panama CityHôtel Central Panama 4*
D3–4
San BlasCabanes privées Pelicano
D5
San BlasHôtel Best Western Zen 3*
D6–8
GamboaHôtel Gamboa Rainforest Resort 4*
D9–11
PortobeloHôtel Vista Caribe 3*
D12–14
Vallée d'AntónHôtel Boutique Golden Frog Inn 3*
D15
Panama CityHôtel Best Western Zen 3*
D16–18
Pearl IslandsHotel El Remanso Saboga Suites 3*
D19
Panama City

Highlights

Historic Panama Canal
Authentic Kuna Yala Culture
Gamboa Tropical Forest
Colonial Fortifications UNESCO
Volcanic Valley of Antón
Pearl Archipelago

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Welcome to Panama City!

Aéroport TocumenPanama City

30min25 km

Upon your arrival in Panama, you discover Panama City and Canal, a city marked by its canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

In the distance, skyscrapers draw a contemporary line, while below, the cobbled streets of Casco Viejo recall the colonial past of the capital.

For your welcome, a private shuttle awaits you at the airport and takes you directly to your hotel.

Night at Hotel Central Panama 4*.

Hôtel Central Panama 4*
Jour 2
D2

Panama Canal and Casco Viejo

You will depart early, at 7:30 am, for a first immersion at the Canal De Panama. The discovery begins on the Pacific side, at the Esclusas de Miraflores, where you will be able to see a boat pass through and better understand the history of the canal's construction, from its beginnings to today.

Next, you will head to the colonial center for a guided tour in late morning. Along the way, you will discover monuments and UNESCO-listed squares, as well as the atmosphere of the neighborhood with its shops and local life.

Lunch is on your own in the colonial center.

The afternoon is free: you can enjoy the museums of the colonial center, and then, weather permitting, head to the Amador causeway for a sunset.

Excursion duration: 5 hours – English-speaking guide

Night at Hotel Central Panama 4*.

Hôtel Central Panama 4*Breakfast
Jour 3
D3–4

San Blas : Kuna Yala Immersion

Panama CityPort De Cardi

3h100 km

You will depart very early in the morning, around 5 a.m., to drive to the port of Basukun or Carti (approximately 3 hours drive)

Port De CardiSan Blas

45min30 km

Upon arrival, a water taxi will take you to a first island to discover the culture Guna Yala (San Blas), then to a relaxation island where lunch is scheduled.

Your excursion continues and includes the afternoon of the following day, with the discovery of other islands and a natural swimming pool.

The San Blas archipelago has approximately 332 islands and islets in the Caribbean waters of Panama and Colombia.

Some islands are inhabited by the Kunas Yalas, and a few are open to welcoming travelers.

On-site, services remain basic in terms of accommodation, for an experience centered on essentials, in an authentic setting.

2 nights with full board in private Pelicano cabins (fan, mosquito net, toilet and shower in the cabin)

Cabanes privées PelicanoBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 5
D5

Relaxation in San Blas & return

San BlasPanama City

3h100 km

The morning is dedicated to relaxing on the island, followed by lunch on site, to enjoy the setting one last time before departure.

You will then head back from the San Blas, with an expected arrival around 6:30 PM.

Night at the Best Western Zen Hotel 3*.

Hôtel Best Western Zen 3*Breakfast
Jour 6
D6–8

Heading to Gamboa Tropical

Panama CityGamboa

1h35 km

In the morning, you pick up your rental vehicle to head towards the Gamboa Rainforest (Soberanía) and the Caribbean coast. You will then continue towards the Gamboa National Park.

From your hotel, several activities are available depending on your preferences:

  • hiking in the national park, with wildlife and waterfalls

  • visit to a sloth sanctuary

  • boat tour on the canal and monkey islands

  • zip-lining and aerial tramway

  • biking

  • day with the Emberas, native people cultivating cacao

3 nights at Gamboa Rainforest Resort Hotel 4*

Hôtel Gamboa Rainforest Resort 4*Breakfast
Jour 9
D9–11

Portobelo, Cacique and Caribs

GamboaPortobelo

2h100 km

You will join the Portobelo and Cacique region, in the heart of Panama's Caribbean coast, a territory marked by both its history and tropical seaside landscapes. Here, colonial heritage can still be read in the stones, in contact with nature that has remained largely preserved.

In Portobelo, the fortifications and the Customs Museum, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, bear witness to the historical role of the bay in the trade of gold and silver from the Americas.

Your hotel is located in an area conducive to wildlife and bird watching. We encourage you to enjoy a slower pace, between the hotel and the garden.

And if you wish to be more active, your hosts will be able to suggest several excursions to you and help you book them.

3 nights at the Vista Caribe Hotel 3*.

Hôtel Vista Caribe 3*Breakfast
Jour 12
D12–14

La Pintada & Antó Valley

PortobeloVallée d'Antón

4h200 km

On the road, you can stop at the village of La Pintada, where the manufacture of handmade hats is still perpetuated, mainly thanks to elderly people. You can also stop at an eco-agricultural farm in La Chorrea, which grows pineapples, cocoa and coffee.

You will then continue towards a small village with a cooler climate, located in the heart of the crater of a dormant volcano. On site, the atmosphere invites you to take your time: you can explore a tropical forest dotted with suspended bridges, leading to a waterfall.

Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the accessible trails, some of which can be suitable for young hikers from 4 years old, provided you have an adventurous spirit.

For a gentler discovery, you can also rent bikes: from the main avenue, the streets lined with greenery reveal a peaceful atmosphere.

Among the possible activities, you can consider a visit to the butterfly greenhouse, the serpentarium or the local market, a lively place to discover the culture of the Anton Valley, with crafts, local specialties and fresh fruits.

3 nights at the Golden Frog Inn Boutique Hotel 3*

Hôtel Boutique Golden Frog Inn 3*Breakfast
Jour 15
D15

Return to Panama City

Vallée d'AntónPanama City

2h30125 km

In the middle of the day, you will resume your journey towards Panama City and Canal.

Upon arrival, your evening is free in the financial center, to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Night at the Best Western Zen 3* Hotel.

Hôtel Best Western Zen 3*Breakfast
Jour 16
D16–18

Ferry to Saboga Island

From Panama City

15min10 km

You will board at 7:30 AM for your ferry from Amador Port, at the exit of Panama City.

To Pearl Islands

1h3070 km

After 1 hour 30 minutes of crossing, you will arrive on the island of Saboga, where a hotel representative will pick you up.

While waiting for check-in, you can choose between two options:

  • go on an excursion to two small islands for snorkeling and relaxation — Mogo Mogo and Chapera —

  • or discover the 7 beaches of the island, which are also suitable for snorkeling and relaxation.

You will then settle into your hotel for 3 nights, around 2pm.

The Pearl Archipelago comprises 7 islands, of which 4 are inhabited, in the bay of the Pacific Ocean in Panama. The 3 other islands remain private nature reserves and protected.

The Pacific Ocean is renowned for big game fishing and sport fishing, and these islands are also perfect for relaxation on white sand beaches, as well as snorkeling activities.

3 nights at the Hotel El Remanso Saboga Suites 3*.

Hotel El Remanso Saboga Suites 3*Breakfast
Jour 19
D19

See you soon in Panama!

Pearl IslandsPanama City

2h70 km

In the afternoon, at 3pm, you will take the ferry from Saboga island heading to Panama City.

Panama CityAéroport Tocumen

30min25 km

Upon your arrival, a transfer is arranged to Tocumen Airport for your flight

Price per person

2 pers.€2,735/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • International Flight
  • Optional excursions on site
  • San Blas entrance tax: 22 USD per person
  • Travel insurance
  • Everything that is not mentioned in "This price includes"

Included

  • 13 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar, including breakfasts
  • 3 nights in the cited hotel or similar on the Las Perlas archipelago
  • 2 nights in the San Blas archipelago, all-inclusive
  • Private airport-hotel and hotel-airport transfers, as well as port-hotels transfers
  • Car rental 10 days, 4x2 type, with comprehensive insurance
  • Round-trip ferry for the Las Perlas archipelago
  • Tour of Panama Canal and Colonial Center with Spanish-speaking guide
  • English-speaking assistance on the ground during the day

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
  • Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
  • Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant au Panama dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.

Passeport

Pour entrer au Panama, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum trois mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).

Séjour touristique sans visa

Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques.

À ce jour, cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 180 jours lors de l'entrée sur le territoire, à la discrétion des autorités d'immigration panaméennes.

Les autorités peuvent également demander :

  • un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),

  • une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour (généralement 500 USD ou l'équivalent),

  • une réservation d'hébergement pour la durée du séjour.

Santé et vaccinations

Aucune vaccination n'est obligatoire pour entrer au Panama en provenance de France, de Suisse ou du Canada, sauf en cas d'arrivée depuis un pays à risque de fièvre jaune, auquel cas un certificat de vaccination contre la fièvre jaune peut être exigé à l'entrée.

À titre préventif, il est recommandé de consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccinations internationales avant le départ. Les vaccinations suivantes sont généralement conseillées :

  • hépatites A et B,

  • typhoïde,

  • mise à jour des vaccins courants (diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite).

Des précautions contre le paludisme peuvent être recommandées dans certaines zones rurales ou forestières. Consultez un professionnel de santé pour évaluer le risque selon votre itinéraire.

Voyage avec des enfants

Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.

Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.

Autres nationalités

Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat du Panama de leur pays de résidence.

Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.

Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.

CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !

Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.

Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

No, French nationals can stay up to 180 days in Panama without a visa. A valid passport for at least 3 months after entry, a return ticket and 500 USD per person (or equivalent proof of funds) may be required upon arrival. Confirm with the consulate.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €160 and €270 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport, and activities. International flights (€800–1,200 return) are additional. Panama is an ideal platform to combine city, canal, and archipelagos (San Blas, Bocas).

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Sophie, Explorer of Panama's Passages
6years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Panamá Province

Explorer of Panama's Passages, based in Panama City

Panama is a country of passages and contrasts. What I love is helping travelers discover its invisible connections, between ocean, forest, city and local cultures.

Sophie

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.8/5