Panama off the beaten path
From the mythical canal to the turquoise waters of Bayano, an authentic Panama between secret caves and colonial villages.
Duration
8 days
From
€1,260/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This itinerary takes you from the must-see attractions of Panama City to nature and culture stops, with an immersion at Lake Bayano in an ecolodge, then a visit to Portobelo (UNESCO) and its surroundings, before finishing in the Antón valley.
An itinerary designed to vary the atmospheres, between sailing, swimming, encounters and independent driving.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Panama City!
Aéroport Tocumen → Panama City
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 paved streets of Casco Viejo recall the capital's colonial past.
For your welcome, a private shuttle awaits you at the airport and takes you directly to your hotel.
Night at the American Trade Hotel 4*
Panama Canal and Lake Bayano
Panama City → Lac Bayano
You will depart early, at 7:30 AM, to discover the Canal De Panama starting with the Esclusas de Miraflores, on the Pacific side.
You will then continue with a navigation through the canal, during a boat trip on Gatún Lake, while being attentive to the wildlife: it is possible to spot howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys, sloths, toucans and other birds, as well as crocodiles and turtles.
The Lac Gatún is an artificial lake created about a hundred years ago to build the canal, where nature and animals now fully occupy the space.
Duration of the excursion: 5 hours
Return from the excursion is scheduled for around 12:00 PM, then you will have lunch on your own.
You will then pick up your rental car and drive towards the Lago Bayano.
Night at the Ecolodge Bayano Caves
Lake Bayano: caves and canyon
The Lago Bayano is an environment where Emberá indigenous peoples live, with landscapes combining caves, waterfalls and canyons.
You enjoy here a stay in full board, planned until the last midday.
For these 2 nights, are included:
full board (3 meals)
kayaking in the canyons
trip in the lake caves
discovery and sharing of Emberá culture
swimming at the waterfalls and in the lake
Night at the Ecolodge Bayano Caves
Route to Portobelo (UNESCO)
Lac Bayano → Portobelo
After lunch, you will return to the mainland around 2pm, then continue driving towards the village of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There you will discover the ruins of Spanish forts built since 1559, as well as the colonial village and its customs museum, dedicated to the slaves who came for the canal.
The next day, you can enjoy a beach day at Playa Blanca or on Isla Grande, with mangrove tunnels, turquoise waters and snorkeling.
You will also be in the heart of the Parque Nacional Chagres, ideal for wildlife observation and walks between waterfalls and very clean rivers.
2 nights at Hotel Casa Congo 3*
El Valle de Antón
Portobelo → Vallée d'Antón
In the morning, you will continue with your rental car towards the Antón Valley.
You will discover a mountain offering a green valley, in a very flowery village, with many hiking possibilities, between waterfalls and natural pools.
The Antón Valley also offers several activities and local discoveries, according to your wishes:
gastronomic market
waterfalls and trekking, bikes (7 USD per person)
thermal waters (8 USD per person)
butterfly museum, serpentarium, etc. (8 USD per person)
2 nights at Hotel Cabanas los Colibris 3*
See you soon in Panama!
Vallée d'Antón → Panama City
In the morning, you will pass through Panama City and its colonial center.
Panama City → Aéroport Tocumen
You will then head to the Tocumen International Airport, where you will return your rental car directly before your return flight.
Price per person
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
- Travel Insurance
- Everything not listed under "This price includes"
Included
- 5 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar, with breakfast included
- 2 nights in ecolodge on Bayano Lake, all-inclusive
- Car rental type Hyundai TUCSON with full insurance
- Following excursions: canal and Gamboa with English-speaking guide
- Private Transfer for Your Arrival
- English-speaking telephone support
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.
The information below applies to travelers from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Panama for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Panama, your passport must be valid for at least three months after your entry date and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 180 days upon entry to the territory, at the discretion of Panamanian immigration authorities.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay (generally USD 500 or equivalent),
a hotel reservation for the duration of the stay.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Panama from France, Switzerland or Canada, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required on entry.
As a precaution, it is recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure. The following vaccinations are generally advised:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
update of routine vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis).
Malaria precautions may be recommended in certain rural or forested areas. Consult a healthcare professional to assess the risk according to your itinerary.
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Panama in their country of residence.
To take part in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for you to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the traveller is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The traveller must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel 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 insuranceFrequently 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.
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
