Duration: 9 days

*Price Range: $$$

*Rates inclusive of full vacation experience – hotels, tours, domestic transfers, and tax (excluding international airfare).  Actual price based on length of travel, number of travelers/rooms, seasonal rates (high, low, peak), number of tour activities, and mode of domestic transportation.

$$$: At or under $1,200 per person.

$$$: $1,200 – $1,800 per person.

$$$: $1,800+ per person

1. Day 1

   Fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY) where one of our local airport representatives will meet you as you exit your plane and guide you through an expedited immigration process.  They will show you to the VIP Lounge where you can enjoy snacks and drinks while they collect your luggage for you.  Once you are ready, the airport representative will guide you to your private transfer waiting outside the airport.  On your way to your first hotel, enjoy a historic tour of Panama Viejo and Casco Viejo.  After learning about Casco Viejo’s history, check into Las Clementinas, an early 1900s apartment building converted into a boutique hotel.  This intimate, top-rate hotel also hosts a small cafe and bistro serving delicious meals.  Enjoy dinner here this evening followed by drinks on the rooftop terrace overlooking the city.

2. Day 2

   After breakfast you’ll have the chance to experience one of the Modern World Wonders by either enjoying a transit through the Panama Canal or by visiting Miraflores Locks Visitor Center.  The guided canal transit is on a passenger ferry and can be a partial (6-7 hours) of ocean-to-ocean, full-day transit (10-12 hours).  Alternatively, you can witness large vessels navigate through Miraflores Locks and learn the history and engineering of the canal at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center.  In the afternoon visit the Biodiversity Museum to learn how the Panama isthmus was created and the variety of native and migratory species that can be found in Panama.  Return to Casco Viejo to walk around the cobblestone streets in search of artisan crafts, cozy cafes, or trendy rooftop bars.  Enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of Casco Viejo’s many restaurants and search for live music to dance the night away.

3. Day 3

   After breakfast you’ll take a private transfer to Albrook Airport in Panama City, where you’ll fly to David located in Western Panama.  A driver will be waiting for you at David Airport and will transfer you one-hour to Boquete, a quaint mountain town known for some of the best coffee in the world.  Located just outside the center of Boquete is a charming, boutique hotel called Boquete Garden Inn.  This small, intimate hotel sits less than 5 minutes from Boquete, offering the best of both worlds – easy access to restaurants and cafes in town and peaceful serenity by not being in the center of all the commotion.  After lunch in one of many local restaurants, enjoy an afternoon coffee tour to learn the entire production process from harvesting and roasting to sampling different brews.  Enjoy a delicious, gourmet dinner at a top-rated restaurant, The Rock, located just outside of town and down the road from Boquete Garden Inn.

4. Day 4

   Fuel up with a three-course breakfast while watching countless birds and butterflies within beautiful, manicured gardens.  After breakfast you’ll head to The Lost Waterfalls for a moderate-to-challenging hike to a set of three picturesque waterfalls.  Keep a watchful eye out for howler monkeys, sloths, quetzals, and the elusive tapir.  After a refreshing swim in the waterfall pools, return to Boquete Garden Inn to change and enjoy lunch in town.  Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring local shops or do a honey tour and tasting at Boquete Bees.  Enjoy dinner in town and an early night in preparation for the next day’s earlier start.

5. Day 5

   Wake up at 3:30am and depart on an extreme 4×4 off road ride up Baru Volcano in time to see the sunrise from the highest point in Panama.  You’ll have gorgeous panoramic views from 11,398 feet with the possibility of seeing both oceans from a single point on a clear day.  It’s a bumpy and adventurous ride that’s extremely rewarding.  In the afternoon head to Boquete Tree Trek to hike along 8 suspension bridges while learning about the cloud forest flora and fauna.  Adventure seekers can then fly through the treetops on 12 different canopy zip-lines.  Return to Boquete Garden Inn for happy hour cocktails and enjoy your final dinner in town this evening at the award-winning, historical Panamonte Hotel.

6. Day 6

   After your final breakfast at Boquete Garden Inn, you’ll take a two hour transfer south to Boca Chica.  Isla Palenque will be waiting for you upon arrival to Boca Chica for you boat ride over to Isla Palenque, a 400-acre private island oasis.  Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing towel and tropical welcome drink while being introduced to the property and activities available at the hotel.  Wander around the property to become better acquainted with the beaches, hiking trails, and amenities offered at this tropical paradise. This evening enjoy a romantic, candlelit dinner with fresh catch-of-the-day seafood expertly prepared by the local chef.  Retreat to your beachfront casita and fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping against the shore.

7. Day 7

   Today you’ll discover the other beautiful islands that dot the Gulf of Chirique –  Isla Bolanos, Isla Gamez, Playa Grande or Islas Secas.  As you make your way to these picturesque islands, keep a watchful eye out for dolphins, whales, and giant sea turtles.  Snorkel off these white sandy beaches and enjoy a picnic lunch, cocktails, and beer.  Return to Isla Palenque in time to watch the sunset and enjoy another delicious candlelit dinner.

8. Day 8

   Enjoy your last full day relaxing at Isla Palenque.  Lounge alongside the infinity pool while sipping on different frozen beverage concoctions.  Swim in the calm bay waters around the island or grab a kayak or stand-up paddle board for more adventure  For those interested in being a bit more active, there are a number of hikes available to explore local indigenous villages, wildlife, and scenic lookout points.

9. Day 9

   Return to David airstrip (1 hour) for your domestic flight back to Panama City.  Fly home from  Tocumen International Airport (PTY).