Self drive holiday to Panama | 3-weeks individual trip | Highlights Panama
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Titel
country Panama
duration 20 nights
money 2.438,78 The price per person is US $ 2595 based on 2 people money

Discover the highlights of Panama in 3 weeks

Panama truly offers all the ingredients for your perfect holiday! Vibrant  Panama City offers everything you are looking for in a modern city and this metropolis is called the ‘Hong Kong’ of Central America for a reason. Explore this city and discover how much it has to offer.
Our 3-week tour is very varied; you travel from Panama City to the countryside in the north of the country. On your way there you will pass through charming villages where you still can see and feel the real Panama and get to know the locals.

Panama is also known for its beautiful nature and adventure. Go hiking along waterfalls, book a canopy tour to explore the jungle or spot toucans and parrots during hikes you in the national parks. There is also more than enough room for relaxation during this journey. You will spend the night on a deserted peninsula in Boca Chica, where you can enjoy the exotic surroundings and the pristine beaches. The beautiful beaches of Bocas del Toro are the perfect place to relax before flying home again.

  • Tropical beaches, Hiking in the mountains
  • Pristine jungle
  • Meet the Indians of Panama
  • UNESCO World Heritage
  • Rental car 13 days Hyundai Creta 4x2 with full cover
  • All transfers and domestic flight
  • Meals as shown

Panama City

duration 2 nights
attribute Own kitchen
attribute Hotel

Panama City

duration 2 nights
attribute Own kitchen
attribute Hotel

Panama City has a lot to offer its visitors. Of course, there is the Canal, but there’s also a lot of nature and jungle in and around the city. The skyscrapers in the new part of the city are a great contrast to Casco Viejo, the old city centre that is now UNESCO World Heritage.

In Casco Viejo, you find a mix of architectural styles that reflects the cultural diversity of the city throughout the centuries. Beautiful buildings in Art Deco or French colonial style line the streets. The neighbourhood has undergone a metamorphosis in recent years and is increasingly becoming the bustling cultural centre of the city. You will spend the night in the middle of this neighbourhood. From your hotel, you best explore the neighbourhood on foot. Visit the Metropolitana Cathedral, the National Theater and the church of La Merced and after all the exploring, relax with a drink at one of the many cafe’s.

Panama City is still the city of the Canal. Visit the Miraflores locks or climb the Cerro Ancon, for a beautiful view of the city and the canal. Close to Casco Viejo you also find the Metropolitan national park, where you can enjoy the jungle in the city. A little further away is the Soberania national park, a must-visit for birdwatchers. If you like, you can even stay the night here.

El Valle de Anton

duration 3 nights
attribute Own kitchen
attribute Cabin

El Valle de Anton

duration 3 nights
attribute Own kitchen
attribute Cabin

This picturesque village is located in the second largest crater in the world and is a popular destination to escape the bustle of Panama City. Nature surrounds you here, at only two hours from the city.

El Valle de Anton is great for hikers, nature lovers and birdwatchers. You can explore the forests and mountains, for instance by following the “La India Dormida” path (the sleeping Indian). You will encounter farmers and students who walk this path daily. Once you return, take a refreshing dive in one of the waterfalls and/or relax in a hot spring.

If you are a birdwatcher, prepare to spot several of the more than 300 bird species found in the area. There’s a good chance you see them in the Cerro Gaital national park, but also in the garden of your own cabaña.

You stay in comfortable cabañas within walking distance of the town centre. Breakfast is not included, but the friendly owners can recommend you various places for breakfast, or you prepare it yourself.

Pedasí

duration 3 nights
attribute Hotel
attribute Breakfast
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Pedasí

duration 3 nights
attribute Hotel
attribute Breakfast

The small and charming town of Pedasí is the birthplace of the first female Panamanian president, Mireya Moscoso (1999-2004). Partly due to her efforts, the town has turned from a sleeping fishing village into a beautiful and authentic travel destination.

The colonial history of this town can be found in the many cultural and traditional activities and festivities, where the women wear traditional costumes (pollera) and men wear traditional sandals and black and white hats.

Pedasí is surrounded by beautiful nature and there are lots of things to do. Relax on one of the white, pristine beaches, where you can easily spend a day without meeting other travellers. You can also visit Iguana Island in the Vida Silvestre Isla Iguana Reserve. You can snorkel to a coral reef where, among others, rays, eels and turtles live. Between June and November, you can spot humpback whales. The island has two beautiful beaches and keeps an eye out for the black iguana after which the island is named.

Isla Cañas is a 1.5-hour drive from Pedasí. In the period from July to October, no less than 5 (!) different turtle species lay their eggs on the 13 km wide beach of the island. You can book an evening tour to experience this unique spectacle.

Santa Fé

duration 2 nights
attribute Hotel
attribute Breakfast

Santa Fé

duration 2 nights
attribute Hotel
attribute Breakfast

The town of Santa Fé is a small and quiet place in the highlands of Panama. It is surrounded by the rainforests of the Santa Fé national park. The area is known for its charm, fresh air and beautiful surroundings with rivers and more than 20 impressive waterfalls. It is still relatively undiscovered compared to the more famous mountain villages of Boquete and El Valle de Anton.

Santa Fé a paradise for everyone who loves nature. You can explore the great nature reserve of “Alto de Piedra”. Another option is to hike to Las Brujas and Cerro Tute. The paths run through both primary and secondary forest, past fields and waterfalls. Chances are that you will encounter toucans, parrots and other tropical birds along the way. At the edge of the city, you can take a refreshing dip in the Lajas river.

Additional things to do in the area include a visit to an organic coffee plantation or an orchid farm.  Locally grown fruits and vegetables, and genuine Ngöbe-Buglé handicrafts you shop at the local market in the centre of the village.

 

Boca Chica

duration 2 nights
attribute Lodge
attribute All meals
attribute Transport
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Boca Chica

duration 2 nights
attribute Lodge
attribute All meals
attribute Transport

The coast around Boca Chica is truly unspoilt.  Here and there are a few small villages, but the area consists mainly of deserted bays with beautiful sandy beaches that are surrounded by jungle.

Your stay on an uninhabited peninsula will make a visit to Boca Chica an unforgettable experience. The peninsula is a mix of pristine beaches and jungle with exotic plants and animals. The friendly hotel owner will warmly welcome you and entertain you with his stories and excellent cooking skills.

Boca Chica is the ultimate place to relax. Enjoy reading a book on the beach or on the hotel’s terrace. Go swimming or snorkelling around coral reefs. Explore the island and spot monkeys in the trees or turtles on the beach. You can go on a boat trip to spot whales or dolphins, but you can also kayak, surf or sail.

Boquete

duration 3 nights
attribute Hotel
attribute Breakfast
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Boquete

duration 3 nights
attribute Hotel
attribute Breakfast

The mountain village of Boquete is known for its pleasant climate, good coffee, tropical flowers, citrus fruits and many vegetables. The town was founded in 1911 by mainly Europeans, who regarded the location as their perfect new home.  Boquete has now become one of the most important agricultural areas of Panama and produces the best coffee in the world.

Panama’s only volcano, Baru, is also located in this area. Take a walk to the top and enjoy the fantastic views; when the weather is clear, you can see the two oceans! Oh and if you leave early enough, you’ll most probably enjoy a beautiful sunrise.

Around Boquete, if you’re lucky, you can also spot the Quetzal, the most beautiful bird in Central America. On one of the many coffee plantations you can see how the coffee is actually made. Take a horseback ride through the beautiful surroundings, view the botanical gardens or visit the hot springs. Sports enthusiasts can also go rafting, climbing or canoeing in Boquete.

Bocas del Toro

duration 3 nights
attribute Lodge
attribute Breakfast

Bocas del Toro

duration 3 nights
attribute Lodge
attribute Breakfast

Bocas del Toro has become one of the most famous travel destinations in Panama, and with good reason. Here you find a great island vibe and the ultimate, relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.

Bocas offers numerous small shops, cozy restaurants and beautiful beaches. In addition you can snorkel and surf or explore mangrove forests and the jungle on the mainland nearby.

Your hotel is located on Isla Bastimentos, a smaller island close to the busier main island of Colon. Here you will not only find Red Frog Beach, but also mangrove forests and sea turtles. On other beaches it is possible to surf, snorkel, dive or kayak.
Travelling to other islands is easy and goes by watertaxi. The main island of Isla Colon is the largest and most developed island. Brightly  colored wooden houses exude the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere and you will definitely find a wide range of nice restaurants here.

A personal recommendation from Edventure: get on Colon’s most used means of transport, the beach cruiser, and cycle in forty minutes to the beautiful Playa Bluff on the other side of the island. View starfish on the beach at Boca del Drago.
Oh and do not forget to make a day trip to Red Frog Beach, where you can find small, red poisonous frogs. Or go dolphin spotting in Dolphin Bay.  With a bit of luck they will swim around your boat!

Panama City

duration 2 nights
attribute Hotel
attribute Own kitchen

Panama City

duration 2 nights
attribute Hotel
attribute Own kitchen

Before flying back home, you will spend the last two days in Panama City again. Now you can book excursions you didn’t have time for at the start of your trip and relax on the terraces in Casco Viejo before stepping on the plane.

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Gerard S.

The trip to Bocas went smoothly. Nice cabins over the water. Lots of snorkelling and swimming. Seen an Indian settlement during a beach walk and they had just caught a huge fish! Our stay in Panama City was short but interesting. A visit to Casco Viejo and the lock complex of Miraflores was particularly worthwhile. Panama Viejo was also nice because of its ruins.  The trip and locations were fantastic. Thank you for the excellent organization!

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Nel and Egbert

In Panama City our hotel was nice. It was especially special to be in the city and to see the Canal, the old town, etc. We then flew to Bocas del Toro which was great. The excursion to the mangrove island was amazing! It was so beautiful there and a wonderful lodge. They cook delicious!

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Bernard and Nicoline

The ride to Boca Chica by public transport went well. We had bought tickets for seats on a double-decker bus, which was a nice ride with an occasional stopover and on time at the intersection in Horconsitos. In Boca Chica, the boat was already ready to take us to Pacific Bay Resort. A half-hour trip to ‘Paradise Island’. Beautiful place, beautiful bays, perfect houses, a great restaurant, extremely friendly and helpful staff, in short, fantastic!!!

Tip from Linda

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Tip from Linda

When you are flying to Panama from Europe, it maybe helps to know that KLM is offering direct flights from Amsterdam! If you can use some help with booking competitively priced tickets, you can contact our (independent) partner without any obligation, Manon Eeken.

Once in Panama we will arrange all transportation for you, including rental car, (airport) shuttles and/or a domestic flight.

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What can you see and experience in a 3-week tour around Panama?

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