+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Linking the Central American Isthmus with the vast lands of South America, Panama lies sandwiched between the waters of the Pacific and the Caribbean. An enviable combination of colonial history, indigenous cultures and spectacular natural beauty, it is fast rivaling neighbouring Costa Rica as one of the region s best eco-tourism destinations. Beginning in Panama City, your adventure begins amongst one of Central America s most captivating cities, where history, culture and chic go hand in hand. You ll have a chance to explore its old town and take in the engineering genius of the Panama Canal, before then flying on to the beautiful Chiriqui Highlands. Bird walks, coffee and volcanoes are then followed by a visit to the Caribbean splendours of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Heading into the tribal homelands of the Kuna and the Embera, you ll then explore the starkly contrasting landscapes of the Darian Gap and the idyllic San Blas Islands, where priceless interaction and pristine golden beaches provide a fitting end to this stunningly rich and diverse adventure. HIGHLIGHTS: Panama City and the remarkable Panama Canal Take in the views of the Pacific and the Atlantic from the top of Baru Volcano Hike through some of the most biodiverse landscapes on earth Meet the Kuna and Embera Indians Enjoy the stunning reefs and beaches of the San Blas Islands TOUR INCLUDES: 9 nights in three to four star accommodation Two domestic flights in economy class 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private or shared basis Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: PANAMA CITY Founded by the Spanish at the beginning of the 16th century, Panama City is the capital and largest city in the country. A fascinating mix of colonial history, indigenous culture and cosmopolitan chic, the city provides us with an absorbing introduction to Panama's richly diverse treasures. On arrival you'll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city's downtown area. DAY 2: PANAMA CITY A full day's tour of the city today provides an opportunity to discover some of the highlights of one of Latin America's historic gems. We'll take in the highlights of the old city including the World Heritage setting of the Casco Viejo, before driving out to Miraflores to view the remarkable engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal. Timing our visit to watch one of the impressively large ships passing through the lock, we'll then head up to the top of Cerro Ancon to enjoy the panoramic views, before visiting a local market en route back to the hotel. (B) DAY 3: PANAMA CITY - BOQUETE An early flight this morning takes us on to Panama's western provinces, and the city of San José de David, from where you'll transfer into the Chiriqui Highlands surrounding Boquete. Close to the border with Costa Rica, these lush forests are home to a stunning diversity of birdlife and today there is an option to join a hike through the foothills in search of some of the region's abundant avian species. Another option is to visit the hot springs at Caldera, whose reputed healing waters have some of the highest mineral content of any hot springs anywhere in the world. (B) DAY 4: BOQUETE - BOCAS DEL TORO A sunrise jeep tour up to the summit of Baru Volcano provides an off-road adventure to the highest point in the country. From up here you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and the journey up there takes you through a stunningly diverse landscape packed with a rich array of plants, birds and animals. This afternoon then offers a chance to visit a local organic coffee farm, to learn about the cultivation and processing of some of the finest coffee in the country, before transferring on to Bocas del Toro on Panama's northern Caribbean coast. (B)
DAY 5: BOCAS DEL TORO Bocas del Toro Province is home to some of the largest rainforests in Central America. Covering over 4,600 square kilometres, it extends from the mainland and across a beautiful archipelago of islands, cays and inlets that encompass one of the most biologically diverse regions on earth. Today you'll have a chance to hike amongst the beautifully protected landscapes of Bastimentos Island, exploring the jungles, beaches and small settlements that lie scattered across this stunning reserve. (B,L) DAY 6: BOCAS DEL TORO - PANAMA CITY An early flight this morning takes you back to Panama City, where there are a choice of excursions on offer. One option is a trip out to the El Valle caldera, a beautiful wonderland of tropical forests and waterfalls that occupies the crater of an extinct volcano. One of the last habitats of the endangered Panamanian golden frog, the area is also home to a zoo, a snake centre and a butterfly farm. Alternatively, you could head over to the Isla Grande to enjoy its Caribbean beaches, or pay a visit to the impressive San Lorenzo Fort, a relic of Panama's turbulent colonial past. (B) DAY 7: PANAMA CITY - EMBERA - PANAMA CITY Occupying the eastern end of the country, the Darian Gap is the gateway into some of Panama's wildest regions. Home to the Kuna and Embera people, this vast swathe of swampland and mountainous rainforest is one of the country's most unique cultural destinations and a visit to the remote settlements of the Embera provides a chance to not only experience their traditions and cuisine, but also to help support local community projects. A hike and a swim in the forest also provides opportunities to look for monkeys, wetland birds and bats, before returning to Panama City. (B,L) DAY 8: PANAMA CITY - SAN BLAS ISLANDS A stunning paradise of palm fringed islands and golden beaches, the San Blas Islands lie scattered across an archipelago that encompasses some 100 square miles of Caribbean waters. Inhabited by the fiercely independent Kuna Indians, the islands provide some priceless opportunities for local interaction and breathtaking snorkelling. Travelling there by 4x4 today, you'll take a boat across to your island hotel, where you'll spend the next two nights. (B,L,D) DAY 9: SAN BLAS ISLANDS You'll enjoy a full day of activities amongst these idyllic islands today, with a number of options available including fishing, snorkelling, community visits and sailing. These islands are ringed by some of the oldest reefs in the world and the Kuna themselves are famed for their arts and crafts. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: SAN BLAS - PANAMA CITY Returning to Panama City today, you'll be transferred to the airport in time for your return flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION BOCAS DEL TORO RED FROG BUNGALOWS Red Frog Beach Resort is located on one of the most stunning beaches in Panama, with two storey comfortable bungalows set in the quiet jungle surrounds. The Red Frog Cantina serves up good food and has a games room plus bar attached. Activites on offer include surfing, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, ziplining and dolphin watching. This is the most highly recommended accommodation on the island. BOQUETE FINCA LERIDA Finca Lerida is a great 23 room boutique hotel set amongst the Chiriqui highlands but just ten minutes from Boquete town. This is a haven for birdwatching, hiking and coffee tours, with a plantation surrounding the hotel's borders. There is also easy access to Baru Volcano through the nearby forests. Monniche restaurant serves up wonderful local cuisine with magnificent views of the surrounding area. PANAMA CITY TOSCANNA INN Toscanna Inn is in a stylish area of downtown Panama City, just one block from the main shopping street and close to the old town. It is a large hotel with comfortable air-conditioned ensuite rooms. Los Girasoles is the on site restaurant serving Panamanian and international cuisine. Overall a good value option with a high level of customer service. SAN BLAS ISLANDS YANDUP ISLAND LODGE Yandup Island Lodge adds a little luxury to your rustic island adventure in the San Blas Island archipelago. Located right in the middle of the San Blas island archipelago, the Island Lodge offers a total of 10 cabanas well-spaced out over the island to offer a degree of privacy. Six of the cabanas are built out over the water, while the other four are built on the shore. All cabanas offer magnificent views of the ocean and surrounding uninhabited islands. Lodges also include spacious rooms with comfy queen or double poster beds, hammocks and private bathrooms with hot showers as well as flush toilets. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com