Day 1
ARRIVAL
Upon arrival into Panama City you are met by your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Panama City.

Day 2
PANAMA CITY
Take a private tour today of Panama City and the Panama Canal. Depart with your private guide to Panama Viejo, the first city founded on the isthmus by the Spanish at the beginning of colonization. Then, head for Panama's second colonial city, Casco Viejo, which was built in 1673. The architecture here consists of colonial French, Italian, American, and Spanish styles. Afterwards, stop for lunch at a local establishment on the Amador Causeway overlooking the Panama Canal. Following lunch, make your way over to the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal. Here you may observe ships entering and navigating the lock system as well as explore the museum and interpretive center which covers the Canal's history. Return to the hotel this afternoon.

Evening on your own to explore Panama City.

Day 3
BOQUETE
Today you fly from Panama City to the small city of David where you are met and driven to the beautiful valley of Boquete.

Boquete is surrounded by immense natural beauty, including Baru Volcano National Park, "La Amistad" International Park extending into the neighboring country of Costa Rica, and its own inactive volcano. The area is known for its lush mountain scenic views, vegetation and bird life.

Overnight at a local inn and spa, situated on the fringe of the town of Boquete allowing for easy access to shopping and mingling at the local markets. Best described as a home away from home, the inn retains much of its old world charm. With a cocktail lounge, two roaring log fireplaces, and dining room serving exquisite local dishes infused with locally grown herbs.

Beaches on the Pacific side are just an hour drive away and you can reach the Caribbean beaches within two hours. The area places great emphasis on eco-tourism.

Day 4
BOQUETE
Today you have the option to go on a guided birding hike or whitewater rafting in Chirqui.

Rafting option:
Your trip starts in the town of David (province of Chiriqui) then takes you into the mountains on the border of Panama and Costa Rica. On your way to the river admire spectacular views of this region. This is an exciting river with consecutive rapids in the Class 4 range. Lunch is served at La Deslisadora (The Slide), where swimming and a rest restores you for the final descent.

Birding option:
Wake up early to meet your guide and drive to Volcan Baru for highland birding where you look for timberline species such as Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Silvery-throated Jay, Black-faced Solitaire and the Barred Becard and possibly a Resplendent Quetzal.

Day 5
BOCAS DEL TORO
Transfer from Boquete to Willie Mazu Nature Ranch at the base of the Palo Seco Forest Reserve (1.5 hour drive). This beautiful nature ranch lies on 20 acres bordering the Palo Seco Forest Reserve. There is a large and very relaxing palapa, or thatched umbrella, which serves as a wildlife observation station. Incredible tropical flowers surrounding the palapa attract many different species of birds. Relax in one of the hammocks as hummingbirds streak past you chasing off unwanted competitors. There are several groomed rock trails throughout the property surrounded by lush rainforest, mountain streams and tropical flowers. After exploring the facility, take a refreshing dip in the cascading rock pools.

Afterwards, drive to Chiriqui Grande where you take a short boat ride to Tranquilo Bay Resort on the island of Bastimentos in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. The island is mostly jungle with no roads, cars or airstrips. There are native Indian villages, a small town, a national marine park, a few small developments, and individual home sites. Wildlife in the lowlands of Bocas del Toro includes species endemic to the region such as white-faced capuchins, night monkeys, two and three toed sloths, conejo pintado, margays, armadillos, exotic birds, bats, turtles, caimans, frogs, lizards, butterflies, and rare tropical insects. The park is also home to thousands of plant species including hardwoods, forest palms, vines, brophytes, ferns, bromeliads, orchids among others.

This area is a nesting site for four species of sea turtle the spectacular landscape includes large rock faces, coves and inlets, spring fed creeks, offshore rock outcroppings and long stretches of beach. Just offshore from the island you find dramatic marine topography creating shelter for over 200 species of tropical fish.

On the southern tip of Isla Bastimentos is a peninsula called Macca Bite, named after the Macaw parrots. Your luxury hotel here consists of six air conditioned cabanas, a nice restaurant and beautiful views.

Days 6-8
BOCAS DEL TORO
Here there are wonderful opportunities for beach combing, birding, exploring or just laying back to take in the cool ocean breeze. You may also fish, snorkel, kayak and surf around the many reefs and lagoons.

Day 9
PANAMA CITY
Transfer by boat from Tranquilo Bay to the town of Bocas where you meet your flight to Panama City. Upon arrival you are met for your private transfer to the hotel.

 
Day 10
DEPART
Depart Tocumen International Airport on your international flight home.

NOTE: This is just one example of many custom itineraries we can do for you in this diverse country.

GENERAL INFORMATION

2007 Price:
   $3,125 per person double occupancy
   $985 single supplement fee
   Price based on minimum 2 adults, maximum 12 adults

Tour Includes:
Ground transfers; internal air in Panama; accommodation; meals as mentioned in the itinerary; nonalcoholic beverages, Panamanian beer, house South American wine, Panamanian rum; daily activities as designated in the itinerary (all excursions are semi-private and are scheduled based upon supply, demand, appropriate conditions and guest preferences).

Tour Excludes:
Intercontinental airfare; medical immunizations; meals and alcoholic beverages other than what is stated in inclusions; laundry; passport and visa fees; accident/baggage/cancellation insurance; excursions deviating from the scheduled tour; excess baggage charges; medical expenses; all gratuities throughout; telephone or fax charges; room service; and other items of a purely personal nature.

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