Castaway Romance: Panama's Private Isles

Name: Castaway Romance: Panama's Private Isles
Brand: Panama
Price: 5000.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Trip Type

Romantic

Length

10 Days / 9 Nights

When to Go

Year-Round

Intimate island indulgences

It’s hard to believe that so much beauty and diversity can be found in such a tiny country. Begin in Panama City, where you’ll discover a vibrant culinary scene, and wander the maze of back streets in its Old Quarter, one of the city’s most lively and unusual places. Cross an item off your bucket list with a Panama Canal cruise, and retreat an exquisite hideaway near the charming seaport town of Colón. Next, jet off to your very own modern-day Eden, a private island in the Gulf of Chiriquí. Here, uncover unspoiled landscapes, tranquil bays and hidden coves, navigating by kayak, panga and your own two feet. Each night, return to your luxe beachfront bungalow and allow the sound of the waves lapping at the shore to lull you into a tropical trance. Come play castaway and get away from it all.

Trip Highlights

lush jungle & deserted beaches • Casco Viejo culinary & walking tour • Panama Canal full transit • jungle cruise on Gatún Lake • couples' massage • day on a private island • sea kayaking • private candlelit beach dinner • beach time

similar trips per person from:

$5,000.00 low season (May - Oct)

$5,575.00 high season (Nov - Apr)

prices vary based on departure season.

At a Glance

Click each day for more details.

Day 1: Panama City - Arrival

Arrive to Central America’s answer to New York – the stunningly modern seaside metropolis of Panama City. You'll be met by a driver to whisk you away to the American Trade Hotel, a luxurious oasis in the heart of the city's colonial Casco Viejo neighborhood. Settle in for some rest and relaxation after a long travel day, or get out to explore Casco Viejo’s charming cobblestone streets on foot.
Day 2: Panama City - Discover Panama City's culinary scene in historic Casco Viejo

Begin your day with a guided walking tour through Casco Viejo, Panama City’s “Old Town”. Wander cobblestone streets, marveling at the beautiful colonial architecture and plazas, as you learn about the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, discover an impressive feat of engineering at the world-famous Panama Canal, where you will watch ships transit from the viewing platform at Miraflores Locks.
Day 3: Panama City to Portobelo - Cruise the Panama Canal and encounter jungle splendor on a cruise of Gatún Lake

Today is all about the wonders of the rainforest. Travel along the scenic Gamboa Road to the Soberania National Park for a walk along Pipeline Road, an area known for rich and varied flora and fauna - monkeys, sloths, white-nosed coatis, toucans, and hundreds of tropical bird species. After the hike, head out on a boat cruise of Gatún Lake, a haven for wildlife and tropical forest, and much more than just a waterway which container ships pass through. Keep an eye out for spectacled caiman, green iguana, fresh water turtles, monkeys, sloth and various water birds. End your day at El Otro Lado, a private retreat situated in an exceptional enclave of Portobelo Bay. Check into your unique and eclectically-appointed Sea House casita, and settle in for a relaxing evening.
Day 4: Portobelo - Serene jungle surroundings

Reconnect with one another at El Otro Lado hotel in Portobelo bay, which boasts a peaceful infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean and some of the best ceviche you've ever tasted. Explore both the land and sea with a picnic on a deserted island, take a kayak or a paddle board out for a spin, or simply kick back, relax and enjoy your stay.
Day 5: Portobelo - Relax & rejuvenate with a couples' massage
Day 6: Portobelo to Isla Palenque - Find Pacific beachy bliss

After breakfast, return to Panama City to catch a quick puddle-jumper flight bound for David, in Panama’s Chiriqui region. Upon landing, a driver will be waiting to whisk you away to a scenic private island resort set amidst 400 acres of enchanting jungle. With eight private casitas interspersed throughout the forest, this secluded retreat allows only a select few visitors at a time. Each suite has a comfortable open-air lounge, expansive indoor-outdoor bathroom, and spacious private garden with hammocks, and an outdoor bath and shower, while the main lodge features an infinity pool, full service spa, and delectable restaurant that serves locally and internationally inspired farm-to-table fare.
Day 7: Isla Palenque - Escape to paradise on private Isla San José for a day of white sand beaches, crystal waters, a romantic picnic, and not another soul in sight

Hop over to nearby Isla San José to live out a castaway desert island fantasy. The little island is completely uninhabited; you’ll have its beautiful beaches and waters all to yourselves, with not another soul in sight. Eat a romantic picnic lunch complete with a bottle of sparkling wine for a truly special and intimate experience in far-flung tropical paradise.
Day 8: Isla Palenque - Explore the island via kayak; dine on the beach by candlelight

After a hearty breakfast, jump in a kayak and paddle out to the island’s mangrove-lined northeast coast. Paddling through the mangroves and along rocky coastline, explore this enigmatic ecosystem where rainforest meets ocean, and learn about its importance for marine life from your naturalist guide. Then, find yourself at one of Isla Palenque’s most enchanting natural attractions – a shallow sand-bottomed cave, home to a tiny species of insectivorous bat – before making your way back to the lodge.

Dinner tonight will be unforgettable. At a private table for two on the beach, you’ll dine by candlelight as the sun dips below the horizon and the stars come out above you.
Day 9: Isla Palenque to Panama City - A parting glance

After a last walk on the sand, embark on a ground transfer to David, where you’ll catch a domestic flight bound for Panama City. Check in once more to the beautiful American Trade Hotel, and spend the evening delighting in the vibrant culinary scene that this area is known for.
Day 10: Panama City - Departure

Take a private transfer to the airport to begin your international journey home.

Accommodations

American Trade Hotel, Panama

Located in the heart of Panama City’s charming old town, Casco Viejo, the American Trade Hotel blends into its surroundings with canopied windows and graceful balustrades topped with ornamental trees. Inside, it combines classic mid-20th century style and Art Deco flair with modern amenities, including a rooftop pool, an onsite café that serves coffee made from beans grown and roasted in Panama, and the much loved place-to-be-seen where visitors and locals unite, Danilo’s Jazz Club. View hotel website.

El Otro Lado Retreat, Colón

Located near the seaport city of Colón on Panama’s Caribbean side, this vibrant property, bursting with luxury, atmosphere and color, is tucked between luscious rainforest and turquoise ocean. El Otro Lado takes advantage of its prime natural real estate, offering a vast array of water and culturally-rich activities, along with a brilliant menu that combines Caribbean and international cuisine. View hotel website.

Isla Palenque, Boca Chica

On an exclusive private island resort set amidst 400 acres of enchanting jungle, Isla Palenque Resort is the perfect place to enjoy our own private piece of Panama. With eight private casitas interspersed throughout the forest, this secluded retreat allows only a select few visitors at a time. Each suite has a comfortable open-air lounge, expansive indoor-outdoor bathroom, and spacious private garden with hammocks, and an outdoor bath and shower, while the main lodge features an infinity pool, full service spa, and delectable restaurant that serves locally and internationally inspired farm-to-table fare. View hotel website

What's Included?

Your trip includes everything you want & need, plus a few surprises along the way. Unique, unforgettable destinations; tours with local experts; authentic local cuisine; lessons, demonstrations & new cultural insights; more adventure than you can handle; blissful relaxation; romantic touches; and a feeling of total freedom. ROAM takes care of everything so that you can enjoy a hassle-free journey without worrying about a thing.

Airport pickup
All hotel accommodation
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Detailed maps and trip preparation guide
All special events and tours
All vehicle and regional air transportation from rendezvous to drop-off
All baggage transportation
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service

Know Before You Go

Itinerary prices are dependent on season of departure. Christmas, New Years and Easter (Semana Santa) are peak season, and prices during these periods are significantlky higher than other times of year. High season runs from November through April, and green season from May through September.
Arrival: hotel check-in times are at 3:00pm, but you may arrive at any time during the day. If you arrive prior to the scheduled check-in time, we will arrange for early check-in wherever possible.
Departure: hotel check-out times are at 9:00am. International flights on your departure day should be arranged to depart after 1:30pm.
All prices in USD.
For vaccination recommendations, please visit the CDC website.
For American, Canadian, and British citizens, a valid passport with 6+ months remaining is required for entry to Panama.
Debit cards may not work in Central America, but most establishments accept major credit cards.
Please ensure you have immediate access to a minimum of USD $250 as an emergency fund to be used if circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster) require changes to your planned route.
If departing Panama by air, all major airlines include exit taxes (USD $40) in the price of your airfare.
It is customary to tip service providers (waiters) around 10% depending on service. Tipping taxi drivers is not required.
Gratuities for guides and drivers are deeply appreciated, and provide an important supplement to their income. If you are pleased with the tour services you've received, a guideline for tipping in Central America is USD $8-10 per person per day for multiple-day tours, or USD $5-10 per person for day tours.

Terms & Conditions: By reserving your space with registration and payment, you are agreeing to the policies, terms and conditions in our Terms & Conditions Agreement.

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Getting There

From North America: several airlines offer direct and connecting flights to Panama’s international airport: Tocumen International Airport in Panama City (airport code: PTY). Including connection time, flights from the USA typically range from 2.5-9 hours in duration, while most flights from Canada range from 9-15 hours in duration.

From the UK: there are currently no direct flights to Panama from the UK, but there are several flight options connecting in the United States and/or Canada. Including connection time, flights from the UK typically range from 12-18 hours in duration.

When you arrive in PTY, there will be an airport transfer waiting to take you to your first destination. If you have questions about flights, or require assistance booking, please contact us here. We're here to help!