At a Glance
Click each day for more details.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Day 5: Portobelo - Relax & rejuvenate with a couples' massage
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Day 10: Panama City - Departure
Take a private transfer to the airport to begin your international journey home.