Panama In Comfort

Itinerary

• Panama

  Panama is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on an isthmus, it connects the north and south part of America. It is bordered by Costa Rica to the north-west and Colombia to the south-east. Panama enjoys a rich Pre-Columbian heritage of native populations whose presence stretched back over 11,000 years. The country is best known for the US-built Panama Canal that was opened in 1914, and turned over to Panama in 1999. Small and amazingly diverse, Panama makes it possible for a traveler to visit not only two different oceans in one day, but be able to combine in less than a week a diversified natural experience (white sand beaches, cloud or rain forest, mountains or valleys) with a wide range of cultural experiences (seven Indian tribes, Afroantillian and Spanish Colonial culture, several historic monuments and a 300 year old World Heritage Site called Casco Antiguo (often referred as Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo, San Felipe or Catedral).

• Boquete

  The popular resort town of Boquete is the gateway to Chiriquí province, characterized by volcanic highlands with many waterfalls, rivers and spectacular mountain scenery. Notable sights include the dormant Baru Volcano (3,475m/11,400 ft), and the Baru National Park, famous for its many Quetzal birds.

• Panama City

  Panama City is a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. Most of the interesting sights are In the old part of the city with its narrow, cobble-stoned streets and colonial buildings. The old historic city with the Salón Bolivar is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Panama Canal, to the west of the city, is 80km (50 miles) long and draws many visitors. A train or bus ride alongside or a boat trip on the Canal itself is memorable - the scenery is beautiful, and the mechanics of the Canal equally fascinating. There is a new Panama Canal Museum in the Casco Viejo area.

• San Blas Islands

  The San Blas Islands of Panama is an archipelago of 365 islands off the north coast of the Isthmus, east of the Panama Canal. Home to the Kuna Indians, they are a part of the comarca Kuna Yala along the Caribbean coast of Panama.

• • Panama City

  Day 1: Panama City

  Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and English speaking professional driver.

  Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Panama Canal

  With its charming décor and comfortable amenities, the Country Inn & Suites Panama Canal is located at the entrance of the Panama Canal and is close to Panama business and leisure attractions. The Country Inn Hotel Panama Canal is a short drive from the Tocumen International Airport and is only a few minutes from the Marcos A. Gelabert Domestic Airport. This Panama City hotel provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere sure to please business and leisure travelers alike. Each of the spacious guest rooms and suites at our Panama hotel features cozy country-style décor and, among other amenities, offers a private balcony, high-speed Internet access, cable TV and a coffee maker. Our suites in Panama City include microwaves or even fully-equipped kitchens.

• • Panama Canal - Miraflores Locks

  Day 2: Panama City

  Your English speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a private tour to Panama City and the Miraflores Locks. You will start the tour with a 30 minutes drive to Miraflores to see the huge vessels passing the Panama Canal. The busiest hours are from 9am to 10am and from 2pm to 5pm, so you will be able to see many ships getting lifted or lowered 16 meters in two distinct steps. You will enjoy the view on the Locks from a sheltered terrace and listen to the explanations of your guide. To complete the visit of the Canal you will visit the Museum and Visitor Center at Miraflores which gives you a good idea on the construction of the Canal – a masterpiece of engineering. You will also learn about the history of the canal and its significance for Panama and the entire world trade as well as on the current expansion project. After the visit to the Canal you continue with your guide to the Amador Causeway, a road that connects three Islands in the Pacific Ocean and offers magnificent views on the Canal on one side and on the skyline of Panama City on the other side. The tour continues to the Casco Viejo, Panama City’s colonial quarter. At the Casco Viejo you feel set back in time as you admire the lovely colonial houses, the narrow roads and the impressive churches. You will get a good idea about Panama’s history by driving or walking through the main attractions of this quarter.

  Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Panama Canal
• • Portobelo Fort

  Day 3: Panama City

  Undertake a train trip on the historical and original railway course from Panama City to Colón. This 1-hour travel leads you through the jungle and along the Panama Canal. This course was finished in 1855. The French Panama Canal company had acquired the railway line in 1880, as an assistance to build the Canal. In 1904 the Americans bought the Canal and the railway line and were operating it line until 1979. In 1998, Panama privatized the railway line and renewed it completely. Since 2001, the course is again passable and a unique attraction. After the beautiful train trip, you will continue with your guide from Colón to the port of Portobelo. This port was the gathering point of the Peruvian treasures in the 15th century. The gold and silver was shipped from here towards the metropolis of the empire, and in addition, Portobelo was the center of control and inspection of the goods, which arrived from Spain. The ruin complex is built and set up in the middle of the tropical jungle and covers a set of fortresses, castles and military bases. After this historical excursion, you will continue to an Embera Indian Village on Rio Piedra. A fascinating and dense jungle will accompany you on a short boat trip to the village. Upriver, you will step out of the dugout canoes and enter the village of the Embera Indians, one of seven indigenous tribes in Panama. The people of the Embera tribe will welcome you at the pier and gladly give you an idea on how they still live today. The village's chief will give you a brief explication on the history of the tribe, its traditions, cultures, believes and handicrafts. Then, a traditional lunch of fish and plantains prepared by the Embera women will be served to you. In the afternoon you will experience a traditional Embera dance and have the opportunity to shop for handicrafts. The sale of local products directly benefits the village and helps to pay the school fees for the children. You can also get a temporary Embera tattoo painted on your arm or leg. After the tour, transportation back to your Panama City Hotel will be provided.

  Duration: 10 hours Includes: Transportation from and to Panama City Hotel, English speaking guide, entrance fees
  Bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water

  Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Panama Canal
• • San Blas Islands
  • Dolphin Island Lodge

  Day 4: Panama City - San Blas Islands

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and English speaking professional driver.

  Domestic flight from Panama City to San Blas Islands.

  Upon your arrival into San Blas, you will be met by your local host and proceed to one of the island lodges, your home for the next two days. Most of your stay will be spent at leisure observing the Kuna culture, swimming, snorkeling or relaxing on beautiful white sand beaches. Optional tours are offered. *Domestic flight to San Blas departs at 6.00AM and it has a weight limit of 25 pound per person.

  Accommodation: Dolphin Island Lodge

  Dolphin Island Lodge is located on Uaguitupo Island, a private Island directly across from the indigenous Kuna island community of Achutupo. There is a small court in the center of the Lodge for volleyball or a BBQ. During the morning you can relax and lay in one of the hammocks tied between the palm trees and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful spot.

• • Kuna Culture

  Day 5: San Blas Islands

  Day to enjoy at your leisure on the island, taking it easy or visit the local Kuna Community. One day tour is included.

  Accommodation: Dolphin Island Lodge

• Day 6: San Blas Islands - Panama City

  At the appropriate time, transfer to the local airstrip for your return flight to Panama City.

  Domestic flight from San Blas Islands to Panama City.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and English speaking professional driver.

  Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Panama Canal
• • Boquete
  • Hotel Valle Escondido

  Day 7: Panama City - David - Boquete

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and English speaking professional driver.

  Fly from Panama City to David.

  Airport transfer to/from Boquete, with private vehicle, and driver.

  Accommodation: Valle Escondido

  Tucked into the Chiriqui Highlands of Boquete, Panama, Valle Escondido Resort Golf and Spa retains its own sense of privacy. The 37 rooms are appealing for their size and spaciousness, with LCD flat screen TVs and DVD players. The resort also offers bungalows, villas, and condominiums. A view of the river, swimming pools, or rich surroundings illustrate the resort's beauty. Dine at any of the hotel's eating spots. Outdoors, take meals in a casual but beautiful setting beneath canopies of leaves. Otherwise, savor the romance of fine cuisine at Sabor Escondido. Guests are treated with genuine care by a friendly staff. Enjoy being pampered at the spa, relax by the pool, or play some sports on the vast private property.

• • Mountain Rainforest

  Day 8: Boquete

  For the Baru Volcano Hike you will be picked up at 6 a.m. at your hotel. You will enjoy a lovely drive uphill to the Volcan Baru National Park Ranger Station. From there you will start the challenging hike to the highest point of Panama. Depending on your level of fitness you will reach the top between 4 and 6 hours. If the wheather conditions are good, you will be able to see both oceans from the top of the volcano. On the summit you will enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon you will hike back down, this takes between 3 and 5 hours. After the tour you will be dropped of at your hotel. While hiking up the volcano you will encounter 6 different climate zones: humid mountain forest, low humid mountain forest, low humid mountain rainforest, mountain rainforest, very humid mountain rainforest and pre-mountain rainforest. The average annual temperatures vary between 20°C at the Park Ranger Station to under 10°C on the top of the volcano.
  
  Duration: 13 hours Includes: Transportation, English speaking guide, entrance fees, breakfast, lunch, water, juice, snacks
  Bring: Hiking shoes, long pants, rainjacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, water.

  Accommodation: Valle Escondido

• Day 9: Boquete

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Valle Escondido
• • David Beach

  Day 10: David

  Airport transfer to/from Boquete, with private vehicle, and driver.

  Fly from David to Panama City.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Panama Canal
  • Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Panama Canal Room

  Country Inn & Suites Amador By Carlson

  With its charming décor and comfortable amenities, the Country Inn & Suites Panama Canal is located at the entrance of the Panama Canal and is close to Panama business and leisure attractions. The Country Inn Hotel Panama Canal is a short drive from the Tocumen International Airport and is only a few minutes from the Marcos A. Gelabert Domestic Airport. This Panama City hotel provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere sure to please business and leisure travelers alike. Each of the spacious guest rooms and suites at this Panama hotel features cozy country-style décor and, among other amenities, offers a private balcony, high-speed Internet access, cable TV and a coffee maker. The suites in Panama City include microwaves or even fully-equipped kitchens.

  • More information
• • Dolphin Island Lodge

  Dolphin Island Lodge

  Dolphin Island Lodge is located on Uaguitupo Island, a private Island directly across from the indigenous Kuna island community of Achutupo. There is a small court in the center of the Lodge for volleyball or a BBQ. During the morning you can relax and lay in one of the hammocks tied between the palm trees and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful spot.

  • More information
• • Hotel Valle Escondido

  Valle Escondido

  Tucked into the Chiriqui Highlands of Boquete, Panama, Valle Escondido Resort Golf and Spa retains its own sense of privacy. The 37 rooms are appealing for their size and spaciousness, with LCD flat screen TVs and DVD players. The resort also offers bungalows, villas, and condominiums. A view of the river, swimming pools, or rich surroundings illustrate the resort's beauty. Dine at any of the hotel's eating spots. Outdoors, take meals in a casual but beautiful setting beneath canopies of leaves. Otherwise, savor the romance of fine cuisine at Sabor Escondido. Guests are treated with genuine care by a friendly staff. Enjoy being pampered at the spa, relax by the pool, or play some sports on the vast private property.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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