Independent Panama with the Pacific Coast
Independent Panama with the Pacific Coast
Independent Panama with the Pacific Coast
9 Days Starting in Panama City, Panama and ending in Veracruz, Panama
Visiting: Panama City, Gamboa, Pacific Coast, Veracruz, South America
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ILP2-2025
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Independent Panama with the Pacific Coast" tour, exploring the vibrant Panama City, the lush Gamboa Rainforest, and the serene Pacific Coast. Begin your journey in Panama City, where you'll visit the historic Casco Antiguo and the engineering marvel of the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal. Experience a partial transit of the canal before heading to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, where you'll immerse yourself in the culture of the Emberá Indians and explore the dense jungles of the Chagres River. Conclude your trip with relaxation on the white-sand beaches of the Pacific Coast, staying at a deluxe all-inclusive resort. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation in the heart of Panama.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Panama City,Panama
Location: Panama City
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien Panama
• Arrive in beautiful, colorful, and vibrant Panama City. Built in 1519 by Pedro Arias de Avila, a Spanish conquistador who made it his base for plundering Peru’s riches, Panama today remains one of the central hubs for commerce and trade in the Americas. Panama offers diverse natural wonders, a melting pot of cultures and historical as well as modern cityscapes.
Day 2: Panama City
Location: Panama City
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien Panama
Meals Included: Breakfast
PANAMA CITY • After breakfast, your private city tour visits Casco Antiguo, the colonial area and oldest sector of modern Panama City, founded in 1673 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic district was built as a protected walled city after Panama City was burned down in a pirate attack in 1671. Here, see the restored colonial buildings, churches, and historical monuments. • Next, visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal to witness this engineering genius in operation. During your guided tour, learn about the history of the canal and its construction, and observe transiting vessels navigating the locks from just a few feet away. (B)
Day 3: Panama City,Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Location: Panama City
Accommodation Name: Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
PANAMA CITY–GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT • Today, a special treat is in store when you board a vessel for a Panama Canal partial transit. Your boat will enter the canal at the Gailard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal and where the canal was carved through the Continental Divide. Enter the Pedro Miguel Locks, where your vessel will be lowered approximately 30 feet into Miraflores Lake. Continue to the Miraflores Locks to be lowered almost 60 feet to the Pacific Ocean. Please note: the day of operation for the Panama Canal transit may vary based on seasonality, weather conditions, and availability. When the transit is not available as scheduled on day 3, it will be confirmed on an alternate day.• Disembark your ship and head to Gamboa Rainforest Resort within Soberania National Park. (B,L)
Day 4: Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Location: Gamboa
Accommodation Name: Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT • Enjoy a free day to take advantage of the resort’s many activities.(B)TODAY’S I-TIME TIPSPerhaps take an aerial tram tour above the canopy, go fishing, birding or visit the sloth sanctuary. Alternatively, simply relax by the pool or at the spa.
Day 5: Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Location: Gamboa
Accommodation Name: Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT • An enchanting journey takes you deep into the dense jungles of the Chagres, where the Emberá Indians have lived for centuries. The adventure begins with a river cruise up the Chagres in dugout canoes, the Emberá traditional hand-carved boats.• Upon arrival at the Indian village, you will be taken back in time as you are immersed in ancient Emberá cultural dances and music that have not changed much since Columbus arrived in the 1500s. The Emberás will give you a glimpse into their mystical rituals and amazing knowledge of medicinal plants and other natural remedies. The Indians will invite you to explore the area’s abundant variety of birds and wildlife during a trek that takes you through the untouched jungle and past sparkling waterfalls.• Top off your visit with a typical lunch in the village. (B,L)
Day 6: Gamboa Rainforest Resort,Panama City,Pacific Coast
Location: Panama City
Accommodation Name: Westin Playa Bonita
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT–PANAMA CITY–PACIFIC COAST • Journey to the Pacific side of Panama for some relaxation time on the beach at a deluxe all-inclusive resort. Nestled between lush, tropical forests and white-sand beaches, this is the perfect way to end your vacation. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Pacific Coast
Location: Pacific Coast
Accommodation Name: Westin Playa Bonita
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
PACIFIC COAST• Enjoy two free days at your all-inclusive hotel to explore on your own. (B,L,D)Today’s I-Time Tips You may choose to spend some time by the pool or at the spa. Alternatively, the more adventurous may opt for kayaking the Pacific, rafting, surfing, or diving.
Day 8: Pacific Coast
Location: Veracruz
Accommodation Name: Westin Playa Bonita
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
PACIFIC COASTFree day. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Pacific Coast
Location: Veracruz
Meals Included: Breakfast
PACIFIC COAST Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Stay at Le Meridien Panama in Panama City, Gamboa Rainforest Resort in Gamboa, and Westin Playa Bonita on the Pacific Coast.
-
Meals
Buffet breakfast daily; 5 lunches; 3 dinners.
-
Private City Tour
A private city tour of Panama City, including visits to Casco Antiguo and the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal.
-
Panama Canal Partial Transit
A boat ride through the Panama Canal, including the Gailard Cut, Pedro Miguel Locks, and Miraflores Locks.
-
Gamboa Rainforest Resort Activities
River cruise up the Chagres in dugout canoes, visit to an Emberá Indian village, and a trek through the jungle.
-
Beach Relaxation
Relaxation time on the beach at a deluxe all-inclusive resort on the Pacific Coast.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights
International flights to and from Panama are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
-
Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Meals
Buffet breakfast daily; 5 lunches; 3 dinners
Notes
Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary. Local guide service is provied in Panama City.The day of operation for the Panama Canal Partial Transit may vary based on seasonality, weather conditions, and availability. When the transit is not available as scheduled on day 3, it will be confirmed on an alternate day.
Accommodation
Panama City: Le Meridien Panama, Gamboa: Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Pacific Coast: Westin Playa Bonita
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a private city tour, a river cruise in dugout canoes, and a partial transit of the Panama Canal.
Check out our Q&As
-
What can I expect during the private city tour in Panama City?
During the private city tour in Panama City, you will visit Casco Antiguo, the colonial area and oldest sector of modern Panama City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see restored colonial buildings, churches, and historical monuments. Additionally, you will visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal to witness the engineering marvel in operation and learn about its history and construction.
-
What activities are included during the stay at Gamboa Rainforest Resort?
At Gamboa Rainforest Resort, you will embark on a river cruise up the Chagres River in traditional dugout canoes to visit an Emberá Indian village. You will experience ancient Emberá cultural dances and music, learn about their rituals and medicinal plants, and explore the jungle and its wildlife. A typical lunch in the village is also included.
-
What is the highlight of the Panama Canal partial transit?
The highlight of the Panama Canal partial transit includes entering the canal at the Gailard Cut, passing through the Pedro Miguel Locks where the vessel is lowered approximately 30 feet into Miraflores Lake, and then continuing to the Miraflores Locks to be lowered almost 60 feet to the Pacific Ocean.
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect in Panama City?
In Panama City, you will stay at Le Meridien Panama.
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect at the Pacific Coast?
At the Pacific Coast, you will stay at the Westin Playa Bonita.
-
What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes a buffet breakfast daily, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners.
-
What should I know about the Panama Canal Partial Transit?
The day of operation for the Panama Canal Partial Transit may vary based on seasonality, weather conditions, and availability. If the transit is not available as scheduled on day 3, it will be confirmed on an alternate day.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.