The Essential Panama Trip from Wildlife to Waterfalls | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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The Essential Panama Trip from Wildlife to Waterfalls

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PRIVATE TOUR - 7 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 3206

Private Tour Highlights

  • Seeing the old side to Panama City at Casco Antiguo, the historic quarter which is characterized by pretty colonial streets and churches.
  • Drinking in views of the Metropolitan Natural Park and beyond from the canopy crane observation spots.
  • Looking out for the Slaty-tailed Trogon, Keel-billed Toucan, Thick-billed Mot-Mot, and so many more birds on a hike through Soberania National Park.
  • Kayaking along the Panama Canal, keeping an eye out for the resident wildlife dwelling in tropical rainforest flanking the waters.
  • Gliding up the Rio Chagres on a dugout canoe to the home of the Embera, offering the chance to learn about this incredible indigenous tribe.
  • Relishing the natural jewels of El Valle de Anton, home to the magnificent Chorro Macho waterfall and the ancient Petroglyphs of La India Pintada.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

The Essential Panama Trip from Wildlife to Waterfalls tour includes some of the best highlights of Panama. First you will start your journey in Panama City during a sunset walk around the city where you will also enjoy dinner. Then you will have the opportunity to see Panama from a different perspective, one that is by canopy crane. You will also get to visit the Metropolitan Natural Park. From there you will transfer to Gatun Lake and explore the area on kayak as well as visit the famous Pipeline Road. You will have the opportunity to visit the Embera Quera Indian community before you head to El Valle de Anton. Upon arrival you will enjoy a fascinating night safari exploring the nocturnal flora and fauna. Finish your trip by visiting the best of what El Valle de Anton has to offer before heading back to Panama City for your flight home.

Inclusions
Prices include hotel accommodation with daily continental breakfast, guided tours in English, meals where specified, entrance fees, transportation between hotels, transfers between airport and hotel, naturalist guides and taxes. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.

Please note if you are traveling alone, contact your Yampu Tour Consultant for single occupancy prices.

Please consult with a Yampu Tour Consultant for upcoming Panama Canal transit dates.
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

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Package Price: From £$ 3206

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Panama City

Upon arrival in Panama City, private transfer to the hotel. In the late afternoon, the guide will pick travelers up at the hotel to head to Casco Antiguo, Panama City's colonial quarter. At Casco Antiguo travelers will feel set back in time while admiring the lovely colonial houses, the narrow roads and the impressive churches. Learn about Panama's history by walking through the main attractions of this quarter. Stroll this 337-year-old neighborhood under the warm golden glow of the fading sun and get to see the beautiful Plaza de Francia, Metropolitan Cathedral, between others. Casco Antiguo is a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a place of non-stop ambience with history, culture, nightlife, and restaurants. Dinner will be served at a cozy local restaurant before going back to the Panama City hotel. ...read less

Casco-Viejo-Golden-Altar-Panama
Day
2

Canopy Crane Exploration

Today, explore Panama by canopy. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute rain forest canopy crane at Metropolitan Natural Park is 42 m tall with a 51 m long arm. The crane lifts nature enthusiasts above the forest in a comfortable gondola and lowers them at the desired observation sites within the canopy. In this way, the crane allows safe, easy and three-dimensional access to the forest. After 30 minutes of observation in the crane, enjoy three more hours of nature along the trails of Metropolitan Natural Park. After this excursion, travelers will return to their Panama City hotel. ...read less

Canopy-Crane-Panama
Day
3

Gatun Lake

This morning, be met at the hotel and take a private transfer to Gatun Lake. Join a morning hike through Soberania National Park and observe a variety of exotic tropical birds while enjoying the surrounding trees and plants of this area. Pipeline Road, where the hike takes place, is a dirt road that goes through the heart of this national park and offers views of some of the diverse bird life that live in the area. Pipeline road has for several years in a row; set world record bird counts in a 24-hour period - up to 367 different species of birds. Some of the more common sights are the Slaty-Tailed Trogon, Keel-billed Toucan, Thick-Billed Mot-Mot, and several species of ant birds, wrens, tanagers and flycatchers. Of course, just because this tour focuses on observing the bird life, it does not mean that one might not hear or even see Howler Monkeys or other mammal life like sloth, anteaters and agoutis.


In the afternoon, explore the Canal in ultimate tranquility. Join the kayak tour on the Panama Canal and embark on a voyage with Mother Nature. Experience a true tropical rain forest at a leisurely pace that will allow travelers to quietly go with the current and perchance come upon unique jungle birds, monkeys, sloth's, maritime life surrounded by tropical flora and fauna. At the same time, travelers will get really close to the huge vessels on their way from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight on Gatun Lake hotel.
...read less

birds-Gatun-Lake-Panama
Day
4

Embera Quera Native Village

In the morning, the guide will pick the traveler up at the hotel to transfer them to the impressive Agua Clara Visitor Center located on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. The Agua Clara Visitor Center is a place where the Panama Canal has made it clear that both its legacy and its grandeur will continue to bear fruit for the world. With an unparalleled view, this place is waiting for travelers who want to enjoy a pleasant experience enriched with interesting facts, but especially by being part of the history of the route that unites the world. The center offers a breathtaking panoramic view that contrasts two particular scenarios that generate mixed feelings. On one side, find the famous Gatun Lake, where cargo ships or other vessels transit every day, while on the other side, but from a different perspective, be amazed by the view of the expansion works. Beyond its surprising technology or colossal machinery, one will be astonished by the work of thousands of people, who with discipline and determination head towards the same goal to make Panama stronger and Panamá worthy of admiration. After the impressive viewpoint, pamper oneself and be captivated by all those things that the Agua Clara visitor center has to offer. At the projection room learn about the history and efforts of thousands of men and women that have marked the Canal's first century and, of course, plans in the near and distant future. Throughout the visit, watch for the walls and exhibits with interesting information that will amaze all travelers. Walk through the ecological path, with a variety of plants and species that makes the trail an adventure with great scenery and breathtaking views; identify the different species gathered thereindigenous of the area of the Canal watershed. The tour will continue up north towards Buena Vista. There you will step into small boats, which will carry travelers up the Gatún River. A fascinating and dense jungle will accompany travelers on the boat trip until arriving at Embera Quera, one of seven indigenous tribes in Panama. The people of the Emberá tribe will welcome travelers at the pier and gladly give an idea on how they still live today. The villages 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 the traveler. In the afternoon 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. Also get a temporary Embera tattoo painted on ones arm or leg. ...read less

Woven-pots-Embera-Indians
Day
5

Gatun Lake- El Valle de Anton

This morning, leave Gatun Lake and transfer to El Valle de Anton. Tonight, enjoy a safari by foot. El Valle is very famous for its abundant and unique species that are often seen at night. This tour will take through a wonderful world that comes awake when the rest goes to sleep. Experience an incredible and adventurous walk through the nature trails of the majestic valley and get involved with the nocturnal wildlife of this region. Snakes, frogs, bats and some species of birds are best observed at night time.

This morning, leave Gatun Lake and transfer to El Valle de Anton. Tonight, enjoy a safari by foot. El Valle is very famous for its abundant and unique species that are often seen at night. This tour will take through a wonderful world that comes awake when the rest goes to sleep. Experience an incredible and adventurous walk through the nature trails of the majestic valley and get involved with the nocturnal wildlife of this region. Snakes, frogs, bats and some species of birds are best observed at night time.

Gatun-Locks-Panama
Day
6

El Valle de Anton

Today, see the highlights of El Valle de Anton. See the stunning waterfall Chorro Macho, the ancient Petroglyphs of La India Pintada, Butterfly Garden, the famous handicrafts and fruit market and the Zoo El Nispero, with indigenous and nonnative species. Overnight in El Valle de Anton.

Today, see the highlights of El Valle de Anton. See the stunning waterfall Chorro Macho, the ancient Petroglyphs of La India Pintada, Butterfly Garden, the famous handicrafts and fruit market and the Zoo El Nispero, with indigenous and nonnative species. Overnight in El Valle de Anton.

Vally-Anton-Panama
Day
7

Flight Home

This morning, transfer back to Panama City and connect with the international flight home.

This morning, transfer back to Panama City and connect with the international flight home.

Places You'll See

  • El_Chorro_del_Macho_Panama

    El Valle de Anton

    This charming Village is located within an inactive volcano crater that was once a lake that has since drained, leaving the richest volcanic soil. Visit the large waterfall that goes by the name El Macho and explore to find abundant and unique species that are often seen at night.

  • Gatun-Lake-Expedition-Panama

    Gatun Lake

    This artificial lake was once the world’s largest manmade body of water, and continues to be a huge part of the Panama Canal today. The sheer magnitude of Gatun Lake will put anyone in awe sizing to be about 425 km2 (164 sq mi) Today the lake is used for ships crossing from one ocean to the other as well as angling and other activities.

  • panama-city-center

    Panama City

    The largest and most modern city in central America, as well as the capital of Panama, is Panama City. Within the city is the Panama Canal which links the Pacific and Atlantic oceans through a fifty-mile channel. Enjoy views of the canal via airplane or stay close to the ground and delight in a terrific view of Panama from Amador Causeway, connecting three islands to the mainland.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Panama City : TRYP by Wyndham Panama Centro

Panama City : Hotel Deville (Jr. Suite)

Panama City : Toscana Hotel

Gatun Lake : Canopy Bed & Breakfast

Gatun Lake : Canopy Tower (Full Board)

El Valle de Anton : Anton Valley Hotel

4 Star Properties

Panama City : The Bristol

Panama City : Grace Panama

Panama City : Westin Panama

Gatun Lake : Radisson Summit Hotel & Golf Panama

El Valle de Anton : Park Eden B&B

5 Star Properties

Panama City : Waldorf Astoria (Junior Suites)

Panama City : Las Clementinas

Panama City : Hotel Deville (Duplex Suite)

Gatun Lake : Gamboa Rainforest (deluxe Chagres River View)

El Valle de Anton : Los Mandarinos

Luxury Properties

Panama City : American Trade Hotel (Super Cuarto Room)

Panama City : Ocean Club Intercontinental Hotel (Suite on the Curve)

El Valle de Anton : Canopy Lodge

Testimonials

Cheryl

Traveled January 2016

Panama- It was seriously a great trip and I saw everything I wanted.

Our trip to Panama was seriously a great trip and I saw everything I wanted. We saw a bunch of kinkajous and cacomistles that came to our cabin at los quetzales. That place is magical, the bird life alone (we saw 6 quetzels, one even right outside our cabin) makes it worth a trip. Families would love these cabins and hands down the place had the best food in Panama.

Everything was made fresh and they had a huge organic garden with all kinds of vegetables, great for someone like me that does not eat meat.

Traveled To

Vivian

Traveled March, 2014

Yampu Tours is truly an agency that put the needs of its clients first

Yampu Tours is truly an agency that put the needs of its clients first. I have had two occasions to use them to book travel plans for my family and me and both times the trips and excursions were flawless. The second trip required some additional help involving the agency doing some research and follow-up for us. Without their help, we probably would not have been able to complete the second trip. They worked without hesitation to secure for us all the information we needed. The excursions they planned for my family were exactly what they requested and all trips went on without a hitch. It is not often that one can travel to a foreign country and know that everything is taken care of and one can travel stress free. Yampu Tours offers that type of service; professional and exceptional.

Traveled To

Frank

Traveled February, 2010

Thank you very much for organizing a most successful overland trip through central-america.

I returned home safe and sound on Sunday. Thank you very much for organizing a most successful overland trip through central-america. I am thinking seriously about a third overland trip through south-america in the next year or so. Thank you again for arranging a very successful and most enjoyable itinerary. I will contact you again in the next couple of months about similar trips through south-america and the Caribbean.

Let Us Customize This Trip For You

Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

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