Panama Family Vacation: Jungles, Tribes and Beaches | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Panama Family Vacation: Jungles, Tribes and Beaches

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PRIVATE TOUR - 8 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 3159

Private Tour Highlights

  • Riding along the waters of Gatun Lake by boat to reach Barro Colorado, an untouched island where unique flora and fauna flourish.
  • Whizzing up above the forest canopy by aerial tram to the observation tower for views of the Canal, Chagres River and forests of Soberania National Park.
  • Kayaking along the Panama Canal, keeping an eye out for the resident wildlife dwelling in tropical rain forest 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.
  • Soaking up the sun and beautiful sights of the Bocas del Toro Islands, and heading out on safaris to catch sight of Dolphins, Birds and Starfish.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Upon arrival you will go straight to the Gamboa Region, more specifically the beautiful area of Gatun Lake, where you will begin the exciting Panama Family Vacation: Jungles, Tribes and Beaches! You will explore Barro Colorado which is island that has been declared a National Monument. The flora and fauna here will take your breath away. Then it’s off for a an adventure in the canopy on an aerial tram ride which will best help you see Panama from a different perspective. You’ll have great views of the Canal as well as the birds and monkeys. Then you will explore the Canal itself by kayak. Before leaving Gatun Lake you will have the opportunity to spend time in the Embera Indian community. The trip will end on the beach in the beautiful lush rain forest of Bocas del Toro.

Inclusions
Prices include round trip domestic airfare for Panama City to Bocas del Toro, hotel accommodation with daily continental breakfast, three nights accommodation in Bocas del Toro hotels. Depending upon which hotel you choose this could mean half board at Punta Caracol which includes breakfast, dinner and use of snorkel gear and kayaks, for Laguna Azul, Tranquilo Bay and Popa Paradise which are all inclusive/full board properties all meals and daily guided activities are included. For all other areas the price includes 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.
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 3159

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- Gatun Lake

Upon arrival in Panama City, private transfer to your hotel in Gamboa Area, Gatun Lake.

Upon arrival in Panama City, private transfer to your hotel in Gamboa Area, Gatun Lake.

Day
2

Barro Colorado

In the early morning, leave the hotel in Gatun Lake and head towards Barro Colorado. Barro Colorado is an island in Gatun Lake and has been declared a National Monument. Protected from harmful influences, the flora and fauna of Barro Colorado remains untouched and has become an important research facility for scientists. After a 45 minutes transfer to Gamboa, continue by boat to Barro Colorado. On the boat ride one will not only enjoy the dense jungle surrounding the lake but also may observe huge container vessels on their transit through Panama Canal. Before arriving to the island, the guide will give some information about natural history and prepare the group for the walk along the trail. This is a two to three-hour hike that ends at the visitor center, where there is an exhibition regarding Barro Colorado National Monument. After arriving at the Visitor Center visitors will have a cafeteria-style lunch with a variety of dishes, including a vegetarian section. After lunch, there will be time to ask questions and relax. The boat departs for Gamboa in the early afternoon. Return to the hotel on Gatun Lake. ...read less

turtles-Lake-Gatun-Panama
Day
3

Aerial Tram

This morning, leave for a half day excursion on the aerial tram. The aerial tram ride traverses a mile-long tract of Humid Forest that lies within the Gamboa Resort's boundaries. Travelers will observe the forest canopy in some areas and are likely to encounter birds and hear Howler Monkeys. The tram ascends 280 feet over half a mile and ends atop a hill. From here, walk two minutes to the observation tower (which is optional) and for those with some stamina involves a climb of a 100 feet up a mildly inclined ramp which is also wheelchair accessible. From the observation tower, take in marvelous views of the Canal, the Chagres River as well as the surrounding forested areas of Soberania National Park and the town of Gamboa. The Tower is slightly less than 500 feet above sea level with most of this elevation attained by tram. On the return portion of the tram, descend the final half-mile back to the starting point. After the aerial tram tour, visit the self-guided exhibits at the Gamboa Resort.


In the afternoon, enjoy the 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 leisure pace that will allow one 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, get really close to the huge vessels on their way from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean.
Overnight in Gatun Lake hotel.
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Gamboa-aerial-tram-Panama
Day
4

Gatun Locks

In the morning, the guide will pick the traveler up at the hotel to take the traveler 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 all those 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, be astonished by the work of thousands of people, who with discipline and determination head towards the same goal to make Panama stronger and Panama 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. 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 step into small boats, which will carry one up the Gatun River. A fascinating and dense jungle will accompany the boat trip until arriving at Embera Quera, one of seven indigenous tribes in Panama. The people of the Embera tribe will welcome travelers at the pier and gladly give one an idea on how they still live today. The villages chief will give 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. 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 the arm or leg. Overnight in Gatun Lake hotel. ...read less

Gatun-Locks-Panama
Day
5

Panama City- Bocas del Toro

This morning, be met at the hotel and take a transfer back to Panama City to connect with a flight to Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival on the main island, transfer to the hotel. Spend the evening at leisure and settle in to the hotel.


Note: 5-Star and Deluxe clients will be met at the Bocas del Toro airport and taken to all-inclusive or half board hotels instead of following the itinerary below for the next three days. Programs will vary depending upon accommodation. Please ask a Yampu Travel Consultant for more information.
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Bocas-Toro-Panama
Day
6

Bocas Town- Dolphin Bay

This morning, after breakfast, walk a short distance to the JamPan office from the hotel. From here, begin today's adventure in Bocas Town with a short boat ride to Dolphin Bay to observe dolphins playing in their natural habitat. The mainland coast and the mountain regions of Panama serve as an exquisite background for photo opportunities. Then venture to Coral Cay for snorkeling (2 locations) and lunch at an over-the-water restaurant providing beautiful views of the archipelago islands of Bocas del Toro (lunch not included). The afternoon will be spent at Red Frog Beach one of the premier beaches of the region. Spend a few hours at this oceanfront beach with waves, sand and sun. Late afternoon adventure returns to Bocas Town. ...read less

Dolphin-lodge-Panama
Day
7

Bocas del Toro- Bird Island

After meeting at the JamPan office, begin the exploration of Bocas del Toro to Bird Island. This short boat ride will bring visitors to the island to observe a wide variety of marine life and birds that migrate to the region each year. The mainland coast and the mountain regions of Panama serve as an exquisite background for photo opportunities. Travelers will then venture to Boca del Drago for swimming, snorkeling and lunch at a popular restaurant on the tip of Isla Colon (lunch not included). Enjoy the white sand beach and culture that this location has to offer. The full afternoon will be spent at Starfish Beach and a chance to see starfish in the sea. Afterwards, head off to a beautiful area called the Playa Estrella pool for swimming, snorkeling and nature watching. Late afternoon adventure returns to Bocas Town. ...read less

Day
8

Flight Home

After breakfast, transfer back to the Bocas del Toro airport and connect with a flight to Panama City and then the international flight back home.

After breakfast, transfer back to the Bocas del Toro airport and connect with a flight to Panama City and then the international flight back home.

Panama City, Panama

Gatun Lake

Barro Colorado Island, La Chorrera, Panama

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Places You'll See

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Bocas-del-Toro-Panama

    Bocas del Toro

    Enjoy the lush green forests, beautiful sands, and the stunning clear waters of Bocas del Toro. Located on the southern part of Colon Island, this marvelous city offers may activities including scuba diving and surfing the stunning crystal clear waters as well as fishing and island hopping.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Gatun Lake : Canopy Bed & Breakfast

Bocas del Toro : Hotel Bocas del Mar

Bocas del Toro : Gran Hotel Bahia

4 Star Properties

Gatun Lake : Radisson Summit Hotel & Golf Panama

Bocas del Toro : Tropical Suites (Starfish Suites)

Bocas del Toro : Hotel Palma Royal (Luxury Room)

Bocas del Toro : Eclypse de Mar Acqua-Lodge (standard Bungalow)

5 Star Properties

Gatun Lake : Gamboa Rainforest (deluxe Chagres River View)

Bocas del Toro : Laguna Azul Eco-Boutique (standard) Hotel (All Inclusive)

Bocas del Toro : Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge

Luxury Properties

Testimonials

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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