• Discovering that Panama is way more than a canal
• Sea kayaking the San Blas Archipelago and learning about the Kuna inhabitants
• Hiking in Panama's highlands in the Boquete area
  
• Looking for the Resplendent Quetzal
  
• Sampling Panamanian culture and cuisine

Panama is rapidly emerging as a popular Central American destination. Combining a stable government and an incredible variety of ecosystems that receive fewer visitors than neighboring countries, it is possible to feel that you have gotten off the beaten track here. We'll spend ten days exploring this beautiful country from one end to the other. After a tour of Panama City and a visit to the Canal, we'll spend 4 days sea kayaking in the San Blas islands. We'll then fly to the opposite end of the country for three days in Boquete and the Chiriqui highlands. This trip is currently full. Please contact us if you would like to be on the waiting list.

any woman in good physical condition who enjoys being active. No previous sea kayaking or hiking experience is needed. Rating: 1  2  [3]  4  5

• Six nights lodging in tourist class hotels
• Three nights in a tented camp

• meals as specified on the itinerary, basically from Saturday dinner through the following Sunday dinner 
• nine nights double occupancy lodging 
• all activities specified on the itinerary, except for the optional Tree Trek adventure
• all transportation within Panama, including internal flights 
• experienced guides

Arrive by 5 pm January 23 at our hotel in Panama City

You are fee to leave anytime on February 1

You can download the complete trip information here

January 23 (Saturday) Arrival in Panama. Our trip officially begins at 5pm at our hotel in Panama City. We will have group introductions, a trip orientation, and then go out for a welcome dinner. Whenever you arrive, you will be met at the airport by one of our Panamanian representatives and transferred to our hotel. Panama City is quite safe and if you get here early, its an interesting city to walk around. Overnight Hotel in Panama City (D)

January 24 (Sunday) Today we will have a guided tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal (of course we have to see the Canal!). Panama City is rapidly changing, and we will visit the colonial Panama, "Panama Viejo", the old Panama, "Casco Viejo", and the modern Panama City. The Panama Canal is still an engineering marvel! Taking over a decade to build a 100 years ago, it is still an important waterway that cuts down transfer time significantly.  Overnight Hotel in Panama City (B, L, D)

January 25 (Monday) Monday morning we depart for the extraordinary San Blas Archipelago. With more than 350 islands spreading out along the isthmus, the archipelago is a Kuna Native Reservation. The Kunas are known for their handicrafts and their unique culture. A nation within Panama, The Kuna have their own language, culture, laws and territory. The Kunas' efforts to preserve their own identity and control over San Blas has made it possible to keep this region the pristine paradise it is today. We will catch an early domestic flight to Carti, San Blas and from there we are transported by boat to the tent camp. After setting up camp and having lunch, we will have an introduction to the kayaks and take a short paddle. Lodging at Tent Camp (B, L, D)

January 26- 28 (Tuesday - Thursday) Over the next three days, we will enjoy this paradise of sea kayaking and snorkeling. Where we go exactly will depend on wind and weather conditions, but with endless nearby islands and reefs to explore, the options are truly endless. Thursday is our final day in San Blas. We will pack up, spend one last day exploring the reef and islands, and then transfer by boat to our lodge at Ukuptupu. B, L, D

January 29 (Friday) Although it's hard to leave this ocean paradise, the pristine western highlands at the other end of Panama are not to be missed. Transferring by boat and plane, we arrive in David, the capital of Panama. But this isn't where we want to stay so we continue to Boquete, a small and charming mountain village tucked away on the eastern slopes of the Baru Volcano. After lunch, we will hike part of the magnificent Los Quetzales trail out of Boquete.  This trail is home to the resplendent Quetzales bird and lush flora.  Since it is out and back we will hike as far as our energy takes us.  After our hike we will visit a small, local coffee farm where we learn where that excellent Panamanian coffee is grown. Alternatively this may be the afternoon you try a thrilling zip line adventure, called a Tree Trek. Definitely a good choice for those who want a unique experience and a little shot of adrenaline. Lodging at Isla Verde (B, D)

January 30 (Saturday) After a hearty breakfast in Boquete, we drive to the town of Volcan (about 1.5 hours) where we will visit an Orchid Farm. Panama is home to an amazing variety of these delicate flowers that delight even the casual observer. After lunch we  hike in Volcan Baru National Park, home to Panama's tallest peak (11,400 ft, not to worry, we are not climbing it!).  We will hike 3-4 hours through a variety of ecozones along another spectacular trail.  Tonight we'll stay at Kucikas Cabins on the shores of the Chiriqui River. (B, L, D)

January 31 (Sunday) Rafting the Chiriqui Viejo River is the perfect end to our exploration of Panama! With most rapids being Class III, the river is both thrilling and eminently suitable for beginners. Depending on the water level and section used we will be rafting about 3-4 hours. In later afternoon we will return to David Airport to take our flight back to Panama City, where we will check into our hotel, clean up, and then go out for a final farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

February 1 (Monday) This morning we are transferred to the International Airport for our flight home or on to other adventures.