• 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.

any woman in good physical condition who enjoys being active. No previous sea kayaking or hiking experience is needed.

• 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
• all transportation within Panama, including internal flights 
• experienced guides

Arrive by 5 pm February 21 at our hotel in Panama City

You are fee to leave anytime on March 2

packing list, general information, trip itinerary

February 21 (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 Marbella (D)

February 22 (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. Dinner is on your own tonight so you can explore the various culinary options here. Overnight Hotel Marbella (B, L)

February 23 (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 El Porvenir, 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)

February 24 - 26 (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 to our lodge at Ukuptupu, near the local airport. B, L, D

February 27 (Friday) Another early morning as we transfer to the opposite end of Panama: the pristine western highlands. We will fly early in the morning from El Porvenir to Panama City and from there we connect to a flight to David, the capital of Panama. Upon arrival in David we transfer to Boquete, a small and charming mountain village tucked away on the eastern slopes of the Baru Volcano. After lunch, we will visit a Coffee Plantation and go on a tree Trek. Lodging at Isla Verde (B, D)

February 28 (Saturday) Today we hike the magnificent Los Quetzales trail in Baru Volcano National Park, home to Panama's tallest peak (11,400 ft). This hike takes us through an enchanting cloud forest, under some of the tallest trees in the hemisphere and home to 5,000 species of plants found nowhere else on earth. This hike will last 5 to 6 hours, with time to stop and admire the views, and end in Cerro Punta where a driver will take us to our lodging. Tonight we'll stay at Kucikas Cabins on the shores of the Chiriqui River. (B, L, D)

March 1 (Sunday) Today we spend rafting on the Chiriqui Viejo River. With most rapids being Class III, the river is eminently suitable for beginners. The river passes through a canyon and spectacular waterfalls characterize it. 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)

March 2 (Monday) This morning we are transferred to the International Airport for our flight home or on to other adventures.