Panama Custom Luxury Tours
Just a short plane flight away, Panama is an international business center with its capital, Panama City, at the hub. It is the fastest growing economy in Central America. But that is just one face of this small nation with big attractions. Miles of isolated beaches, spectacular mountains and highlands, accessible rainforest and a wealth of cultural experiences welcome travelers. Its coasts brush up against both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and hundreds of islands huddle just offshore. That means that all manner of nature-based activities are available, including sport fishing, diving, rafting, kayaking, birding, historic tours and rainforest walks. Seven indigenous cultures, whose traditions long pre-date the arrival of European explorers, invite travelers to learn about their lives and traditions. Panama is also home to more than 900 bird species in the old growth trees in tropical rainforests and highlands as well as a host of other creatures. And, of course, it possesses one of the most famous ditches ever dug, the Panama Canal. With its many attributes, today’s Panama makes an ideal location whether for a quick getaway or a complete luxury vacation escape.
Suggested Panama Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Panama City, Panama
Day 2: Panama City
Day 3: Panama City / Soberania National Park
Day 4: Soberania National Park
Day 5: Soberania National Park - Panama Canal transit
Day 6: Soberania National Park / Panama City / Depart
Custom Panama Tour Options
Bocas del Toro (3 days)
An almost postcard perfect getaway spot, the Caribbean waters are colored aqua, and palm-fringed sandy beaches back up to dense rainforest.
Chiriquí Highlands (3 days)
The highlands are noted for indigenous Indian cultures, bird-watching, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and rainforest hikes.
San Blas Islands (2 days)
These islands are known for their distinctive native culture, relaxing beaches and outstanding fishing.
About Panama Luxury Travel
Panama City: Founded in 1517, the city has long been an international crossroads. It was the first city built on the Pacific Coast of the Americas by the Spanish. The thriving business district includes shops, fine restaurants and lively nightclubs strung along the beautiful bay. The city also claims to be the only city in the world to have a rainforest preserve located within city limits. The Spanish architectural influence is found in the 17th-century convents and churches such as the Church of the Golden Altar. In addition to the famed canal, other sights include the original dungeons, a French monument to the 22,000 who died building the canal, and the Panama Canal Museum. The Amador Causeway connects three small islands that also sport fine restaurants, bike and walking paths, a Smithsonian Institute research aquarium and a marina.
Soberania National Park: This national park offers outstanding natural attractions within its 50,000 acres of pristine rainforest. Some 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians call this sanctuary home. On Gatun Lake, part of the Panama Canal water complex, it is not uncommon to see three species of monkeys as well as crocodiles and iguanas. Bird-watching, fishing, and jungle boat tours are available. Water sport enthusiasts can venture out on kayak past lush rainforest, or paddle from Gatun Lake to historic Fort San Lorenzo on the Atlantic Coast.
Bocas del Toro: Christopher Columbus sailed these Caribbean waters, anchoring here in 1502. By the turn of the 20th century, the town of Bocas del Toro was headquarters for the United Fruit Company, and had 25,000 inhabitants, six consuls and five newspapers. That ended with a banana blight in the 1920s. This archipelago consists of six densely forested islands, scores of uninhabited islets and Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, Panama’s oldest marine park.
Chiriquí Highlands: Chiriqui Province in western Panama near Costa Rica, encompasses primary forests that harbors orchids and unique endemic wildlife, including the fabled resplendent Quetzal. Indian cultures, bird-watching, coffee plantations, hiking horseback riding are all ready to be experienced. David is the provincial capital city and offers excellent shopping. Chiriqui Province is known for both rafting and kayaking adventures, including Class 5 rapids.
San Blas Islands: San Blas Archipelago encompasses some 365 islands, many of which define the cliché of a ‘tropical paradise.’ Quiet beaches, secluded coves plus the full range of water sports, including sailing, sea kayaking and snorkeling, make the San Blas Islands a very appealing retreat. The islands are also home of the traditional villages of the San Blas Indians, the Kuna, who are famous for their mola embroideries (colorful reverse appliqué embroidery with colorful tropical designs).
Best Time to Travel to Panama
Festivals & Special Events
• Panama is a year-round destination with two seasons: wet and dry. It can be rainy anytime, but November to March is the drier time of the year.
• Carnival is celebrated in February on the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday.
• Panama Jazz Festival is held every January in Panama City. This week-long music festival showcases international jazz artists.
• Festival of the Black Christ is celebrated on October 21 in the town of Portobelo. Pilgrims come from all over Panama to witness the parade, which features a life-sized Black Christ statue.
• In January, the Chiriqui Highlands hosts a popular 10-day Flower and Coffee Festival.