Best of Panama: Panama City, Gamboa & the Central Pacific Coast

Upon arrival to Panama City, please make your way through Customs and collect your baggage. Once you have made it to the Arrivals section of the airport, please look for a guide holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will take you to an awaiting vehicle and will transfer you to your hotel. 

During this half-day walking tour, which you can begin either in the morning or early afternoon, your private guide will take you to explore Panama City’s historic center, Casco Antiguo, which dates back to the late 1600's and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Step back in time as you walk through the district, surrounded by colonial houses, narrow avenues and impressive churches. Focusing on Panama’s early history, your guide will delve into the backstory of both the city and country as you explore its many sites of interest, such as The Flat Arch, the Cathedral, Las Bovedas and the French Plaza. After exploring historic Casca Antiguo, you will be returned to your hotel.

At 9am in the morning, meet your private guide and set out to discover the colonial heritage of Panama and visit the famous Panama Canal on this full day tour. Your first stop of the day will be the ruins of Old Panama. Here you will climb up the Cathedral Tower and visit the Old Panama Museum to gain a better understanding of the history of this Central American nation. Next, head to Casco Viejo, dating back to the XVII century, and listen to your guide describe the events that led up to the establishment of the capital in its current location. Here, take in the lovely colonial houses, picturesque narrow roads, and impressive churches as you make your way to the French Plaza. Your day continues as you transfer to the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal, where large ships can be seen as they make their way through the canal. Marvel at this feat of human engineering and explore informative exhibits. Now that you’ve worked up your appetite, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before venturing out to visit small towns surrounding the canal. In the late afternoon you will be returned to your hotel in Panama City.

After a leisurely morning and hearty breakfast, you’ll check out from your hotel. Soon after, you’ll hop into a private vehicle to begin your transfer to Gamboa. Approximate travel time is one hour. Upon arrival to Gamboa, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, consider participating in a complementary Night Safari to hike along a nearby trail; this service is optional and can be arranged on-site at your hotel.

Today, enjoy a day at leisure in glorious Gamboa. Dotted with excellent hiking trails in the pristine Panamanian rainforest, you may want to set out on a relaxing walk to spot wildlife, or a challenging trek to test your endurance. Alternatively, take a break and enjoy the amenities at your hotel, or maybe pamper yourself with a spa treatment or massage (available at additional cost on-site).

Following breakfast, meet your private driver and set out to Hotel Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort. Approximate travel time is two hours. One of the finest resorts on the Pacific shores of Panama, Hotel Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort the ideal place to enjoy elevated service and accommodations in an idyllic setting. 

Today, kick back and enjoy a day at leisure. Relax on the waterfront, or head to nearby Playa Blanca of El Faro beach, two spectacular places to unwind. Alternatively, if you’re a fan of hitting the links, consider arranging a round of golf on the excellent on-site course (reservations can be made at additional cost). 

In the late morning, meet your driver and begin the transfer to Panama City and the airport. Upon arrival to the airport, say one last farewell to the city before heading home!