Day 1: Arrival in Panama City, Airport Pick-up
Skyscrapers in Panama Welcome to join our 10 days Panama vacation packages to visit the grand Panama Canal, linger in the magnificent coasts, take in beautiful islands, and explore mysterious indigenous culture! The driver will pick you up from Tocumen International Airport on time and then transfer you to a comfortable hotel. You can spend the rest of the day freely after check-in! Have a rest in the hotel or head to Costa del Este by yourself, to explore this upscale community and commercial area with wide streets and fancy restaurants. For a better and more comfortable Panama trip, we kindly remind you to prepare some cash money in advance and get your mobile internet ready. Panama only has official money in coinage, called balboa, which is pegged tightly to the US dollar. 1 balboa (PAB) is equal to 1 dollar (USD). Therefore the US dollars are widely acceptable in the local and it is advised to prepare some before departure. Though money exchanges are available when arriving, it is not so convenient and cost-effective. Tocumen International Airport also offers SIM cards but they cost much higher as the cheapest one costs USD 30 for a 7-day use. A fairer price can be expected when purchasing the same card in convenience stores or network operators’ official shops in the city, costing about USD 6. However, recently SIM cards in convenience stores for foreigner visitors may not be available anymore so it is more recommended to go to official stores of local main network providers: Tigo, Cable & Wireless (+móvil), Digicel and Claro. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero (4 stars)
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Day 2: Transfer to Pearl Islands, Free Afternoon
In the morning, the driver will send you to the pier and you will take the ferry to Pearl Islands 30 miles away from the coast of the Pacific Ocean by yourself which will take about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, you can leave your luggage in the hotel and explore the islands by yourself freely. We recommend Contadora, Saboga and Viveros for you. Among them the most famous island is Contadora. After the exploration, check in the hotel in the afternoon. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Contadora Island Inn
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Day 3: Free Day on Pearl Islands
For the third day, you can arrange the entire day on your own. If coming across July to October, you can have a whale-watching tour on Contadora Island. Also, you can try snorkeling and diving, or take a small cruise ship to explore other islands. You can also have a hiking tour in the forest. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Contadora Island Inn
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Day 4: Transfer Back to Panama City & Panama Historic Culture Tour
In the morning, you need to take the ferry back to the wharf in Panama. Your driver and the guide will wait for you at the wharf to explore the vibrant capital city. We will start to visit the first colonial city established during the early Spanish colonial period, Panama Viejo, which was destroyed by pirates in 1671. The ruin site offers a glimpse of Panama’s once capital’s glory. Then we will drive to Miraflores Visitor Center at Miraflores Locks, the best place to see Panama Canal and its amazing locking systems, the most prominent attraction of the city. Our guide will adjust the visit order based on the ship transit schedule and try our best to make your time right to see mega ships or cruises transiting through the locks, which is really impressive. At the visitor center, you can also watch a 3D movie in an IMAX theater and learn deeply about the canal’s history. Later, we will head to the second colonial city Casco Viejo (San Felipe) where we'll visit the France Square and centuries-old churches. The historical district attracts visitors for its fascinating cultures and boasts as a living museum of Spanish-era architecture. After experiencing the old town’s charm, we will continue to see Bridge of the Americas, and enjoy an evening stroll along the seaside Amador Causeway to take in beautiful marine scenery and Panama Canal views. In the end, you will be transferred back to the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero (4 stars)
Panama Viejo Panama City Old Town
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Day 5: Panama Canal Cruise Tour
Take a Panama Canal Cruise Today is for Panama Canal exploration! Still feel unsatisfied about your canal visit? Today you can have a 6-hour Panama Canal transit tour and take a close look at how ships traverse the locks of Panama Canal on the cruise. In the early morning, you will be transferred to Flamenco Marina to board the cruise sailing to Gamboa Dredging Division. The northbound canal transit tour just covers all the highlights of the Pacific side, and it will pass through Bridge of the Americas, Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks, and Centennial Bridge. At the two sets of locks, the cruise will be raised respectively about 9 and 18 meters above sea level and you can surely experience the interesting transit. With a professional guide on board, you can also learn about its construction while appreciating the beautiful views along the canal. When arriving at Gamboa Dredging Division, we will disembark and then go back to the downtown area to explore the prosperous Panama City. Please Note:1. Our selected northbound transit canal tour generally departs early in the morning (check-in about 6:30-7:30 am). If it is hard for you to catch it, you can also contact us to change it to a southbound tour, which generally departs at noon. 2. The departure time of the cruise tour will finally be determined by the Panama Canal Authority based on canal operation conditions. So the time will be confirmed with you the day before the tour. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero (4 stars)
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Day 6: Fly from Panama City to Bocas del Toro
In the morning, the driver will send you to the airport and you will take a 1-hour flight to Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival, the driver there will be waiting for you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The afternoon is free on your own. The beaches like Starfish Beach and Red Frog Beach on the Bocas del Toro Island are famous. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Playa Tortuga Hotel & Beach Resort (4 stars)
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Day 7: Explore Indigenous Community
Today we are going to visit an indigenous community, Ngobe, Naso or Bri Bri, to experience the locals' old culture and lifestyle, learn the knowledge of galenic chemical and look for the wild animals. Besides, we'll also walk in the mangrove forest to search for monkeys and sloths. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Playa Tortuga Hotel & Beach Resort (4 stars)
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Day 8: One-day Excursion at Bocas del Toro
Today our first stop is Dolphin Bay where we'll observe the cute dolphins playing up close. Next, head to the Carol Cay to go snorkeling to search for the colorful fish. After lunch, we are going to visit Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos. You are free to arrange some activities like having sunbath, snorkeling or surfing. The late afternoon we'll transfer you back to the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Playa Tortuga Hotel & Beach Resort (4 stars)
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Day 9: Fly Back to Panama City
In the morning the driver will take you to the airport and you will take a flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival, the driver will be waiting for you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. You are free for the afternoon. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero (4 stars)
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Day 10: Departure from Panama City, Airport See-off
Today your Panama holiday packages come to an end. The driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to Tocumen International Airport. Wish you a happy voyage home! Meals: Breakfast
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