Panama Itinerary

Trip Schedule

Panama is rich with biodiversity within magnificent rainforests, spectacular seas and ancestral indigenous cultures such as the Emberra and Ngabe. The emergence of the Isthmus of Panama more than 3 million years ago was the most pivotal event in the evolutionary history of the western hemisphere. Since then, a great variety of animal and plant species have been able to migrate from one continental mass to another through Panama, where many congregate to offer an array of unique biodiversity. The Republic of Panama hosts more than 960 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 240 species of reptiles, 175 species of amphibians and over 10,000 species of vascular plants. Impressively, more than 25 percent of its territory is protected by national parks and nature reserves. These factors, added to the close proximity of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans at a narrow isthmus, have created a vast concentration of life in the heart of the Americas, leading the Smithsonian Institution to establish the most advanced laboratory for tropical biological research in the world. We invite you to discover this unspoiled country filled with natural and cultural riches with a legacy that has shaped the world’s history.

Panama Trip A
Panama Canal & Bocas Del Toro
12 Days

Itinerary for Panama Trip A

12 Days

Day 1

(D)

Arrive at Tocumen International Airport/Panama City and transfer to Burbayar Nature Reserve. Briefing and introductions
Spend 3 nights at Burbayar Lodge

Day 2

(B,L,D)

Explore the rainforest in Burbayar Nature Reserve. Burbayar Nature Reserve is located on the San Blas mountain range at an average elevation of 375 meters (1,230 ft) above sea level and it is composed of Premontane humid tropical rainforest. The 60-hectare (148-acre) private reserve borders the Nargana Wilderness Area encompassed within the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, extending from southern Mexico to the Darien National Park in eastern Panama

Day 3

(B,L,D)

Hike to waterfalls at Burbayar Nature Reserve and observe troops of Geoffroy’s tamarin monkeys, as well as families of Collared peccaries, Tamandua and Pacca. Traverse creeks and see bromeliad leaves and other humid crevices in tree trunks that are teeming with frogs and other amphibians. Also see bountiful flowering plants that attract butterflies and trees that are used by dozens of species of birds to nest, feed and rest

Day 4

(B,L,D)

Bayano Lake and cave exploration followed by visit and cultural exchange with the people living in the village of Maje Embera
2 nights camping at Maje Embera village

Day 5

(B,L,D)

A Day of exploration in and around Maje Embera village and community work

Day 6

(B,L,D)

Drive to Panama City and explore the historic colonial Casco Viejo
Learn about the pirate raids of men like Sir Frances Drake
Afternoon flight to Bocas del Toro
5 nights at the Bocas Inn

Day 7

(B,L,D)

Colon Island rainforest and the beautiful Boca del Drago Beach, swim off the beach. Learn about sea turtles and how ANCON is helping to protect them

Day 8

(B,L,D)

Trip to Bastimentos Marine National Park, one of Panama’s great protected natural areas, with coral reef snorkeling. Students can take underwater photographs of fish for participants to look at and identify in that evening
1 Night at Bocas Inn

Day 9

(B,L,D)

Community or field work day – an opportunity to plant trees or do other important work that contributes to local conservation

A tour of Popa Island and coastal mangrove snorkeling. Chance to learn about the three species of mangroves and their ecological importance

Day 10

(B,L,D)

Day at leisure in town & tour to mainland Bocas del Toro for nature encounters. Chance to interact with the people in the area

Day 11

(B,L,D)

Morning flight to Panama City
COVID-19 tests upon Arrival
Visit the Panama Canal and later that evening, a farewell dinner
1 night Hampton Hotel

Day 12

(B)

Transfer to Airport
Depart

Panama Trip B
Burbaya, Guna Yale & Maje Village
10 Days

Itinerary for Panama Trip B

10 Days

Day 1

(no meals provided)

Arrive to Tocumen Airport, Panama City and transfer to Soberania National Park
2 nights at Soberania Field Station

Day 2

(B,L,D)

Hike the famous Pipeline Road in Soberania National Park and observe abundant wildlife, then visit the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary

Day 3

(B,L,D)

Tour the Panama Canal visitors’ center at Miraflores Locks and the Biodiversity Museum: Transfer to Burbayar Nature Reserve (90 minutes)
3 nights at Burbayar Lodge

Day 4

(B,L,D)

Exploration of the rainforest in Burbayar Nature Reserve. Burbayar Nature Reserve is located on the San Blas mountain range at an average elevation of 375 meters above sea level and it is composed of premontane humid tropical rainforest. The 60-hectare (148-acre) private reserve borders the Nargana Wilderness Area encompassed within the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, extending from southern Mexico to the Darien National Park in eastern Panama

Day 5

(B,L,D)

Hike to waterfalls at Burbayar Nature Reserve and observe troops of Geoffroy’s tamarin monkeys, as well as families of Collared peccaries, Tamandua and Pacca. Traverse creeks and see bromeliad leaves and other humid crevices in tree trunks that are teeming with frogs and other amphibians. Also see bountiful flowering plants that attract butterflies and trees that are used by dozens of species of birds to nest, feed and rest. See a different world few see on a nighttime hike.

Day 6

(B,L,D)

Drive to Carti, Guna Yala, on the Caribbean Coast
Underwater explorations and meet the Guna people
1 night beach camping on remote island

Day 7

(B,L,D)

Underwater explorations and midday return to Burbayar
Hike the trails at Burbayar Nature Reserve
Nocturnal hikes as well
1 night at Burbayar Lodge

Day 8

(B,L,D)

Drive to Bayano Lake. Explore caves and spend one night at Maje Embera Village

Day 9

(B,L,D)

Day with the Embera for cultural exchange and exploring the surrounding area
Afternoon transfer to airport hotel for 1 night at Hampton hotel or at the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel