Panama Tropical Adventure8 Day Tour from USD $995#1 In Value

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Panama tour is fully guided and includes most meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan
Capuchin Monkeys
Embera
Tour Map

Tour Year:

20242025

Caret DownCaret Up Red2024 Daily Tour Itinerary

2024 Daily Tour Itinerary

Day 1 • Panama City, Panama

Welcome to fun, vibrant Panama, home to the Panama Canal. The isthmus of Panama connects North and South America. This narrow land bridge serves as a migratory corridor for wildlife between the continents and allows a rich biodiversity to flourish in Panama. During your vacation you’ll boat on the Panama Canal, meet a native Embera tribe living deep in the jungle, enjoy a bird watching excursion on the Chagres River, and visit a Spanish colonial fort. You’ll see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, stroll sandy beaches, and explore rainforests. Fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama. Transfer on your own using the airport’s taxi service. Enjoy a two- night stay at your Panama City hotel. Rooms are available for check-in after 4:00 p.m. Dinner is on your own. Join Caravan for an 8:00 p.m. welcome briefing.

Panama Canal Boat Ride

Day 2 • Old Panama, Miraflores Locks

Morning visit to the ruins of Panama Viejo (Old Panama), the first European settlement on the Pacific. Founded by the Spanish in 1519, the city served as a gateway for gold coming from the Inca Empire to Europe. Lunch is on your own. Next, drive along Panama City’s Bayfront. Enjoy views of the historic district of Casco Viejo and the city’s modern skyline. Panama City is a blend of Miami and Las Vegas with Latin American style. See the spectacular IMAX movie on the Panama Canal. Visit the Canal’s Miraflores Locks. See how transiting vessels are pulled by small trains. View the opening and closing of the six-foot thick steel gates. From pre-Columbian times to the present day, Panama has played a prominent role as the major transit route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Then, drive through the City of Knowledge, located on the former site of Fort Clayton, headquarters of United States Army Southern Command. Enjoy dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 • Embera Village, Fort San Lorenzo

This morning, board a motorized dugout canoe and journey into the heart of Panama's rainforest. Visit an Embera tribal village. Learn about their habitat preservation efforts and how they live in harmony with nature. Shop for Embera handicrafts such as baskets made from palm fiber and carvings of vegetable ivory. Lunch. Then, cross the Bridge of the Atlantic over the Panama Canal. Continue to Fort San Lorenzo National Park. Visit the 16th century fortress built by the Spanish Crown on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic to protect their transatlantic gold trade from pirates. Look for howler monkeys and coatimundis in the park’s dense jungle. Then, to your rainforest hotel for a two-night stay. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embera Village

Day 4 • Bird Watching Cruise, Sloth Rescue Center

Enjoy an early morning bird watching cruise on the Chagres River, the only river in the world that empties into two oceans. The Chagres is the source of water used in the Panama Canal and is home to a variety of birds including parrots, whistling ducks, cormorants, and tiger herons. Look for green iguanas, slider turtles, and lizards that walk on the water. Watch for monkeys swinging from tree branches. Next, after a late breakfast, visit a sloth rescue center. Learn about these gentle mammals. Look for colorful butterflies on your visit to a butterfly garden. See rare tropical orchids at an orchid nursery. Lunch is on your own. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy your resort in the heart of the rainforest. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 • Panama Canal Boat Ride

This morning, enjoy a boat ride through the most scenic portion of the Panama Canal, the lush watershed region. Look for monkeys living on the protected islands. See massive cargo ships navigate through the Panama Canal’s artificially created Gatun Lake. Marvel at the huge dredging equipment that keeps the Canal’s waterways open and operational. Lunch. Enjoy a short rainforest hike. Next, drive by the outdoor laboratories of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Then cross the Centenario Bridge and over the Panama Canal’s Gaillard Cut. Continue to your beach resort for a relaxing two-night stay on the Pacific Coast. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 • Playa Bonita

Full day at leisure to take advantage of the comforts and amenities of your beach resort, including an onsite spa. Lunch. Enjoy a carefree afternoon. Swim in the large pool or stroll the beach while being caressed by warm ocean breezes. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Oriole

Day 7 • Handicrafts

Morning at leisure. Lunch. Return to Panama City via the Bridge of the Americas. Drive along the Amador Causeway with spectacular views of the Panama City skyline. Visit a Kuna tribal marketplace. Shop for colorful mola art, inspired by wildlife and geometrical patterns. Farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 • Panama City

Your tour ends this morning at your hotel in Panama City. Breakfast is included only after 6:30 a.m. Caravan includes departure transfers on the day the tour ends from your hotel to Tocumen Panama International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama, arriving at 5:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.. If you wish to go at a different time or extend your stay in Panama, you will need to transfer on your own at your own expense. Thanks for vacationing with Caravan. ¡Muchas Gracias!

Meals: Breakfast

Bird Watching Cruise
Embera Village
Oriole
Bird Watching Cruise

Caret DownCaret Up Red2024 Hotels

2024 Hotels

Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.


Westin Panama

Days 1, 2 • Panama City

Westin Panama

Westin Panama

The elegant Westin Panama is ideally situated in Costa del Este neighborhood. Your hotel includes a fitness center, spa and outdoor pool. Your room includes an iron, hairdryer, safe, wi-fi and coffeemaker.


Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Days 3, 4 • Gamboa

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is located in Soberania National Park, in the heart of Panama's rainforest. The resort is just north of the Continental Divide, on the banks of the Chagres River, near where it flows into Lake Gatun and the Panama Canal. Guest rooms feature a hammock and patio furniture on a private balcony with park and river views. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a mini-bar, in-room safe, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, coffeemaker, and satellite television. All rooms are non-smoking. Resort amenities include a large outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, beautiful gardens, and walking and jogging trails. Fitness equipment, a hot tub, thermal bath and sauna are available at the full service spa. For a fee, the spa offers massage, a beauty salon, body and facial treatments. Guided fishing in the Panama Canal is also available for a fee. Free internet access.


Westin Playa Bonita Resort

Days 5, 6 • Playa Bonita

Westin Playa Bonita Resort

Westin Playa Bonita Resort

The Westin Playa Bonita Resort is a spectacular beach resort located on Panama's Pacific coast. From the grand lobby you have sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Resort amenities include a private beach, multiple outdoor pools, swim-up bar, lounges, fitness center, beauty salon, and spa with massage services. The spacious guest rooms are air-conditioned and have cable TV. Free internet access.


InterContinental Miramar Panama

Day 7 • Panama City

InterContinental Miramar Panama

InterContinental Miramar Panama

The modern InterContinental Miramar hotel is located in Panama City in the middle of Panama Bay. Panoramic water and city views abound. A short stroll from the hotel takes you to the scenic walkway on Panama Bay . The InterContinental Miramar has tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a beauty salon, and fitness center with massage, sauna, Jacuzzi, and Turkish bath. All rooms are air-conditioned, and feature cable TV, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and a coffee maker. Free internet access.

Caret DownCaret Up RedAirport Transfers

Airport Transfers

arrival Transfers

Transfer on your own from the Panama City Tocumen Airport (PTY) to your hotel, the Westin Costa del Este (La Rotunda Ave, Costa del Este) in Panama City. Once you exit customs and baggage claim, proceed to the official taxi stand. The driving time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost will range from $30-$40 US Dollars. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.

departure Transfers

Caravan includes a departure transfer from the Intercontinental Miramar hotel in Panama City to Tocumen Panama International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama arriving at 5:30 am, 8:00 am and 11:00 am. on the day the tour ends. If you wish to leave at another time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Taxi fares from your hotel to Tocumen Airport cost about $30-$40 USD. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

Caret DownCaret Up RedPassports & Visas

Passports & Visas

Panama requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws. See Travel Tips for more details.

Caret DownCaret Up RedWeather & Clothing

Weather & Clothing

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

Panama City
TempRain
Jan87/751.6
Feb89/750.6
Mar91/750.6
Apr91/753.4
May87/757.9
Jun86/757.5
Jul87/757.3
Aug86/757.8
Sep86/757.1
Oct84/7510.3
Nov86/758.9
Dec87/755.3

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Panama City
temp87/7589/7591/7591/7587/7586/7587/7586/7586/7584/7586/7587/75
rainfall1.60.60.63.47.97.57.37.87.110.38.95.3

Clothing Tips

This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required. See Travel Tips for more details.

Caret DownCaret Up RedTravel Tips & FAQs

Travel Tips & FAQs

These are only the first 13 Travel Tips. Read all 55 Travel Tips

My Tour Price Includes

Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation.

Preparing for the Tropics

It is recommended to bring at least one pair of quick-dry pants and one quick-dry shirt. The quick-dry pants that zip at the knee to convert into shorts are particularly popular. Be sure to also bring a sweater or jacket for the cooler night temperatures. Caravan does not make product endorsements, but many feel that Avon Skin So Soft oil (not cream), or Avon's Expedition anti-mosquito spray is effective protection against mosquito bites in the jungle. Caravan does not endorse any vitamin, but please note that Central American pharmacies sell 500 milligram Vitamin B-1 tablets, a non-prescription vitamin, as "anti-mosquito" pills. Many people take Vitamin B-1 pills and eat garlic for about two weeks prior to and during their visits to the jungle because they believe that the smell of Vitamin B-1 and garlic repels mosquitoes. If you believe this may be of value, consult your doctor for further information on Vitamin B-1 and garlic. Many also avoid eating bananas in the rainforest, as it is believed that this smell attracts mosquitoes. Also, it is wise to wear light-weight quick-dry long-sleeved pants and shirts in these tropical areas.

Are meals included?

Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.

Children on Tour

Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks.

Family Trips

Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old.

My Tour Price Does Not Include

Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour’s price.

Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour

Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation.

Forms of Payment

Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

Many Tours Sell Out Each Year

The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available.

Fully Guided Tours Since 1952

Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations.

Size of Tour Group

Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers.

A Well-Paced Itinerary

A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation.

Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection

Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129.

Read All 55 Travel TipsClick Here for All 55 Travel Tips

Caret DownCaret Up RedCustomer Reviews

Customer Reviews

These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 185 Customer Reviews

"Amazing. This was our first trip with Caravan and we will be taking another adventure with you. Couldn’t ask for better accommodations, the hotels were all topnotch. Enjoyed all the meals, something for everyone. Friends told us about Caravan and they were 100% right. We will be telling all my other friends about Caravan Panama."

Mr. & Mrs. G.S., Ormond Beach, Florida

"This was our third Caravan tour and once again, it was wonderful. The detailed schedules and activities allow us to enjoy the tour with no concerns about logistics. Wonderful job of providing background and history. Every meal offered tremendous variety and diverse regional cuisine of Panama. Thanks to our Director and the many people helping with the tour, we learned a lot, experienced wonderful opportunities, and enjoyed local culture."

Mr. & Mrs. M.L., Brussels, Wisconsin

"Panama is a spectacular place. The hotels were beautiful, the last one being the best I’ve ever stayed in. The food and drink was great. We had such an informed director, he knew history and current affairs. Very helpful and always there if needed. This was a wonderful tour that I will remember."

Ms. M.N., Buffalo, New York

"Panama: a WONDER of the world! A fantastic week - expertly planned and executed! From history, observation and riding through the canal, with additional side events...awesome!! A most memorable experience."

Ms. P.M., Winnetka, Illinois

"This was my fifth tour with Caravan. They have all provided wonderful opportunities to see spectacular scenery, enjoy the cuisine, and interact with local culture. The guides are professional, personable, competent and enhance the tours. Our canal transit was great."

Mr. J.D., Upton, Massachusetts

"I selected this trip as an alternative to taking a cruise which visited the canal. What’s not to like about this trip? It totally went beyond my expectations. It provided so much more than the cruise we were considering. I am glad I found Caravan to give you a try. Our party of four would at dinner each night, review and evaluate the day, giving each other a high point or low point of the day. This was the first time trying to come up with a low was extremely difficult. Caravan has got traveling down to an artform."

Mr. & Mrs. D.G., Rockville, Maryland

"We have fallen in love with guided tours. We don’t know how Caravan does it. We wanted to see the Panama Canal and we got to see every angle. Everything planned perfectly. The entertainment at night was very interesting, showing pride in the Panama culture. There is not enough space about our amazing tour director. His heart and soul was into the tour and travelers, his experience shows. Not only did we learn from the trip, we learned from fellow travelers. They became our family for a week."

Mr. & Mrs. D.M., Tampico, Illinois

Read All 185 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 185 Customer Reviews

Caret DownCaret Up RedWhy Travel with Caravan?

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence Since 1952

You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

Caravan's Proud History

In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.

Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors), NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Catalog Association).

ASTA, NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA