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Panama Guided Tours
To partake in an unforgettable adventure, discovering Panama is a must-try experience with Caravan guided tours. Our expert guides will accompany you through the lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities of Panama, offering insights and fascinating stories.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or prefer to travel with a partner or friends, our tours are the perfect way to experience all this country offers. From the awe-inspiring views of the Panama Canal to the atmospheric markets of Panama City, you’ll want to take in every moment of your Caravan tour. Don’t hesitate to book your tour today and prepare for a lifetime of adventure!
Experience Local Life in Panama City With Caravan
Love experiencing local cultures when you travel? Caravan’s Panama guided tour is your answer! This lively city is full of vibrant street markets, festivals, and tasty cuisines.
Get guided around the neighborhoods by a local, and you’ll feel like a true Panamanian, with its remarkable sights, sounds, and smells. Here’s our itinerary to one of the most visited Latin American countries.
Day 1: City of Panama
The vibrant home of the world-famous Panama Canal! Over your vacation, you’ll experience the best of Panama, from boating on the Canal to checking out a Spanish Colonial fort. Explore rainforests and gaze at lush wildlife, strolling sandy beaches and seeing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
You’ll even meet the Embera tribe in their jungle home! Start your adventure by arriving at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, where you can grab a taxi to your hotel. We’ll kick things off with a welcome briefing at 8:00 p.m., but feel free to check in at your leisure after 4:00 p.m. Dinner is served until 9:30 p.m.
Day 2: Old Panama and Miraflores Locks
The second day is jam-packed with exciting things to do! You’ll visit Old Panama, the first European settlement on the Pacific. Established by the Spaniards in 1519, it was the transit point for gold destined for Europe from the Inca Empire.
Awesome, right? Then, we’ll drive along Panama City’s Bayfront and get views of two distinct parts - the historic district of Casco Viejo, a Miami-Latin American fusion, and the city’s modern skyline.
As if that wasn’t enough, there will be a spectacular IMAX movie about the Panama Canal and a visit to the Canal’s Miraflores Locks, where miniature trains pull boats and the six-foot thick steel gates open and close. Panama has played a prominent role since ancient times as the transit route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
You’ll also be driven through the City of Knowledge, which previously served as the base for the United States Army Southern Command. Too much excitement, we know! All that touring will work up an appetite, so dinner awaits you.
Day 3: Embera Village and Fort San Lorenzo
On Day 3, let’s hop on a motorized canoe and venture deep into Panama’s rainforest to visit the Embera tribe. We’ll explore their conservation efforts and how they coexist with nature. You can even buy their handmade baskets & veggie ivory carvings!
After lunch, we’ll cross the Bridge of the Atlantic and explore Fort San Lorenzo National Park. There, we’ll discover a 16th-century fortress built by the Spanish to protect their gold from pirates. Look out for howler monkeys and coatimundis while we explore the lush jungle. We’ll end the day at our cozy rainforest hotel for a two-night stay, where dinner will be served.
Day 4: Bird Watching Cruise and Sloth Rescue Center
Get set for a fantastic Day 4! Start your day early with a bird-watching expedition down the Chagres River, which is like no other river in the world as it empties into two oceans. Keep your eyes peeled for a colorful spectacle of:
- Parrots
- Whistling ducks
- Cormorants
- Tiger herons
Remember the infamous tree dragons like the green iguanas, basilisk lizards, slider turtles, and the king of all showboaters, the monkey! After a hearty breakfast, learn about the sloth’s unique lifestyles and playful feats at The Sloth Rescue Center.
Then, get swept up in a frenzy of vibrant colors amidst some of the rarest butterflies in the world at the butterfly garden. You’ll also have a chance to witness some rare tropical orchids at the orchid nursery. Top it off with an amazingly leisurely lunch and cap it off at your favorite resort in the heart of the tropical rainforest.
Day 5: Boat Ride in Panama Canal
On Day 5, you’ll be cruising through the most picturesque area of the Panama Canal - the lush watershed region! Keep an eye out for playful monkeys on the protected islands. See those mammoth cargo ships passing through the Panama Canal’s Gatun Lake.
Just wait until you spot those giant dredging machines constantly working to keep the Canal’s waterways open. Later, you’ll be going on a short hike through the forest. We’ll also drive by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
Then, get ready to cross over the Centenario Bridge and through the Panama Canal’s Gaillard Cut before we arrive at your beachside resort in the Pacific, where you can kick back for two nights and enjoy dinner.
Day 6: Playa Bonita
The sixth day is all about Playa Bonita — chillin’ at your beach resort with:
- Onsite spa
- Lunch
- A carefree afternoon spent swimming in the pool
- Walking the beach
Dinner is going to be awesome too!
Day 7: Handicrafts and Folklore Dancers
Get ready for another adventure on Day 7! You can kick back during the morning session before heading to Panama City via the Bridge of the Americas post-lunch. Look out for the sensational Panama City skyline views along the Amador Causeway.
The Kuna tribal marketplace is calling your name! You absolutely have to shop for some colorful mola art inspired by wildlife and geometrical shapes. End the day on a high note with a farewell dinner and a private Caravan show featuring traditional Panamanian Folklore Dancers in Polleras.
Day 8: Back to Panama City
Your stay in the city of Panama wraps up with breakfast at 6 a.m. Caravan can arrange transport to Tocumen Airport (PTY) on flights of 5:30 a.m., 8 a.m., and 11 a.m.
Discover Panama on a Guided Tour for an Unforgettable Experience!
Going on a Panama-guided tour by Caravan is the trip of a lifetime! You’ll get to experience all that this beautiful country has to offer with all meals, hotels, and activities included. Best of all, you don’t have to break the bank! Our cheap guided tours of Panama allow you to travel without breaking your budget. Our guides are experts in their field and will ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Plus, everyone who takes one of our tours loves the fun and laid-back atmosphere we create. So why wait? Call 1-800-CARAVAN or +1-312-321-9800 to join one of our awesome tours and have an unforgettable experience in Panama!
2024 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.
Days 1, 2 • Panama City
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.
Days 3, 4 • Gamboa
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.
Days 5, 6 • Playa Bonita
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.
Day 7 • Panama City
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.
Airport 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.
Passports & 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.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Panama City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 87/75 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 89/75 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 91/75 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 91/75 | 3.4 |
| May | 87/75 | 7.9 |
| Jun | 86/75 | 7.5 |
| Jul | 87/75 | 7.3 |
| Aug | 86/75 | 7.8 |
| Sep | 86/75 | 7.1 |
| Oct | 84/75 | 10.3 |
| Nov | 86/75 | 8.9 |
| Dec | 87/75 | 5.3 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama City | ||||||||||||
| temp | 87/75 | 89/75 | 91/75 | 91/75 | 87/75 | 86/75 | 87/75 | 86/75 | 86/75 | 84/75 | 86/75 | 87/75 |
| rainfall | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 3.4 | 7.9 | 7.5 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 7.1 | 10.3 | 8.9 | 5.3 |
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.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 13 Travel Tips. Read all 55 Travel Tips 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. 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. 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. 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 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 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.My Tour Price Includes
Preparing for the Tropics
Are meals included?
Children on Tour
Family Trips
My Tour Price Does Not Include
Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour
Forms of Payment
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Size of Tour Group
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Customer 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." "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." "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." "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." "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." "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." "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."
Read All 185 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 185 Customer Reviews
Why 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.
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).
