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Panama Self-drive adventure

Self Drive Adventures Panama

11 DAYS

Panama truly offers all the ingredients for a wonderful holiday! Our 11-days self-drive tour is very varied; you travel from Panama City to Chitré to the Gulf of Chiriqui to the lush cloud forest of Boquete. Along the road, you will pass through charming villages where you still can see and feel the real Panama and get to know the locals while taking cultural and nature/outdoor activities.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Panama and transfer to Hotel

On your arrival at the airport in Panama City (PTY), our driver will welcome you and will transfer you to your hotel. Transfer time 30m approx.~ Overnight at Hotel Tryp Panama Centro 3* for two nights – 1 Standard room. Meals: None

Day 2: Panama City Tour & Miraflores Locks – Flight to David and transfer to Boquete

This morning, meet your guide and start your sightseeing expedition of Panamas amazing capital which was founded in 1519. The captivating backdrop of skyscrapers, noble mansions and green hills will surely fascinate you. The tour begins with a trip to the old town Casco Antiguo. Here you find some of the oldest architecture and buildings of the modern city. The area is known as Casco Viejo or Casco Antiguo. During the tour you will see many unique colonial buildings. Some of those are still largely original and others are nicely and colorfully restored. The historic Casco Antiguo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has become the center of art, design and cultural development. Many new bars, roof top terraces, restaurants and hotels have opened here. Later on a drive down the Causeway will surprise you with an amazing view of the Panama City skyline before taking you to the Miraflores Locks. Here you will gain a first insight into the inner workings and dimensions of the famous Panama Canal. The viewers terrace offers a unique view of the locks and the ships a through the locks on their way to the Pacific or Atlantic. The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world. Each year around 14,000 ships are transiting, that is about six percent of the worlds trade. In its museum you will learn many interesting facts about the Canal. Duration: 4-5 hours approx. ~ Difficulty: Easy Overnight at Hotel Tryp Panama Centro 3* – 1 Standard room. Meals: B

Day 3: Pick up rental car and drive to Chitré

Morning meet a representative of the rental car for pick up your car and rental formalities, then start your journey towards Chitré, located about 7 km inland from the Gulf of Panama on the Azuero Peninsula. Driving time: 3.5 hours approx. Along the way, we suggest to stop at the El Caño park (once a holy place where gods where worshipped, today the only preserved precolumbian ceremonial site Panama’s). The historical church of Nata de los Caballeros is also worth a visit. The town is one of the country’s oldest. Overnight at Hotel Cubitá Resort & Spa 3* – 1 Standard room. Meals: B

Day 4: The Best of Azuero Tour

Considered by many "the cultural heart of Panama", the inhabitants of the Azuero Peninsula live their traditions and folklore with great pride. On this tour you will observe in detail the making of the “pollera”, one of the most beautiful typical costumes in the world. Visit artisans who have dedicated their entire lives to make the dresses. You will also visit workshops of two local artisans dedicated to create Panamanian folklore: One who makes the devil masks that are used for the dances of the “Diablicos Sucios” (Dirty Devils) and the “Gran Diablo” (Great Devil); and another that makes the wooden drums that are an essential part of the typical Panamanian music. Visit and learn why the town of La Arena is so famous for its ceramics and try yourself to make pottery. You will get to know the workshop where the typical Panamanian sandals are made: the famous "cutarras". This is a great opportunity to purchase local souvenirs to bring them home with you. Duration: 5-6 hours approx. ~ Difficulty: Easy The afternoon is at leisure. You may visit the surrounding beaches and picturesque villages. Overnight at Hotel Cubitá Resort & Spa 3* – 1 Standard room. Meals: B

Day 5: Drive to Boca Chica

Today leave Chitré and drive to Boca Chica, a small fishing village close to the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park which is made of little islands with beautiful, lonely beaches. Driving time: 3 hours approx. Overnight at Hotel Bocas del Mar 4* for three nights - 1 Ocean facing deluxe bungalow. Meals: B

Day 6: Island Discovery Boat Tour

This morning after breakfast gather at the restaurant of the hotel to go on a nice, relaxing adventure. This is a ‘must-do’ excursion if you stay at Bocas del Mar Hotel! You will head out into the stunning Gulf of Chiriqui Marine National Park with your local captain to the islands of the gulf, see the marine life with the breeze in your hair and feel the warm tropical air and sand between your toes on pristine white beaches. It normally stops at up to two islands, which typically include (depending on the time of year): Beautiful Isla Bolaños for (optional) snorkeling and swimming and Isla Gámez for tropical beach relaxation. Following a circular route by boat though many islands look out for possible sightings of dolphins, turtles, manta ray (flying fish) and other marine life. Duration: 4 hours approx. Difficulty: Easy Overnight at Hotel Bocas del Mar 4* - 1 Ocean facing deluxe bungalow. Meals: B

Day 7: At leisure in Boca Chica

Day at leisure in this nice resort. Bathe in the two beautiful infinity-style pools or sun yourself on the wide terraces/private cove. You may also book optional activities such as island beach mini cruises, kayak tours, snorkelling among other. Please enquiry for more information and details! Overnight at Hotel Bocas del Mar 4* - 1 Ocean facing deluxe bungalow. Meals: B

Day 8: Drive to Boquete

Breakfast and time to reach another yet great destination: the small mountain village of Boquete, home to an abundance of birds and often said the world's best coffee – Geisha – is grown here. Driving time: 1.5 hours approx. Overnight at Hotel Riverside Inn 3* for two nights – 1 Jr. Suite. Meals: B

Day 9: The Pipeline Trail Hike and Coffee Tour

This morning, enjoy trekking through remote virgin cloud forests. The Pipeline Trail is an easy-moderate hike that takes through the cloud forest and passes through two micro-climates, has various small wildlife, and is one of the best areas for the chance to see the Resplendent Quetzal, as well as numerous other birds. Duration: 3-4 hours approx. ~ Difficulty: Easy The afternoon is at leisure. You may book an optional excursion or drive to Boquete and visit the town and its surroundings. Overnight at Hotel Riverside Inn 3* – 1 Jr. Suite. Meals: B

Day 10: Drive to David to return rental car – Flight to Panama City and transfer to hotel

Today drive to the airport in David to drop off your rental car. Then take the domestic flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival, we will provide transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Tryp Panama Centro 3* for one night – 1 Standard room. Meals: B

Day 11: Transfer to Tocumen Airport

Depending on your flight schedule, our driver will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and will transfer you to the international airport Tocumen to take your flight back home. Transfer time 30 minutes approx.~ Come back soon to enchanting Panama!

Panama Self-drive adventure

  • From:

included:

  • Lodging at mentioned hotels or similar.
  • Rent a car with mandatory insurance and sales taxes from day 3 to day 10.
  • Door to door transportation as per itinerary on day 1 and 11.
  • Tours and activities as per itinerary (shared in small groups) on days 2, 4, 6 and 9 with bilingual local guide.
  • Local taxes.

Not Included:

  • International airfare.
  • Gas.
  • Parking lot.
  • Additional meals.
  • Passenger taxes at borders/airports.
  • Activities suggested.
  • Discretional tips.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Travel Insurance.

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