Panama is a country blessed with incredible geographic diversity: lowland tropical rainforests, dense cloud forests near the border with Costa Rica and mangrove swamps along stretches of both the Pacific and the Caribbean coastlines. Now that a number of sophisticated hotels have opened their doors, the time has never been better to explore the world’s most famous isthmus.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
Arrive in Panama City, most likely in the evening. Check into the 50-room American Trade Hotel and relax in your suite, the central courtyard, dotted with tropical plants and outdoor bistro tables or the lounge area.
Explore Casco Viejo, set in a neat grid pattern that invites casual strolling. The area dates to 1673, when it was built on a strategically defensible peninsula shortly after pirates ravaged the original city, now known as Panama Viejo. (Our favorite places in Casco Viejo were written about in the July 2017 Hideaway Report.) In the afternoon, take some time to enjoy the amenities of your resort.
For dinner, try Madrigal, which has Michelin-starred chef Andrés Madrigal at the helm and a Spanish-Mediterranean menu. Later on, visit the hotel’s atmospheric Danilo’s Jazz Club, which has its own entrance and provides an entertaining way to spend an evening.
Take a day to visit one of the engineering wonders of the world, the Panama Canal, a short drive outside the city center. The best way to see the canal and experience the locks is by taking a full- or half-day cruise.
At the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal stands the striking Biomuseo, a museum with permanent exhibitions related to technology, science and art and an exterior designed by Frank Gehry.
Alternatively, delve into the nearby Soberanía National Park. This pristine tropical rainforest is 45-minutes from Panama City and is known for its remarkably diverse wildlife — 400 bird species and 105 mammal species.
From Panama City, it’s a 50-minute flight to David and an hour’s drive on to Boquete, a delightful small town 4,000 feet above sea level in the cool highlands of Chiriquí Province. Settle into Panamonte Hotel, a venerable 17-room property near Barú Volcano National Park. The hotel offers guided tours of the shade-grown coffee plantations in the area during harvest season (November through February). It is a fascinating way to learn about the high-quality beans produced in this region.
Spend the day hiking in the cloud forests around Barú Volcano, home to hundreds of species of birds including the resplendent quetzal. Alternatively, go kayaking or mountain biking, or have a soak in one of the natural hot springs.
Return by air to Panama City, and take a charter flight to Pedasí on the Azuero Peninsula (otherwise it’s a four-hour drive). This region of rolling hills and golden-sand beaches is renowned as a major source of Panamanian folklore, as well as for its exuberant carnival celebrations. Be aware, however, that there are no Harper-recommended hotels in this area.
Spend today relaxing on the beach, or perhaps enjoying some fishing, mountain-biking or horseback riding.
Make a day trip to the Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge, an island reserve surrounded by an impressive coral reef ideal for snorkeling. The nearby Isla Canas, reached through a series of mangrove-lined canals, is famous for the sea turtles nesting on its wide beaches.
After a late breakfast, return to Panama City. Do any last-minute souvenir shopping in the afternoon, or just relax at your hotel.
Transfer to the airport and board your flight home.
Contact a travel advisor to book your custom itinerary. Fill out the form or call (630) 734-4610.
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