The Best of Panama – Adventure Destination
To truly experience this amazing destination, we’ve carefully selected the best of Panama for your experiential and adventure travel. Did you know that Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rising on the Pacific and setting on the Atlantic? This small country that lies within an Isthmus, connects two continents and its home to amazing biodiversity. There are 10,500 types of plants, 255 species of mammals, approximately 900 indigenous bird species and over 200 species of amphibians.
The following is an itinerary for a 14-day journey. Your VIP hand-tailored itinerary will be programmed based on your preferences and all your activities, restaurant reservations, transportation will be organized prior to your arrival to the country. We want you to enjoy a stress-free vacation where we will take care of everything for you.
Panama City - 3 nights & 2 full days
This is the largest city of the country and it is the capital of the Republic of Panama. It was founded in 1519, and it is known as the Crossroads of the Americas as it borders one of the biggest rainforests of Central America. A city of contrasts where you will see high skyscrapers bordering the bay, and the Old City which offers a mix of historic and modern architecture, fine dining and an exciting nightlife.
Included:
Accommodation at The Hilton Panama or The American Trade Hotel, with breakfast, all ground transportation and 2 activities.
- City Tour and Canal Visit
- Embera Indian Village
- The Gamboa Rainforest Adventure
You will receive a list of the best restaurants in Panama City to pre-select your preferences in order for us to assist you with your lunch and dinner reservations. You will also receive an activity book so you can choose activities. Every day, your private driver will meet you and take you on your daily adventure. Every night, your private driver will meet you to drive you to your dinner reservation.
1st Day/ Night
Arrival to the Republic of Panama
You will be met by a representative when you exit the plane. You will be guided through customs and then to the VIP Lounge where you can enjoy a cool drink while you wait for your luggage to be collected. You will then be driven to your hotel in a private vehicle.
2nd Day / Night:
Panama City contrasts makes it unique; we will visit the City’s most important places: our first stop will be in the Colonial City (built in 1673), then we will pass the modern-day Financial Banking Center and commercial shopping area. Afterwards, we will drive on the Causeway which joins the mainland with the 3 islands that were heavily fortified wartime U.S. military defense outposts at the Pacific Ocean entrance of the Canal. Then we will go to the top of Ancon Hill (the City’s highest elevation point) where we will have a bird’s-eye-view of the Capital City, as well as Miraflores Locks in the distance. We will then visit the Panama Canals Miraflores Visitors Center.
3rd Day / Night:
After a 45 min drive from your hotel in Panama City, we will take our second mode of transportation & canoe up the mighty Chagres River to the Embera Indian village.
A priceless encounter with one of Panama’s 7 native indigenous groups, the Emberas trained the U.S. Astronauts in jungle survival in case that the spacecraft had a mishap & would land in a Tropical rainforest. You will be met by the “Reception Committee” with their native made musical instruments, witnessing their native dances. There is an opportunity of purchasing handicraft items made right there (from Nature-provided raw materials). You will have a typical Embera meal, as well as an explanation about their traditions & way of life.
Isla Bastimentos, Bocas Del Toro – 3 nights and 2.5 days
Bocas del Toro is a province of Panama that contains two parks: Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park and La Amistad International Park. This province comprises 9 main islands and the small capital is Isla Colón, also known as Bocas Town.
Bastimentos Island is one of the largest islands in Panama with 62 square kilometers and it has become very popular as it offers a more relaxed ambiance and its only 10 minutes by boat from Bocas Town.
Included:
3-night accommodation at Red Frog Beach Island Resort, domestic flight from Panama City to Bocas del Toro, all transportation, breakfast in the resort, and 3 activities.
- Cave Tour
- Chocolate Farm tour
- Bastimentos Zipline
- Sunset Cruise
- Nature Hike
- Dolphin Bay – Coral Key
- Starfish Beach – Boca Del Drago
You will receive an activity book with the different activity choices to choose from.
Arrival to Bocas del Toro:
4th Day / Night:
Your private driver will meet you in your Panama City hotel to drive you to the Marcos A. Gelabert airport for your one-hour flight towards Bocas del Toro. A Red Frog representative will greet you after you receive your luggage (with resort sign). You will take a short car ride to Red Frog Beach Island Resort’s Bocas Town waterfront office where you will board a water taxi. Enjoy the ride through the exotic mangrove glades to arrive to the resort.
5th Day / Night:
Enjoy a 3 hour chocolate farm tour where you will walk through a lush tropical rainforest to learn about native cacao production.
After lunch enjoy the Bastimentos Sky Zipline Canopy Tour. After a short truck ride to the top of the island, get ready to soar through the rain-forest canopy in this 90 minute tour where you will discover unique island ecology.
6th Day / Night:
Enjoy a 3 hour cave tour after taking a boat up the inland island river. Spot wildlife guided by native Indians.
Wrap up your Bocas del Toro experience with a Sunset Cruise / 2-hour tour.
Boquete, Highlands of Panama – 3 nights and 2.5 days
Boquete is a small town in the Province of Chiriqui, in western Panama. Located in the highlands of the country with an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level. Breathtaking cloud forests views all around, and a fresh temperature of 64.4 F (18 C). The main industry in the area is agriculture, and the most popular crop is coffee. Panama coffee plantations are considered to be some of best in the world.
Included:
4-night accommodation at Valle Escondido Resort Golf & Spa, transportation from Bocas del Toro to Boquete, all transportation in Boquete, breakfast in the hotel and 4 activities.
Boquete Tour Options:
- Golf
- ATV panoramic
- Coffee Tour
- Tea Tour
- Hanging Bridges Tour
- Cloud forest Zipline
- Rafting
- Tasting tour – Boquete Brewing Company
- Guided hiking trails (3 trails to choose from)
- Birdwatching
You will receive an activity book with the different activities to choose from. Also a list of Boquete’s top restaurants for you to pre-select your preferred choices so we can assist you with your lunch and dinner reservations.
Every day your private driver will meet you and take you on your daily adventure. Every night, your private driver will meet you to drive you to your dinner reservation.
Arrival to Boquete:
Enjoy a 15 min boat ride towards Almirante where your private driver will meet you to drive you 3.5 hours to your hotel in Boquete.
7th day / Night:
After your arrival at Valle Escondido Resort, Golf & Spa your afternoon SPA treatment awaits!
8th Day / Night:
Have an early breakfast and get ready for your panoramic tour, so you can get to know this beautiful small town in the skirts of the Baru Volcano, in the highlands of Panama. After your panoramic car drive you can start your 4-wheel/ATV adventure through the virgin could forests of Boquete.
9th Day / Night:
Start the day with a 2 hour coffee tour at Don Nery Coffee farm, 100% artisan farm with one of the best specialty coffees of the region. The farm is located near Baru Volcano at 1600 meters over sea level. You will walk through the plantation where you will be able to observe the different coffee varieties, as well as the cultural and agronomic practices that are practiced within the farm.
During the morning you will learn about the entire coffee production process and the tour finishes at the coffee shop enjoying a delicious cup of coffee.
Start the afternoon with a tour of Boquete Brewing Company and tasting of their crafted beer.
10th Day / Night:
Your driver will meet you to take you on your guided tour through the mind-blowingly beautiful Lost Waterfalls Trail – enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
Cala Mia Island Beach Resort, Gulf of Chiriquí – 4 nights and 3.5 days
This destination is located on the Boca Brava island in the Gulf of Chiriqui in the Chiriqui province. With many activities to enjoy and attractions such as the Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Park. Cala Mia is a small destination where you can find endless opportunities to enjoy your vacation in Panama. The Gulf of Chiriqui features dozens of islands and marine and nature activities.
Included:
Includes 4-night accommodation at Cala Mia, including transportation from Boquete, all meals and drinks, and 5 selected activities. You will receive an activity book with the different activity choices to choose from.
Select from 3 Island Activities
- Horseback jungle tour
- Howler monkey hiking tour
- Kayaking mangrove tour
- Cooking classes
- Sunset Tour
- Spa treatment
Select from 2 Aquatic Activities
- Discover Scuba Classes
- Diving day 2 tanks
- Isa Secas snorkeling trip
- Discover surround Island
Arrival to Cala Mia Resort:
Your driver will meet you to take you on an hour an 1.5 hr drive towards Boca Chica town where a Cala Mia vessel will transfer you to Boca Brava island.
11th Day / Night:
Get some leisure time to explore the resort. Go on an afternoon look-out hike and enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Marine Park of the Gulf of Chiriquí.
12th Day / Night:
Enjoy a relaxing day in at the beach club or explore the inland mangrove from the perspective of kayak or paddleboard.
14th Day / Night:
9:00 AM / 2.5 hours – Horseback riding through the jungle. 5:30 PM / 1.5 hours Sunset Cruise around the Marine Park of The Gulf of Chiriquí
15th Day:
Your driver will meet you and take you to Enrique Malek Airport in David for your domestic flight back to Panama City where you will fly back home.
Best Of Panama - 14 Night Package
- Price per person is $8,895 excluding tax
- Includes all in country transfers from Panama City.
- 3 night Panama City including the choice of 2 tours, includes breakfast.
- 3 nights Red Frog beach Island Resort, includes breakfast and the choice of 3 activities.
- 4 Nights Valle Escondido Resort, includes breakfast and the choice of 4 highland activities.
- 4 nights Cala Mia, all inclusive meal and drinks and the choice of 3 island and 2 aquatic activities.
Examine Our Reviews !
With 300 + resort reviews, we encourage you to read our reviews below, hope you will conclude our luxury island resort destination can exceed your Panama vacation expectations.
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- Linda B 4/17/2024Fabulous island resort. Outstanding sport fishing,private boats with captain and mate. Their aim is to get you to the fish! Eat what you catch.Great island excursions, horseback riding, snorkeling ( not included)Unparalleled tropical scenery.Resort limited to 30 people .read moreread less
- Peggy Dunagan 3/04/2024My husband and I had the most incredible stay at Cala Mia Resort. The staff was amazing, anticipating every thing we could possible need or want. The rooms, events, meals and atmosphere was beyond our expectations. All the events that was lined up for us was extraordinary. We definitely will be going back next year.read moreread less
- Gianni S 2/07/2024My partner and I had an incredible experience at Selva Terra Resort. The entire team provided amazing service throughout our stay. The cuisine was exquisite, and it's clear they put in hard work to achieve excellent results. We particularly enjoyed the addition of pumpkin cake to the menu—it was a delightful surprise per request in the moment! The amenities were pure luxury, with a private beach, swimming pool, and personalized excursions. Samantha and David were exceptionally helpful, and we wish them both all the success in their future endeavors. Highly recommend! BUT I'm secretly hoping they'll add a chocolate fountain next time!"read moreread less
- Julie Kunz 1/05/2024This was our second family vacation to Cala Mia now rebranding as Selva Terra.We all can’t say enough amazing things about all the staff and the resort. As I told them, they are such “ yes” people, making all our requests possible.We fished three full days and caught five or six different types of fish. Enough to feed the resort, lol.We went horseback riding, two great hikes where we saw howler monkeys, exotic fauna, and beautiful butterflies. We loved the snorkeling and all the variety of fish and coral and even an moray eel.All 5 of us got the best massage by Gladys with the ocean breeze blowing in the open air spa area.The food is phenomenal from breakfast to dessert and everything in between. Incredible fresh fish options, fresh fruit and smoothies and of course the best drinks!We can’t wait to come back!read moreread less
- Michael McCutcheon 11/20/2023This review is long overdue! My sister and I stayed here and loved it. The property itself is epic. Perched looking out on the see, the restaurant bar is top notch, there's chill yoga space, an oversized chess court, and more, all tucked within the trees in a beautiful way. The staff is also super kind and helpful and whomever is working in the kitchen deserves a Michelin. We went diving for several days too which was amazing. Among other things we saw a humpback whale breaching the surface. Once in a lifetime. Also...shout out to the tall gentleman from Texas that we met onsite. He's awesome and has some amazing stories. Still remember him. 10/10 would recommend.read moreread less
- Tom P 5/01/2023A+ experience from start to end. We were pampered from the moment we stepped off the plane in Panama City. Get the VIP package, it is truly worth it! |Logistics: what can I say, everything ran perfectly to the second. From going through customs like a diplomat, being whisked to the your urban hotel and tour next day, travel to and from Cala Mia, every step they were waiting on us with smiling faces. ||Fishing: Most epic day of fishing I’ve had, not in shear numbers, but the hunt and type of fish. One day, we brought in a sailfish, followed by a Marlin that took 40 min to come to boat side, then a couple of jack fish while inshore fishing. You know the scenery with deep water ( although there was an island to break up the landscape!), but inshore fishing in the Seca Islands is not to be missed, just for the scenery, even if you aren’t catching any fish. Fortunately, we were able to land two beautiful jacks. Captain and Mate know what they are doing and will work TIRELESSLY to get you on a fish. When we caught our first fish, I thought they were more excited than we were. I think you can take some fish back home, our fish were all catch and release. ||Accom: Clean, comfortable, air conditioned, large for two, beautiful water facing patio. Not Four Seasons type luxury, but luxurious enough!||Food: simply Amazing. Every meal we had was well presented and absolutely delicious. You order lunch for the next day for your fishing trip, and it is very well throughout and delicious. Not just a sandwich and chips. For dinner you get a three course meal every night, with two choices for each course. We got one of each to try everything, and I am not BSing when I say everything we had was SUPERB. Plus there are snacks after you get off the boat at 5 or so PM. One day they had ceviche, and it was pretty much the best ceviche. Also, we had some type of seafood carpaccio, fancy. Trust me, the food is out of this world! Very heavy seafood lean. ||Grounds: beautifully kept and maintained. There are four resident dogs that roam the ground freely which was great because we were missing our dogs. Paddle boards, massage on an island, ping pong, surfing, hiking…I was wishing i had a few more days on the resort (and fishing of course). We went on an hour hike and saw Monkeys smartly resting in the trees in mid day (unlike us who decided to hike during middle of the Panamanian day). Lizards and iguanas on the resort, many tropical birds. Not many mosquitoes. ||People: Super friendly, our fishing captain Fred and first mate Michael were top notch. I would fish with them again in a heartbeat! Yaneth and Gladys are some of the friendliest folks around. Our guide who took us hiking (in midday) brought water for us to drink in a cooler! ||All in all an amazing experience and would definitely come back.read moreread less
- Tina Smrkovski 4/18/2023From the second we arrived in Panama, all accommodations arranged by Yaneth have been spot on. Everyone we encountered has been courteous and timely. The island is beautiful, the rooms comfortable, the food and service were both amazing. We enjoyed our time there and will recommend it to others.Enjoy yoga, kayaking, beach, fishing or pool. It was all great! The island dogs were very friendly!read moreread less
- Ryan W 2/06/2023Cala Mia is paradise, pleasure, and happiness. David and his team (Gladis, Yaneth, Gube, Tati, Mykal, and more) are the most attentive, caring, and fun team. They made sure that our group of 4 had everything we needed for a great stay from meticulous meals, massages, tours of the island, and just great people to chat with.The fishing also delivered. We were able to catch one blue marlin, two black marlin, dozens of snappers, rainbow runner, etc. Tati is a world-class captain, Gube is easily the best deck hand / first mate I’ve ever sailed with, and the boat is all around comfortable. If you want the best offshore fishing in the world, come to Cala Mia!We will miss the Cala Mia Resort and team. We cannot wait to return!read moreread less
- Wade Underwood 1/23/2023Simply Phenomenal experience. Unfortunately, the Marlin bite wasn't on for us, but the entire staff including ownership and management went out of their way to ensure our little group was attended to. The food was great, resort itself fantastic, service second to none, boatsfishing equipment is well taken care of and the captains spare no expenseeffort to get on the fish. An to kick it all over top, the staff made a birthday cake for me after finding out I was there to celebrate with customized decorations. We'll be back.read moreread less
- Wade Underwood 1/20/2023Simply Phenomenal experience. Unfortunately, the Marlin bite wasn't on for us, but the entire staff including ownership and management went out of their way to ensure our little group was attended to. The food was great, resort itself fantastic, service second to none, boatsfishing equipment is well taken care of and the captains spare no expenseeffort to get on the fish. An to kick it all over top, the staff made a birthday cake for me after finding out I was there to celebrate with customized decorations. We'll be back.read moreread less
- Angie Fisher 12/14/2022From the second we arrived until the moment we had to leave, we were taken to paradise! The resort is breathing. The people made it even more special. Michael is the MAN! And the owners were so gracious! World class food imo, 4 of us loved every meal! Fishing was excellent, an amazing time on the Pacific we won’t soon forget! Chumbo, Michael, Fred & Kevin from PNC will get you on the fish! Hope to return again one day 🙂 Thank you for having usread moreread less
- Mike Thomas 1/21/2022If you like hard-core fishing but still want to enjoy fine food and very nice accommodations, this the place for you. From the moment we arrived to the time we had to leave, this resort took care of everything. The fishing was awesome and the food far exceeded our expectations. I can't wait to go back. The resort is very nice and well kept. There is plenty to explore when not fishing.read moreread less
- Keith Aurzada 12/21/2021Our stay at Cala Mia was 5-Star from the start to the finish. The experience begins with tremendous communication and organization. But, then the most amazing things begin. This resort has all-star service, great food, and world class fishing.With respect to the fishing, the boats are top notch. The captain and mate (Antonio and Michael) were amazing. They put us on fish every single day, and we caught every kind of fish imaginable including marlin, mahi mahi, and others.It is hard to say enough good things about our stay here. It was a trip of a lifetime and we will be back!read moreread less
- Linda DeMuro 2/05/2020Outstanding Resort! What does Cala Mia not have cars, TVs and lot of people. What does Cala Mia have... great food starting with fresh island fruits and fish fresh from the ocean along with home-made pasta and to boot they will contact you prior to your stay so they can ensure they have what you want! An Amazing detail which begins the top notch customer service you will receive during your stay. The staff is simply gems of the Pacific, outstanding staff! Endless activities from relaxing in the infinity pool over looking the massive Pacific Ocean to enjoying the beach with it's hammock under the palms and soothing warm ocean water. We rode horses, went off-shore fishing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking in the mangroves and tour a coffee bean farm. Best most of all made more great family memories and made great new friends. thank you Cala Mai for creating such a great family vacation!read moreread less
- Tomka-Aviation 2/05/2020Un endroit absolument paradisiaque où nous avons passé quelques jours de rêve. Un personnel sympathique, attentionné toujours souriant et aux petits soins. Une cuisine savoureuse ! un grand chef !!! Important pour les français que nous sommes et qui apprécions même au bout du monde la gastronomie. Nous avons apprécié la magnifique piscine, le bungalow comfortable , le jeu d échec géant et les balades sur la colline avec la vue panoramique et le hamac pour en profiter au maximum. Merci à toute l équipe.read moreread less
- Sabine Borowsky 2/05/2020Nettes ruhiges Resort. Allerdings völlig überteuert. Man hat keine Möglichkeit als immer dort zu essen,, die Gerichte sind nichts besonderes.Das besondere daran sind die Preise.Keine Möglichkeit dem zu entgehen, oder man verhungert.Familienbetrieb. Kein geschultes Personal. Das Essen wird einem einfach weggenommen, obwohl man noch nicht fertig ist. Richtig schlecht.read moreread less