Tour info

Summary Of Nights

12 days, 11 nights: 3 nights Panama City, 3 nights Boquete, 3 nights Bocas del Toro, 2 nights Gamboa.

Accommodation

This trip combines friendly mid-range hotels with well-equipped rooms and comfortable but not luxurious wildlife and beach lodges.

Transport

2 domestic flights (1 hour each), 3 road journeys (max 4 hours)

Meals

Breakfast daily. Lunch on days 3 & 11.

Guides

Our local, trusted and carefully selected partners understand the expectations of our customers very well, and their staff and guides are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return.

On this holiday, you will be joined by different guides for each activity and or region, ensuring you benefit from specialised expertise and knowledge, often from someone local to the area.

Optional Excursions

As well as any included activities, most Private Journeys include some free time for optional excursions. As optional excursions are often subject to availability, we recommend you discuss and arrange them with your Travel Expert as early as possible before you depart.

Insurance

Travel insurance is essential.

Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.

Country info

When is the best time to visit Panama?

The best time to visit Panama is from mid-December to mid-April. As it is situated well within the tropics, Panama has a typical tropical climate with high temperatures (30°C) all year round at low altitudes. Temperatures are significantly modified by altitude – higher up it can be very cool at night. Mid-December to mid-April is the best time to visit Panama as it is the dry season. Apr-Nov is rainy season, with the Caribbean side receiving more rainfall than the Pacific. There is a small risk of tropical storms on the Caribbean coast but the country lies outside the main hurricane belt.

What is the official language of Panama?

Spanish is the official language of Panama.

What is the official currency of Panama?

Balboa is the official currency of Panama. The national currency is at parity with the US dollar, and only US banknotes are used. (There are some local coins equivalent to US cents). There are ATMs in most towns where you can use a UK credit or debit card. You may have to ask your bank to authorise withdrawals before you leave the UK, and amounts may be limited, and vary from bank to bank. Notes can be obtained from exchange houses and also from banks which will supply advances on a debit or credit card.

Do I need a visa for Panama?

Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.

What vaccinations do I need for Panama?

Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.

What is the time difference between Panama and the UK?

The time difference between Panama and the UK is GMT -5 hrs.

What countries does Panama combine well with?

Combine your holiday to Panama with a visit to neighbouring Central America countries, such as  wildlife-rich, slickly organised Costa Rica; and Colombia, with the northern coast of which Panama shares a swashbuckling history.

What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Panama?

The festivals that take place in Panama are:
Carnival in February-March. Celebrated with much gusto in Panama City, costumed revelry, music and dancing culminate into a big Shrove Tuesday parade.

Semana Santa is celebrated at Easter. It is celebrated throughout Panama with religious processions.

Kuna festivals take place on the San Blas Islands. There are several festivals throughout the year, all of which feature dancing, traditional sports and feasts.