Upon arrival in Panama City, private transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a unique tour that will show a different side of Panama City communities. The tour is leaded by young people, who had a difficult past, involved in drugs and street gangs. Thanks to the Fundacion Esperanza, which works in social projects in Casco Viejo these young people are reformed and initiate a new stage of their lives. During the tour they explain about the changes that Casco Viejo is experiencing since 1994 with the declaration of world heritage (UNESCO) and of course part of its colonial history. After this excursion, return to the Panama City hotel for an evening of leisure. ...read less

Today, explore Panama's Biomuseo and Casco Antiguo. Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo is his only work in Latin America and the tropics. The building was designed to tell the story of how the isthmus of Panama rose from the sea, uniting two continents, separating a vast ocean in two, and changing the planet's biodiversity forever. The Biomuseo's 4,000 square meters contain eight permanent exhibition galleries designed by Bruce Mau Design. In addition to the main spaces, the museum includes a public atrium, a space for temporary exhibitions, a shop, a cafe, and multiple outdoor exhibits displayed in the botanical park. The permanent exhibition is a combination of art and science that leads the visitor to experience a marvelous phenomenon. The Biomuseo is located on the Amador Causeway, a prominent area at the entrance to the Panama Canal in the Pacific Ocean. From the Biomuseo one can clearly observe the skyline of the modern city, the historic district, Ancon Hill, and the Bridge of the Americas. Continue the tour to the Casco Antiguo, where visitors will feel set back in time while admiring the lovely colonial houses, the narrow roads and the impressive churches. Get a good idea about Panama's history by driving or walking through the main attractions of this quarter. A delicious lunch will be served in a distinctive local restaurant. Continue on to Panama Viejo, the Old Panama. Panama Viejo was the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. This first Panama City was looted and destroyed by the notorious English buccaneer Henry Morgan in 1671 and therefore abandoned. Today there are only ruins left. Still, the tower of the ancient cathedral is standing and has become a landmark of the town. After the tour, be taken back to the hotel. ...read less

This morning, be met at the hotel and take a private transfer to Gatun Lake. Later this afternoon, enjoy a full day of Gamboa's Tri Pack. The aerial tram ride traverses a mile-long tract of Humid Forest that lies within the Gamboa Resort's boundaries. Observe the forest canopy in some areas to find birds and hear the howler monkeys. The tram ascends 280 feet over half a mile and ends atop a hill. On the following boat tour, pass by the Panama Canal right beside the huge tankers and container ships. The White-Face Capuchin and Howler Monkeys are the main attractions of this tour. Usually the Captain of the boat brings them some fruit so onlookers can watch them coming down from their trees to get it. If one is attentive it is possible to spot a sloth, always so lazy sleeping in their trees. See turtles, timid but brave, along with the proud caiman and crocodiles that live in the lake. To complete the tour, a delicious lunch will be served at Los Lagartos restaurant overlooking the Chagres River. Overnight on Gatun Lake hotel. ...read less

In the morning, the guide will pick the traveler up at the hotel to take the traveler to the impressive Agua Clara Visitor Center located on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. The Agua Clara Visitor Center is a place where the Panama Canal has made it clear that both its legacy and its grandeur will continue to bear fruit for the world. With an unparalleled view, this place is waiting for all those who want to enjoy a pleasant experience enriched with interesting facts, but especially by being part of the history of the route that unites the world. The center offers a breathtaking panoramic view that contrasts two particular scenarios that generate mixed feelings. On one side find the famous Gatun Lake, where cargo ships or other vessels transit every day, while on the other side, but from a different perspective, be amazed by the view of the expansion works. Beyond its surprising technology or colossal machinery, be astonished by the work of thousands of people, who with discipline and determination head towards the same goal to make Panama stronger and Panama worthy of admiration. After the impressive viewpoint, pamper oneself and be captivated by all those things that the Agua Clara visitor center has to offer. At the projection room learn about the history and efforts of thousands of men and women that have marked the Canal's first century and, of course, plans in the near and distant future. Throughout the visit, watch for the walls and exhibits with interesting information that will amaze all. Walk through the ecological path, with a variety of plants and species that makes the trail an adventure with great scenery and breathtaking views; identify the different species gathered thereindigenous of the area of the Canal watershed. The tour will continue up north towards Buena Vista. There step into small boats, which will carry one up the Gatun River. A fascinating and dense jungle will accompany the boat trip until arriving at Embera Quera, one of seven indigenous tribes in Panama. The people of the Embera tribe will welcome travelers at the pier and gladly give one an idea on how they still live today. The villages chief will give a brief explication on the history of the tribe, its traditions, cultures, believes and handicrafts. Then, a traditional lunch of fish and plantains prepared by the Embera women will be served. In the afternoon experience a traditional Embera dance and have the opportunity to shop for handicrafts. The sale of local products directly benefits the village and helps to pay the school fees for the children. Also get a temporary Embera tattoo painted on the arm or leg. ...read less

This morning, leave Gatun Lake and transfer to El Valle de Anton. Tonight, enjoy a fun safari by foot. El Valle is very famous for its abundant and unique species that are often seen at night. This tour will take through a wonderful world that comes awake when the rest goes to sleep. Experience an incredible and adventurous walk through the nature trails of the majestic valley and get involved with the nocturnal wildlife of this region. Snakes, frogs, bats and some species of birds are best observed at night time.

Today travelers will do some hiking in the El Valle de Anton. The valley offers numerous hiking trails - many of them used by the local farmers that live in the surrounding mountains. Depending on one’s fitness level there are easier and more difficult trails to choose from. There is, for example, a trail climbing Mount Gaital, the highest point of the area or the Berrales Trail that takes hikers to the village's spring water and to La Mesa, another community living in the area.

Visit Pese in the heart of the Herrera Province and home of Hacienda San Isidro, where the famous Ron Abuelo and Seco Herrerano are produced. On traditional oxcarts be taken to the distillery at Hacienda San Isidro. At the distillery learn the different steps that are necessary to produce Rum and Seco from sugarcane - grinding, fermenting and distilling. Then continue to the bodega where the rum is being aged in barrels in two different processes. A traditional Panamanian lunch, rum tasting of the Ron Abuelos aged 5, 7, 12 and 30 years (Ron Abuelo Centuria) and an open bar with rum and seco based cocktails round off this authentic Panamanian rum tour.
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This morning, head back to Panama City and connect with a flight to San Blas. Upon arrival, be met at the airport for reception and transferred to Yandup Island Lodge. Take the afternoon to enjoy the water and explore the amenities here. Once comfortable, head to the dining room area for dinner, meals are usually seafood and fish based. End the day by enjoying a performance of Kammu Burwi, a traditional dance representing everyday situations. Overnight at the lodge.


Note: While at Yandup Island Lodge lighting is powered by solar panels, and it is not possible to charge cellphones, cameras or computers.
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After breakfast, head to a small nearby island to snorkel and relax on the beach or take a hike through the rain forest to a picturesque waterfall. The hike is a great opportunity to see birds and animals of the rain forest. Return to the lodge to enjoy a big lunch overlooking the water. This afternoon, take a guided tour through the Playon Chico community. Learn about the culture and history of this community including how they were one of the leaders of the Dule Revolution in 1925. Yampu recommends bringing a small amount of cash to purchase handicrafts at the market. Return for dinner and the evening in relaxation under the stars. ...read less

After enjoying a hearty breakfast spend the morning relaxing and soaking up the sun. Depart from the lodge and return to the San Blas airport for flight back to Panama City and connect with the international flight home.