An Insight into Panama

Transfer from Panama City to Isla Grande. On the way, take  a nature tour in Soberania National Park and an insight into Embera Indians.

Isla Grande or Big Island in Spanish is a paradise with white-sand beaches and palm trees, in the Caribbean of Panama. A great place to explore Portobelo as it is only 15 km away and famous as well for snorkelling, scuba diving or a refreshing swim in Caribbean waters. The local cuisine of this area is strongly tied to the African descent culture from the locals, that live from fishing and growing coconuts. A real off the beaten path location not that far from Panama City.

This full day expedition will take you to the heart of Soberania National Park, famous for its wildlife, specially bird species, monkeys, sloths and the Harpy Eagle. After a panoramic ride through Culebra Cut, Gamboa Resort and Chagres river, you will board a boat to explore Gatun Lake and Chagres river, where an Indian village will be visited for a cultural encounter to learn about the community, their customers, music and dances.

The next day in Isla Grande is your day at leisure.

Transfer back to Panama City in the later morning. Then, at 3:00 pm get ready for an exciting cultural tour to one of the most special areas in Panama, Casco Viejo.

You will visit a coffee shop and learn about different types of coffee that are produced in Panama, also we will try a delicious local chocolate and learn how it is prepared. During this tour you will also learn about the history of Casco Viejo (the old city compound) which dates to the late 1600’s, leading up to the eventual movement of the capital city to its present location. Casco Antiguo is home to the monuments of Ferdinand de Lesseps and other Frenchmen instrumental to the ill-fated attempt of the French to construct a canal through Panama.

You will continue the tour to a local microbrewery, where you will taste different artisan beers prepared in Panama and learn about how it is processed, if it is possible, you will have the opportunity to see how the beer is made.

Next, you will walk along the Cinta Costera to the Seafood Market where you will enjoy the popular “Ceviche”, with raw fish and seafood cured with lemon and spices. There you will find a lot of stands with variety of seafood. This is a popular place visited by locals that enjoy fresh seafood and who like to relax and admire the scenery, it is perfectly located on the Bay of Panama. The tour ends with a cocktail tasting of locally prepared Rum.

Get a taste of Panama’s distinct food and culture as you stroll through Panama City’s old town, Casco Antiguo. The first stop is at the colourful seafood market where you’ll try the famous ceviche, before visiting a chocolate factory where you’ll learn about the cacao production process and enjoy some tasty samples accompanied by a freshly brewed coffee or tea.

Continuing through the cultural and historical district, you’ll enjoy a refreshing raspado from a local street vendor as you see some to the city’s most famous sites and architecture. The tour finishes with a visit to try Pedro Mandinga’s delicious rum along with a very Panamanian snack – fried plantains with pulled pork or a fresh mango ceviche – before you’re transferred back to your hotel.

This is your final day in Panama. A transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport for your departing flight.