2 indigenous cultures • Pristine Forests & Islands • Rafting & Kayaking
Featured
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sea Voyage on board The Discovery
- Journey Between Seas - Panama Canal
- Caribbean and Pacific Ocean
- Barro Colorado at Gatun Lake
- Darien Jungle
- Ground and ocean transportation
- All-inclusive package
- Gateway: Panama City
Experience Panama in the most intense way possible - aboard The Discovery. More than a sea voyage, far more than a cruise, a journey on The Discovery is a true sensory experience. You will witness Panama in all of its glory through sight, sound, smell, touch, and more. Enjoy the scent of the rain forest, the sea, and the mountains. Feel the textures of native handicrafts, forest growth, and ocean foam. Listen to the beautifully preserved languages of native peoples as well as the dialects of the many cultures that fill the towns, villages, and cities.
Taste the delicious flavors of many cuisines and the freshest foods. There is nothing that can compare to a true travel experience of this kine - a discovery of an entirely new world.
The true adventurers and world travelers will immediately understand the opportunity available aboard The Discovery. Taking a "Journey Between the Seas" on a vessel such as this offers an unprecedented exploration. This trip creates a body, mind, and spiritual experience thanks to the compact nature of the vessel, the narrow marine routes it will follow, and the pristine land we travel as a group.
You crew of only ten has been selected and trained to provide 24 travelers with the ideal experience that is possible only aboard The Discovery. Comfortable and roomy cabins, ample lounges, and plenty of space on deck will allow travelers to revel in the landscape and scenery passing by. Everything is immediate, vivid, and so close! And nothing compares to the magic that occurs as every night melts into a sea of brilliant sunrise and as each new dawn creates the ideal conditions for a day of exploration.
View The Discovery in a larger map
ITINERARY
Northbound Journey
Day 1 Panama City - Flamenco Marina
Leave the city and head south into the archipelago towards the beautiful and popular Contador Island. Part of the Pearl Islands, The Discovery stays here for its first night at sea. The next day we begin to navigate our way towards Darien Jungle. This is an ideal time to get to know one another, our expedition leaders, and the crew. Enjoy your first experience of our amazing native cuisine. (D)
Day 2 Darien Jungle
A rare and exciting day is ahead. Today you and your fellow travelers will head back more than 600 years in time as you enter the remote Darien Jungle. Traveling by motor boat up the river, you may feel your breath catch as an ancient village emerges from jungle growth or mist. Then prepare yourself for a remarkable treat as you meet the Embera Indians. This is a privileged and truly remarkable opportunity as these indigenous people have managed to maintain their culture, lifestyle, and traditions in the ways before the Spaniards arrived. They have lasted through colonization and centuries of change, and this is something few people will be able to encounter. The Embera are artisans and master crafters who will show you their impressive basketry and cocobolo wood carvings. Along the way up or down the river, you might have caught a glimpse of rare birds and wildlife too, so keep a sharp eye for a visual treasure and have your camera at the ready. We return to The Discovery for our evening of rest and relaxation before another busy day. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Pearl Islands – San Telmo & Mogo Mogo
The Pearl Islands were one of the first chosen by the Spaniards, and they earned their name for the enormous number of pearls taken from the oysters that filled the fisheries of the surrounding waters. Today, there is no longer a massive pearl industry, and so you can snorkel and swim in the bright and clear waters. We head to the outer area of the archipelago and visit the islands of San Telmo and Mogo Mogo. You may enjoy the beautiful beaches and the impressively fertile fishing grounds. You can also checkout the remains of the Civil War era submarine - the Explorer - that was built in 1865, but sunk off the coast of San Telmo when doing oyster fishing in the late 1800s. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Panama Canal Transit – Gatun Lake
Today you will rise at the Pacific entrance to the famous Panama Canal, and our vessel will join the line of ships waiting to enter the passage. We travel the northbound canal passage and will make our way through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. The Discover is going to brought 85 feet above sea level to Gatun Lake. Don't miss your chance to view this impressive feat as our passengers get to witness the operation of the locks up close from the decks. We will then enter the Gaillard Cut, which is the narrowest portion of the canal, and which allows us to bisect the Continental Divide. Here too you won't want to miss a moment as this is a section that is geologically significant and which reveals the endless maintenance needed on the canal to prevent any landslides from occurring. We spend the evening in Gatun Lake on Panama Canal waters. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Panama Canal – Barro Colorado
Progress often demands a price, and the construction of the Panama Canal meant the loss of the lower jungle tract that now sits beneath the waters of Gatun Lake. As this was once an area of abundant wildlife, many of the creatures that once inhabited the forests made their way to the higher mountain elevations. These peaks are now islands that dot the surface of the lake. Today we visit Barro Colorado Island where the Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Center is found. Our leader will guide smaller water vessel past lush rainforests to secluded areas of the lake and allow travelers to witness the impressive beauty of the jungle. You may encounter exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles and other animals in native surroundings. Be prepared for sensory overload, and be sure to have your camera at the ready as this area is also known as a premier location for viewing monkeys and other animals. The Discovery will exit the Panama Canal in the afternoon on its way to the mouth of the Chagres River. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Chagres River - Fort San Lorenzo
History is in abundance on this day of exploration as we encounter the Chagres River. This was once used by the conquistadors to transport gold across the land bridge or Isthmus of Panama and then to Peru. From there the gold was sent to Spain. This same method was also used by gold prospectors seeking a "short cut" from the US East coast to the gold fields of California. Thus, this river was the heart of the colonial inter-oceanic route but has now become a lifeline of the Panama Canal full of wildlife and tropical jungle. Naturally, there is more than just the river and you will get to explore Fort San Lorenzo; located on a cliff at the mouth of the Chagres on the Atlantic side. Here your leader explain the rich history to be discovered in this area, including further details about the Spaniards, their gold routes, and more. Later that evening, the Discovery will return to Colon, where it will spend the night before disembarking the next day. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Portobelo – Caribbean
You last sunrise on board The Discovery! Enjoy a hearty farewell breakfast before you disembark. You will be taken by motor coach to Portobelo and enjoy this historic and unique town. Founded by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage to the new continent in 1597, it is rich in history. The location of many sea and land battles between the Spanish colonials and the pirates and corsairs raiding the Spanish Main, it has remnants of the fortifications built by the Spaniards to protect their treasures. We also pay a visit to the Church of San Felipe, the sanctuary of the Black Christ. Later in the day we board the Panama Canal Railway train back to Panama City - considered one of the world's best train rides. Only one hour, the trip will allow you to traverse the picturesque trans-isthmian route from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Flanking the Panama Canal, it passes through lush rainforests, runs alongside the locks, back through the Gaillard Cut and then glides over slender causeways near Gatun Lake before reaching the city. (B, L)
| B = Breakfast
L = Lunch D = Dinner |
NOTE: A southbound journey follows the same exploration route in reverse * Cruise itineraries are subject to wind, tide and weather conditions and are operated at the sole discretion of the provider, in the interests of the safety and welfare of the passengers, vessel, and crew. |
THE SHIP: The Discovery.
Discovery is a 33 meter, purpose built catamaran providing 8 queen and 4 twin cabins. All cabins have individual climate control, bathrooms and huge windows, which extend along the length of the cabin allowing you to enjoy the scenery in complete privacy.
Passenger numbers on The Discovery are limited to just 24, ensuring everyone can enjoy serenity and privacy as well as the excitement and closeness of a true exploration cruise.
The dining area, bar and lounge are located on the middeck which is fitted with floor to ceiling “glass walls” providing a spectacular dining experience and plenty of space to unwind. Enjoy Panamanian haute gastronomy as we delight travelers with delicious indigenous dishes prepared by our talented chef. A BBQ and sun deck are located on the topmost observation deck.
The Discovery is equipped with a unique platform that lowers kayakers gently into the water and also retrieves them in perfect safety and comfort.
THE LEADERS, the experts.
Onboard The Discovery you will find enthusiastic expedition leaders that will provide insight and profound understanding of the adventure we will undertake. They are experienced and well-trained naturalists ready to share their vast knowledge and understanding.
Our expedition leaders also share a love for history and a passion for nature. They will introduce travelers to native human groups that still preserve their customs and traditions, and to a world of stunning natural beauty and rich history unknown and unavailable to most. They are experts in their fields and they will make the journey onboard The Discovery an unforgettable experience.
Technical Information
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- TYPE OF VESSEL: CATAMARAN LIVE ABOARD. - BUILT: RICHARDSON DEVINE MARINE CONSTRUCTIONS, HOBART, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA. - LAUNCHED: DECEMBER 2004. - HULL: MARINE GRADE ALUMINUM. - LOA: 33 MTS. - BEAM: 9.75 MTS. - MAXIMUM LADDEN DRAFT: 1.85 MTS. - MAIN ENGINES: 2 X DETROIT DIESEL MTU SERIES 60, 740 HP. |
- GENSETS: 2 X ISUZU 105 KVA. - CAPACITY: 24 PAX. - MAXIMUM SPEED: 18 KNOTS. - CRUISING SPEED: 15 KNOTS. - CREW CAPACITY: 11. - FRESH WATER STORAGE CAPACITY: 6000 LTS. - FRESH WATER PRODUCTION CAPACITY: 500 LTS/HOUR. - RANGE: 850 NM. |
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ? All mentioned transportation, rafts or duckies, sea kayak(tandem or single) and related gear, camping gear, guides, trip's meals. Our guides are trained in river and sea navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? At day tours leave object than can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc.
PRICES:
$3450 per person. There will be a $250 per person early booking discount if full payment is received by Aventuras Panama 180 days before departure.
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CATEGORY |
RATES PER CABIN |
RATES PER PERSON |
CABIN SIZE |
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Double Occupancy |
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1 |
USD 7,900 |
USD 3,950 |
116 sq ft (11 mts2) |
|
2 |
USD 8,100 |
USD 4,050 |
133 sq ft (16 mts2) |
|
Single Occupancy |
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1 |
USD 5,925 | USD 5,925 | 116 sq ft (11 mts2) |
|
2 |
USD 6,075 |
USD 6,075 |
133 sq ft (16 mts2) |
Price includes:
- Transfers of passengers to and from the ship.
- Transportation, shore excursions, and the use of equipment
- All meals, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages onboard the ship.
- Taxes and port charges.
SEASON:
This package is good year around.
NOTES:
(1) Aventuras Panama reserves the right, at its sole criteria, to exchange program with similar activities or accommodations in case it considers it necessary.
(2) Participants should get familiar and agree with Aventuras Panama Terms and Conditions.
Featured
HIGHLIGHTS
- Panama Canal Kayaking
- Miraflores Locks Center
- Guna Yala
- All-inclusive package
- Boquete
- Chiriqui Viejo River Rafting
- Cloud Forest Hike and Zip-line
Panama offers a great variety of places to visit and activities to choose from. The ‘Explore Panama’ package combines important historical highlights of Panama with adventurous day activities. Within 8 days you will visit two oceans, paddle in the Panama Canal, learn about the Canal and its Flora and Fauna. You will get to know people from different backgrounds, learn more about the everyday life of the Gunas and their culture and you will visit Boquete and its forests, where you can join the Boquete Tree Trek, which is a thrilling zip-line in the Cloud Forest.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival in Panama
At the day of your arrival in Panama one of our Panamanian representatives will pick you up at the International Airport Tocumen and transfer you to the Hotel, where you will spend the next two nights. Panama City is quite safe and it is an interesting city to walk around.
- Economic Lodging Option: Saba Hotel, Marbella, or similar
- Upgrade Lodging Option: Hotel Tantalo at Casco Antiguo, or The Bristol Hotel, or similar
Day 2 (Sunday): Panama Canal Kayaking & Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre
Panama is best known for the Panama Canal, so it's fitting that your first day in Panama should be spent learning about the Canal. When this shortcut between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans was first dug 100 years ago, building a large artificial lake was necessary to supply the tons of water that are needed to raise and lower water levels. Gatun Lake was created by flooding the area now contained in Soberania and Chagres National Parks, turning many mountain tops into islands and creating an amazing kayaking resource with endless channels to explore, weaving past shores dense with tropical flora and fauna.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will pick you up at 8:00AM and drive along the Panama Canal, passing by Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks to Gamboa Public Ramp. We continue our journey through the Canal for another hour by motorboat and then switch to 2-person expedition kayaks once we are in the Lake. We spend the next few hours scouting channels through the forest, with a break for lunch and a rest on our motor boat. While wildlife is never completely predictable, we are almost guaranteed to see sloths and different types of monkeys, including Capuchin (white-faces), howling, spider, and titi. Most likely we will see Jesus Lizards and it is easy to demonstrate how they got their name since they run across water. Furthermore, both king fishers and fishing eagles are common. If we are lucky we may also see turtles.
On the way back we will stop at the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks Centre. We will learn how the locks work and watch ships rise (or descend) over 40 feet as they transit through it. The Canal is still vital to world trade today and indeed, without it there is no world commerce as we know it. Dinner is on your own tonight.
- Economic Lodging Option: Grand International Hotel (B, L)
- Upgrade Lodging Option: Hotel Tantalo at Casco Antiguo, or The Bristol Hotel (B, L)
Day 3-4 (Monday and Tuesday): Guna Yala
Early in the morning we will transfer you to the Airport and you will catch an early domestic flight to the Guna Yala region, which is gateway to the extraordinary San Blas Archipelago. With more than 350 islands spreading out along the isthmus, the archipelago is a Kuna Native Reservation. The Gunas are known for their handicrafts and their unique culture. It is a nation within Panama, the Guna have their own language, culture, laws and territory. The Gunas’ effort is to preserve their own identity and control over San Blas, which made it possible to keep this region the pristine paradise that it is today.
- Upgrade Lodging Option: Flight to Playon Chico, Lodging: Yandup Island Lodge (B, L, D)
In order to get to Yandup Island you will catch a flight to Playon Chicon, which is a 45 minute flight and then continue the journey by motorboat. You will be spending two nights at the Yandup Island Lodge, which is a family-owned lodge on a small private island near the community of Guna Yala. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and a small beach with white sand and crystal clear water. Your biggest problem most likely will be deciding how to spend your time! The lodge offers tours twice a day, and your choices include visiting nearby uninhabited islands for swimming and exploration (and snorkeling if you have your own gear), learning more about the everyday life of the Gunas and their culture, visit the Playon Chico community, walking through the rain forest as your guides explain the importance and use of nature for the Guna traditions and beliefs, learning about Guna beliefs and rituals around death with a visit to a nearby cemetery, or hiking through the rain forest to a small waterfall. You can also simply relax in a hammock or paddling at leisure through the surrounding mangroves in a traditional dugout canoe. Whatever you do, you will be amply fueled by the fresh local seafood, fish, vegetables, and fruit served in the lodge's dining room and enjoy the view over the water.
- Economic Lodging Option: Transport or Flight to El Porvenir, Lodging: Ukuptupu Lodge (B, L, D)
Ukuptupu is an island near El Porvenir in the Guna Yala region of Panama and is your ideal base to explore the Guna Yala archipelago and enjoy the life on the islands. Uktuptupu is located between the islands of Wichub Wala and Nalunega. Depending on the group size you weill either catch a 25-minute flight across the isthmus from Panama City to El Porvenir and then continue the journey by boat. Or another option to go there is a 3 hours roadtrip up to Carti and then continue the trip by motorboat to Ukuptupu.
Cabañas Ukuptupu means Sand Island, and is a tourism project that started in the 1990 with a lot of effort from Mr. Juan García and his family. Their goal is to deeply fulfill the tourists and visitors needs to offer the basic facilities so that people would enjoy Guna Yala, its culture and its customs. The lodge offers tours once a day. There are plenty of activities that you can do: a tour to the beaches, religious ceremonies, festive rites which include music and dances, visit to indigenous communities and the opportunity of sharing with the local people, participation in activities, or craft making. During your stay you will enjoy typical plates of the region such as fried fish, lobster, squid, cambombia, rice with Coconut, accompanied by patacones and/or salad.
Day 5 (Wednesday): Panama City tour and transfer to Boquete
Another early morning as we transfer to the opposite end of Panama: the pristine western highlands. You will fly from Guna Yala at 7:00AM and arrive to Panama City at 8:00AM. From there you are going to take a connection flight to David, the capital of Panama, in the afternoon.
Today you will tour Panama City in between the flights, lead by a professional city guide! Panama City is rapidly changing, and you will get to know the colonial Panama, "Panama Viejo", the old Panama, "Casco Viejo", and the modern Panama City. You will visit historic buildings such as San Jose Church, the National Theater, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Old Slave Market, and Old Spanish prisons. You end our tour at the Amador Causeway, where three islands were united with the mainland by using materials that had been removed when the Panama Canal during its excavation. This is where you can eat lunch at one of several gourmet restaurants and watch ships leaving the Canal.
After that we transfer you back to the airport to catch the afternoon flight to David.
Upon your arrival in David we transfer you to Boquete, a small and charming mountain village tucked away on the eastern slopes of the Baru Volcano. This part of Panama is completely different both in culture and climate: you will feel like you are visiting a different country.
- Economic Lodging Option: El Oasis Hotel (B)
- Upgrade Lodging Option: Hotel Valle Escondido,or Casa Romero (B)
Day 6 (Thursday): Cloud Forest Hike
After breakfast you will be visiting the Hacienda Mamecillo. The tour begins with a hike in a privately owned remote virgin cloud forest of Chiriquí High lands, surrounding the perimeter of Volcan Baru National Park. The trail goes along the Zumbona, a gorgeous creek which is a tributary of the Caldera River. With more than hundreds native species of birds, including the resplendent Quetzal, birding opportunities abound. Enjoy a picnic at the base of one of Boquete’s most exquisite waterfalls, and rejuvenate with an invigorating shower. After about 3 hours hiking in a primary forest we will come back to the farm main house to table lunch. This 3 hectareas organic farm has a bit more than one hectare of coffee plants with some unique coffee varieties such as the famous Geisha and Yellow Catuai. During our walk you will get a close up view of a coffee plantation, and associated coffee beam process. The tour continues inside the main house for further explanation on how the coffee bean reach your cup. In the end you will be able to take part in a roasting process and of course taste the coffee that you just roasted.
- Economic Lodging Option: El Oasis Hotel (B, L)
- Upgrade Lodging Option: Hotel Valle Escondido, or Casa Romero (B, L)
Day 7 (Friday): Chiriqui Viejo River Rafting
Today you will raft on the Chiriqui Viejo River with most rapids being Class III. The river is eminently suitable for beginners and passes through a canyon and spectacular waterfalls. The Chiriqui Viejo River is the best white water rafting river with relatively easy access. It is 128 km long and originates on Cerro Picacho, on the northwest side of Volcan Baru, the highest elevation of Panama. The trip is recommended for everyone above 12 years old with or without any prior white water rafting experience. Be ready to have fun. Depending on the water level you will raft for about three to four hours.
After that you will be transferred back to the hotel and you will have some free time in the afternoon.
- Economic Lodging Option: El Oasis Hotel (B, L)
- Upgrade Lodging Option: Hotel Valle Escondido,or Casa Romero (B, L)
Day 8 (Saturday): Visit a Coffee Plantation or Boquete Tree Trek
Today you have two options. You can either visit a Coffee Plantation and learn all about Panama's robust coffee crops (samples included), or you can go to the Boquete Tree Trek, which is a completely thrilling zip-line. Imagine gliding through the tops of trees high above pristine rivers, traversing a cloud forest of century-old trees and waterfalls where you may encounter fog at any time and the gentle rain called "bajareque", as well as monkeys. Fortunately you will be attached securely in a harness to an overhead line. Zip-lining is an activity where adrenaline is high but the actual risk is quite low, something that becomes obvious once you see how it is actually constructed. However, it's definitely not mandatory and if you prefer to watch and take pictures, that is certainly OK too.
In the afternoon you will be transferred to David to check in for your afternoon flight at 4:00 PM to Panama City. Once arrived in Panama City you get transferred to your hotel. In the evening you can go out for a Farewell Dinner and enjoy your last night in the City before you leave Panama or continue your journey onto other adventures.
- Economic Lodging Option: Grand International Hotel (B)
- Upgrade Lodging Option: Hotel Tantalo at Casco Antiguo, or The Bristol Hotel (B)
Day 9 (Sunday): Departure
Today is the day of the departure so you are transferred to the International Airport to catch your flight home or onto other adventures (B).
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ?
All mentioned transportations, inland flights, all mentioned meals equipment for day tours such as rafts or duckies, kayaks and related gear. All mentioned activities are guided and included into the package. Our guides are trained in river and sea navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.
Lodging:
Economic Option
3 nights at Grand International Hotel in Panama City
2 nights at Ukuptupu Lodge at Guna Yala
2 nights at El Oasis Hotel in Boquete
Upgrade Option
3 nights at Hotel Tantalo at Casco Antiguo, The Bristol Hotel in Panama City
2 nights at Yandup Island Lodge at Guna Yala
2 nights at Hotel Valle Escondido, or Casa Romero
Catering:
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
Transfers:
All mentioned transfers within Panama as well as inland flights are included.
NOT INCLUDED: International flights, Airport tax ($ 20.00/person), personal expenses, tips, meals not specified in itinerary, extras in hotels (laundry, room service, phone calls). This trip does not include an escort guide.
WHO CAN GO ?
This package is designed for couples or friends above 18 years. It is also suitable for families that want to explore Panama. Minors must travel with a responsible adult. In order to be able to join all activities the recommended minimum age is 12 years.
Private groups with some customization can be arranged.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ? Daily items: Swimsuit, shorts for navigating, sneakers or light boots with good soles, a cap, sun-block, a light jacket or windbreaker (in case the weather turns chilly), a towel and dry set of clothes for after the day trips.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? At day tours leave objects than can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc.
PRICE:
- Economic Lodging Option
| Number of persons | Single Room | Double Room |
| 2 - 3 persons | US $ 2,125.00 per person | US $ 1,940.00 per person |
| 4 and more persons | US $ 1,805.00 per person | US $ 1,620.00 per person |
- Upgrade Lodging Option
| Number of persons | Single Room | Double Room |
| 2 - 3 persons | US $ 3,220.00 per person | US $ 2,460.00 per person |
| 4 and more persons | US $ 2,980.00 per person | US $ 2,220.00 per person |
*3 nights at The Bristol Hotel or Hotel Tantalo or similar in Panama City, 2 nights at Yandup Island Lodge at Guna Yala, and 2 nights at Hotel Valle Escondido, or Casa Romero
**3 nights at Saba or Marbella or similar hotel in Panama City, 2 nights at Ukuptupu Lodge at Guna Yala, and 2 nights at El Oasis Hotel in Boquete
SEASON:
This package is offered all year around.
NOTES:
(1) Aventuras Panama reserves the right, at its sole criteria, to exchange program with similar activities or accommodations in case it considers it necessary.
(2) Listed prices are temptative. Final quote will be presented once resources availability is confirmed.
(3) Participants should get familiar and agree with Aventuras Panama Terms and Conditions.