PANACEA
Your travel can be customized according to your wishes.
Description
Dive into the beauty of Panama and the richness of its landscapes. Discover the most unforgettable places around the country.
The offer includes a personalized AZORA GUIDE with our best tricks & tips for every step of your travel.
Specifications
Duration
20 days/19 nights
Circuit price with bus transfers
From $3,170/pers.*
Circuit price with rental car
From $3,400/pers.*
Itinerary
Discover Panama and its wonderful landscapes with the PANACEA circuit. Enjoy an authentic 20-day and 19-night stay to discover the country’s most beautiful places, from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast.
This grand tour links nine stages: Panama City and Casco Viejo, the bungalows of the San Blas archipelago, the Eco-Lodge of Bayano Lake with its caves and the Tiger River, the green valley of Valle de Antón, Santa Catalina and the underwater life around Coiba Island, the hidden islands of Boca Chica, the mountain atmosphere of Boquete, and finally the Bocas del Toro archipelago with Red Frog Beach, Bocas Town and the uninhabited Zapatilla Island. Two versions are available: with certified bus transfers, or with a rental car for more autonomy on the road.
Looking for specific information? Click directly on the title that interests you, and we’ll take you straight to what you’re looking for.
Details
Day 1:
Upon arrival at the Panama City airport, you will be met by our partner to take you to your hotel. Settle in comfortably and enjoy the streets of Panama City. Between tall buildings and Spanish architecture, you will be surprised by the cultural richness that the capital of Panama has to offer.
Feel free to read the recommendations and suggestions on the best spots to explore in your AZORA GUIDE.
Night in Casco Viejo (Panama City), breakfast included.
Day 2:
After the breakfast, take advantage of the day to discover the old streets of Casco Viejo and immerse yourself in the Panamanian culture. Find all our recommendations about what to do and where to eat in your AZORA GUIDE. If you want, we can organize a guided tour of the Panama Canal or Panama surroundings. Feel free to have a look at the tours in Panama City and ask us for more information.
Night in Casco Viejo (Panama City), breakfast included.
Day 3:
On the way to paradise! Arrive at the archipelago of San Blas, and settle into your bungalow. It’s time to disconnect and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view. A lazy day to recharge your batteries and discover this magical place.
Night in San Blas, full pension included.
Day 4:
After the breakfast, take place on the boat and discover several other islands of the paradisiac archipelago, that will stay in your mind for a long time! Take time to relax in the natural swimming pool and enjoy an amazing fresh lunch before heading back to the land around 3:30pm. Take the road until your next out-of-time destination: Bayano Lake!
When arrived in the meeting point, enjoy a 20-minute boat ride to the Eco-Lodge in the middle of the lake. Settle in your private bungalow, just in time to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Enjoy your private jacuzzi and the kayak at your disposal.
Night in Bayano Lake, full pension included.
Day 5:
After a local breakfast on your private terrace, discover the amazing Bayano caves and the Tiger River accompanied by your local certified guide. Enjoy an amazing walk to discover the beauty of the caves and its inhabitants (crocodiles, bats, snakes…). But don’t worry, it’s all safe and we’re sure you’ll enjoy it! After this unforgettable walk, take place in the kayak at your disposal and follow the guide on the Tiger River, the landscapes are amazing! Depending on the water level, you may have the chance to go as far as the “natural swimming pool” of the Tiger River.
Night in Bayano Lake, full pension included.
Day 6:
After spending the morning enjoying the facilities of the Lodge, enjoy a local lunch and get back to the road to head to Valle de Antón. Whether you are traveling with certified bus transfers or a rental car, you will have around 3 hours and 30 minutes on the road before arriving in a green paradise. Settle in your hotel and enjoy a walk in the village.
Night in Valle de Antón, breakfast included.
Day 7 & 8:
Lots of activities are waiting for you in Valle de Antón! Take your AZORA GUIDE and discover our favorites to spend an unforgettable day.
Nights in Valle de Antón, breakfasts included.
Day 9:
We recommend enjoying at least one sunrise in Valle de Antón before heading to Santa Catalina. Get our favorites in your AZORA GUIDE. After 4 hours of transfer or driving, you will arrive in a small place where you will find the beach and a unique underwater life to discover.
Night in Santa Catalina, breakfast included.
Day 10:
Enjoy a day tour to discover the underwater life around the Coiba island. After 45 minutes of boat ride, discover the beauty of the several islands and swim or snorkel with sharks, turtles and countless fish… If you prefer to dive instead, diving tours are available as an option and highly recommended as well! Feel free to consult our different activities in Santa Catalina.
Night in Santa Catalina, breakfast included.
Day 11:
Take the road after the breakfast to reach another small yet beautiful spot on the Pacific coast: Boca Chica. After 3 hours of transfer or driving, arrive in a heavenly place for the two next nights. Some quiet downtime awaits you in this magical hidden jewel of the Pacific coast of Panama… Also, we strongly recommend doing the optional 3 islas island-hopping tour if you want to check out a bit more of the archipelago. Feel free to check our favorite activities in Boca Chica and let us know what suits you the best!
Night in Boca Chica, breakfast included.
Day 12:
Enjoy an amazing optional day tour after the breakfast or chill out by the pool and walk around the beautiful domain surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. Find all our recommendations on your AZORA GUIDE for other wonderful beaches and amazing places to discover here.
Night in Boca Chica, breakfast included.
Day 13 & 14:
Enjoy your breakfast and the facilities of your beautiful hotel before taking the road to Boquete. After an hour and a half on the road, arrive in a charming mountain atmosphere. Feel free to explore and discover this completely different mountain landscape area of Boquete while staying there. On the program: hikes, treks, wild spa and nature! All our best (free) tips about what to do here will be in your AZORA GUIDE. If you wish adventure and adrenalin, you found the right place to do zipline, hanging bridges and more (book with us in advance)!
Nights in Boquete, breakfasts included.
Day 15 & 16:
Arrive at the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, and settle into your hotel on Bastimentos Island. It’s time to disconnect and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the unique Red Frog Beach.
On the menu: paradise beach, turquoise water and fish… A lazy day to recharge your batteries between tropical forest and white sand. We also advise you to take advantage of your presence on the Bastimentos Island to discover the village “Old Bank”. This is where the Afro-Caribbean community of Bocas del Toro lives, the visit of the village is definitely worth it.
Nights in Bastimentos Island (Bocas del Toro), breakfasts included.
Day 17:
Ready to discover another landscape of Bocas? Go to the heart of Bocas Town. Take advantage of your hotel’s great facilities and discover the vibrant atmosphere of the town. If not already done in the previous days, we advise you to spend the afternoon on the island opposite: Carenero. At only 1 minute by taxi-boat ($1 per person each way), you will arrive on a splendid small piece of land. Here, you can walk all around the island in about 1 hour. You’ll find great spots to lounge by the clear water. Great restaurants are at your disposal, see our suggestions in your AZORA GUIDE.
Night in Bocas Town (Bocas del Toro), breakfast included.
Day 18:
Departure at 9:30am from the hotel, direction the reserve of Bahia Honda where you can observe dolphins and sloths. You will take advantage of the journey to the island of Zapatilla to snorkel, observe the corals and many fish. Grab your local lunch and sail with your certified guide to Zapatilla – a real “Robinson Crusoe” landscape and adventure. Enjoy a few hours on the uninhabited island and swim in the clear water… A real pleasure for the eyes.
Night in Bocas Town (Bocas del Toro), breakfast included.
Day 19:
Take the morning to walk around the center of Bocas and enjoy the hotel facilities a last time before heading back to Panama City. You will have time to enjoy the vibrant capital of Panama and its narrow architectural streets on the afternoon.
Night in Casco Viejo (Panama City), breakfast included.
Day 20:
After your last night in Panama City, it’s unfortunately time to get back home. Our partner will pick you up at the hotel to get you to the airport. Have a safe flight back!
Pricing
We suggest you two options for the PANACEA circuit. Choosing bus transfers will allow you to enjoy a comfortable and smooth journey, while choosing the rental car option will give you more autonomy and flexibility on your itinerary.
PANACEA WITH BUS TRANSFERS
20 DAYS / 19 NIGHTS
INCLUDED
✓ Accommodations & breakfasts
✓ Private airport pick-up & drop-off
✓ Complete pension during your stay in San Blas and Bayano Lake
✓ Transfer from Panama City to San Blas
✓ San Blas Archipelago tour
✓ Transfer from San Blas to Bayano Lake
✓ Bayano Caves & Tiger River tour
✓ Transfer from Bayano Lake to Valle de Antón
✓ Transfer from Valle de Antón to Santa Catalina
✓ Coiba Island tour
✓ Transfer from Santa Catalina to Boca Chica
✓ Transfer from Boca Chica to Boquete
✓ Transfer from Boquete to Bocas del Toro
✓ Transfer Bocas Town to Bastimentos Island
✓ Transfer from Bastimentos Island to Bocas Town
✓ Zapatilla Island tour
✓ National flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City
✓ Transfer from the airport in Panama City to Casco Viejo (Panama City)
✓ Follow-up & assistance
NOT INCLUDED
✗ International flight: check out our airline comparator to find the best flight options
Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance for booking your international flights.
✗ Optional tour in Boca Chica
✗ Lunch & dinner when not in complete pension
✗ Tips & personal expenses
*The standard price is calculated for double occupation (2 persons). The price may evolve depending on the number of people, the season, the availabilities at the selected hotels and the duration of the stay.
PANACEA WITH RENTAL CAR
20 DAYS / 19 NIGHTS
INCLUDED
✓ Accommodations & breakfasts
✓ Private airport pick-up & drop-off
✓ Complete pension during your stay in San Blas and Bayano Lake
✓ Rental car with full cover from Day 2 to Day 14
✓ San Blas Archipelago tour
✓ Bayano Caves & Tiger River tour
✓ Coiba Island tour
✓ Transfer from Boquete to Bocas del Toro (Bocas Town)
✓ Transfer from Bocas Town to Bastimentos Island
✓ Transfer from Bastimentos Island to Bocas Town
✓ Zapatilla Island tour
✓ National flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City
✓ Transfer from the airport in Panama City to Casco Viejo (Panama City)
✓ Follow-up & assistance
NOT INCLUDED
✗ International flight: check out our airline comparator to find the best flight options
Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance for booking your international flights.
✗ Optional tour in Boca Chica
✗ Lunch & dinner when not in complete pension
✗ Tips & personal expenses
IMPORTANT
✓ Car rental costs (reservation and full insurance) are included in the package price. However, please keep in mind that this cost will be payable by the customer directly to our partner upon delivery of the car
*The standard price is calculated for double occupation (2 persons). The price may evolve depending on the number of people, the season, the availabilities at the selected hotels and the duration of the stay.
Customize my trip
Discover our recommendations to personalize your stay in Panama.
Select the activities and/or places you’d like to add to your itinerary, and we’ll be happy to tailor your circuit to your wishes.
Price details
Seasons in Panama
LOW
SEASON
May, June, September & October
$
The wet season brings increased rainfall and higher humidity to Panama. Tropical rain showers are frequent, but they usually occur in short bursts, leaving ample time for exploration between showers.
MEDIUM
SEASON
July, August & November
$$
This season offers lush green landscapes, vibrant flora and fauna, and reduced tourist crowds. However, outdoor activities may be affected by occasional heavy rain.
HIGH
SEASON
From December to April
$$$
During this period, Panama experiences the dry season when rainfall is minimal, and the weather is predominantly sunny and warm. It is an ideal time to do outdoor activities, visit coastal regions, and enjoy beach days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Panacea circuit and how are the nights split?
Panacea lasts 20 days and 19 nights: three nights in Casco Viejo (Panama City), one night in San Blas, two nights at Bayano Lake, three nights in Valle de Antón, two nights in Santa Catalina, two nights in Boca Chica, two nights in Boquete, two nights on Bastimentos Island and two nights in Bocas Town, before flying home on Day 20.
Which regions of Panama does this grand tour cover?
Both coasts and the mountains: Panama City and Casco Viejo, the Caribbean islands of San Blas, Bayano Lake and its caves, the green valley of Valle de Antón, Santa Catalina and Coiba Island on the Pacific, the islands of Boca Chica, the highlands of Boquete, and finally the Bocas del Toro archipelago with Bastimentos Island, Bocas Town, Carenero and Zapatilla.
What is the difference between the bus transfer option and the rental car option?
The itinerary is the same in both versions. With certified bus transfers, from $3,170 per person, every road journey between the nine stages is organized for you. With the rental car option, from $3,400 per person, you drive yourself with a car covered from Day 2 to Day 14, before the Boquete to Bocas del Toro transfer takes over. The car rental costs, including reservation and full insurance, are part of the package price but are payable directly to our partner upon delivery of the car.
What is included in the price of the Panacea circuit?
Accommodations and breakfasts, private airport pick-up and drop-off, complete pension during your stay in San Blas and at Bayano Lake, the San Blas Archipelago tour, the Bayano Caves and Tiger River tour, the Coiba Island tour, the Zapatilla Island tour, the taxi-boat transfers to and from Bastimentos Island, the national flight from Bocas del Toro back to Panama City, the transfer from the Panama City airport to Casco Viejo, your personalized AZORA GUIDE and follow-up and assistance. International flights, the optional tour in Boca Chica, lunches and dinners when you are not in complete pension, tips and personal expenses are not included.
What do you do in San Blas and at Bayano Lake?
In San Blas you settle into a bungalow in full pension, then a boat takes you around several islands of the archipelago, with the natural swimming pool and a fresh lunch before heading back to the mainland around 3:30pm. At Bayano Lake, a 20-minute boat ride brings you to the Eco-Lodge, with a private bungalow, jacuzzi and kayak, then a local certified guide takes you through the Bayano caves and along the Tiger River.
What can you see around Coiba Island from Santa Catalina?
The included day tour starts with a 45-minute boat ride, then you swim and snorkel around several islands with sharks, turtles and countless fish. Diving tours are available as an option and highly recommended too; you can pick them among our activities in Santa Catalina.
What is there to do in Boquete?
Boquete is reached after about an hour and a half of road from Boca Chica and offers a completely different, mountain atmosphere: hikes, treks, wild spa and nature, with many free spots listed in your AZORA GUIDE. For adventure and adrenalin, zipline and hanging bridges can be booked with us in advance.
How do you reach Bocas del Toro and get back to Panama City?
You reach the archipelago overland from Boquete, with the transfer to Bocas Town included, then a taxi-boat takes you to your hotel on Bastimentos Island. On the way back, a national flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City is included, as well as the transfer from the airport to Casco Viejo. Only your international flights remain to be booked, and you can use our airline comparator to find the best flight options.
When is the best time to travel to Panama for a 20-day circuit?
The dry season, from December to April, is the high season, with minimal rainfall and predominantly sunny and warm weather, ideal for beach days and outdoor activities. May, June, September and October are the low season, with frequent but short tropical showers, while July, August and November offer lush green landscapes, vibrant flora and fauna and fewer travellers.
Can the Panacea itinerary be shortened or customized?
Yes. You can select additional activities and places in Panama, adjust the pace, the hotels or the number of stages, or start from one of our shorter circuits such as Caribe Dreamin, Back to the Future or Bocas Paraíso. Tell us what you have in mind when you request your quotation.
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