Panama: Craters, Coasts & Highland Mountains
- Trip code: 492X001
- Dauer: 18
- Stil: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Eighteen days of next-level beaches, wild landscapes, and full-on freedom — this is Panama like you’ve never seen it. Start in Costa Rica and cruise into the often-overlooked magic of Panama, where every stop hits different. Catch the surfy vibes in Puerto Viejo, snorkel your heart out in Bocas del Toro, and hike cloud forest trails in lush Boquete. Sleep inside a volcanic crater in the town of Valle de Antón, dance the night away in Panama City, and unplug completely with three off-the-grid nights on the jaw-dropping San Blas Islands. Between waterfalls, reefs, Indigenous culture, and epic new friendships, this trip brings the kind of stories you’ll be telling for years.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Hostels (8 nts, multi-share), Hotels/Guesthouse (6 nts), Basic Island Huts (3 nts, multi-share)
Checklist
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, and local indigenous community guide
Group Size Notes
Max 16, Avg. 14
Highlights
Catch chill waves and beach vibes in Puerto Viejo before crossing into Panama, Swim through starfish-studded waters in Bocas del Toro, Hike hidden trails and chase waterfalls in the misty hills of Boquete, Sleep in a town inside a volcanic crater in lush Valle de Antón, Dance snack and soak up skyline views in buzzing Panama City, Live off-grid for three nights in the stunning San Blas Islands, Learn Guna traditions from local makers and snorkel coral reefs straight from the beach
Introduction
Eighteen days of next-level beaches, wild landscapes, and full-on freedom — this is Panama like you’ve never seen it. Start in Costa Rica and cruise into the often-overlooked magic of Panama, where every stop hits different. Catch the surfy vibes in Puerto Viejo, snorkel your heart out in Bocas del Toro, and hike cloud forest trails in lush Boquete. Sleep inside a volcanic crater in the town of Valle de Antón, dance the night away in Panama City, and unplug completely with three off-the-grid nights on the jaw-dropping San Blas Islands. Between waterfalls, reefs, Indigenous culture, and epic new friendships, this trip brings the kind of stories you’ll be telling for years
Meals Included
3 Frühstück, 4 Mittagessen, 3 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD505-660 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Bike Rental (9USD pro Person)
- Boogie-Boarding
Bocas del Toro
- Surfstunde (45USD pro Person)
- Bioluminescence Tour (25USD pro Person)
- Fahrradverleih (5-10USD pro Person)
- Schnorcheltour bei Sonnenuntergang (25USD pro Person)
Boquete
- Wildwasser-Rafting (65USD pro Person)
- Wanderung zum Verlorenen Wasserfall (38USD pro Person)
- Reiten (40USD pro Person)
- Wanderung (40-85USD pro Person)
- Coffee Plantation Tour (30USD pro Person)
- Radtour in Boquete
Valle de Antón
- Cerro Gaital Hike
- Valle de Anton Hot Springs
Panama City
- The Shaping of Panama-Tour und Ausflug zu den Miraflores-Schleusen
- Besuch des Panamakanals (25USD pro Person)
- Metropolitan Natural Park Visit
Start / Finish
San José nach Panama City
Transport
Public bus, walking, private vehicle, ferry, boat
What's Included
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Local Community Focused Chocolate Experience, Bocas del Toro
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein First-Night-Out-Moment: Begegne neuen Freunden
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Bocas del Toro
Dein Discover-Moment: Boquete
Dein Discover-Moment: Panama City
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Panama City. CEO-led Orientation Walk of Puerto Viejo. Biking in Puerto Viejo. CEO-led Orientation Walk - Bocas del Toro. Starfish Beach Visit. Panama City CEO-led Orientation Walk. 3-night San Blas Islands Stay supporting the local ingenious community. Guna Indigenous Community Visit & Presentation. Island Visits. Free time for beach, snorkelling, swimming, and lounging. Free time in Puerto Viejo, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, Valle de Anton, Panama City, & San Blas Islands. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Minimum Age 18+
The minimum age for this trip is 18 years
Itinerary
Day 1 San José
Arrive at any time. There’s so much to see and do in San José so we recommend checking out what you can. From city tours to coffee experiences in the Central Valley, there’s a variety to choose from should you arrive early. Join a welcome meeting in the evening to get to know your newest travel family and opt to grab a meal at a local restaurant afterwards as a way to break the ice and grow more comfortable with each other
Day 2 San José/Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Catch a local bus from San José to the picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. You’ll find 14km (8.7 mi) of incomparable white and black sand beaches here all surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation. A true paradise to start the adventure. Set off on a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival and then take advantage of free time to explore, unwind, and soak up the magic of Puerto Viejo. You’ll have just enough time to dive into the town’s laid-back rhythm and discover why this little corner of the Caribbean is so loved by travelers from all over the world. Whether you're craving beach time, a local bite, or a bit of spontaneous adventure, there’s plenty to do (or not do—because relaxing counts too!)
Day 3 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
It’s time to explore! Hop on a bike and ride to the beach with your CEO. Once here opt to rent a boogie board if the waves are calling. Hit up beaches like Cocles, Punta Uva, and maybe even make it to Manzanillo. There will be stops along the way to grab a drink, jump in the ocean, and spot some animals. Later, the group will have free time to relax at the hostel, grab a coffee, find a hammock, and simply relax. You could also chat with your travel mates, play some cards together, or throw on a fun playlist and dance the night away to reggae and calypso for a true taste of this tropical paradise. Group hangout in the common area to spice up the evening, anyone?
Day 4 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca/Bocas del Toro
The moment you have been waiting for…Panama! Cross the border today and travel by bus, boat, and foot to the lovely archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Your CEO will show the group around on a leisurely stroll through town. Check out the main spots, learn a bit about the local culture, and get the lay of the land. The archipelago of Bocas is a reflection of Afro-Caribbean culture. As you walk the streets you’ll hear calypso and reggae rhythms, and guari-guari– a language that is a mixture of English, French and Spanish. After the walk, take some time to wander on your own, find a comfortable spot, breathe in the fresh air, and simply enjoy being present in one of Panama’s favorite destinations for locals and travellers alike
Day 5 Bocas del Toro
The tropical vibes continue during a full free day to enjoy all that Bocas del Toro has to offer. Think paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, or maybe a bioluminescence tour later in the day. Choose to be as relaxed or active as you would like. Swimming, sunbathing, rocking in a hammock, or people watching from a cute local spot, are great options too
Day 6 Bocas del Toro
Charge up those phones and cameras because you’re going to want proof of today’s activity! The group will enjoy a visit to the famous Starfish Beach, known for the hundreds of starfish that spend the day in the shallow waters of an isolated cove. Swim in the calm waters and enjoy the beauty before you. Travel back to the hostel in the afternoon and relax on your own. Grab some friends and head out for a fun local meal and some dancing, read a book in solitude, or try one of the optional activities you didn’t have time for yesterday. There will be an optional group dinner tonight and everyone will walk there together if you choose to join
Day 7 Bocas del Toro/Boquete
Pack those bags and travel back to the mainland today as the group heads to the mountain town of Boquete, where an abundance of outdoor activities await! Along the way pay a visit to the local indigenous Ngäbe community and learn about the process from which chocolate is derived and why cacao is so important to their culture. Arrive in the evening to Boquete and get settled in at your base for the next few nights. Choose to join an optional dinner at a local spot with the group
Day 8 Boquete
Everyone loves to feel that adrenaline kick in every now and then, and the wooded valley of Boquete surrounded by mountains is the perfect destination to make that happen. Enjoy a full free day here to discover the trails of lost waterfalls, hike to Baru Volcano, go whitewater rafting, or horseback riding. You can also choose to book a tour of a coffee plantation, hike through the cloud forest, or try spotting wildlife in the area. Craving some deeper connection after a day of activity? Choose to join the group and walk from the hostel to a nearby restaurant for an optional local dinner
Day 9 Boquete
Everyone wants more time in Boquete, so take another free day to try some of the optional activities you didn’t have time for yesterday. Life is better when shared, so grab a buddy and opt in to one of the active activities together. Take pictures and videos of your experiences and push yourself out of your comfort zone in a place that largely celebrates being adventurous. Walk from the hostel to a local restaurant tonight for an optional group dinner and share stories of your experiences from today
Day 10 Boquete/Valle de Antón
Be enveloped by Panama’s inland scenery today while the group travels from Boquete to Valle de Anton. Located in the middle of the crater of an inactive volcano, this quaint town is rich in green, fertile land, biodiversity, and full of adventure waiting for you. Arrive later in the day, get settled in the hostel, and perhaps go out for dinner with the group and cheers to a successful travel day
Day 11 Valle de Antón
Valle de Anton is an ideal destination for travellers looking to hike, zipline, cycle, or soak in hot springs. If you’re feeling really adventurous, opt to try the 30km (18.6 mile) Ruta de la Caldera, or choose one of its sections, the most iconic being El Gaital which reaches over 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) above sea level. You could also rent bikes and cycle around the town, or visit the Pozos Termales to soothe those muscles from yesterday’s long bus rides. It’s your time to enjoy the great outdoors, laugh with your travel family, and soak up the cool weather as you search for wildlife on your own. As always, there will be the option to join together with the group for dinner in the evening at a hip, local spot, and dish out stories about how you spent your free day here
Day 12 Valle de Antón/Panama City
If you wish, enjoy a morning to sleep in before travelling by public bus to Panama City. Download those podcasts and playlists to enjoy along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon and join your CEO for an orientation walk to discover the main attractions like Casco Viejo, Plaza de la Independencia, and the Panama Cathedral. Then, enjoy free time in the evening to take a more in-depth city tour, stroll or bike along the Amador Causeway, the city's scenic boardwalk, or relax at your accommodation. Tonight is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the nightlife atmosphere of Panama’s capital
Day 13 Panama City
Panama City has plenty to offer travellers. From walking along the Bay of Panama, to visiting the Metropolitan Natural Park’s nature sanctuary in the middle of the city. If you’re feeling up to it, you could even arrange a visit to the iconic Panama Canal about an hour outside the city. From great food to loads of archaeological sites and colonial history, there’s loads to experience and check out. Enjoy yourself on this full free day in the vibrant atmosphere of the city before you go off the grid to the San Blas Islands
Day 14 Panama City/San Blas Islands
It’s time to bid farewell to the mainland as the group travels early this morning to catch the ferry to the magical and largely untouched San Blas Islands. The islands are governed by the local Guna indigenous community and the archipelago is made up of 365 islands, of which only 50 are inhabited by the Guna community. The islands’ well-protected natural beauty make them a top destination to experience while in Panama, especially before word gets out about this wonderful paradise. Arrive to the community of Carti and pay a visit to the chief at their local Congress House for a brief welcome. Then, continue by boat to Asseryaladub Island, where you will have free time to relax on the beach and explore the underwater world of snorkelling. Gather round with the group after an included dinner this evening and listen to stories about Guna culture for a truly unique introduction to the San Blas Islands
Day 15 San Blas Islands
Remember, a trip to the San Blas Islands won’t look like an island experience you’ve had before. So embrace the local customs and cuisine, and keep in mind there’s no internet access. You will be completely unplugged for a few days. It’s paradise without the everyday creature comforts, and you’ll be surprised by how much you enjoy the simple things in life. After breakfast visit a natural pool and check out the starfish lounging beneath the surface. Then, visit another island for a slight change of scenery. Relax more on the beach here, play some games in the water with your travel pals and go snorkeling. Arrive back to Asseryaladub Island and your cozy huts there for more free time. Kick back in the common area and take it easy, there’s nowhere to be but here
Day 16 San Blas Islands
Today, learn more about the prevalent traditional practices of the Guna. In the morning travel by boat to the Aguadub Community for a presentation and cultural session highlighting Guna tradition. This includes the art of crafting Molas, a traditional textile made from layers of colored fabric created to form patterns and pictures inspired by their universal beliefs. Listen as a member of the community discusses the significance of beadwork and ancestral medicine shared by a local healer. Return to Asseryaladub with a great appreciation for the indigenous community that calls these islands home and how they are working to protect and preserve its untouched beauty. This afternoon take advantage of free time to swim, snorkel, and maybe play a game of beach volleyball as a group. End the day feeling far more connected to this immensely special place
Day 17 San Blas Islands/Panama City
Spend a leisurely morning on the island and soak up the magical connection you have built by visiting. Then, wave goodbye to the palm trees swaying in the breeze and the small waves crashing in the white sand as you board the boat back to Puerto Carti. From here, travel back to Panama City by private vehicle. Enjoy free time to explore the vibrancy of this city and if you desire, dance the night away with your new close friends. A rooftop bar seems like the perfect vibe for tonight’s night out on the town. The choice is all yours
Day 18 Panama City
Depart at anytime. Or perhaps consider spending a few extra days in the lively Panama City. Before you go, make sure you swap information with your newest travel family because someday maybe you'll meet up in another part of the world
