Wild Panama

Day 1. Panama City [D]

Depart London for Panama City, where on arrival you will be met and transferred to the Caesar Park Hotel.

Day 2. Volcan [B, L, D]

This morning you enjoy a tour of historic Panama City, visiting 16th Century ruins and colonial neighbourhoods. Lunch will be spent overlooking the famous Panama Canal. In the afternoon you fly into the cooler climate of Baru Volcan in the Chiriqui Highlands. Populated primarily by the Ngobe Indians, the mountainous landscape surrounding Volcan is accentuated by strawberry, flower and potato farms, and charming Swiss-style homes. You spend the night at Hotel Dos Rios with splendid views of the surrounding mountains.

Days 3 & 4. Boquete [B, L, D]

Time will be spent at La Amistad International Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you may find a variety of tropical birdlife including Silver-throated Jays, Prong-billed Barbets and perhaps Resplendent Quetzal. At Finca Dracula you will find one of the largest collections of orchids in the world. Spend two nights at Hotel Panamonte in the picturesque village of Boquete.

Days 5 & 6. Bastimentos National Park, Bocas del Toro [B, L, D]

At Bocas del Toro, a tropical paradise rich with vivid colour and unspoiled nature, boat excursions to various islands and inlets may reveal Red-billed Tropicbirds, Brown Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds. You have plenty of opportunity for rainforest and island exploration and snorkelling. Look for tiny poison dart frogs, hummingbirds and several species of primates outside a traditional native village. You spend two nights at Bocas Inn.

Days 7 & 8. Darien National Park [B, L, D]

Fly to Panama City and on to Santa Cruz de Cana in the Darien, a World Biosphere Reserve, inaccessible to most visitors. Considered by many to be one of the top ten birding spots in the world you will be surrounded by a colourful array of over 400 species, including four species of macaws. In addition, you may see monkeys, Crabeating Foxes, Ocelots and Tapirs, and perhaps Jaguar and Puma. Spend the night at the Ancon Field Station.

Days 9 & 10. Gamboa Rainforest Resort [B, L, D]

A flight and road transfer take you to Gamboa Rainforest Resort on the banks of the Rio Chagres. Gamboa offers a unique jungle experience in a comfortable and luxurious setting. Venture by boat along the Panama Canal. You may see up to four species of monkey on the forested islands in Gatun Lake.

Day 11. Barro Colorado Island [B, L, D]

A boat trip takes you to Barro Colorado Island. Howler, and Spider Monkeys, Red-napped Tamarin, Capuchins, and Night Monkeys, travel through the treetops. The island is home to approximately 60 species of bats as well as Agoutis, Tapirs, Coatimundis, Two, and Threetoed Sloth, and Peccaries. You head back to Panama City in the afternoon for your final night.

Days 12 to 13. Home [B (Day 12 only)]

This morning you transfer to the airport for your flight home arriving back the following morning.