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Panama Escorted Tours
Ready for a vacation that combines the beauty of exploration with convenience? Panama Escorted Tours by Caravan offers incredible, unique vacations in Central America. For an experience like no other— one of adventure and seasoned guidance from expert tour experts — these tours offer it all!
From exploring crater lakes to cruising through tropical rainforests on rails or relaxing under star-filled skies on Caribbean shores, you will indeed find something for everyone in Panama’s diverse landscapes.
Our All-Inclusive 8-Day Tour in Panama
Our All-Inclusive 8-Day Tour Itinerary in Panama is the perfect way to experience the best of this fantastic country. From relaxing on stunning beaches and exploring lush rainforests to discovering historical landmarks and unique culture, you will enjoy an unforgettable journey through some of Panama’s most incredible sights. Join us as we explore the beauty and vibrancy of Panama!
1st Day
Welcome to Panama City, the first stop on an exciting journey through Panama. Prepare to explore this vibrant country, beginning with the bustling capital city and the acclaimed Panama Canal. Panama offers more than just the canal. Experience the rich biodiversity, meet the native Embera tribe in the jungle, and enjoy bird watching on the Chagres River.
With sandy beaches and lush rainforests to discover, there’s something for every traveler. After landing at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), take the airport taxi to your hotel. Join us for a welcome briefing at 8:00 p.m. and enjoy dinner until 9:30 p.m., allowing ample time to settle in and start your adventure.
2nd Day
On the second day of our 8-day tour itinerary in Panama, we’ll explore Old Panama and experience the iconic Miraflores Locks. We’ll start with a visit to Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Panama City’s old Quarter. We will explore its colorful streets filled with historic:
- Buildings
- Churches
- Plazas
- Museums
- Galleries
Then we’ll take a boat ride along the Canal de Panama to Miraflores Locks and observe how the ships are lifted through three sets of locks. After our tour, we’re sure you’ll have gained a great appreciation for the incredible engineering feat that is the Panama Canal. We’ll finish with a relaxing evening at one of the nearby restaurants.
3rd Day
Day 3 of our all-inclusive 8-day tour in Panama brings us to the Embera Village, where you can experience traditional village life and learn about its customs. Enjoy a cultural exchange with one of the native villages, and take part in activities such as:
- Beading
- Wood carving
- Purchase souvenirs directly from the tribe
From there, we will embark on a river fishing excursion, including lunch at a nearby restaurant, before concluding the day’s journey ending at Fort San Lorenzo. This World Heritage Site overlooks both the Caribbean Sea and Chagres River Delta. Take some time to explore this historic landmark before turning in for the night.
4th Day
Day 4 is all about exploring Panama’s incredible wildlife! We’ll kick off our morning with an early bird-watching cruise down the Chagres River. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot some of the most exotic species of birds in Central America.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Gamboa Rainforest Reserve for a guided tour of its incredible flora and fauna before arriving at the famous Sloth Rescue Center. This center is dedicated to rehabilitating injured sloths and educating visitors on these adorable creatures. Be sure to bring your camera—you’re bound to get plenty of impressive shots here!
After this informative day, we’ll gather back in town for dinner before returning to the hotel for some well-deserved rest.
5th Day
On Day 5 of our 8-Day Panama Escorted Tours, we’ll experience the wonders of the famed Panama Canal. We will board a boat for a ride along the canal, where we can see how ships navigate the locks and savor views of lush tropical jungles that line both sides of this engineering marvel.
Along with great photo opportunities, you may even glimpse some exotic wildlife on your journey! This tour also takes you to three unique islands, where you’ll learn more about local culture and history.
As we make our way through Gatun Lake, which is part of the Panama Canal system, we’ll witness the outdoor laboratories of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. After crossing the Centenario Bridge, we’ll take in views of the Gaillard Cut of the Panama Canal.
We’ll end our day with a relaxing two-night stay at a beach resort situated along the Pacific Coast, where you can unwind under the stars and enjoy refreshing ocean breezes after a long day exploring all Panama offers!
6th Day
Day 6 of our all-inclusive 8-day tour itinerary in Panama brings us to the beautiful Playa Bonita. This beach is known for its stunning sunsets, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant sand. Enjoy swimming and relaxing, or take a walk along the shoreline.
We’ll then take a boat ride around the bay with plenty of time to stop and explore some island sites. End your day surrounded by tropical flora while savoring Panamanian cuisine at our resort. Remember to grab a souvenir or two before heading back to the accommodation!
7th Day
Get ready for an action-packed Day 7 of our All-Inclusive 8-Day Tour Itinerary in Panama! We’ll start by crossing the Bridge of the Americas to return to Panama City and then cruise along the stunning Amador Causeway, admiring the picturesque Panama City skyline.
Our next stop will be at a Kuna tribal marketplace, where we’ll have the chance to shop for one-of-a-kind mola art inspired by Panama’s wildlife and geometrical patterns. The highlight of our day will be a private show featuring traditional Panamanian Folklore Dancers in extravagant polleras - a cultural experience unlike any other.
We’ll indulge in a mouth-watering Farewell dinner to cap off our unforgettable trip. This day is one you won’t want to miss!
8th Day
On your last day, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, departing at 5:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Start the morning by enjoying breakfast at 6:00 a.m. so you can board your flight feeling complete and ready for the journey ahead! Bon voyage!
Explore Panama with a Guided Tour for an Unforgettable Experience!
The possibilities are endless for exploring Panama with Caravan escorted tours. From shimmering beaches to stunning rainforests, the country is abundantly rich in scenery and culture and makes for a dreamy vacation destination.
Our all-inclusive, fully guided, and escorted tour packages offer visitors an easy and hassle-free journey through the beautiful country. With flights not included in our packages, you can customize your trip exactly how you want without worrying about extra costs or hidden fees. Let us become your passport to exploring the breathtaking country of Panama!
If you are interested in learning more about our exciting escorted tours or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-CARAVAN or +1-312-321-9800 today and start planning for what’s sure to be a fantastic adventure!
2024 Hotels
2024 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Days 1, 2 • Panama City
Westin Panama
The elegant Westin Panama is ideally situated in Costa del Este neighborhood. Your hotel includes a fitness center, spa and outdoor pool. Your room includes an iron, hairdryer, safe, wi-fi and coffeemaker.
Days 3, 4 • Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is located in Soberania National Park, in the heart of Panama's rainforest. The resort is just north of the Continental Divide, on the banks of the Chagres River, near where it flows into Lake Gatun and the Panama Canal. Guest rooms feature a hammock and patio furniture on a private balcony with park and river views. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a mini-bar, in-room safe, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, coffeemaker, and satellite television. All rooms are non-smoking. Resort amenities include a large outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, beautiful gardens, and walking and jogging trails. Fitness equipment, a hot tub, thermal bath and sauna are available at the full service spa. For a fee, the spa offers massage, a beauty salon, body and facial treatments. Guided fishing in the Panama Canal is also available for a fee. Free internet access.
Days 5, 6 • Playa Bonita
Westin Playa Bonita Resort
The Westin Playa Bonita Resort is a spectacular beach resort located on Panama's Pacific coast. From the grand lobby you have sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Resort amenities include a private beach, multiple outdoor pools, swim-up bar, lounges, fitness center, beauty salon, and spa with massage services. The spacious guest rooms are air-conditioned and have cable TV. Free internet access.
Day 7 • Panama City
InterContinental Miramar Panama
The modern InterContinental Miramar hotel is located in Panama City in the middle of Panama Bay. Panoramic water and city views abound. A short stroll from the hotel takes you to the scenic walkway on Panama Bay . The InterContinental Miramar has tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a beauty salon, and fitness center with massage, sauna, Jacuzzi, and Turkish bath. All rooms are air-conditioned, and feature cable TV, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and a coffee maker. Free internet access.
2025 Hotels
2025 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Days 1, 2 • Panama City
Westin Panama
The elegant Westin Panama is ideally situated in Costa del Este neighborhood. Your hotel includes a fitness center, spa and outdoor pool. Your room includes an iron, hairdryer, safe, wi-fi and coffeemaker.
Days 3, 4 • Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is located in Soberania National Park, in the heart of Panama's rainforest. The resort is just north of the Continental Divide, on the banks of the Chagres River, near where it flows into Lake Gatun and the Panama Canal. Guest rooms feature a hammock and patio furniture on a private balcony with park and river views. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a mini-bar, in-room safe, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, coffeemaker, and satellite television. All rooms are non-smoking. Resort amenities include a large outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, beautiful gardens, and walking and jogging trails. Fitness equipment, a hot tub, thermal bath and sauna are available at the full service spa. For a fee, the spa offers massage, a beauty salon, body and facial treatments. Guided fishing in the Panama Canal is also available for a fee. Free internet access.
Days 5, 6 • Playa Bonita
Westin Playa Bonita Resort
The Westin Playa Bonita Resort is a spectacular beach resort located on Panama's Pacific coast. From the grand lobby you have sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Resort amenities include a private beach, multiple outdoor pools, swim-up bar, lounges, fitness center, beauty salon, and spa with massage services. The spacious guest rooms are air-conditioned and have cable TV. Free internet access.
Day 7 • Panama City
InterContinental Miramar Panama
The modern InterContinental Miramar hotel is located in Panama City in the middle of Panama Bay. Panoramic water and city views abound. A short stroll from the hotel takes you to the scenic walkway on Panama Bay . The InterContinental Miramar has tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a beauty salon, and fitness center with massage, sauna, Jacuzzi, and Turkish bath. All rooms are air-conditioned, and feature cable TV, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and a coffee maker. Free internet access.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
arrival Transfers
Transfer on your own from the Panama City Tocumen Airport (PTY) to your hotel, the Westin Costa del Este (La Rotunda Ave, Costa del Este) in Panama City. Once you exit customs and baggage claim, proceed to the official taxi stand. The driving time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost will range from $30-$40 US Dollars. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.
departure Transfers
Caravan includes a departure transfer from the Intercontinental Miramar hotel in Panama City to Tocumen Panama International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama arriving at 5:30 am, 8:00 am and 11:00 am. on the day the tour ends. If you wish to leave at another time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Taxi fares from your hotel to Tocumen Airport cost about $30-$40 USD. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
arrival Transfers
Transfer on your own from the Panama City Tocumen Airport (PTY) to your hotel, the Westin Costa del Este (La Rotunda Ave, Costa del Este) in Panama City. Once you exit customs and baggage claim, proceed to the official taxi stand. The driving time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost will range from $30-$40 US Dollars. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.
departure Transfers
Caravan includes a departure transfer from the Intercontinental Miramar hotel in Panama City to Tocumen Panama International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama arriving at 5:30 am, 8:00 am and 11:00 am. on the day the tour ends. If you wish to leave at another time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Taxi fares from your hotel to Tocumen Airport cost about $30-$40 USD. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
Panama requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws. See Travel Tips for more details.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
Panama requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws. See Travel Tips for more details.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Panama City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 87/75 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 89/75 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 91/75 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 91/75 | 3.4 |
| May | 87/75 | 7.9 |
| Jun | 86/75 | 7.5 |
| Jul | 87/75 | 7.3 |
| Aug | 86/75 | 7.8 |
| Sep | 86/75 | 7.1 |
| Oct | 84/75 | 10.3 |
| Nov | 86/75 | 8.9 |
| Dec | 87/75 | 5.3 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama City | ||||||||||||
| temp | 87/75 | 89/75 | 91/75 | 91/75 | 87/75 | 86/75 | 87/75 | 86/75 | 86/75 | 84/75 | 86/75 | 87/75 |
| rainfall | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 3.4 | 7.9 | 7.5 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 7.1 | 10.3 | 8.9 | 5.3 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required. See Travel Tips for more details.
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required. See Travel Tips for more details.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 13 Travel Tips. Read all 55 Travel Tips Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation. It is recommended to bring at least one pair of quick-dry pants and one quick-dry shirt. The quick-dry pants that zip at the knee to convert into shorts are particularly popular. Be sure to also bring a sweater or jacket for the cooler night temperatures. Caravan does not make product endorsements, but many feel that Avon Skin So Soft oil (not cream), or Avon's Expedition anti-mosquito spray is effective protection against mosquito bites in the jungle. Caravan does not endorse any vitamin, but please note that Central American pharmacies sell 500 milligram Vitamin B-1 tablets, a non-prescription vitamin, as "anti-mosquito" pills. Many people take Vitamin B-1 pills and eat garlic for about two weeks prior to and during their visits to the jungle because they believe that the smell of Vitamin B-1 and garlic repels mosquitoes. If you believe this may be of value, consult your doctor for further information on Vitamin B-1 and garlic. Many also avoid eating bananas in the rainforest, as it is believed that this smell attracts mosquitoes. Also, it is wise to wear light-weight quick-dry long-sleeved pants and shirts in these tropical areas. Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old. Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation. Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers. A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129.My Tour Price Includes
Preparing for the Tropics
Are meals included?
Children on Tour
Family Trips
My Tour Price Does Not Include
Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour
Forms of Payment
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Size of Tour Group
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 186 Customer Reviews "The Tour Director was just fabulous. Very knowledgeable. Very caring. A fantastic tour director. Hotels were very nice and clean." "Amazing. This was our first trip with Caravan and we will be taking another adventure with you. Couldn’t ask for better accommodations, the hotels were all topnotch. Enjoyed all the meals, something for everyone. Friends told us about Caravan and they were 100% right. We will be telling all my other friends about Caravan Panama." "This was our third Caravan tour and once again, it was wonderful. The detailed schedules and activities allow us to enjoy the tour with no concerns about logistics. Wonderful job of providing background and history. Every meal offered tremendous variety and diverse regional cuisine of Panama. Thanks to our Director and the many people helping with the tour, we learned a lot, experienced wonderful opportunities, and enjoyed local culture." "Panama is a spectacular place. The hotels were beautiful, the last one being the best I’ve ever stayed in. The food and drink was great. We had such an informed director, he knew history and current affairs. Very helpful and always there if needed. This was a wonderful tour that I will remember." "Panama: a WONDER of the world! A fantastic week - expertly planned and executed! From history, observation and riding through the canal, with additional side events...awesome!! A most memorable experience." "This was my fifth tour with Caravan. They have all provided wonderful opportunities to see spectacular scenery, enjoy the cuisine, and interact with local culture. The guides are professional, personable, competent and enhance the tours. Our canal transit was great." "I selected this trip as an alternative to taking a cruise which visited the canal. What’s not to like about this trip? It totally went beyond my expectations. It provided so much more than the cruise we were considering. I am glad I found Caravan to give you a try. Our party of four would at dinner each night, review and evaluate the day, giving each other a high point or low point of the day. This was the first time trying to come up with a low was extremely difficult. Caravan has got traveling down to an artform."
Read All 186 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 186 Customer Reviews
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
