On arrival to Tocumen International Airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel in Panama City, the Executive Hotel.

DAY 2 | Soberania National Park & The Panama Canal

This morning, we drive to Pipeline Road, a 17 kilometer dirt road in the heart of the virgin lowland rainforest of Soberania National Park. Vital to the Panama Canal, this protected watershed boasts outstanding bio-diversity. The Pipeline Road bird list is so extensive that the Panama Audubon Society has set world record bird counts here on several occasions. We may see Black tailed Trogon, White-bellied Antbird, Golden Collared Manakin, Blue Cotinga, Purple Throated Fruitcrow as well as Collared Tamandua, Mantled Howler and White faced Capuchin Monkeys, Central American Coati, and even Three-toed Sloth.

DAY 3 | Barro Colorado Island Nature Monument - Chiriqui Province

We arrive at Barro Colorado Island Nature Monument early this morning where we will enter the lush inlets of Wheeler Cove using a quiet electric motor. Watch for Crested Guan, Sungrebe, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Chestnut mandibled Toucan, Howler and Capuchin Monkeys, American Crocodile, Green Iguana and the splendid Morpho Butterfly. We proceed to Gigante Station on the adjacent peninsula where we enjoy a short hike in the forest with our naturalist guide. Possible sightings include Tamanduas, Coatis, Collared Peccaries and Agoutis. Following the hike, relax and enjoy a picnic lunch at Gigante Station. This afternoon we travel, via scheduled flight, to David in the western province of Chiriqui. Transfer by van to the picturesque mountain town, Boquete. Located on the eastern side of dormant Baru Volcano, the quaint town of Boquete features countryside dotted with flower, fruit and vegetable farms and coffee plantations. Overnight Hotel Panamonte. [B,L,D]

DAY 4 | Chiriqui Cloud Forest

Enjoy a full day in the beautiful Chiriqui highlands, Panama's breadbasket, producing more than 70% of the country’s produce. Boquete, a mountain town located in the highlands has countryside dotted with flower, fruit and vegetable farms and coffee plantations. We explore Finca Lerida, a privately owned preserve just outside Baru Volcano National Park. At an elevation of 7,500 feet, we have an opportunity to see the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, Three wattled Bellbird, Black faced Solitaire, Volcano Hummingbird, Long tailed Silky Flycatcher and Prong billed Barbet in their cool habitat of orchids, bromeliads and wild avocados. After a picnic in the cloud forest, we visit a private flower garden and a coffee roasting facility and enjoy a fresh cup-a-joe before returning to our hotel. Overnight Hotel Panamonte. [B,L,D]

DAY 5 | Optional White Water Rafting or Baru Volcano - Cerro Punta

This morning we head out with Chiriqui River Rafting for our approximate 2-hour drive to the river. Our 2-4 hour river experience will likely include Class III or IV sections of the Rio Chiriqui. Drive time to and from the river as well as the length and difficulty of the rafting will depend upon which section of the Rio Chiriqui is being run. A picnic lunch will be served on the river bank.

Road conditions permitting*, those who choose not to go rafting depart before sunrise to make the approximate 1-1/2 hour journey to the summit of Baru Volcano. If visibility is good, it is possible to see the sunrise over both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans at the same time from this vista. Temperatures at this altitude can be below freezing before sunrise making warm clothing essential. This afternoon, we drive to the west side of the volcano, Cerro Punta. Overnight Hotel Los Quetzales. [B,L,D]

DAY 6 | La Amistad International Biosphere Reserve

Shared with neighboring Costa Rica and recognized in 1982 as a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Amistad is located at a point on the Central American land bridge where flora and fauna from North and South America reach their maximum species mix, with great ranges in altitude, precipitation, soils and temperature. We spend the morning hiking and exploring La Amistad National Park in the areas of El Respingo and Los Quetzales where, during Quetzal season (mid-February through mid-April), it is sometimes possible to see literally dozens of these colorful long-tailed birds. This afternoon, we drive back to David where we board our Panama City bound plane. Overnight the Executive Hotel. [B,L,D]

DAY 7 | San Blas Islands - Dolphin Island

Located along the northeastern coast of Panama, in the Caribbean Sea, the San Blas Islands are the home of the Kuna Indians. Determined to protect their unique culture, the Kunas were granted regional autonomy, forming the "comarca" (autonomous territory) of San Blas where, to this day, an indigenous congress rules. Kuna women spend countless hours sewing the very colorful reverse appliqu�d cotton "molas" which are the basis of their dress. The men spend their time fishing for seafood, the cash basis of their economy. We visit the Kuna village of Achutupo to learn more about Kuna traditions.

After lunch at Dolphin Island, there is time to relax on the beach, snorkel over the nearby reefs or visit the mainland for a hike. Our accommodations are rustic, but comfortable, in traditional, Kuna-style huts with cozy beds and shared baths. The Dolphin Island Cabins are owned by a Kuna family, as non-Kunas are not allowed to own land or reside permanently in the comarca. Accommodations are basic, thatch roof huts with private bathrooms and no hot water. Breakfasts consist of fruit, cereal and eggs. Lunches are light, including salads and sandwiches. Dinners include such delights from the sea as lobster or crab and fresh fish, among other options. Overnight Dolphin Islands Cabins.

Note: Women traveling to the San Blas Islands should wear one-piece swimsuits. [B,L,D]

DAY 8 | San Blas Islands - Dolphin Island

Another full day is ours to enjoy these beautiful islands. During our stay here we will also take a morning excursion to the nearby island of Ailigandi to visit the Kuna Museum and have an opportunity to walk along the narrow streets of the town and buy molas and other handicrafts. Overnight Dolphin Islands Cabins. [B,L,D]

DAY 9 | Panama City

After breakfast, we board our plane bound for Panama City. Our day's activities may include a visit to the Panama Canal Museum, the ruins of Old Panama, Casco Viejo, and the Smithsonian's gift shop. Tonight, we enjoy a farewell dinner at a typical Panamanian restaurant. Overnight the Executive Hotel. [B,L,D]

DAY 10 | Depart Panama

Say goodbye to arguably the most amazing country in all of Central America. Transfer to Tocumen International Airport approximately 3 hours prior to your flight's departure.