Overview
Independent Panama with the Pacific Coast
This Independence by Globus vacation begins in Panama City. Here, on the isthmus linking Central and South America, you’ll explore the colonial-style architecture of Casco Antiguo and hear the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise in the waters of the Panama Canal to follow in the historic wake of some 14,000 ships that traverse the engineering marvel each year. Venture into Gamboa Rainforest Resort in the heart of Soberania National Park. Cruise up the Chagres River in a dugout canoe to visit an Emberá Indian Village where ancient dances, mystical ceremonies, and medicinal plants are a way of life. Take some well-deserved I-time in Gamboa to fish, birdwatch, kayak, or kick back at the pool or spa. Follow your independent spirit even further on the Pacific Coast of Panama to enjoy resort life between the lush tropical forests and white sand beaches. Take some I-time for yourself to kayak, raft, surf, or dive!
Highlights of Independent Panama with the Pacific Coast
Notes
The day of operation for the Panama Canal Partial Transit may vary based on seasonality, weather conditions, and availability. When the transit is not available as scheduled on day 3, it will be confirmed on an alternate day.
Travelers Notes
Transportation: As outlined in the day-by-day itineraryGuides: In Panama City
Product Group
Independent Panama
Independent Tour
Venture further to enjoy the world your way without the group. The experts at Globus put Peace of Mind first in travel planning. We take care of the details with included hotel accommodations, daily breakfasts and select meals, guided sightseeing, and transportation between cities. Explore confidently, knowing your Globus Local Hosts and GlobusGO mobile app provide you with tips and recommendations to personalize your tour and see the world your way.
Meals
Buffet breakfast daily; 5 lunches; 3 dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN PANAMA CITY, PANAMA • Arrive in beautiful, colorful, and vibrant Panama City. Built in 1519 by Pedro Arias de Avila, a Spanish conquistador who made it his base for plundering Peru’s riches, Panama today remains one of the central hubs for commerce and trade in the Americas. Panama offers diverse natural wonders, a melting pot of cultures and historical as well as modern cityscapes.
Day 2
PANAMA CITY • After breakfast, your private city tour visits Casco Antiguo, the colonial area and oldest sector of modern Panama City, founded in 1673 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic district was built as a protected walled city after Panama City was burned down in a pirate attack in 1671. Here, see the restored colonial buildings, churches, and historical monuments. • Next, visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal to witness this engineering genius in operation. During your guided tour, learn about the history of the canal and its construction, and observe transiting vessels navigating the locks from just a few feet away. (B)
Day 3
PANAMA CITY–GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT • Today, a special treat is in store when you board a vessel for a Panama Canal partial transit. Your boat will enter the canal at the Gailard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal and where the canal was carved through the Continental Divide. Enter the Pedro Miguel Locks, where your vessel will be lowered approximately 30 feet into Miraflores Lake. Continue to the Miraflores Locks to be lowered almost 60 feet to the Pacific Ocean. • Disembark your ship and head to Gamboa Rainforest Resort within Soberania National Park. (B,L)
Day 4
GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT • An enchanting journey takes you deep into the dense jungles of the Chagres, where the Emberá Indians have lived for centuries. The adventure begins with a river cruise up the Chagres in dugout canoes, the Emberá traditional hand-carved boats. • Upon arrival at the Indian village, you will be taken back in time as you are immersed in ancient Emberá cultural dances and music that have not changed much since Columbus arrived in the 1500s. The Emberás will give you a glimpse into their mystical rituals and amazing knowledge of medicinal plants and other natural remedies. The Indians will invite you to explore the area’s abundant variety of birds and wildlife during a trek that takes you through the untouched jungle and past sparkling waterfalls. • Top off your visit with a typical lunch in the village. (B,L)
Day 5
GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT • Enjoy a free day to take advantage of the resort’s many activities. (B)Today’s I-Time Tips Perhaps take an aerial tram tour above the canopy, go kayaking, fishing, or birding or visit the sloth sanctuary. Alternatively, simply relax by the pool or at the spa.
Day 6
GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT–PANAMA CITY–PACIFIC COAST • Journey to the Pacific side of Panama for some relaxation time on the beach at a deluxe all-inclusive resort. Nestled between lush, tropical forests and white-sand beaches, this is the perfect way to end your vacation. (B,L,D)
Day 7
PACIFIC COAST• Enjoy two free days at your all-inclusive hotel to explore on your own. (B,L,D)Today’s I-Time Tips You may choose to spend some time by the pool or at the spa. Alternatively, the more adventurous may opt for kayaking the Pacific, rafting, surfing, or diving.
Day 8
PACIFIC COASTFree day. (B,L,D)
Day 9
PACIFIC COAST Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2023-03-29 | 2023-03-30 | 2023-04-07 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230330 | Not Available |
| 2 | 2023-04-05 | 2023-04-06 | 2023-04-14 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230406 | Not Available |
| 3 | 2023-04-12 | 2023-04-13 | 2023-04-21 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230413 | Not Available |
| 4 | 2023-04-19 | 2023-04-20 | 2023-04-28 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230420 | Not Available |
| 5 | 2023-04-26 | 2023-04-27 | 2023-05-05 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230427 | Not Available |
| 6 | 2023-05-03 | 2023-05-04 | 2023-05-12 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230504 | Not Available |
| 7 | 2023-05-10 | 2023-05-11 | 2023-05-19 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230511 | Not Available |
| 8 | 2023-05-17 | 2023-05-18 | 2023-05-26 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230518 | Not Available |
| 9 | 2023-05-24 | 2023-05-25 | 2023-06-02 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230525 | Not Available |
| 10 | 2023-05-31 | 2023-06-01 | 2023-06-09 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230601 | Available |
| 11 | 2023-06-07 | 2023-06-08 | 2023-06-16 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230608 | Available |
| 12 | 2023-06-14 | 2023-06-15 | 2023-06-23 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230615 | Available |
| 13 | 2023-06-21 | 2023-06-22 | 2023-06-30 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230622 | Available |
| 14 | 2023-06-28 | 2023-06-29 | 2023-07-07 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230629 | Available |
| 15 | 2023-07-05 | 2023-07-06 | 2023-07-14 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230706 | Available |
| 16 | 2023-07-12 | 2023-07-13 | 2023-07-21 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230713 | Available |
| 17 | 2023-07-19 | 2023-07-20 | 2023-07-28 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230720 | Available |
| 18 | 2023-07-26 | 2023-07-27 | 2023-08-04 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230727 | Available |
| 19 | 2023-08-02 | 2023-08-03 | 2023-08-11 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230803 | Available |
| 20 | 2023-08-09 | 2023-08-10 | 2023-08-18 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230810 | Available |
| 21 | 2023-08-16 | 2023-08-17 | 2023-08-25 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230817 | Available |
| 22 | 2023-08-23 | 2023-08-24 | 2023-09-01 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230824 | Available |
| 23 | 2023-08-30 | 2023-08-31 | 2023-09-08 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230831 | Available |
| 24 | 2023-09-06 | 2023-09-07 | 2023-09-15 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230907 | Available |
| 25 | 2023-09-13 | 2023-09-14 | 2023-09-22 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230914 | Available |
| 26 | 2023-09-20 | 2023-09-21 | 2023-09-29 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230921 | Available |
| 27 | 2023-09-27 | 2023-09-28 | 2023-10-06 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP230928 | Available |
| 28 | 2023-10-04 | 2023-10-05 | 2023-10-13 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP231005 | Available |
| 29 | 2023-10-11 | 2023-10-12 | 2023-10-20 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP231012 | Available |
| 30 | 2023-10-18 | 2023-10-19 | 2023-10-27 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP231019 | Available |
| 31 | 2023-10-25 | 2023-10-26 | 2023-11-03 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP231026 | Available |
| 32 | 2023-11-01 | 2023-11-02 | 2023-11-10 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP231102 | Available |
| 33 | 2023-11-08 | 2023-11-09 | 2023-11-17 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP231109 | Available |
| 34 | 2023-11-15 | 2023-11-16 | 2023-11-24 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP231116 | Available |
| 35 | 2023-11-22 | 2023-11-23 | 2023-12-01 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP231123 | Available |
| 36 | 2023-11-29 | 2023-11-30 | 2023-12-08 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP231130 | Available |
| 37 | 2023-12-06 | 2023-12-07 | 2023-12-15 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP231207 | Available |
| 38 | 2023-12-13 | 2023-12-14 | 2023-12-22 | $2229 | $0 | $2229 | ILP231214 | Available |
| 39 | 2023-12-20 | 2023-12-21 | 2023-12-29 | $2589 | $0 | $2589 | ILP231221 | Please Call |
| 40 | 2023-12-27 | 2023-12-28 | 2024-01-05 | $2589 | $0 | $2589 | ILP231228 | Available |
| 41 | 2024-01-03 | 2024-01-04 | 2024-01-12 | $2429 | $0 | $2429 | ILP240104 | Please Call |
| 42 | 2024-01-10 | 2024-01-11 | 2024-01-19 | $2429 | $0 | $2429 | ILP240111 | Available |
| 43 | 2024-01-17 | 2024-01-18 | 2024-01-26 | $2429 | $0 | $2429 | ILP240118 | Available |
| 44 | 2024-01-24 | 2024-01-25 | 2024-02-02 | $2429 | $0 | $2429 | ILP240125 | Available |
| 45 | 2024-01-31 | 2024-02-01 | 2024-02-09 | $2429 | $0 | $2429 | ILP240201 | Available |
| 46 | 2024-02-07 | 2024-02-08 | 2024-02-16 | $2429 | $0 | $2429 | ILP240208 | Available |
| 47 | 2024-02-14 | 2024-02-15 | 2024-02-23 | $2429 | $0 | $2429 | ILP240215 | Available |
| 48 | 2024-02-21 | 2024-02-22 | 2024-03-01 | $2429 | $0 | $2429 | ILP240222 | Available |
| 49 | 2024-02-28 | 2024-02-29 | 2024-03-08 | $2429 | $0 | $2429 | ILP240229 | Available |
| 50 | 2024-03-06 | 2024-03-07 | 2024-03-15 | $2429 | $0 | $2429 | ILP240307 | Available |
| 51 | 2024-03-13 | 2024-03-14 | 2024-03-22 | $2429 | $0 | $2429 | ILP240314 | Available |
| 52 | 2024-03-20 | 2024-03-21 | 2024-03-29 | $2309 | $0 | $2309 | ILP240321 | Available |
| 53 | 2024-03-27 | 2024-03-28 | 2024-04-05 | $2309 | $0 | $2309 | ILP240328 | Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Le Meridien Panama | Located on the edge of the Bay of Panama and overlooking the old and new quarters of the city. With 111 guest rooms that offer in-room amenities that are beautifully decorated and very comfortable. | Panama City | Calle Uruguay | Deluxe |
| 2 | Gamboa Rainforest Resort | Though you will be surrounded by rainforest, you will never forget you are in a resort when you spend time at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. The large guestrooms, furnished with elegant tropical décor, boast private balconies with hammock. This modern hotel greets you with Panamanian charm and aesthetics. The Gamboa's setting in the midst of nature and its proximity to unspoiled landscapes provide ideal opportunities for all sorts of adventures. | Gamboa | Poblado de Gamboa | Moderate Deluxe |
| 3 | Westin Playa Bonita | This superior beachfront property awaits you on Panama's Pacific Coast. With a wealth of dining options featuring world-class cuisine, contemporary and stylish designs, several bars, a spa, and beautifully-appointed rooms, you'll be surrounded every day by paradise. The hotels' variety of pools, including an infinity pool looking out to the ocean, are a great way to spend the warm days, while the open and breezy dining options make for a superb sunset dinner. | Panama City | Km 6 Camino a Veracruz | Superior First-Class |
