This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Embark on a 15-day self-drive adventure through Panama, exploring the vibrant cityscapes, lush mountain villages, and pristine beaches. Begin your journey in Panama City with a private tour of the historic Casco Antiguo and the impressive Miraflores locks. Drive through the scenic Panamerican Highway to the verdant village of El Valle, nestled in a dormant volcano crater. Relax on the unspoiled sandy beaches of Las Lajas and enjoy the cultural richness of Pedasí. Discover the coffee plantations and natural beauty of Boquete, and unwind with optional activities like bird watching and hot springs. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with comfortable accommodations and private transfers included. ...more ...less
Highlights
Observe the incredibly smooth transit of large ships through the locks
Visit a picturesque, verdant mountain village: El Valle
Relax at an unspoiled, sandy beach in Las Lajas
Explore the old colonial quarter, Casco Antiguo, in Panama City
Take a boat tour to Isla Iguana, a wildlife refuge near Pedasí
Discover the amazing world of coffee in Boquete
Enjoy bird-watching and trekking in Soberanía National Park
Itinerary
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Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport, you will be met by our Spanish speaking driver who will take you to your hotel in Panama City. Welcome to Panama!
Day 2: Panama City, Panama
Location: Panama City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Half day City & Canal Tour (B)
The tour starts with the old colonial quarter, Casco Antiguo, founded in 1673 after the first spanish settlement was burned down by pirates. It is home to the Presidential Palace, the National Theater, the Cathedral and lots of other buildings with colonial architecture. It has plenty of little restaurants and souvenir shops. In 1977 Casco Antiguo became a World Heritage Site of the UNESCO. After, a short drive we will take you to Miraflores locks. This is one of the two sets of locks located on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal. You will enjoy the fascinating show of the big ships inside the narrow chambers! The visitor’s center provides technical, historical and ecological information about the Canal. Duration 03:30hrs.
Day 3: Panama City, Panama
Location: Panama City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a day at leisure in Panama City (B)
There are many things to see and do around Panama City. You may tour sights such as the historical ruins of Panama Viejo, walk the enchanting streets of Casco Antiguo, visit the Metropolitan Park or stroll along the Amador Causeway. You can also head outside the city limits for day excursions such as boating in the canal, bird-watching and trekking in Soberanía National Park, and visiting Emberá Indian villages.
NOTE: Pick up time will be communicated to us by the boat company one day before the tour, we will contact you at your hotel.
Day 4: Panama City - El Valle, Panama
Location: El Valle de Anton
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take the Panamerican Highway towards the West (B)
Delivery of the hired car at your hotel. (Please confirm all these details when booking.)
You will cross "Las Americas Bridge" and leave Panama City behind as you follow the Panamerican Highway towards the West. Just after the bridge, there is a nice look out point if you wish to make some nice pictures of the Panama Canal. After a bit more than 1 hour, you will find the road that goes north to El Valle de Anton. El valle is a small village built inside the crater of a dormant volcano. Duration 02:30hrs.
Day 5: El Valle, Panama
Location: El Valle
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free Day in El Valle (B)
A picturesque, verdant mountain village, El Valle is a great escape from the hustle and heat of Panama City.
Optional activities in El Valle:
• hikes to Cerro Gaital and la India Dormida
• horseback riding. $10-20 per person
• walk to the pre-colonial Stone carvings of Piedra Pintada. Aprox $ 3 per person
• visit to El Nispero botanical garden and amphibian rescue center. $ 5 per person
• visiting the Chorro El Macho. $ 5 per person
• Hotsprings. $ 4 per person
Day 6: El Valle - Pedasí, Panama
Location: Pedasí
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive from El Valle to Pedasí Town (B)
You will come back to the Panamerican Highway and continue to the West until reaching the town of Divisa, where you will make a left turn and drive to the town of Pedasi. Along the way, you can visit the small town of La Pintada or visit the church in Nata, the second-oldest church in all of the Western Hemisphere. The villages surrounding Pedasi are known as the cultural heart of the country. Duration 03:00hrs.
Day 7: Pedasí, Panama
Location: Pedasí
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free Day in Pedasí (B)
Free Day to spend on your own, relax and enjoy.
Day 8: Pedasí, Panama
Location: Pedasí
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free Day in Pedasí (B)
Nearby activities include sport fishing, surfing, snorkeling, horseback riding and whale watching in season. Pedasí is 30 minutes from Venao Beach, one of the best surfing beaches in Central America. Activities around Pedasi include:
Drive to the beaches of Playa Venao or Cambutal
Boat tour to Isla Iguana, a wildlife refuge
Rum tour to San Isidro
Guided cultural tours to the towns of Chitre or Ocu
Day 9: Pedasí- Boquete, Panama
Location: Boquete
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Boquete (B)
You will come back to the Panamerican Highway and drive towards the West until you reach David, where you take a right turn towards the mountains until you reach the town of Boquete. Duration 06:00hrs.
Day 10: Boquete, Panama
Location: Boquete
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free Day in Boquete (B)
Enjoy your time in Boquete to discover the town and take part in some of the many activities available like the daily group tours to explore the amazing world of coffee. From its gathering in the fields by the Ngobe Indians to its roasting, you will learn all there is about the best coffee in the world!
Other optional activities could be:
• Bird watching
• Canopy Tour or Hanging bridges
• Walking in the little village of Boquete
• Hot springs near Caldera
• Day tour to Cerro Punta
Day 11: Boquete, Panama
Location: Boquete
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free Day in Boquete (B)
Free Day in Boquete for you to enjoy on your own.
Day 12: Boquete - Las Lajas Beach, Panama
Location: Las Lajas Beach
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Las Lajas Beach (B)
Back to the Panamerican highway, you will drive 1 hour eastward before making a right turn to reach Las Lajas Beach. Duration 2:35hrs.
Day 13: Las Lajas Beach, Panama
Location: Las Lajas
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free Day in Las Lajas Beach (B)
In Las Lajas you can do as much or as little as you want: You could just enjoy the beach and relax, join the locals in some artisanal fishing or ask the hotel to help you organize a mangrove tour that goes for 2-3 hours and is great if you enjoy bird watching, or maybe a visit to a Ngobe indigenous village in the surrounding mountains of Las Lajas. If you are staying in Boca Chica, this is the starting point for many boat tours to go and explore the gulf or Chiriqui. Many of these beaches have beautiful white sand stretches and from July to October you could even meet some humpback whales along the way.
Day 14: Las Lajas Beach - Panama City, Panama
Location: Panama City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive back to Panama City (B)
You will leave the small town of Las Lajas and follow the Panamerican Highway towards the East, passing several towns and villages until arriving to Panama City. Return of car rental at one of the rental car offices near your hotel.
Day 15: Panama City, Panama
Location: Panama City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Airport drop-off (B)
Private transfer with Spanish-speaking driver to Tocumen International Airport. Duration 01:00hrs.
What's Included
Accommodation
14 Nights accommodation in hostel and 3-star hotels 4N in Panama City 2N in El Valle 3N in Playa Venao 2N in Las Lajas Beach 3N in Boquete
Transport
Private Airport Transfers Car rental intermediate categor from Day 4 to 14
Meals
11B
Activities
Half-Day City and Canal Tour in Panama City (private tour with English-speaking guide)
Guides
English-speaking guide during the tours
What's Not Included
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Other activities
Personal expenses and gratuities
International and/or domestic flights
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with private airport transfers and a car rental of intermediate category from Day 4 to Day 14, ensuring a smooth and flexible journey throughout your adventure.
Accommodation
Enjoy 14 nights of comfortable accommodation in hostels and 3-star hotels, including 4 nights in Panama City, 2 nights in El Valle, 3 nights in Playa Venao, 2 nights in Las Lajas Beach, and 3 nights in Boquete.
Check out our Q&As
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 14 nights of accommodation in hostels and 3-star hotels. Specifically, you will stay 4 nights in Panama City, 2 nights in El Valle, 3 nights in Playa Venao, 2 nights in Las Lajas Beach, and 3 nights in Boquete.
What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes private airport transfers and a car rental of intermediate category from Day 4 to Day 14.
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 11 breakfasts.
What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a half-day city and canal tour in Panama City with a private English-speaking guide.
What optional activities are available in El Valle?
In El Valle, you can enjoy hikes to Cerro Gaital and La India Dormida, horseback riding, visiting the pre-colonial stone carvings of Piedra Pintada, El Nispero botanical garden and amphibian rescue center, Chorro El Macho, and hot springs.
What can I do during my free days in Pedasí?
During your free days in Pedasí, you can engage in activities such as sport fishing, surfing, snorkeling, horseback riding, and whale watching in season. You can also drive to the beaches of Playa Venao or Cambutal, take a boat tour to Isla Iguana, go on a rum tour to San Isidro, or take guided cultural tours to the towns of Chitre or Ocu.
What activities are available in Boquete?
In Boquete, you can participate in activities such as bird watching, canopy tours or hanging bridges, walking in the village, visiting hot springs near Caldera, and taking a day tour to Cerro Punta. You can also join daily group tours to explore the world of coffee.
What can I do in Las Lajas Beach?
In Las Lajas Beach, you can relax on the beach, join locals in artisanal fishing, or organize a mangrove tour for bird watching. You can also visit a Ngobe indigenous village in the surrounding mountains or take boat tours to explore the Gulf of Chiriqui, where you might see humpback whales from July to October.
Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us!
If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life!
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller.
In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries.
Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
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Reviews of this operator
Jonas Nesset(Norway)
The company is exceptional. When...
Dec 10 2019
The company is exceptional. When I had questions, I always got prompt and professional answers. The excursions that Bamba organized were fantastic! Thank you once again for everything!
Shane Alce(United Kingdom)
For true explorers....
Aug 12 2019
For true explorers.
Marian Reder(Germany)
To this day, this is...
Oct 2 2019
To this day, this is the best tour we've ever done together as a couple! The fun activities, great hotels and nice guides worth the money! We were always taken care of and they made sure that we had a good time. This tour is definitely worth taking.
Tanja Ottosen(Denmark)
The Bamba Team really made...
Jan 9 2020
The Bamba Team really made my journey one of the most memorable experiences of my life! Still so nice and supportive! They handled everything and responded to each question within a few minutes. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Especially if you want to do a lot of activities and travel to a lot of different places without feeling rushed. They've also helped me with specific issues that weren't covered by the tour, as well as answering general questions. Thank you so much for making my journey so enjoyable!
...more ...less
Braiden Rowe(United States)
The tour was fantastic; I...
Feb 12 2020
The tour was fantastic; I was able to visit some of Japan's most beautiful locations, and the accommodations were excellent, with convenient access to the city's best attractions. Also, our tour guide was fantastic. I will pick bamba again and recommend the tour to anyone who wants to see Japan while having a good time!!
...more ...less
Aaron Davies(Australia)
I only have good words...
Oct 23 2019
I only have good words about our trip to Kenya. The entire experience was totally magical and I struggle to say how fantastic it was. We were fortunate enough to have a brilliant vehicle for ourselves, but we had great luck with David for our guide too. He was very knowledgeable, courteous and nice. Thank you for helping to create this fantastic safari experience. I Highly recommend this company.
...more ...less
Matteo Hoffmeister(Germany)
Bamba Experience has been the...
Jun 5 2019
Bamba Experience has been the best tour guide I've ever had. Every tour has been a thrilling experience. There are so many things to choose from. Bamba has been extremely helpful in providing us with all of the necessary information for our departures and activities! Bamba has made this a simple and enjoyable experience. I'll certainly tell my friends and family about it! Thank you very much, Bamba!!
...more ...less
Melanie Liu Chang(Australia)
We organized a trip through...
Feb 20 2020
We organized a trip through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia on the hop-on, hop-off bus. It made the trip so much simpler for us as first-time travelers because we just had to send an email to arrange the bus, which avoided the hassle of looking for the best price and so on! We also had a number of tours included, they were all amazing and saved us the trouble of trying to find the best offers on our own; it also meant we got to see a lot of stuff we wouldn't have seen otherwise.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience that I will strongly suggest and use again!
...more ...less
Marius Halvorson(Norway)
Our Bamba tour of Vietnam...
Jun 25 2019
Our Bamba tour of Vietnam was fantastic. We had a lot of new experiences and all of the help we needed to make this a stress-free vacation. The well-organized accomodation and transportation were excellent. We will certainly use Bamba in the future.
Alexis Helman(Australia)
I had booked our Uyuni...
Jun 25 2019
I had booked our Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure 3D/2N (Uyuni to Atacama) tour via an Australian travel agency, but they had made an error and refused to assist us or take responsibility. This was very difficult for us because we wanted to have a stress-free honeymoon. I contacted Bamba and I asked if we could talk on the phone so they made the improvements to our tour reservation that our travel agent declined to make. The quality of service was exceptional and they generously offered to us a complimentary gift because it was our honeymoon. I can't say enough good things about Bamba.
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Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Self-Drive: Panama Adventure & Beach Explorer 15D/14N
15 Days Starting and ending in Panama City, Panama
Visiting:
Panama City, El Valle de Anton, El Valle, Pedasí, Boquete, Las Lajas Beach, Las Lajas
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It is home to the Presidential Palace, the National Theater, the Cathedral and lots of other buildings with colonial architecture. It has plenty of little restaurants and souvenir shops. In 1977 Casco Antiguo became a World Heritage Site of the UNESCO. After, a short drive we will take you to Miraflores locks. This is one of the two sets of locks located on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal. You will enjoy the fascinating show of the big ships inside the narrow chambers! The visitor’s center provides technical, historical and ecological information about the Canal. Duration 03:30hrs.<br/>","lat":"8.982379","lng":"-79.51987"},{"title":"Day 3: Panama City, Panama","name":"Panama City","description":"<p><span>Enjoy a day at leisure in Panama City (B)</span><br></p><p><span>There are many things to see and do around Panama City. You may tour sights such as the historical ruins of Panama Viejo, walk the enchanting streets of Casco Antiguo, visit the Metropolitan Park or stroll along the Amador Causeway. You can also head outside the city limits for day excursions such as boating in the canal, bird-watching and trekking in Soberanía National Park, and visiting Emberá Indian villages.</span></p><p><span>NOTE: Pick up time will be communicated to us by the boat company one day before the tour, we will contact you at your hotel.</span></p><br/>","lat":"8.982379","lng":"-79.51987"},{"title":"Day 4: Panama City - El Valle, Panama","name":"El Valle de Anton","description":"<p><span>Take the Panamerican Highway towards the West (B)</span><br></p><p><span>Delivery of the hired car at your hotel. (Please confirm all these details when booking.)</span></p><p><span>You will cross \"Las Americas Bridge\" and leave Panama City behind as you follow the Panamerican Highway towards the West. Just after the bridge, there is a nice look out point if you wish to make some nice pictures of the Panama Canal. After a bit more than 1 hour, you will find the road that goes north to El Valle de Anton. El valle is a small village built inside the crater of a dormant volcano. Duration 02:30hrs.</span></p><br/>","lat":"8.609784","lng":"-80.131693"},{"title":"Day 5: El Valle, Panama","name":"El Valle","description":"<p><span>Free Day in El Valle (B)</span><br></p><p><span>A picturesque, verdant mountain village, El Valle is a great escape from the hustle and heat of Panama City.</span></p><p><span>Optional activities in El Valle:</span></p><p><span>• hikes to Cerro Gaital and la India Dormida</span></p><p><span>• horseback riding. $10-20 per person</span></p><p><span>• walk to the pre-colonial Stone carvings of Piedra Pintada. Aprox $ 3 per person</span></p><p><span>• visit to El Nispero botanical garden and amphibian rescue center. $ 5 per person</span></p><p><span>• visiting the Chorro El Macho. $ 5 per person</span></p><p><span>• Hotsprings. $ 4 per person</span></p><br/>","lat":"8.609784","lng":"-80.131693"},{"title":"Day 6: El Valle - Pedasí, Panama","name":"Pedasí","description":"<p><span>Drive from El Valle to Pedasí Town (B)</span><br></p><p><span>You will come back to the Panamerican Highway and continue to the West until reaching the town of Divisa, where you will make a left turn and drive to the town of Pedasi. Along the way, you can visit the small town of La Pintada or visit the church in Nata, the second-oldest church in all of the Western Hemisphere. The villages surrounding Pedasi are known as the cultural heart of the country. Duration 03:00hrs.</span></p><br/>","lat":"7.535105","lng":"-80.025547"},{"title":"Day 7: Pedasí, Panama","name":"Pedasí","description":"<p><span>Free Day in Pedasí (B)</span><br></p>Free Day to spend on your own, relax and enjoy. <br/>","lat":"7.535105","lng":"-80.025547"},{"title":"Day 8: Pedasí, Panama","name":"Pedasí","description":"<p><span>Free Day in Pedasí (B)</span><br></p>Nearby activities include sport fishing, surfing, snorkeling, horseback riding and whale watching in season. 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Duration 06:00hrs.</span></p><br/>","lat":"8.777232","lng":"-82.448194"},{"title":"Day 10: Boquete, Panama","name":"Boquete","description":"<p><span>Free Day in Boquete (B)</span><br></p><p><span>Enjoy your time in Boquete to discover the town and take part in some of the many activities available like the daily group tours to explore the amazing world of coffee. From its gathering in the fields by the Ngobe Indians to its roasting, you will learn all there is about the best coffee in the world!</span></p><p><span>Other optional activities could be:</span></p><p><span>• Bird watching</span></p><p><span>• Canopy Tour or Hanging bridges</span></p><p><span>• Walking in the little village of Boquete</span></p><p><span>• Hot springs near Caldera</span></p><p><span>• Day tour to Cerro Punta</span></p><br/>","lat":"8.777232","lng":"-82.448194"},{"title":"Day 11: Boquete, Panama","name":"Boquete","description":"<p><span>Free Day in Boquete (B)</span><br></p>Free Day in Boquete for you to enjoy on your own.<br/>","lat":"8.777232","lng":"-82.448194"},{"title":"Day 12: Boquete - Las Lajas Beach, Panama","name":"Las Lajas Beach","description":"<p><span>Drive to Las Lajas Beach (B)</span><br></p>Back to the Panamerican highway, you will drive 1 hour eastward before making a right turn to reach Las Lajas Beach. Duration 2:35hrs.<br/>","lat":"8.193663","lng":"-81.85522"},{"title":"Day 13: Las Lajas Beach, Panama","name":"Las Lajas","description":"<p><span>Free Day in Las Lajas Beach (B)</span><br></p>In Las Lajas you can do as much or as little as you want: You could just enjoy the beach and relax, join the locals in some artisanal fishing or ask the hotel to help you organize a mangrove tour that goes for 2-3 hours and is great if you enjoy bird watching, or maybe a visit to a Ngobe indigenous village in the surrounding mountains of Las Lajas. If you are staying in Boca Chica, this is the starting point for many boat tours to go and explore the gulf or Chiriqui. Many of these beaches have beautiful white sand stretches and from July to October you could even meet some humpback whales along the way.<br/>","lat":"8.193663","lng":"-81.85522"},{"title":"Day 14: Las Lajas Beach - Panama City, Panama","name":"Panama City","description":"<p><span>Drive back to Panama City (B)</span><br></p>You will leave the small town of Las Lajas and follow the Panamerican Highway towards the East, passing several towns and villages until arriving to Panama City. Return of car rental at one of the rental car offices near your hotel.<br/>","lat":"8.982379","lng":"-79.51987"},{"title":"Day 15: Panama City, Panama","name":"Panama City","description":"<p><span>Airport drop-off (B)</span><br></p>Private transfer with Spanish-speaking driver to Tocumen International Airport. Duration 01:00hrs.<br/>","lat":"8.982379","lng":"-79.51987"}]
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