Best of Panama & Colombia
Lush rainforests & colonial color
Escape to vibrant cities filled with amazing architecture, rich culture, and fascinating history! Get lost in the beauty of Gamboa's rainforest, visit the Panama Canal, and enjoy an included tour of colorful Cartagena. With stays in Panama City, Gamboa, and Cartagena, this magical vacation showcases the beauty of South America, from natural wonders to shop-lined alleyways.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Panama City (PTY), out of Cartagena (CTG)
- All airport and inter-city transfers
- 3 nights in Panama City at the Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Gamboa at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort or similar
- Gatun Canal Expedition Tour
- One-way economy class flight from Panama City (PTY) to Cartagena (CTG)
- 3 nights in Cartagena at the Caribe by Faranda Grand Hotel or similar
- Half-Day Cartagena City Tour
- Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Great Ways to Explore
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Venture into Gatun Lake, a major part of the Panama Canal, where you'll see tropical wildlife and lush forest.
- Try sancocho, arepas, carimanolas, and other local culinary specialties.
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Take tons of photos in the Instagram-worthy Walled City of Cartagena.
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Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, and other native species.
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Stroll through the old-world area of Casco Viejo in Panama City.
Get the best of both worlds on this city-rainforest getaway! Start out in historic Panama City, where you'll explore the old-world streets of Casco Viejo and the historic locks of the Panama Canal. Immerse yourself in the spirited culture of Panama City as you walk through cobblestone streets and colonial-era landmarks. Next, escape the city and enjoy a rainforest retreat in Gamboa. Enjoy a tour of Gatun Lake, hike through lush landscapes, and keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, and other amazing wildlife!
Say see ya' to Panama and hop on a quick flight to Cartagena, Colombia. Get to know Cartagena on an included city tour, then explore on your own! Feel your eyes widen as you gawk at the vibrant, colorful homes and shops that line the picturesque streets. Find postcard-worthy colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and renowned restaurants offering mouthwatering Colombian cuisine.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
- Half day Panama City Tour
- Full day tour to the Rosario Islands
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Panama City (PTY), out of Cartagena (CTG)
- All airport and inter-city transfers
- 3 nights in Panama City at the Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar
- 2 nights in Gamboa at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort or similar
- Gatun Canal Expedition Tour
- One-way economy class flight from Panama City (PTY) to Cartagena (CTG)
- 3 nights in Cartagena at the Caribe by Faranda Grand Hotel or similar
- Half-Day Cartagena City Tour
- Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
-
Venture into Gatun Lake, a major part of the Panama Canal, where you'll see tropical wildlife and lush forest.
- Try sancocho, arepas, carimanolas, and other local culinary specialties.
-
Take tons of photos in the Instagram-worthy Walled City of Cartagena.
-
Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, and other native species.
-
Stroll through the old-world area of Casco Viejo in Panama City.
Get the best of both worlds on this city-rainforest getaway! Start out in historic Panama City, where you'll explore the old-world streets of Casco Viejo and the historic locks of the Panama Canal. Immerse yourself in the spirited culture of Panama City as you walk through cobblestone streets and colonial-era landmarks. Next, escape the city and enjoy a rainforest retreat in Gamboa. Enjoy a tour of Gatun Lake, hike through lush landscapes, and keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, and other amazing wildlife!
Say see ya' to Panama and hop on a quick flight to Cartagena, Colombia. Get to know Cartagena on an included city tour, then explore on your own! Feel your eyes widen as you gawk at the vibrant, colorful homes and shops that line the picturesque streets. Find postcard-worthy colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and renowned restaurants offering mouthwatering Colombian cuisine.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Enhance your vacation with:
- Half day Panama City Tour
- Full day tour to the Rosario Islands
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Panama City!
Feel the vibrant spirit in the air as you land in culture-packed Panama City! Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first luxurious hotel and check-in. After you're all settled, strap on your shoes and get exploring!
Spend your first afternoon wandering through the charming, old-school streets of Casco Viejo. This must-see area is a designated World Heritage Site, and is adorned with ancient houses, rustic alleyways, and unique street art. Treat yourself to a meal at any of the quaint cafes in the area, then check out a local market near the main square!
Transfer to Panama City hotel
Check-in - Crowne Plaza Panama
The Crowne Plaza Panama Hotel is a hotel in the financial district of Panama City. The hotel is located near banks, embassies, the University of Panama and few miles from first-class restaurants, casinos and great shopping. Pick up souvenirs from the Multiplaza Shopping Center or Albrook Mall; explore the Casco Viejo, the historic part of the city; catch a performance at the National Theater; or visit the Panama Canal.
After a long day of sightseeing, the hotel's facilities will help you relax. Enjoy a traditional Panamanian dish at the on-site La Galeria Restaurant, then grab a nightcap at the Memories Sports Bar & Lounge. Sweat it out at the fitness center followed by a dip in the outdoor pool.
Day 2. Panama City
Recharge with an energizing breakfast, then get ready to experience hands-on history and make your way to the famous Panama Canal. Watch in amazement as boats pass through a series of locks to cross the Isthmus of Panama, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Next, feel your eyes widen as you explore the ruins of UNESCO-recognized Panama Viejo. Get lost in the historical beauty of this remaining area of old Panama City, which was the former capital of Panama!
In the evening, you might want to check out the neighborhood of Marbella, a buzzing area filled with trendy eateries, hip bars, and nighttime hotspots.
Day 3. Panama City
Use today to revisit your favorite sites and discover new ones! Consider checking out Frank Gehry's whimsical Biomuseo, an architecturally amazing biodiversity museum. After that, take in sweeping views of the city from Ancon Hill, a 654-foot hill that overlooks Panama City!
Stroll through the modern area of the city, then watch as contemporary buildings turn to colonial-era buildings right before your eyes as you enter the Old City. Grab some dinner, do some souvenir shopping, and make the most of your time in the city!
Day 4. Panama City - Gamboa
Wave goodbye to the bustle of the city and say hello to the lush greenery of Gamboa! Keep your eyes fixed out the window as you drive through small villages and picturesque rainforests. Upon arrival in Gamboa, a small town on the Chagres River, settle into your hotel and explore the land!
Transfer to Gamboa
Check-in - Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Situated in the Soberania National Park, Gamboa Rainforest Resort is world's away from the hustle and bustle of Panama City. Located just 30 minutes outside the city, Gamboa lies at the meeting place of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal. Experience the unspoiled beauty of the Panamanian forest up close!
Each of the well-appointed, eco- lodge-style rooms and suites offer an authentic and relaxing escape from everyday life. Boasting views of the river, garden or tropical style pool, the 137 guest rooms and 27 suites feature complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and mini refrigerators. Rainforest activities at the hotel include boat tours, aerial tram rides, visits to indigenous villages, and more. Also on-site is a spa and three restaurants.
Day 5. Gamboa
Get ready for a day of fun and adventure! Grab your camera and embark on a tour that takes you through the historic Panama Canal and up to the Gatun Lake. See amazing wildlife, gawk at exotic plants, and feel immersed in the culture of Panama.
Gatun-Canal Expedition
Enjoy a panoramic tour along the world famous Panama Canal! This trip will take you into the Gatun Lake, a major part of the Panama Canal, where you will see and learn about the fascinating tropical wildlife of the lake and the surrounding forest. Explore islands formed after the creation of which was once the largest artificial lake in the world! With a little luck, and with the help of a naturalist guide, you'll have the chance to see crocodiles, caimans, sloths, monkeys and a host of birds native to the area. Keep your eyes peeled!
Day 6. Gamboa - Cartagena
Wave goodbye to Panama - you're off to Colombia! Enjoy convenient airport transfers, which will make today's travels quick, safe, and easy.
After a short flight, you'll be immersed in the color and culture of Cartagena, Colombia. Check-in to your hotel, then grab your camera and explore the Old City. Treat yourself to a first night dinner of local cuisine!
Transfer to Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Fly to Cartagena, Colombia!
Transfer to Cartagena hotel
Check-in - Hotel Caribe By Faranda Grand
Nestled in lush tropical gardens, the 5-star Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand boasts unmatched beachside elegance. Featuring a semi-Olympic outdoor pool, charming colonial architecture, and impressive interior design, this hotel will sweep you off your feet.
Check in to your air-conditioned room and look out the window at a colorful view of palm trees and the Caribbean Sea. Relax on the plush bed, or indulge in deliciousness at one of the hotel's 3 on-site restaurants. Pamper yourself at the spa, or work your stresses away in the fitness center!
Day 7. Cartagena
Today you will visit some of Cartagena's highlights on an included city tour. Cartagena was given the name La Heroica (Heroic City) by Simon Bolivar in 1815 after the city resisted 105 days of siege by the Spanish.
After the tour, stroll over to Plaza de la Aduana, the largest and oldest square in Cartagena's old town that was once the home of the city's government (aduana means customs).
Sip an ice cold cocktail at one of the outdoor bars near Plaza de la Aduana as you watch the sun go down!
Cartagena city tour (half-day)
Cartagena has as many stories to tell as its streets in the old quarter has names, and today you will visit the highlights of “La Heroica” (the Heroic city – name gave to the Cartagena during the times of the Colony). Begin at the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, a masterpiece of engineering and military strategy built by the Spaniards to defend the city from pirates and pillagers. Despite several attempts to storm it, the fortress was never taken.
Then continue walking around the walled colonial city where narrow streets and vine-draped balconies will take you back in time. End your tour with a visit to the Convent of San Pedro Claver, a monumental three-story building that is considered one of the jewels of the Spanish colonial architecture.
Day 8. Cartagena
In the morning, head to Plaza Santo Domingo to see Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero’s bronze “La Gordita Gertrudis” and the impressive golden-yellow Santo Domingo Church, the oldest in the city dating back to 1539.
Then, consider visiting the Palace of the Inquisition, one of Cartagena's most visited tourist sites that documents the darkest period in the city's history. Enter through the baroque limestone doorway off Plaza de Bolívar to see the torture devices used during the 1700s.
Day 9. Depart Colombia
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your suitcase and wave goodbye to colorful Cartagena. Enjoy a convenient transfer to the airport, where you will board your flight home.
Transfer to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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