Custom Panama

Panama (75,417 km², 4.5 million inhabitants, 1903 independence from Colombia thanks to Roosevelt USA Canal intervention, presidential republic) is bridge between Americas. PANAMA CANAL (1914 by USA, 82 KM linking Atlantic-Pacific, 14,000 ships/year including 6% WORLD TONNAGE and 10% WORLD MARITIME TRADE — one of world's most strategic constructions, 2016 expansion new Miraflores-Cocoli locks for Neopanamax). 5 UNESCO sites: PANAMA CITY (UNESCO 1997 — Panama Viejo ruins 1519 + UNESCO 2003 colonial Casco Viejo), DARIEN NATIONAL PARK (UNESCO 1981, 5,800 km² Colombian border jungle), TALAMANCA + LA AMISTAD (UNESCO 1983 transnational Costa Rica), PORTOBELO-SAN LORENZO FORTIFICATIONS (UNESCO 1980), COIBA NATIONAL PARK (UNESCO 2005, one of Pacific's last large pristine islands). PANAMA CITY (1.1M inhab. ultra-modern capital with skyscrapers + preserved colonial 1673 Casco Viejo). SAN BLAS ARCHIPELAGO (370 ISLANDS in Caribbean, AUTONOMOUS KUNA YALA peoples — one of America's only sovereign indigenous peoples since 1925, access only with Kuna authorization, beaches among Caribbean's most iconic but preserved authenticity). BOCAS DEL TORO (northwest Caribbean archipelago, 9 islands, paradisiacal — Isla Colón, Bastimentos national park). 3,475 m VOLCÁN BARÚ (highest point). Cuisine: sancocho national stew, Peruvian-influenced ceviche, Boquete coffee (among world's best, €30-100/kg PDO). We design your Canal + Casco Viejo + San Blas + Bocas del Toro trip.

Highlights

• Panama Canal 10% world trade — 82 km Atlantic-Pacific, 14,000 ships/year (10% world maritime trade), Miraflores locks museum + 2016 Neopanamax expansion.
• UNESCO 2003 Casco Viejo Panama — 1673 colonial old town (after 1671 Panama Viejo destruction by pirate Henry Morgan), baroque architecture + Plaza Mayor + Cathedral.
• San Blas Kuna Yala autonomous archipelago — 370 Caribbean islands, autonomous indigenous Kuna peoples since 1925 (one of America's only), preserved beaches total authenticity.
• Bocas del Toro Caribbean 9 islands — Northwest Caribbean paradisiacal archipelago, Isla Colón Bocas Town surf, Bastimentos national park + Red Frog Beach red frogs.

Frequently asked questions

How many days?

Essential Panama: 11 nights. Costa Rica combo: 14 nights. Colombia combo: 14 nights.

San Blas Kuna access?

Mandatory Kuna authorization (autonomous territory since 1925). Booking via Kuna Tours, private island cabins €150-300/person/night.

What budget for 11 nights?

Comfort: €4,290-5,200/person. Premium (American Trade + Yandup San Blas + Bocas Polo Beach): €6,200-8,500.

Visa?

No for French/Europeans (≤ 180 days, one of America's most generous). 6-month valid passport.