Panama: A Tailor-Made Journey

10 days from $4,700

In Panama, tropical forests, a unique culture heritage, and remarkable engineering converge at the crossroads of continents. Begin in dynamic Panama City, exploring the colonial Casco Veijo as well as ancient ruins. Set off on a partial transit of the legendary Panama Canal, and venture into lush rainforests to spend time with an Indigenous community. Then head for the Pacific coast to explore by kayak, swim in waterfalls, or simply relax on pristine beaches.

Tailor-Made Journeys

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Highlights

Explore Panama City’s three distinct districts, from colonial Casco Antiguo to the modern skyline and the historic ruins of Panamá Viejo.
Get up close to one of the world’s great engineering feats on a partial transit of the Panama Canal, passing through its immense locks.
Journey into Chagres National Park to learn about the culture, traditions, and history of the Emberá people.
Unwind along Panama’s Pacific coast, relaxing on a remote beach far from the crowds.

Sample Itinerary

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

The following itinerary is a sampling of the experiences that we offer on a Tailor-Made Journey. Working with our country specialists, you can customize your itinerary to fit your timing, your budget, and your interests, including accommodations, activities, and the places you visit.

Day 1 — Panama City

Arrive in Panama City, where you are met by your local guide and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps relaxing after your journey or taking a first stroll through the city.

Radisson Hotel Panama Canal

Day 2 — Panama City

Today, explore the highlights of Panama City with your guide. Visit the impressive Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal to witness the engineering marvel up close, then continue to Panamá Viejo, the atmospheric ruins of the original capital, famously sacked by pirate Henry Morgan in the 17th century. Conclude in the beautifully restored colonial quarter of Casco Antiguo, where pastel façades, historic plazas, and sweeping views of the bay bring the city’s past and present together. (B)

Radisson Hotel Panama Canal

Day 3 — Panama City

Experience the Panama Canal firsthand on a partial transit, traveling from the Pacific Ocean through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks and into Gatún Lake, the canal’s vast freshwater reservoir. This unforgettable journey offers a unique perspective on one of the world’s great waterways.(B)

Radisson Hotel Panama Canal

Day 4 — Panama City

Venture beyond the capital today, traveling by road and river into Chagres National Park. Visit an Emberá community, where you’ll learn about Indigenous traditions, daily life, and history in a remarkable rainforest setting. After your visit, return to Panama City in the afternoon. (B)

Radisson Hotel Panama Canal

Day 5 — Buenaventura

Depart Panama City and journey along the Pan‑American Highway toward the Azuero Peninsula, known for its rural landscapes and Pacific coastline. Arrive in the Pedasí and Playa Venado area and settle into your seaside retreat in Buenaventura. (B)

The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, Autograph Collection

Days 6-8 — Buenaventura

Enjoy three full days of independent exploration or relaxation in the tranquil coastal setting. Take advantage of the many amenities at your hotel including biking, kayaking, golf, take a stroll along the beach, or simply enjoy the slower pace and coastal scenery of the Azuero Peninsula. A number of optional activities or excursions may be arranged; set sail aboard a catamaran, go inland and hike to El Chorro Marco waterfall and take a dip in a hot spring, or take a sunset visit to the historic town of Antón to experience local food, music, and traditions.

The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, Autograph Collection

Days 9-10 — Panama City and Return Home

Return to Panama City today, traveling along the scenic Pacific Coast. Arrive in the capital with time to relax or enjoy a final evening in the city. The following morning you will be transfers to the airport for your ownward flight.

Radisson Hotel Panama Canal

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

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from $4,700

Occupancy	Double
Estimated Price	$4,700

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Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy, and do not include international air. Reduced pricing may be available for triple or quad accommodations, or for parties of six or more travelers.

Starting price reflects the itinerary shown here, and are intended as a broad indication of how much you should budget for your trip. We can tailor your trip to match your budget by adjusting the trip duration or departure date, and choosing accommodations and activities that suit your needs and interests.

Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.

Tour Details

Accommodations

Radisson Hotel Panama Canal
Panama City, Panama

Situated within walking distance of the Panama Convention Center and minutes from the Fuerte Amador Cruise Port, Radisson Hotel Panama Canal welcomes you to the Crossroads of the World. If you’re here on vacation, you’ll appreciate being on the Amador Causeway next to the beautiful Panama Canal near Casco Viejo. Explore local culture at the arts and crafts market in Balboa, where you can find unique pieces.

The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, Autograph Collection
Buenaventura, Panama

The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, Autograph Collection is a premier Buenaventura, Panama resort. The prime location puts you in close proximity to world-class beaches such as Playa Blanca and El Faro, as well as outdoor adventures, from hiking to four-wheel driving tours. Enjoy a stylish stay in one of the luxury rooms and resort villas, all featuring private balconies, plush mattresses and marble or hardwood floors. Fun for the entire family awaits with five separate pools just steps from the beach. Enjoy a wide variety of activities, from the exciting high-course rope park to tennis and golf. Take advantage of the 24-hour fitness center, and make an appointment at the on-site spa. Discover an array of restaurants, from a swim-up pool bar to a Japanese sushi and teppanyaki restaurant.

Gift Membership – Friends of Smithsonian

When you travel on a Tailor-Made Journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:

An annual Smithsonian calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history.
Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
Access to special members‑only hours at select Smithsonian venues.
10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
Free admission to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
A complimentary copy of the Smithsonian annual pocket guide profiling exhibitions and work across the Institution.
Invitation to a special welcome members-only tour at a Smithsonian Museum (offered one time to Archivists upon joining at this level).

*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members.

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.