When you visit Panama–the bridge between North and South America–start in Panama City to walk the historic Casco Antiguo, view the Panama Canal, and take a boat ride for an immersive cultural experience with one of Panama’s seven native indigenous groups, The Embera. A visit to Panama wouldn’t be complete without a walk along the beach, so after a few days in Panama City, head to a beach resort for chef-driven meals, a round of golf, beach activities, and a spa treatment.

After arrival at the Panama Tocumen Airport, check in at the Bristol Panama, a Registry Collection Hotel

Located in Panama’s City prime financial district, the award-winning hotel offers 130 spacious guest rooms and 68 magnificent suites, celebrates art and Panama’s rich architectural history while offering modern conveniences like a full-service spa with panoramic city views and an on-site restaurant serving up Panamanian fusion cuisine.

A soft neutral palette sets a relaxing scene while sleek furnishings and artwork from contemporary Latin American artists lend sophisticated style to each soundproof retreat. Guests can keep up with their wellness goals at the fitness center and unwind after a long day in the outdoor pool. You’ll feel right at home with the beautifully appointed guestrooms, outfitted with Egyptian cotton linens and a marble bathroom. From the hotel, guests have easy access to Panama City’s top attractions like Casco Antiguo, the Panama Canal, and Biomuseum, plus Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is only 15 minutes away.

• After unpacking and relaxing in your room, enjoy curated cocktails at the hotel’s 858 Lounge, then take a Ceviche Making Class (seafood and non-seafood options) before dinner.

Dinner at Salsipuedes Restaurant

Salsipuedes offers a modern take on Panamanian flavors. Dating back to an 18th century street market, the name Salsipuedes means “get out if you can.” The restaurant offers decadent dishes served in a venue decorated with hand-painted clay tiles, sombreros pinta’o, and contemporary photography.

Day 2

• Breakfast at Salsipuedes Restaurant

Depart to Miraflores Locks Center for a bird’s eye view of the Panama Canal and new IMAX Panama Canal Movie (transportation and tour provided by Ancon Expeditions)

Take a stroll through the museum finishing with a visit to the rooftop to view boats passing through in real time. Watch colossal ships passing through this 100-year-old engineering marvel from the Miraflores Visitors Center. You will be able to visit four exhibition halls depicting all the history behind this Panamanian icon.

• Lunch at Bristol Panama Hotel

Depart to Panama’s old town, Casco Antiguo (transportation and tour provided
by El Trip de Jenny).

Arrive at Panama’s old town know as Casco Viejo for a visit to MUMO (Mola Museum) and a rum and Geisha coffee tasting. Take a 60-minute walking tour of Casco Viejo

Considered one of the city’s most charming locations, these amazing 16th century old quarters are full cobblestoned streets and plazas lined with restaurants, cafes and bars. Discover historical landmarks such as Plaza Francia, Plaza Herrera, El Altar de Oro among many others. Enjoy dinner in Casco Viejo

Day 3

• At leisure Breakfast at Salsipuedes Restaurant

Depart to tour The Chagres River & The Embera Village

A breathtaking 20-minute boat ride up the Chagres River on a motorized, dugout wooden-canoe called “Cayuco.” The Chagres River is the main source of fresh water to replenish the Panama Canal with the 52-million gallons of fresh water that every ship loses to the Oceans as it transits the 50-mile-long Panama Canal.

A priceless encounter with one of Panama’s seven native indigenous groups, The Emberas who trained the U.S. astronauts in jungle survival. We will then be met with the welcome reception committee with their native, nature-made musical instruments. Once we settle in, we will live a life-long experience, witnessing their native dances, as well as having the opportunity of purchasing handicraft items only made at the Village. A typical Embera meal will be served while you learn about their traditions and way of life.

• Depart to The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort (approximately 2.5 hours to get to the resort)

Arrive at The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort.

Located in the heart of Panama in Riviera Pacifica, The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, an Autograph Collection Hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens and lagoons and just walking distance from Buenaventura Beach. The family-friendly resort is just 90 minutes from Panama City by car but provides a sense of exclusivity beyond the walls of its main entrance. Within the community of Buenaventura, guests can enjoy on-site water sports such as kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, jet ski and boating as well as land sports like tennis, volleyball, biking, jogging on the fitness trail, and horseback riding throughout the property’s nature trails. The 118-room luxury resort provides guests with nine restaurants and bars, the Corotú Spa, seven swimming pools and two Jacuzzis, four plunge pools, 11 event spaces, a Zoo, and a Nicklaus Design, 18-hole championship golf course and Marina.

Cocktails and dinner at Tai Kai Sushi & Martini

A Japanese restaurant with Teppanyaki-style cuisine also serving quintessential dishes and fresh-caught sushi for lunch and dinner from Friday to Sunday.

Day 4

At leisure Buffet Breakfast at Criollo Restaurant

Casual Panamanian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients; complimentary sugar cane with ginger healthy shots for breakfast and Panamanian specialty coffee menu; located near the lagoon in a street-style designed atmosphere

Spa Treatments at Corotú Spa

Enjoy a 30-minute relaxation massage focused in the areas of the back and neck followed by 30 minutes to hydrate the skin with your choice of using the Spa sauna, steam room or Jacuzzi.

For the ultimate relaxation, Corotú Spa provided a variety of ancestral treatments from body scrubs and wraps to facials and manicures/pedicures. The signature spa has five multifunctional treatment rooms, as well as a hydrotherapy spa area with therapeutic tubs, rain showers, two Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms, and a beauty salon.

BBQ by the beach at Chiringuito

Spend a relaxed afternoon to enjoy the beach or pool and water sports activities including paddleboard and kayaking.

• Hands-on and Discovery Cacao / Chocolate Experience. Indulge in a delicious and 100% Panamanian chocolate bar experience. Learn the cacao process from “bean to bar” with the guidance of a master chocolatier. Learn how to temper and create your own variety of chocolate bars.

• Cocktails at Palapa Bar. A casual spot where the master mixologist serves locally inspired cocktails with Panamanian ingredients

Beachfront dinner at El Faro Beach Club

Located at the exclusive El Faro Beach Club, the restaurant serves seafood and prime cuts of steak along with a select menu of cocktails for dinner.

Day 5

At leisure Breakfast at Criollo Restaurant before returning to Panama City for flight home.