Why a 12-day tour in Panama? What to see in 12 days in Panama? Which islands should I choose for my almost 2-week tour in Panama? This is how I organized my trip.
Why a tour in Panama?
Back from Colombia, I only wanted to go back there without delay! But time is short and our leave is not flexible.
So, I calculate that by leaving on December 26 (to spend Christmas with the family) and returning on January 7, we can go 13 days!
Yes but no: 13 days are not enough to return to Colombia. It's a shame but it will be for next time with more time.
So my neurons got to work and very quickly an idea tickled me: PANAMA right on the border with Colombia! Its culture must be close to the Caribbean culture of northern Colombia and Panama has several magnificent archipelagos of paradise islands. Plus, in December, the weather is nice and warm.
Bingo! I quickly booked our tickets for Panama with Air France (I hope there will be no strikes) and got to work developing the itinerary.
Panama Tour - What to see in 12 days?
This is where it gets complicated because le Panama is villages, indigenous communities, distant archipelagos, tropical forests, mangroves, volcanoes, national parks. I won't be able to see everything in such a short time.
Which islands to choose in Panama?
I favored the discovery of forests and mangroves, paradisiacal islands and contact with the natives and the Kunas:
The San Blas Islands
To find myself on a tiny desert island at the end of the world ...
With the program: lazing on the white sand beaches, swimming in turquoise waters, exploring the coral seabed with mask and snorkel.
But above all I chose the San Blas Islands to go and meet the Kuna Indians and exchange with them, I hope, a few dialogues or simply a few smiles...
The bonus on the San Blas Islands is the LOBSTERS! This is where you have to go to taste some very good and inexpensive ones (like in Colombia on Mucura).
The archipelago of Bocas del Toro
For its Afro-Caribbean atmosphere and its magnificent wild beaches. Indeed, by taking a look on the Internet, I was able to see that Bocas del Toro is a little corner of paradise where you can discover mangroves, red corals, giant turtles, sloths and dolphins! Bocas del Toro it is a place where nature really reigns supreme and which really attracts me.
In addition, I will also be able to meet the Ngobe Buglé Indians.
Natural Park
To observe the fauna (monkeys, iguanas, turtles, birds, sloths) and flora (284 plant species) of the tropical forest from Panama City. In fact, it is located only 30 minutes from Panama City. The excursion can therefore be done in one day, leaving from Panama City and returning the same day (practical when you have little time).
Panama tour in 12 days - My itinerary
Here is the itinerary that allows me to discover these 3 main places:
- 26/12 Day 1 - PANAMA CITY / Home
- 27/12 Day 2 - PANAMA CITY - ARCHIPELAGO SAN BLAS
- 28/12 Day 3 - ARCHIPELAGO SAN BLAS
- 29/12 Day 4 - ARCHIPELAGO SAN BLAS
- 30/12 Day 5 - ROUTE SAN BLAS / PANAMA CITY / BOCAS DEL TORO
- 31/01 - 03/01 - Days 6-7-8 - BOCAS DEL TORO (4 nights from 30/12 to 03/01)
- 03/01 Day 8 - BOCAS DEL TORO - PANAMA CITY (Plane)
- 04/01 Day 9 - PANAMA CITY - National park - bird watching
- 05/01 Day 10 - PANAMA CITY - Town tour
- 06/01 Day 11 - PANAMA CITY - Airport for departure at 21:05 pm
- 07/01 Day 12 - Arrival in France
Panama Tour in 12 Days - Cheap Hotels
After stopping the program, the next step is to search for cheap hotels in Panama City, San Blas and Bocas del Toro. And here, I must admit that I was surprised because hotel rates are much higher than in Colombia! But thanks to Tripadvisor and Booking, I was able to compare reviews, locations, services and I was able to make my reservations while respecting my small budget.
To find out more, I let you discover my article: my selection of cheap hotels in Panama.
And to discover my day-to-day travelogue, RV on our first day:
Hello,
I would like to know what was the budget for your trip? I am thinking of taking a similar trip with a friend in early February.
Sincerely,
Alice
Hello Alice,
I just got back from Panama. It was very good ! On the other hand, it is an expensive country compared to other countries in South America. I haven't done the math yet, but it's a rather expensive trip, especially since we paid for the plane tickets quite expensive.
In the coming days, I will be publishing articles on which you will find more detailed information and some good tips.
Hello,
How was your excursion with Sanblastrip? are excursions included in the pack?
Thank you
Hello Emilie,
In fact, all I did was contact Sanblastrip. I did not select them for my trip which will start on December 26th.
I will go through Tucaya and I will report on my blog on my return so at the end of January.
Hello,
Do you have a French speaking guide to advise me? I'm leaving on December 6th. for 12 days.
Thank you
cordially
Hello Melody,
I was able to contact: the local panamayourway agency
An independent: guillenotmarc@gmail.com
Another local agency: SanBlasTrip
and finally the local TUCAYA agency that I selected.
Here is my contact: Zulmy REVETTE
Cel: (+507) 64 26 77 46 | Office: (+507) 264-6137
Email: panama@tucaya.com
If you go through them, can you give me a feedback on their performances?