Family trip to Panama: between animals, encounters and nature
From the Panama Canal to paradise islands, a family journey between wildlife and authentic peoples.
Duration
16 days
From
€7,207/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Family, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
This family self-drive tour in Panama, planned for summer, takes you to discover a country with many facets.
Between Panama City, the canal, meeting the Embera people, the Las Perlas islands, the San Blas, El Valle de Antón and the Azuero peninsula, this itinerary combines cultural discoveries, wildlife observation, water activities and stays in nature.
An itinerary designed to vary the atmosphere, between organized highlights and freedom to travel at your own pace.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Panama City!
Aéroport Tocumen → Panama City
Upon your arrival in Panama City, you discover a capital where urban modernity meets traces of the past.
Known for the Canal De Panama, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the city stands out for its contemporary skyline, marked by the downtown skyscrapers, but also by the older atmosphere of Casco Viejo and its cobblestone streets.
At the airport, a private shuttle awaits you to take you to your hotel, located in Panama City's financial center.
Night at Hotel Best Western Zen 3*.
Panama Canal, Lake Gatun & Casco Antiguo
Early in the morning, you depart with your English-speaking or Spanish-speaking guide to discover one of the country's emblematic sites: the Canal De Panama. This day begins at the Miraflores Locks, on the Pacific side, the first stop to better understand this must-see location in Panama City.
You then continue with a navigation on the Canal de Panama, along a beautiful cruise on the Gatún Lake. This artificial lake, created a hundred years ago during the construction of the canal, now offers a setting where nature fully holds its place.
Along the way, you will be able to observe the wildlife that lives in this environment: howler monkeys and capuchins, sloths, toucans and other birds, as well as crocodiles and turtles.
Back in Panama City, lunch is on your own.
The afternoon allows you to discover another facet of the capital with Casco Antiguo, also called Casco Viejo.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, this historic neighborhood captivates with its colorful and cosmopolitan atmosphere as well as its Spanish colonial architecture.
You can stroll there on foot or by bike, among small local shops, churches, plazas, the Santo Domingo convent or the Museo de la Mola (Mola Museum).
The fish market pleasantly completes the visit, with its stalls of fresh fish and seafood. You can enjoy a ceviche on the spot at the end of the tour, or take it with you.
Night at the Best Western Zen Hotel 3*
Shared tour in a small group.
Immersion among the Embera
Early in the morning, you depart with your guide to discover an Embera community. This people, deeply attached to their environment, perpetuate ancestral knowledge through their traditions, craftsmanship and spiritual culture.
After a journey by canoe, you reach the village for a day marked by encounter and sharing. You discover the traditions of the community, enjoy a typical meal and learn more about the ancestral knowledge of the Embera people.
If the temperature permits, you can also enjoy a swim in the river that runs alongside the village.
Night at the Best Western Zen Hotel 3*
Shared tour in small group.
Heading to Contadora and the Pearl Archipelago
Early morning departure to reach Amador Port, at the exit of Panama City, where you board at 7:30 a.m. on your ferry.
After approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of crossing, you arrive at Contadora Island, where a hotel member comes to welcome you.
While waiting for your check-in, you can choose between:
An excursion to two small islands ideal for snorkeling and relaxation, Mogo Mogo and Chapera
Discovering the seven beaches of Contadora, also suitable for leisuring and snorkeling.
Fishing and scuba diving are also possible in the archipelago.
Hotel check-in is scheduled for around 2 pm for a 3-night stay.
Located in the Pacific bay of Panama, the Las Perlas archipelago brings together 7 islands, of which 4 are inhabited. This island group welcomes travelers and residents of the capital, while the 3 other islands remain preserved within privatized natural parks.
Between white sand beaches, water activities and beach atmosphere, this stopover invites you to fully enjoy the Panamanian coast.
2 nights at Hotel Gerald 3*.
Return from Contadora to Panama City
In the afternoon, at 3 p.m., you take the ferry from Contadora Island towards Panama City.
Upon arrival, a transfer is arranged to your hotel, located in the financial center of the capital, for a night of rest.
Night at the Best Western Zen Hotel 3*.
San Blas, Between Caribbean Islands and Kuna Yala Culture
Very early departure in the morning, around 5am, to reach Carti port after approximately 3 hours of travel by shared 4x4 vehicle.
Upon arrival, a water taxi takes you to your island, in the heart of the San Blas archipelago.
On site, you discover the world of Guna Yala (San Blas), between local culture and island atmosphere. Your stay allows you to enjoy the islands, snorkel in natural pools, but also kayak and play beach volleyball.
Located in the Caribbean, between Panama and Colombia, the San Blas archipelago has approximately 332 islands and islets. Some of these islands, inhabited by the native Kuna Yala indigenous people, welcome travelers for an immersion in this island environment.
From San Blas to El Valle de Antón
You leave the San Blas late morning, with a scheduled return between 11am and 12pm.
Upon arrival, you pick up your rental car before driving for approximately 2 hours towards the village of El Valle de Anton.
This new stage takes you into the interior of the country, into a more peaceful setting, ideal for a stopover after your stay in the archipelago.
3 nights at the Golden Frog Inn Boutique Hotel 3*.
El Valle de Antón, Between Nature and Walks
Located in the heart of a dormant volcano's crater, El Valle de Anton is a small village with a cooler climate, appreciated for its natural environment and peaceful atmosphere.
You can explore a tropical forest crossed by suspension bridges leading to a waterfall. Hiking enthusiasts will find several accessible trails, some of which may suit young walkers from 4 years old, provided they have a taste for adventure.
Along the way, orchids pleasantly accompany the discovery.
For a more relaxed approach, it is also possible to rent bicycles. From the main avenue, tree-lined streets allow you to discover the village at your own pace.
Among the activities to consider on site, you can visit the butterfly greenhouse, the serpentarium or even the local market, a lively place where you discover the culture of Antón valley, crafts, local specialties and fresh fruits.
Heading to the Azuero Peninsula and the Pedasí Region
You continue your journey in a rental car towards the Las Tablas province, in the Azuero Peninsula. Along the way, you pass through the town of Chitré, known for the handcrafted manufacture of hand-made Panama hats.
You then reach the town of Pedasi, an ideal starting point for discovering the surrounding areas and enjoying several activities in the region.
From Pedasi, you will be able to explore several beaches suitable for surfing, such as Playa Venao, as well as kitesurfing. It is also possible to head towards Isla Iguana, an island where you can observe turtles, iguanas and tropical fish. The excursion is offered at 60 USD per person.
Depending on the season, you can also witness the turtle hatching on Cañas Island, located approximately 1 hour away, from September to February, for 20 USD per person. The Cambutal and Torio forests, still little frequented, offer another perspective on the region.
Finally, the observation of whales and dolphins, possible from June to October, is included in the quote.
Stopover in Santa Clara by the sea
From Pedasi
You head to Santa Clara for a stopover night before your scheduled return the next day.
This coastal stop, located approximately 1h45 from Panama City, allows you to enjoy one last evening in a more peaceful setting.
Night at the Casa Mojito 3*.
Return to Panama City and flight from Tocumen
Panama City → Aéroport Tocumen
Return to Panama City via direct route to Tocumen International Airport for your return flight.
Return your rental car directly at Tocumen Airport.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flight
- The optional excursions offered on site
- The entrance fee to San Blas is 22 USD per person
- Travel insurance
- Everything not mentioned in the "This price includes" section
Included
- The 13 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar ones, with breakfasts
- The 2 nights in San Blas on full board, with transfers
- Private transfer between the airport, hotel and ferry
- The round-trip ferry to Las Perlas
- Car rental for 8 days, 4x2 category, with insurance
- The following excursions: canal & monkeys, Embera village, whale watching
- English-speaking telephone assistance on site during the day
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Panama for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Panama, your passport must be valid for at least three months after your entry date and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 180 days upon entry to the territory, at the discretion of Panamanian immigration authorities.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay (generally USD 500 or equivalent),
a hotel reservation for the duration of the stay.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Panama from France, Switzerland or Canada, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required on entry.
As a precaution, it is recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure. The following vaccinations are generally advised:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
update of routine vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis).
Malaria precautions may be recommended in certain rural or forested areas. Consult a healthcare professional to assess the risk according to your itinerary.
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Panama in their country of residence.
To take part in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for you to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the traveller is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The traveller must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
No, French nationals can stay up to 180 days in Panama without a visa. A valid passport for at least 3 months after entry, a return ticket and 500 USD per person (or equivalent proof of funds) may be required upon arrival. Confirm with the consulate.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €160 and €270 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport, and activities. International flights (€800–1,200 return) are additional. Panama is an ideal platform to combine city, canal, and archipelagos (San Blas, Bocas).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Panamá Province
Explorer of Panama's Passages, based in Panama City
Panama is a country of passages and contrasts. What I love is helping travelers discover its invisible connections, between ocean, forest, city and local cultures.
— Sophie
