| Explore the Naso Trail: Culture and nature off the beaten track |
|---|
| On this adventure you learn about Panama's history, nature, culture. You get acquainted with the intriguing history at Casco Antiguo after which you take a domestic flight to the northwest of the country where you are invited to spend time with the isolated Naso community, the last monarchy of the Americas. Learn all about their original lifestyle, local cuisine, and colorful rituals. After exploring the Naso Trail you are transferred to the pristine Bastimentos Island, where you can enjoy abundant nature from the comfort of your resort. |
| Day | Destination | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panama City | Amarla Hotel |
| 2 | Panama City | Amarla Hotel |
| 3 | Changuinola | Posada Media Luna |
| 4 | Changuinola |
Posada Media Luna |
| 5 | Changuinola |
Sieyking |
| Day | Destination | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Changuinola |
Camping |
| 7 | Bocas del Toro | Tranquilo Bay |
| 8 | Bocas del Toro | Tranquilo Bay |
| 9 | Bocas del Toro | Tranquilo Bay |
Pickup point: Panamá Tocumen International Airport
Welcome to Panama! Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) you need to go through the immigration procedures and pick up your luggage to clear customs. Luggage of all Copa Airlines flights should arrive in Terminal 2. Luggage of other airlines might arrive in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. We are monitoring your flight and our guide and/or driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it, to assist and transfer you to your accommodation. If you have trouble finding our representative, please send a WhatsApp message or call us at: +507 6648 5346. Enjoy your vacations in Panama!
Day 1 Welcome to Panama!|---
Welcome to Panama!
You arrive in Tocumen airport. After customs, you meet a representative, who welcome you.
Later, you are transferred to your hotel located in Casco Antiguo.
-
Transfer :
Panama Airport (PTY) - Panama City
- Distance: 25 km.
- Road is in good condition.
Average travel time: 40 minutes
Destination Info: Panama City
Panama's iconic capital city and commercial center is like nowhere else in Central America, where big business and giant skyscrapers meet cobbled colonial streets and a mix of cultures formed by centuries of immigration and trade. It can seem chaotic at times, but there's plenty of fun to be had, especially around the vibrant UNESCO-listed Old Town - Casco Viejo - where many of the best bars, restaurants and hotels are found.
Home to the country's main airport and located on the Pacific Coast, within a couple of hours you could be lazing by the beach, exploring lush rainforests or sailing along the famous Panama Canal. Take a look at our hand-picked experiences to make to most of your time in this unique city.
Amarla Hotel
Located in historic Casco Viejo, known locally as San Felipe barrio, this adult-only boutique hotel lies in the heart of the old city. Attractions such as Canal Museum, Cathedral Basilica Metropolitana and Molas Museum are just a short walk away. The rooftop jacuzzi provides the ultimate in relaxation with a backdrop of stunning views across Casco Viejo and the Panama Bay. On-site restaurant Kaandela, offers some of the finest cuisine in the city. The property has just eight en-suite guest rooms, each beautifully decorated with select pieces from local craftsmen and artisans.
Rooms: Double Room - Clásica Queen o King
Day 2 History tour in Panama|B--
On this day, you meet your local guide to explore Panama and visit some interesting museums and the iconic Miraflores locks!
Included Experiences
Panama - Half Day Panama History Experience
Learn about the fascinating history of Panama, from early settlers through to the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Panama Viejo - the UNESCO-protected remains of the original pre-Colombian settlement which spawned this great city. The tour continues to the historic district, Casco Antiguo, where you'll see beautifully preserved colonial churches, the National Theatre and the Presidential and Municipal Palaces. Finally, you'll pay a visit to the Panama Canal Museum, which tells the incredible story of Panama's most famous site, before returning to your hotel.
Amarla Hotel
Day 3 Flight to Changuinola | Start the adventure in Changuinola |BLD
On this day, you are transferred to the domestic airport, from where you head Changuinola airport.
Transfer by road to the community of Bonllic where in the company of local guides you will learn about the ancestral Naso culture and explore the exuberant beauty of the rainforest and the great Teribe River. The basis of village life. Although the Spanish call it Teribe, the original name of the Naso is Tjër Di. Di' means 'water' and Tjër is the 'Great Mother', the giver of life and the spiritual force that guides the Naso ancestors.
Arrival to the community and recognition of the areas. Lunch and then hike along the Las Heliconias trail and visit a beautiful waterfall. Return to the community of Bonyic for dinner. Overnight at Posada Hostal Media Luna (lunch and dinner).
-
Transfer :
Panama City - Domestic Airport
- Road is in good condition.
-
Plane :
Panama City - Changuinola
Included Experiences
Naso Trail
The Naso Kingdom is made up of 11 small villages, located along the Teribe River, in the middle of the exuberant jungle of La Amistad International Park.
On this extraordinary trip, you have the opportunity to visit remote Naso communities. During the following days, you visit the iconic La Amistad International Park, and tour the Teribe River. This trip promises to be an opportunity to learn about local crafts, cocoa making, legends and enjoy traditional cuisine.
Posada Media Luna
This small and rustic community hostel is owned and being run by the Organization of United Women of Bonyic (OMUB), dedicated to sustainable agriculture and rural community tourism, directly benefiting 14 families. During your stay you will be able to try local specialties and witness the traditions of the Naso Tjer Di culture. Local community guides are keen to introduce you to the local fauna and flora, and take you our hiking, among other activities.
Rooms: Double Room - Standard
Day 4 Traditional cacao|BLD
On this day, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the process and elaboration of traditional cocoa from the hand of expert Naso masters. They will also admire the making of handicrafts while learning how to grind and roast cocoa.
After lunch, departure to the King's Palace for a rafting trip on the Teribe River. In the evening we will learn about the traditional gastronomy and enjoy a delicious dinner in the company of the OMUB hosts. Overnight at Posada Hostal Media Luna (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Included Experiences
Traditional Cacao Experience at Naso community
During this experience, visitors can learn about the Naso cocoa process, from harvesting, drying, roasting, grinding, and preparation of the chocolate bar, the cocoa drink with ceremonial purposes, and about products derived from cocoa, such as jam, soap, and beer.
Posada Media Luna
Day 5 Adventure to Sieykin river|BLD
We will travel down the Teribe River by boat to the community of Sieykin where we will begin our hiking adventure through the Amistad National Park.
In the evening around lunch we will learn about the Naso cosmology through stories and legends that have been passed from generation to generation orally. Night in the community and bonfire with cocoa (Breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Day 6 Naso trail|BLD
Get up before the sun and hike to see the magical sunrise from the banks of the Teribe River.
After a light breakfast start the hiking adventure in La Amistad National Park. We have the day to explore the forest with expert Naso guides. Arrival to the base camp and at the end of the night we will enjoy a bonfire and farewell dinner (Breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Day 7 Transfer to Bastimentos |BLD
Enjoy a light breakfast before returning by boat to Bonllik and then transfer to Changuinola. From there, you are transferred to Punta Robalo, from where you take a boat to Bastimentos island
During your stay in Bastimentos, enjoy some nice experiences you can enjoy from your hotel.
-
Transfer :
Changuinola Airport - Punta Robalo
- Distance: 75 km.
- Road is in good condition.
Average travel time: 01 minutes -
Boat :
Bocas del Toro - Bastimentos Island
- Distance: 20 km.
- Road is in very good condition.
Average travel time: 25 minutes
Included Experiences
Isla Bastimentos - Close to Shore by Tranquilo Bay
Enjoy both guided and self-guided water and land activities directly from the lodge. (Not available during the period of December 15 - January 6 each year). These are some of the on-site activities you can opt to do: Birdwatching at the canopy observation tower, exploring & hiking on nature trails, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, and wildlife spotting.
Tranquilo Bay's grounds include over 200 acres with several kilometers of forested trails covering different habitats. This forest and its edge are home to many of Isla Bastimentos common favorites including multiple raptors, Montezuma Oropendolas, Red-lored Parrots, hummingbirds, 5-species of kingfishers, Green Ibis, tityras, woodpeckers, honeycreepers, tanagers, pigeons, antbirds, manakins, seedeaters, and herons, and, in season Three-wattled Bellbirds. White-faced Capuchins, three and two toed sloths, green iguanas, basilisk lizards, butterflies and poison dart frogs are also common on these trails. After dinner try to spot some of the local nocturnal residents such as the Common Potoo, Owls, Western Night Monkey, Four-eyed opossum, Wooly opossum, Crab-eating raccoon, Speckled Caiman and bats.
Tranquilo Bay
This small-scale, family friendly eco-adventure lodge is a perfect base from which to explore the nature of Bocas del Toro. The secluded cabins are made from local materials and provide all the creature comforts you'll need, with hot showers, air-conditioning and private porches where you can relax. Delicious meals are included throughout, and you can take part in a whole host of activities both on land and in the water. The surrounding tropical forests are home to a huge variety of animals and birds, including hummingbirds, herons, Red-lored Parrots, capuchin monkeys, sloths and iguanas, to name just a few. You can even climb the lodge's own observation tower for a unique perspective on your spectacular surroundings.
Rooms: Double Room - Deluxe - Close to Shore
Day 8 Day at leisure in Bastimentos|BLD
Included Experiences
Isla Bastimentos - Close to Shore by Tranquilo Bay
Enjoy both guided and self-guided water and land activities directly from the lodge. (Not available during the period of December 15 - January 6 each year). These are some of the on-site activities you can opt to do: Birdwatching at the canopy observation tower, exploring & hiking on nature trails, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, and wildlife spotting.
Tranquilo Bay's grounds include over 200 acres with several kilometers of forested trails covering different habitats. This forest and its edge are home to many of Isla Bastimentos common favorites including multiple raptors, Montezuma Oropendolas, Red-lored Parrots, hummingbirds, 5-species of kingfishers, Green Ibis, tityras, woodpeckers, honeycreepers, tanagers, pigeons, antbirds, manakins, seedeaters, and herons, and, in season Three-wattled Bellbirds. White-faced Capuchins, three and two toed sloths, green iguanas, basilisk lizards, butterflies and poison dart frogs are also common on these trails. After dinner try to spot some of the local nocturnal residents such as the Common Potoo, Owls, Western Night Monkey, Four-eyed opossum, Wooly opossum, Crab-eating raccoon, Speckled Caiman and bats.
Tranquilo Bay
Day 9 Day at leisure in Bastimentos|BLD
Included Experiences
Isla Bastimentos - Close to Shore by Tranquilo Bay
Enjoy both guided and self-guided water and land activities directly from the lodge. (Not available during the period of December 15 - January 6 each year). These are some of the on-site activities you can opt to do: Birdwatching at the canopy observation tower, exploring & hiking on nature trails, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, and wildlife spotting.
Tranquilo Bay's grounds include over 200 acres with several kilometers of forested trails covering different habitats. This forest and its edge are home to many of Isla Bastimentos common favorites including multiple raptors, Montezuma Oropendolas, Red-lored Parrots, hummingbirds, 5-species of kingfishers, Green Ibis, tityras, woodpeckers, honeycreepers, tanagers, pigeons, antbirds, manakins, seedeaters, and herons, and, in season Three-wattled Bellbirds. White-faced Capuchins, three and two toed sloths, green iguanas, basilisk lizards, butterflies and poison dart frogs are also common on these trails. After dinner try to spot some of the local nocturnal residents such as the Common Potoo, Owls, Western Night Monkey, Four-eyed opossum, Wooly opossum, Crab-eating raccoon, Speckled Caiman and bats.
Tranquilo Bay
Day 10 Farewell, Panama!|B--
On this day, you are transferred to Bocas del toro airport, from where you take your flight back to Panama.
Upon your arrival, you are transferred to Tocumen airport for your flight back home.
We hope you enjoyed your stay in Panama!
--End of services--
-
Boat :
Bastimentos Island - Bocas del Toro
- Distance: 20 km.
- Road is in very good condition.
Average travel time: 25 minutes -
Transfer :
Bocas del Toro - Bocas del Toro Airport
- Distance: 9 km.
- Road is in good condition.
Average travel time: 23 minutes -
Plane :
Bocas del Toro - Panama Airport (PAC)
- Road is in very good condition.
Average travel time: 1:10h 
Transfer : Domestic Airport - Panama Airport (PTY) - Distance: 35 km. - Road is in good condition.
Average travel time: 55 minutes
Drop off point: Panamá Tocumen International Airport
Your Panama vacations have come to an end, our guide and/or driver takes you to Tocumen International Airport (PTY). All Copa Airlines flights should depart from Terminal 2, other airlines should depart from either Terminal 1 or 2. Upon arrival at the airport, you need to check-in for your flights, drop your bags, and go through the immigration and security procedures. We trust you enjoyed your vacations in Panama, and look forward to attending you again, on a future occasion. Please have a safe journey back home.
Sustainability
CO2 compensation
In this reservation you traveled 174 km approximately. This produces 17.00 kg of C02. It takes 1.12 trees to compensate for the environment impact.
CO2 generated = Km traveled x 0.0977
Tree compensation = CO2 generated /15.2 trees
Our sustainable suppliers
Water Refill Point
- Tranquilo Bay
- Posada Media Luna : In the community restaurant, the use of single-use plastics is avoided.
Renewable energy
- Posada Media Luna : The rooms, bathrooms and kitchen have electric lighting powered by solar panels.
Social Commitment Project
- Tranquilo Bay : Support several local organizations that assist children of Bocas del Toro by providing excursions during the off-season, which are auctioned off by these charities.
- Posada Media Luna : Adventure experiences based on the ownership and self-management of the natural and cultural resources of indigenous peoples, mestizo and Afro-descendant communities, with a focus on social commitment, respect for the environment and equitable distribution of benefits.
Nature Conservation Project
- Amarla Hotel : The hotel avoids single use plastics in their rooms, does not have single use toiletries and the minibar has glass bottles only.
- Tranquilo Bay : Works with the Salt Creek indigenous community to create a reserve (including a management plan) adjacent to the Bastimentos Marine National Park. This reserve is set to protect the trees, which provide shelter for this indigenous community and prevent the area from development.
For our comprehensive sustainability policy, we invite you to visit our website: www.vapues.com/sustainability
| PRICING INFORMATION |
|---|
| Minimum: 2 pax |
| Valid for 2023 |
| Net rate per person in USD, based on double- or triple occupancy: US$2,900.00 |
Note: Alternative hotels will be booked if quoted properties are unavailable at time of booking, possibly affecting provided net rates. We accept credit card payments up to a maximum of 1000 USD, without a surcharge. For larger sums we encourage payment through wire (bank) transfer. The quoted itinerary is subject to change, due to possible unforeseen circumstances.
Included
- Meet & greet
- Information package with maps and a detailed itinerary
- Lodgement at hotels as mentioned or similar
- Breakfast
- Lunch on indicated days (-L-)
- Dinner on indicated days (--D)
- Flight Panama City - Changuinola
- Flight Bocas del Toro - Panama Airport (PAC)
- Transfers with Spanish speaking drivers
- Tours mentioned with an English speaking guide + entrance fees.
- VAT / taxes
Not Included
- International flights
- Meals other than mentioned
- Migration fees
- Personal expenses
- Optional tours/activities
- Tips nor porters
Contact details Vapues Travel
Nicaragua: Los Robles, casa # 45Phone: (+505) 2270-1936
info@vapues.com
