Panama & San Blas Local Encounters 8D/7N

Panama & San Blas Local Encounters 8D/7N

46 Views
8 Days From

$2422

Panama & San Blas Local Encounters 8D/7N

8 Days Starting and ending in Panama City, Panama

Visiting: Panama City, San Blas Islands

Tour operator:

Bamba Travel

Tour code:

56340

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Physical rating:

Easy

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $2422

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an 8-day cultural journey through Panama and the San Blas Islands, where you'll experience authentic encounters with indigenous communities and explore stunning landscapes. Begin in Panama City, discovering the historic charm of Casco Viejo and the vibrant Santa Ana district. Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Embera community with a canoe ride on the Chagres River and an overnight stay in their village. Then, venture to the pristine San Blas Islands, home to the Guna people, where you'll enjoy rustic accommodations and the natural beauty of over 360 islands. This tour includes mixed accommodations, meals, and guided activities, offering a unique blend of culture and adventure.

Highlights

  • Cultural Encounter with the Indigenous Community: The Embera

  • Authentic Discovery of Casco Viejo, Panama's Old Quarter

  • San Blas Islands - The Hidden Paradise of the Guna People

  • Canoe ride through the Chagres River

  • Visit the Popular district of Santa Ana

  • Taste Panamanian flavors with a homemade lunch

  • Explore over 360 pristine islands in the San Blas archipelago

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Panama City, Panama

Location: Panama City

Accommodation Name: hotel

Duration: 8 Days

Departure Time: 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, 00:00

Meet and Greet upon arrival and transfer to your hotel.
This country that links American continent and owns the 8th wonder of the modern world "The Panama Canal" will surprise you! Prepare for meeting beautiful landscapes, cosmopolitan and colonial cities, pristine islands, tradition, culture, rainforest and Indian communities.

Day 2: Panama City, Panama

Location: Panama City

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Authentic Discovery of Casco Viejo (B/L)

Today, visit the Casco Viejo and walk around the principal alleys and architectural monuments of the old quarter. Then, continue to the Popular district of Santa Ana, to encounter a vibrant and quite unique culture behind the touristic scene of The Casco Viejo. The inhabitants of Santa Ana are promoting the development of their district to show you hidden treasures of their culture. You will notice a social contrast between the neighborhoods, yet a very friendly and charming environment with smiling faces that will welcome you! Taste the Panamanian flavors with a homemade lunch, play dominoes in the Park of Bored (Parque de los Aburridos). Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Day 3: Panama City, Panama

Location: Panama City

Accommodation Name: cabins in the community

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Encounter & Bivouac with an Indigenous Community: The Embera (B/L/D)

Prepare for a cultural encounter with the indigenous community "The Emberas". Embark on a canoe ride through the Chagres River and explore its surroundings where natural life runs at its edges. One of the village chiefs will present their lifestyle and traditions: developing of baskets, colorful clothes, body paintings, dances. A typical lunch based on fish and plantains is included. Overnight in one of the cabins in the community.

Day 4: Panama City, Panama

Location: Panama City

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Return to the city (B)

After breakfast, return to the city. Early check in in your hotel and rest of the day free.

Day 5: Panama City - San Blas, Panama

Location: San Blas Islands

Accommodation Name: rustic accommodations managed by the Guna Yala community

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

San Blas Islands- the hidden paradise of the Guna People (B/L/D)

The driver will pick you up early in the morning approximately at 5:30 a.m. on a 4X4 grouped transfer, and you will be driven for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes until you reach Llano Carti. Then you will take a boat transfer from Carti to San Blas or Guna Yala Islands.
Discover a destination with over 360 pristine islands scattered along 400 kilometers in the Caribbean ocean. In addition to its exceptional landscapes, this archipelago will share with you its most important treasure: the cultural ancient heritage of the indigenous community Guna.
These 50,000 Indians have managed to keep their traditional lifestyle over the years and still live in the community under a regime of territorial autonomy.
IMPORTANT: Accommodations are rustic and traditionally built. Comfort levels do not correspond to western standards. Housing is managed by the Guna Yala community and there are some facilities that won't be available during your stay such as: acclimatization, current potable water, electricity and hot water, private toilet.

Day 6: San Blas, Panama

Location: San Blas Islands

Accommodation Name: rustic accommodations managed by the Guna Yala community

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Free Day (B/L/D)

These days, a visit of a pristine island is included Activities and tours suggested to be organized locally:
• Swimming
• Discovery of Guna village
• Purchase of handcraft “Molas”
• Snorkelling (no water sports engines allowed)

Day 7: San Blas - Panama City, Panama

Location: Panama City

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Return to Panama City (B)

This day, return to the city. Check in your hotel and rest of the day free.

Day 8: Panama City, Panama

Location: Panama City

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure Day (B)

Shuttle transfer to the international airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    7N in mixed accommodations

  • Transport

    All transport as per itinerary
    Airport transfers
    All transport during activities
    Maritime transfer

  • Meals

    7B/4L/3D

  • Activities

    Discover Casco Viejo
    Explore San Blas Islands
    Cultural encounter with the indigenous community “The Emberas”

  • Guides

    English-speaking guide for some activities

What's Not Included

  • Optional activities

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary

  • Personal expenses and gratuities

  • International flights

  • Entry fees on sites and museums mentioned in the itinerary to be paid on site

Mode of Transport

All transport as per itinerary, including airport transfers, all transport during activities, and maritime transfer to the San Blas Islands.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights in mixed accommodations, including rustic cabins managed by the Guna Yala community on the San Blas Islands, offering a unique cultural experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on this tour?

    You will have a cultural encounter with the indigenous Embera community, where you will learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and crafts. Additionally, you will explore the vibrant and unique culture of the Santa Ana district in Casco Viejo.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in mixed accommodations. Note that accommodations in the San Blas Islands are rustic and traditionally built, managed by the Guna Yala community, and may lack some facilities such as air conditioning, potable water, electricity, hot water, and private toilets.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners.

  • What activities are included in the San Blas Islands?

    In the San Blas Islands, you can enjoy activities such as swimming, discovering a Guna village, purchasing handcrafted 'Molas,' and snorkeling. Note that no water sports engines are allowed.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking guide will be available for some activities during the tour.

  • How will we travel between locations during the tour?

    All transport as per the itinerary is included, including airport transfers, all transport during activities, and maritime transfers.

  • What should I expect during the visit to the Embera community?

    You will embark on a canoe ride through the Chagres River, explore the surroundings, and learn about the Embera community's lifestyle and traditions, including basket weaving, colorful clothes, body paintings, and dances. A typical lunch based on fish and plantains is included, and you will stay overnight in one of the community's cabins.

  • What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will be met and greeted upon arrival in Panama City and transferred to your hotel. You will have the opportunity to explore the city, which includes beautiful landscapes, cosmopolitan and colonial areas, pristine islands, tradition, culture, rainforest, and Indian communities.

  • What is the departure time for the tour?

    The departure time is flexible and can be any hour of the day, from 1:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

  • Is there an age limit?

    No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.

Reviews of this operator

Jonas Nesset(Norway)  

The company is exceptional. When...

Dec 10 2019

The company is exceptional. When I had questions, I always got prompt and professional answers. The excursions that Bamba organized were fantastic! Thank you once again for everything!

Shane Alce(United Kingdom)  

For true explorers....

Aug 12 2019

For true explorers.

Marian Reder(Germany)  

To this day, this is...

Oct 2 2019

To this day, this is the best tour we've ever done together as a couple! The fun activities, great hotels and nice guides worth the money! We were always taken care of and they made sure that we had a good time. This tour is definitely worth taking.

Tanja Ottosen(Denmark)  

The Bamba Team really made...

Jan 9 2020

The Bamba Team really made my journey one of the most memorable experiences of my life! Still so nice and supportive! They handled everything and responded to each question within a few minutes. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Especially if you want to do a lot of activities and travel to a lot of different places without feeling rushed. They've also helped me with specific issues that weren't covered by the tour, as well as answering general questions. Thank you so much for making my journey so enjoyable!

Braiden Rowe(United States)  

The tour was fantastic; I...

Feb 12 2020

The tour was fantastic; I was able to visit some of Japan's most beautiful locations, and the accommodations were excellent, with convenient access to the city's best attractions. Also, our tour guide was fantastic. I will pick bamba again and recommend the tour to anyone who wants to see Japan while having a good time!!

Aaron Davies(Australia)  

I only have good words...

Oct 23 2019

I only have good words about our trip to Kenya. The entire experience was totally magical and I struggle to say how fantastic it was. We were fortunate enough to have a brilliant vehicle for ourselves, but we had great luck with David for our guide too. He was very knowledgeable, courteous and nice. Thank you for helping to create this fantastic safari experience. I Highly recommend this company.

Matteo Hoffmeister(Germany)  

Bamba Experience has been the...

Jun 5 2019

Bamba Experience has been the best tour guide I've ever had. Every tour has been a thrilling experience. There are so many things to choose from. Bamba has been extremely helpful in providing us with all of the necessary information for our departures and activities! Bamba has made this a simple and enjoyable experience. I'll certainly tell my friends and family about it! Thank you very much, Bamba!!

Melanie Liu Chang(Australia)  

We organized a trip through...

Feb 20 2020

We organized a trip through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia on the hop-on, hop-off bus. It made the trip so much simpler for us as first-time travelers because we just had to send an email to arrange the bus, which avoided the hassle of looking for the best price and so on! We also had a number of tours included, they were all amazing and saved us the trouble of trying to find the best offers on our own; it also meant we got to see a lot of stuff we wouldn't have seen otherwise. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that I will strongly suggest and use again!

Marius Halvorson(Norway)  

Our Bamba tour of Vietnam...

Jun 25 2019

Our Bamba tour of Vietnam was fantastic. We had a lot of new experiences and all of the help we needed to make this a stress-free vacation. The well-organized accomodation and transportation were excellent. We will certainly use Bamba in the future.

Alexis Helman(Australia)  

I had booked our Uyuni...

Jun 25 2019

I had booked our Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure 3D/2N (Uyuni to Atacama) tour via an Australian travel agency, but they had made an error and refused to assist us or take responsibility. This was very difficult for us because we wanted to have a stress-free honeymoon. I contacted Bamba and I asked if we could talk on the phone so they made the improvements to our tour reservation that our travel agent declined to make. The quality of service was exceptional and they generously offered to us a complimentary gift because it was our honeymoon. I can't say enough good things about Bamba.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Friday

Nov 08, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024
$2422

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024
$2422

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 17, 2024
$2422

Monday - Monday

Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 18, 2024
$2422

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 12, 2024 - Nov 19, 2024
$2422

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 13, 2024 - Nov 20, 2024
$2422

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 14, 2024 - Nov 21, 2024
$2422

Friday - Friday

Nov 15, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024
$2422

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024
$2422

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024
$2422

Monday - Monday

Nov 18, 2024 - Nov 25, 2024
$2422

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 19, 2024 - Nov 26, 2024
$2422

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 20, 2024 - Nov 27, 2024
$2422

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 21, 2024 - Nov 28, 2024
$2422

Friday - Friday

Nov 22, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
$2422

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 23, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024
$2422

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024
$2422

Monday - Monday

Nov 25, 2024 - Dec 02, 2024
$2422

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 26, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024
$2422

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 27, 2024 - Dec 04, 2024
$2422

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 28, 2024 - Dec 05, 2024
$2422

Friday - Friday

Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 06, 2024
$2422

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024
$2422

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024
$2422

Monday - Monday

Dec 02, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024
$2422

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 03, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024
$2422

Wednesday - Wednesday

Dec 04, 2024 - Dec 11, 2024
$2422

Thursday - Thursday

Dec 05, 2024 - Dec 12, 2024
$2422

Friday - Friday

Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024
$2422

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024
$2422

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024
$2422

Monday - Monday

Dec 09, 2024 - Dec 16, 2024
$2422

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024
$2422

Wednesday - Wednesday

Dec 11, 2024 - Dec 18, 2024
$2422

Thursday - Thursday

Dec 12, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024
$2422

Friday - Friday

Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024
$2422

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
$2422

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 15, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024
$2422

Monday - Monday

Dec 16, 2024 - Dec 23, 2024
$2422

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 17, 2024 - Dec 24, 2024
$2422

Wednesday - Wednesday

Dec 18, 2024 - Dec 25, 2024
$2422

Thursday - Thursday

Dec 19, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024
$2422

Friday - Friday

Dec 20, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024
$2422

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
$2422

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
$2422

Monday - Monday

Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 30, 2024
$2422

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jan 01, 2025 - Jan 08, 2025
$2422

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 02, 2025 - Jan 09, 2025
$2422

Friday - Friday

Jan 03, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025
$2422

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025
$2422

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 12, 2025
$2422

Monday - Monday

Jan 06, 2025 - Jan 13, 2025
$2422

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 14, 2025
$2422

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jan 08, 2025 - Jan 15, 2025
$2422

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 09, 2025 - Jan 16, 2025
$2422

Friday - Friday

Jan 10, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025
$2422

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 18, 2025
$2422

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 19, 2025
$2422

Monday - Monday

Jan 13, 2025 - Jan 20, 2025
$2422

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jan 14, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025
$2422

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jan 15, 2025 - Jan 22, 2025
$2422

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 16, 2025 - Jan 23, 2025
$2422

Friday - Friday

Jan 17, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025
$2422

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025
$2422

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025
$2422

Monday - Monday

Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025
$2422

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025
$2422

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jan 22, 2025 - Jan 29, 2025
$2422

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 23, 2025 - Jan 30, 2025
$2422

Friday - Friday

Jan 24, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
$2422

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025
$2422

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025
$2422

Monday - Monday

Jan 27, 2025 - Feb 03, 2025
$2422

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 04, 2025
$2422

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jan 29, 2025 - Feb 05, 2025
$2422

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 30, 2025 - Feb 06, 2025
$2422

Friday - Friday

Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
$2422

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours