Overview
BOOKED Trips Panama Experience
- Days: 6
- Group Size: 12
- Nights: 5
- Price: $3,000
Step into “The Great Divide” on an unforgettable journey through Panama City.
Join us for an immersive 6-day, 5-night adventure inspired by Cristina Henríquez’s book “The Great Divide” which tells the story of the forgotten lives behind the construction of the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel that cut a path between continents.
Our home base is Panama City, a bustling metropolis where the past and present collide. Immerse yourself in the historic charm of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and delve into the fascinating history of the Panama Canal, brought to life by Henriquez’s captivating story.
We go beyond the Canal to better understand the stories of the communities its construction impacted and the cultures that thrive in its wake. Panama is a melting pot of cultures from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. A majority of the Canal’s workforce were Afro-Caribbean and we’ll learn about the enduring Afro-Panamanian culture through food. Many indigenous communities were displaced to build the canal so we’ll visit the Embera community and learn how they maintain their traditional culture.
Explore historical sites and landmarks not as tourist destinations, but as places where history unfolded for everyday Panamanians. Savor authentic Panamanian cuisine, understanding its connection to the diverse people who shaped the nation. Engage with Panamanian artisans, storytellers, cooks, and indigenous community members gaining a firsthand perspective on the authentic local culture of Panama. Connect with a group of women who share your love for cultural immersion and meaningful travel.
Trip Highlights
- Relax in your single occupancy room in a 4-star, centrally located hotel in Casco Viejo.
- Witness Modern Models: Gain a deeper understanding of the Panama Canal’s significance with a visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring feat of engineering firsthand.
- Indulge in a melting pot of flavors: Embark on a delectable exploration of Panamanian cuisine. From hidden Afro-Panamanian street food gems in Colón to meals at two restaurants that have landed on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list, savor the vibrant flavors reflecting the country’s rich history and diverse cultural influences.
- Get a hands-on cooking lesson with a dash of history: Unleash your inner chef during a hands-on cooking class led by a Panamanian culinary expert. Learn traditional recipes and cooking techniques, gaining insights into the unique blend of indigenous traditions, Spanish conquest, African heritage, and global migration that shaped Panamanian cuisine.
- Discover Paradise in Venas Azules: Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters, explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and relax on pristine white-sand beaches during a catamaran experience.
- Connect with the Embera Indigenous Community: Experience a unique cultural exchange with the Embera people. Journey to their traditional village, learn about their way of life including their medicinal plants, traditional foods, and culture through an interactive day of food, music, and dance. Enjoy a guided moderate difficulty hike to a beautiful waterfall and a delicious local lunch.
Our Featured Book: The Great Divide
Our trip is curated around “The Great Divide” by Cristina Henríquez, a sweeping historical fiction book set in early 1900s Panama during the American construction of the Panama Canal. On its face it’s a book about the Canal, but underneath is a story of the many lives that were irreparably changed by man’s insatiable desire to conquer the land and other people.
The story is told from the perspective of various interconnected characters traversing their own personal divides including a wife turned activist as her childhood land is put at risk by the canal; a doctor who has journeyed to Panama with the goal of eliminating malaria; a fisherman trying to bridge the divide the Canal has created between him and his son, and countless named and unnamed laborers who risk life and limb for the canal’s construction.
Prepare to be deeply invested in their journeys and gain a deeper understanding of the history surrounding the canal’s construction including how the US’s involvement influenced and undercut the Panamanian liberation struggle.
What Is Included?
- A BOOKED Box that includes the featured book, a playlist of local sounds of the city, and curated items from small businesses around the world.
- Premium single occupancy accommodations throughout the trip. No sharing rooms!
- All activities listed in the itinerary below including a cooking class, Colon food tour, Embera indigenous village visit, Venas Azules Catamaran experience, and more!
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners.
- Ground transportation to included activities, including airport transfers on designated arrival and departure dates.
- Local guides throughout the trip.
What Is not Included?
- Flights to and from destination.
- Pre/post trip accommodations.
- Travel insurance (required)
- Visa and passport fees
- Gratuities and incidental expenses.
The Panama Itinerary
Day 1: Arrivals & Welcome Dinner
You’ll be welcomed at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama (PTY airport code) by our driver and driven to our 4-star, centrally located hotel.
After settling in we’ll have a welcome dinner at one of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants and discussion our featured book “The Great Divide" by Cristina Henríquez.
Dinner
Day 2: The Culinary Traditions the Panama Canal Created
Fuel up for a day of exploration with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. We'll meet in the late morning for a visit to Mercado de Mariscos and a hands-on Panamanian cooking class at a woman-owned cooking studio.
Guided by a local culinary expert, you'll unlock the secrets of Panamanian cuisine, understanding how indigenous traditions, Spanish influences, African heritage, and global migration have all shaped the unique flavors on your plate. Savor the fruits of your labor as you enjoy a delicious 3-course meal with your fellow travelers.
After lunch we'll visit the Panama Canal museum. Housed in a beautifully restored building that once belonged to the French canal company, this museum uses high-tech exhibits to tell the tale of the canal's construction across its various attempts. Learn about the triumphs and tragedies, the global impact, and the Panamanian perspective on this engineering marvel that forever changed the world.
The late afternoon is yours to explore. Consider visiting the Mola Museum to admire the vibrant mola fabrics, a unique art form created by the Guna people or walk through the shops and restaurants of Casco Viejo. For dinner on your own, dine at one of the restaurants listed in our included city guide.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3: Colón Cuisine & Canal Marvels
Start your day with a light breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to Colón, the "jewel of the Caribbean." This vibrant city boasts a rich history, diverse culture, and, of course, incredible food!
Panama's cuisine is a melting pot of historical influences, from the native peoples, the conquest of Spain, the Africans brought in slavery, the attempt of the French canal, the Chinese workers who arrived for the construction of the railroad and of course, the Panama Canal. Europe, Asia, Africa, America; the whole world has passed through Panama leaving ingredients, recipes and flavors, which today form the powerful culinary scene of Panama City.
Our Colón Food Experience will be sure to satisfy your taste buds with five delicious stops at local traditional restaurants, where you'll savor authentic Caribbean flavors and even learn how to make a traditional Panamanian plantain tart.
Next, we'll head to the Miraflores Visitor Center for a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Panama Canal. Witness the awe-inspiring feat of engineering as massive ships navigate the canal locks, and gain a deeper understanding of the canal's historical significance.
After a full day of exploration, we'll return to Panama City and the night is yours to unwind and enjoy the lively nightlife or soak in the stunning city views from a rooftop bar in Casco Viejo.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4: Embera Connection & Waterfall Hike
Following breakfast, we'll journey deep into the heart of Panama to visit the Embera indigenous community. Many indigenous communities were displaced during the creation of the Panama Canal and we'll learn how these communities survive deep in the Chagres River.
Travel by traditional "piragua" (dugout canoe) and connect with the Embera people as you learn about their way of life, sustainable practices, and deep respect for Mother Earth.
Take a guided, moderate difficulty hike to a beautiful waterfall where you can cool off and appreciate the surrounding nature. After we'll meet members of the community and learn about their song, dances, and culture over a traditional lunch.
The evening is yours to explore Panama City at your leisure. Perhaps you'll seek out a delicious local restaurant for dinner or discover hidden gems in Casco Viejo.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Island Bliss in Venas Azules
Today, we set sail for paradise! Embrace the island life on a private catamaran excursion to the breathtaking Venas Azules, a pristine paradise nestled in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. We'll sail along a space of crystalline water that inhabits several marine species thanks to the surrounding reefs and mangroves.
Our journey includes a stop at the Island of the Father and Playa Blanca or Playa Drake, where you can unwind in a secluded cove. Cap off the day with a delicious Caribbean lunch of coconut rice, fried fish, and plantains in the historic town of Portobelo.
Later this evening we'll have our closing dinner at a local restaurant that takes a modern twist to traditional Panamanian cuisine.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Farewell, Panama!
After breakfast we’ll say goodbye to Panama with included airport transportation.
Breakfast
Our Hotel
Step back in time and immerse yourself in Panamanian luxury at the Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo. This iconic 4-star hotel sits in the heart of Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the first hotel in the country at the time of its opening in 1874 and quickly became a meeting place for intrepid travelers. Their clientele has included the French builders who first attempted construction of the Panama Canal, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and Count Ferdinand de Lesseps.
Unwind in spacious accommodations featuring plush furnishings, modern amenities, and captivating views of the Old Town. Grab a bite to eat at the hotel’s onsite restaurant or indulge in 24-hour room service. Pamper yourself at the onsite spa or make a visit to the onsite gym.
Nestled in Plaza de la Independencia, you’ll be steps away from historical landmarks, vibrant shops, and Panama’s renowned cultural scene. Explore the Panama Canal Museum, the National Theater, and countless architectural wonders, all within easy reach.
Additional Info
Pricing
The listed price of the trip is $3,000 per person based on single occupancy.
Entry requirements
A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the trip dates and at least one blank page in your passport for endorsements.
Activity Level
This is an active trip. Participants should be comfortable walking up to 2 miles over the course of a day for walking tours during our Colon food tour, be comfortable with a moderate hike during our Embera indigenous community visit, and have some swimming experience for our catamaran experience in Venas Azules. Please contact us directly if you have further questions about health and fitness levels for this trip.
Arrival & Departure
Travelers should plan to fly into Panama City, Panama (PTY) airport on Thursday, March 6th and depart on Tuesday, March 11th.
We advise travelers to book flights that arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. local time on the March 6th day of arrival to allow time for navigating the airport and immigration and attending the opening dinner.
