Panama Canal & San Blas Islands: 5-Day Tour
Taylor Made

Panama Canal & San Blas Islands: 5-Day Tour

Panama

Journey Through the Majestic Canal and Caribbean Paradise

4 nights and 5 days, starting and ending locally

Join us for a captivating 5-day, 4-night journey through Panama’s iconic sights and culture! Witness the Panama Canal in action as you explore the impressive canal locks and learn about the intricate workings of this engineering marvel. Experience a rare look into the lives of indigenous communities in the surrounding regions and gain insight into their unique traditions and heritage.

Then, escape to the white-sand islands of the stunning San Blas Archipelago in the Caribbean. Here, you’ll find pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and unforgettable island landscapes. With years of local expertise in Panama, Only One Travel will bring you the very best this remarkable country has to offer!

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Key aspects of this tour

Explore Panama City in Comfort

This tour is based in Panama City, where you'll enjoy daily excursions before returning to your hotel for a comfortable 4-night stay. The comfort of your room and the convenient location of your hotel are key to enhancing your experience. Panama City offers a wide range of city hotels. If you have specific preferences for accommodation, please let us know. We will recommend the best options from our extensive hotel list, tailored to meet your needs and desires.

Highlights

Panama's Wonders: The Canal and Caribbean Paradise

The Panama Canal, an international waterway connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, opened in 1914 in the Republic of Panama, Central America. It took about 11 years to construct, funded and built primarily by American investment. The canal stretches 82 km in length, linking Gatun Lake and artificial waterways at its core.

Due to the 26-meter elevation difference between Gatun Lake and sea level, ships passing through the canal must navigate a series of locks at the entrance, where the water levels are adjusted before proceeding to the central lake. Afterward, the same process occurs at the exit. The size of ships allowed to pass through the locks is limited, and it takes approximately 24 hours for large vessels to complete the entire transit, including waiting time.

After its opening, the canal was managed by the United States, which had provided the capital for its construction. However, it was fully transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999. Since then, canal transit fees have become a significant source of revenue for the country. Although the Panama Canal ranks 11th in terms of length globally, it remains one of the most renowned canals and a key attraction for Panama’s tourism industry.
Located in the northeastern part of Panama, the San Blas Islands consist of approximately 360 islands in the Caribbean Sea, often referred to as the "jewel of the Caribbean" for their stunning white sandy beaches. The islands vary in size, from small, uninhabited sandbars to larger islands with palm trees, hotels, and even airstrips. Travel between the islands is possible by boat.

The region is home to the Kuna people, an indigenous group known for creating and selling colorful embroidered textiles called molas, which are popular among tourists. The waters surrounding the islands are some of the clearest in the Caribbean, with the striking contrast of white beaches and blue skies creating breathtaking, vivid scenery that uplifts the spirit of all who visit.
The Panama Canal, an international waterway connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, opened in 1914 in the Republic of Panama, Central America. It took about 11 years to construct, funded and built primarily by American investment. The canal stretches 82 km in length, linking Gatun Lake and artificial waterways at its core.

Due to the 26-meter elevation difference between Gatun Lake and sea level, ships passing through the canal must navigate a series of locks at the entrance, where the water levels are adjusted before proceeding to the central lake. Afterward, the same process occurs at the exit. The size of ships allowed to pass through the locks is limited, and it takes approximately 24 hours for large vessels to complete the entire transit, including waiting time.

After its opening, the canal was managed by the United States, which had provided the capital for its construction. However, it was fully transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999. Since then, canal transit fees have become a significant source of revenue for the country. Although the Panama Canal ranks 11th in terms of length globally, it remains one of the most renowned canals and a key attraction for Panama’s tourism industry.
Located in the northeastern part of Panama, the San Blas Islands consist of approximately 360 islands in the Caribbean Sea, often referred to as the "jewel of the Caribbean" for their stunning white sandy beaches. The islands vary in size, from small, uninhabited sandbars to larger islands with palm trees, hotels, and even airstrips. Travel between the islands is possible by boat.

The region is home to the Kuna people, an indigenous group known for creating and selling colorful embroidered textiles called molas, which are popular among tourists. The waters surrounding the islands are some of the clearest in the Caribbean, with the striking contrast of white beaches and blue skies creating breathtaking, vivid scenery that uplifts the spirit of all who visit.

Tour Dates

  • Day1

    Arrival in Panama

    Welcome to Panama!
    We will greet you at Tocumen International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Panama City. After check-in, relax and unwind at your hotel. For those interested, we also offer optional tours to start exploring right away.
    Overnight stay at a hotel in Panama City.

    • Breakfast: x

    • Lunch: x

    • Dinner: x

    Hampton by Hilton panama

  • Day2

    Panama Canal Tour and Old Town Sightseeing

    After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will begin the day by visiting the Miraflores Museum, where you can learn about the Panama Canal's intricate workings while observing the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side up close. Following this, you will head to Casco Antiguo, the Old Town of Panama City, which was built in 1675. Despite ongoing restoration efforts, the colonial-style architecture of the area preserves its historic charm.

    Lunch is not included in the tour, but we will guide you to a local restaurant for a meal. In the evening, you can look forward to a Panamanian folklore dinner show, offering a delightful cultural experience, with round-trip transportation provided. After the show, return to your hotel for a restful night in Panama City.

    • Breakfast: 〇

    • Lunch: x

    • Dinner: 〇

    Hampton by Hilton panama

  • Day3

    Visit to the Emberá Tribe

    After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel by private car to a river dock along a branch of the Panama Canal. From there, you will board a motorized canoe for a scenic journey to the village of the Emberá tribe. Once you arrive, you will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional way of life of the Emberá people, as well as their cultural practices, including their traditional dances. A light snack will be provided during the tour.

    After the visit to the Emberá village, you will return to Panama City. In the afternoon, you can explore the Fish Market, browse the artisan markets, and visit a local supermarket for some additional sightseeing and shopping.

    You will stay overnight at your hotel in Panama City.

    • Breakfast: 〇

    • Lunch: x

    • Dinner: x

    Hampton by Hilton panama

  • Day4

    San Blas Islands Day Tour

    Start your day with breakfast at the hotel or a packed breakfast, depending on your schedule. You will then embark on the San Blas Islands tour, traveling by land and boat. First, you will drive through mountain roads in a 4x4 vehicle to reach the port. From there, you will transfer to a boat that will take you around the stunning islands of the San Blas archipelago, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

    For lunch, savor fresh seafood, caught locally, for an authentic taste of the region. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Panama City by private car. Dinner is not included, so feel free to explore and enjoy it on your own. You will spend the night at your hotel in Panama City.

    • Breakfast: 〇

    • Lunch: 〇

    • Dinner: x

    Hampton by Hilton panama

  • Day5

    Panama Viejo Tour & Departure

    Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel and enjoy some free time until check-out. After checking out, you will embark on your final tour to Panama Viejo, the original colonial city founded by the Spanish in 1519. Today, some parts of the city remain as well-preserved ruins, offering a glimpse into Panama's rich history.

    After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport, where you will say goodbye to your guide and proceed with your departure. Safe travels!

    • Breakfast: 〇

    • Lunch: x

    • Dinner: x

Hotels

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Travel Rate

Experience the Natural Wonders of the Pantanal: 4-Day Tour

Price per person (USD)

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Included in the Price
  • An English or Spanish-speaking local guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
  • Private airport transfers are included.
  • Accommodation at hotels listed in the itinerary.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • Admission fees for all tour activities.
  • One bottle of water provided per day.
Not Included in Price
  • Round-trip international airfare and airport taxes:Please contact us if you would like us to arrange this for you.
  • Travel insurance
  • Fuel surcharges
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities during your stay

Information

Departure point
Panama City
Guide
Local staff will guide you
Visit to the Emberá Tribe:
To reach the Emberá village, you will travel by small boat. Please wear footwear that can get wet.
At the Emberá village, you will have the opportunity to swim in the sacred waterfall's pool. However, since the path involves walking over large rocks, this activity is not recommended for those with mobility concerns. Please note that if the water levels are too high, the visit to the waterfall may be canceled for safety reasons.
San Blas Islands Tour Information:
During the San Blas Islands tour, you will be traveling between islands by small boat. Please ensure you wear footwear that can get wet.
Tour Cancellation Due to Natural Disasters:
In the event that a tour becomes impossible to continue due to natural disasters, unforeseen accidents, political upheaval, war, strikes, riots, or other force majeure events, the tour may be canceled. Please note that in such cases, no compensation or refunds will be provided. We appreciate your understanding in advance.

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