The Best of Panama - ¡Ayala vida!

See huge container vessels lifted and lowered in the mighty Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, before witnessing history in the making as the immense new locks are constructed. Appreciate Panama’s history in Casco Viejo, the city’s Old Quarter, crowded with colonial houses, narrow roads and impressive churches, before travelling to Panama Viejo, the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas.

Take a hollowed tree trunk canoe through the jungle to visit an indigenous community on the banks of Gatun Lake. After the tribe welcome you at the pier the chief explains their tribe’s traditions, cultures, beliefs and handicrafts. Lunch is then served, before witnessing a traditional dance and the opportunity to support the village and children by purchasing handicrafts or getting a temporary Embera tattoo with ink from a local fruit!

Take a boat to Bird Island and observe the variety of marine life and birds that migrate to the region each year. The mainland coast and mountains serve as an exquisite visual background while Boca del Drago is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and lunch on the beach. Then Starfish Beach and the Playa Estrella “pool” provide a chance to see starfish, as well as swimming, snorkelling and nature-watching.

Zipline through the treetops of ancient forests, above the pristine rivers, waterfalls and landscapes bordering the National Park La Amistad and Baru volcano. With a length of 2 miles (3 km) and divided into 12 cables and 14 platforms built in the middle of the cloud forest, this is technology used hundreds of years ago by the indigenous people before being perfected by botanists and naturalists to study the behaviours of wild creatures in their natural habitat.

Retrace the steps of pre-Columbian Indians, hiking through virgin cloud forest around the Baru Volcano, home to five of the most ancient trees in Panama, even surviving a volcanic eruption 800 years ago. With more than 220 bird species in the area, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, birding opportunities are abundant, and there’s a chance to spot howler monkeys, white faced capuchins and two-toed sloths.

Experience an Island Foraging Experience at Isla Palenque, using artisanal fishing techniques and picking local fruits and vegetables from the island’s orchard and rainforest trails before Chef prepares your haul using ingredients from local markets. Then set sail, island-hopping the Gulf of Chiriqui’s stunning islets, snorkelling amongst iconic crescent moon beaches, soaring palm trees and coral reefs, and enjoy a picnic basket on your secret island while watching for Humpback whales.