Panama Holidays

Take a boat transit of the Panama Canal, navigating the mighty lock gates
Explore the ancient, old and new quarters of engaging Panama city
Take a dugout canoe past pristine rainforest to visit an indigenous Embera Community
Hike up dormant Baru Volcano for views to both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea
Snorkel over colourful coral gardens within the Bocas del Toro island archipelago
Charter a yacht and sail through the picture postcard San Blas Islands

Our Panama expert, John, has been arranging tailor made holidays to Panama for many years. Since returning from his most recent visit to Panama he has been educating fellow Steppes staff with history, facts, statistics and “did you knows?” about Panama’s famous canal. Panama is best known for its iconic piece of engineering, but there is so much more to this beautiful country.

Few realise the biodiversity found in Panama. As a land bridge connecting Central and South America; Panama is a biological corridor and host to over 1,000 species of bird (largest number in Central America), 10,000 species of plant, 218 species of mammal and 226 species of reptile. In fact, one third of the country is protected by Forest Reserves and National Parks such as Soberania and Metropolitan.

Panama also offers great cultural interest. Of the indigenous communities that still exist, it is possible to visit The Kuna in their own semi-autonomous territory of Kuna Yala (San Blas) that consists of some 365 Caribbean islands and 200 km of coastline. The Embera tribe also encourage visitors to travel to their community by boat along the Chagres River. Both tribes have a rich pre-Columbian heritage and retain strong traditions and customs. Elsewhere in the country the Spanish and French have left their colonial stamp too.

Bocas del Toro , the San Blas Islands and Golfo de Chiriqui are all idyllic spots for a little rest and relaxation on the coast. No matter where you go in Panama there is always a cultural, historic and natural experience to be found, whether it is a fería on the Azuero Peninsula or white water rafting in the highland town of Boquete visitors to Panama will consistently be surprised by how much the country has to offer.

Steppes Travel offers both tailor-made and small group holidays to Panama. You can also explore Panama on a cruise that includes a full transit of the canal.

To find out more about holidays to Panama, contact our expert John on 01285 885 333.