Not for Tourists

This May, discover a country rife with beauty and rich in culture. Here you’ll experience a metropolitan capital that pulses around an historic heart. You’ll trek into the wilderness to meet indigenous people living deep in the rainforest. You’ll take in the sights, smells and tastes of a coffee plantation that blends tradition with innovation. And so much more.

Join the ATTA for this weeklong excursion and get to know Panama from the bottom up and the top down as you snorkel, kayak, raft, hike and helicopter your way around the country. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to learn about the people, the culture and the land that make this place what it is.

  • See Panama City from all angles as you tour the area on an Aquabus that takes you from the streets of the city to the waters around it. Then put on your walking shoes for a guided tour around Casco Antiguo, the historic heart of this cosmopolitan capital.
  • Adventure into the lush cloud forest surrounding Baru Volcano, hiking through the mist, spotting waterfalls and keeping an eye (and an ear) out for myriad animals including howler monkeys, sloths and hundreds of species of birds.
  • Take to the skies on a heli ride into Chagres National Park, an area covering around 300,000 acres of tropical rainforest, cut through by the Chagres River. Then trade your aerial view for an up-close encounter with the river, as you raft class II and III rapids.
  • Glide through the treetops of the cloud forest at breathtaking speed, far above rivers and waterfalls as you zipline well above the forest floor. Then relax and take in the views at the end with a sweet cup of locally grown and crafted hot chocolate.
  • Visit the renowned Panama Canal, getting a chance to spot wildlife as you both along the calm waters here. Plus, get a chance to see the historic locks in action from the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center.

AdventureWeek

Designed by adventurers for adventurers, AdventureWeek is a fully-hosted intensive familiarization trip (FAM), in which the ATTA has partnered with the country Panama to feature the best adventure travel products on offer. In addition to experiencing adventure travel in the destination, AdventureWeek participants — outbound tour operators, specialized travel agents and international travel media — meet with local operators and ground suppliers during a MARKETPLACE during the itinerary. A multimedia storytelling team will come along, too, to document the trip and promote Panama through photos and videos as well as social media exposure.

 
Apply

Discover

AdventureWeek Panama’s goal is to show the adventurous aspect of Panama and to solicit feedback from travel professionals about the future of adventure tourism in this incredible country. This adventure fam itinerary is subject to change since it is currently being developed to showcase the best that Panama has to offer adventure travelers.

Connect

AdventureWeek this May will feature a specialized marketplace that aims to connect attending buyers and media with local travel companies operating in Panama. Bring business cards as potential partners from Panama are eager for your visit.

Who should apply?

Outbound tour operators, travel advisors and OTAs from the United States, Canada, Spain Germany and China. Applying companies should have an active interest in offering experiences in Panama for their clientele. Additionally, there is very limited available for several editorial media who specialize in adventure travel.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, May 27:
Sights of Panama City

Enjoy a warm welcome at Tocumen International Airport and then take a private shuttle to Panama City.

In the afternoon for early arrivers, there is an option (at an additional price) to take an Aquabus tour around the city to see the sights from a different perspective. The Aquabus is a fun amphibious ride that takes you from the streets of Panama City to the waters around it. Later, the whole group will take a walking tour around historic Casco Antiguo. Please contact Javier Romero to make a reservation.

Back at the hotel in the evening, everyone will gather for cocktails and a look at what’s ahead for the week. This is a great chance to ask any questions you may have about the itinerary.

Suppliers: Adventures Panama and La Concordia Hotel
Hotel: Central Hotel Panama
Guides: Enrique Ramirez and Iann Sanchez

Monday, May 28:
Wildlife Spotting on the Canal

In the morning, you’ll enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then get picked up for a trip to the small town of Gamboa, situated where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal’s main navigation channel. From here, you’ll travel north by boat along the canal, stopping to swap a motor for a paddle to do some wildlife spotting by kayak. Monkeys are easy to see here, so be on the lookout for them.

On the way back to the hotel, you’ll stop for lunch in Gamboa and then visit the Miraflores Visitor Center on the south side of the canal, where you can watch the locks in action.

You’ll arrive back in Panama City in the late afternoon and have a special dinner at the Central Hotel Panama. Right after, get ready for an interpretative walking tour through the Casco Viejo (Old Town), an Unesco protected historic district of Panama City.

Suppliers: Adventures Panama and Gamboa Resort (Los Lagartos Restaurant)
Hotel: Central Hotel Panama
Guides: Enrique Ramirez and Iann Sanchez

Tuesday, May 29:
Chagres National Park From Above & Below

Get an early start on the day with breakfast. You’ll be picked up at the hotel after breakfast and then take a heli ride into the heart of Chagres National Park. This area, covering around 300,000 acres of tropical rainforest, protects Panama’s most valuable asset, the Chagres River — the main water source for Panama City and the Panama Canal.

Here you’ll strap on a helmet and raft through class II and III rapids in an area that’s so remote it could take a full day to hike out. Along the river, you’ll meet some of the indigenous Embera people that will receive us in their community and show us a little bit of their traditions and culture. For sure, it will be a great experience to connect and learn more about other cultures.  You’ll be back in the city by late afternoon for a nice dinner and typical show at Las Tinajas Restaurant.

Lodging is at the Central Hotel Panama.

Suppliers: Adventures Panama, Las Tinajas Restaurant and Embera Village
Hotel: Central Hotel Panama
Guides: Enrique Ramirez and Iann Sanchez

Wednesday, May 30:
Cloud Forest & Coffee

Today you’ll be transferred from your hotel in Panama City to Albrook airport, where you’ll hop a short domestic flight to your next destination, David. The flight takes about 50 minutes. You can carry on 14 kg of luggage from Panama City to David free of charge.
Once your arrive, you’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel in Boquete, located in the Chiriquí Highlands. After you check in and enjoy some refreshments at the hotel, you’ll head out for an introductory hike in the Panamanian cloud forest. You’ll venture out on one of the many scenic trails surrounding Barú Volcano, home to diverse flora and fauna, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, sloths, deer, peccaries, and any of the hundreds of species of birds that live here.
After your hike, enjoy a late lunch in Boquete and then head to a coffee plantation. Here, you’ll learn about the process behind coffee, from farm to cup, taking in the sights and tastes of a place that artfully balances traditional methods with modern advances. To cap off the day, you can sit back and relax at the hotel.

Suppliers: EcoCircuitos Panama and Don Pepe Estates Coffee Plantation, Laboratory and Factory
Hotel: Panamonte Hotel
Guides: Fabio Trujillo and Gerardo Guerra

Thursday, May 31:
Up Among the Treetops

Group 1: Zipline

You’ll start your half-day adventure by heading into a valley outside the town of Boquete. After a short hike into the forest, you’ll meet your experienced canopy guides, who will ensure your safety and join you throughout this unforgettable adventure. You’ll receive safety instructions and a short training before your take the leap into this adrenaline-pumping canopy tour. This unique experience is only for true adventurers with no fear of heights!

On the tour, you’ll cover 3 kilometers of zipline in total, divided among 12 different zipline cables. You’ll glide through the treetops of the cloud forest at breathtaking speed, far above rivers and waterfalls.Then you’ll wrap up your hair-raising adventure on a sweet note, with cup of hot chocolate while you take in the amazing natural landscapes of the highlands and Barú Volcano National Park.

Group 2: Sky Walk the Highlands

Start the day early with a short ride (about 25 minutes) into the valley behind Boquete. During the drive, you’ll have the chance to soak in the sights of the countryside and coffee farms. Upon arrival at your destination, you’ll be given a briefing about the trip.

Then you’ll head out on 5 km loop that will take you over five skywalk bridges ranging from 1,600 to 1,800 meters over sea level. You’ll walk through the treetops of the cloud forest, giving you the perfect opportunity to watch for exotic birds and other animals native to the area. From these heights, you’ll also be get to enjoy extensive panoramic views as your guide tells you about the ecosystem around you, as well as its inhabitants. You’ll end this unforgettable tour with a sweet cup of hot chocolate, taking in the amazing natural landscapes of the highlands and Barú Volcano National Park.

 

After your trip through the treetops, everyone will enjoy lunch (and some amazing views) at the Tree Trek restaurant.

After lunch, you’ll head to your hotel in Boca Chica, the gateway to the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine National Park. This area is home to verdant islands, palm-tree-fringed white beaches and an incredible variety of wildlife. At the hotel you can enjoy our private dock, an ideal place to launch into beach hopping, kayaking, snorkelling, and more. You’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel and can relax by the pool, taking in views of the ocean.

Suppliers: EcoCircuitos Panama and Boquete Tree Trek Eco Adventure Park
Hotel: Bocas del Mar Hotel
Guides: Fabio Trujillo and Gerardo Guerra

Friday, June 1:
A Day at the Beach

The Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park encompasses 14,740 hectares of protected coral reef, mangroves, crystal blue waters and about two dozen small islands that are a favorite refuge for sea turtles, white-tipped sharks, tiger herons, thousands of tropical fish, and even migrating whales. You’ll discover this incredible marine park while snorkeling, island hopping and beach combing at Isla Bolañoz.

After your excursion, you’ll enjoy a special lunch at the Isla Palenque Resort, and, in the afternoon, we will hike through the Private Island Trails of Palenque.

Suppliers: EcoCircuitos Panama and Isla Palenque Resort
Hotel: Bocas del Mar Hotel
Guides: Fabio Trujillo and Gerardo Guerra

Saturday, June 2:
Marketplace

Today you’ll be transferred to David airport for your flight back to Panama City. You’re allowed to check 30 kg of luggage free of charge; every 1 kg after that will cost approximately USD$2. The amount of extra luggage you’re able to take also depends on flight capacity.

Once you’re back in Panama City, you’ll be head for your hotel to settle in.

After lunch, you’ll be set to explore the marketplace to introduce AdventureWeek participants to the local tour operators and other travel trade. The evening will conclude with a closing party.

Lodging for the evening is at the Bristol Hotel.

Sunday, June 3:
Heading Home

Today, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Tocumen International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

Apply Now

ATTA is accepting applications to join AdventureWeek Panama through March 6. Please be aware of pertinent travel notices or warnings for travel to Panama before applying.

Outbound tour operators, travel advisors and OTAs from the United States, Canada, Spain Germany and China: apply now.

Editorial media who specialize in adventure travel: apply now.

   
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Established in 1990, the Adventure Travel Trade Association is the largest global network of adventure travel leaders. Our community is made up of ~30,000 individual guides, tour operators, lodges, travel advisors, tourism boards, destination marketing and management organizations, outdoor educators, gear companies and travel media who share a belief and commitment to sustainable tourism. The connections and creativity of this vibrant community come together both virtually and in person to create and deliver the solutions that propel our businesses and our communities toward a responsible and profitable future.

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