The Panama Canal and The San Blas Islands

The Panama Canal and The San Blas Islands

Be impressed by Panama City’s colonial history, the Panama Canal and the country’s beautiful Caribbean beaches. The colorful Kuna Indians’ island kingdom of San Blas and magnificent Bocas del Toro.

This travel proposal is for you who want to experience a lot but have a little short of time. It is for you who are looking for tropical adventures, exciting culture and idyllic Robinson Islands in San Blas. The journey begins in Panama City where you see the old quarters and buildings of Casco Viejo and you then continue with a visit to the Panama Canal where you take part in the exciting history behind this wonder. The journey continues towards exotic beaches in the picturesque paradise of San Blas. This beautiful island kingdom consists of about 365 islands located along the coast in the northeastern part of Panama. Here live but simple and rustic among the Kuna Indians who manage this area. In addition to turquoise waters and white beaches, it is possible to visit local markets and visit one of the traditional villages of the Kuna Indians.

You can either book the proposal as it is or combine it with a longer or shorter trip to some of the other exciting and interesting places in Central and South America.

Best travel period

Panama has a tropical climate with an average temperature of about 30 degrees. The temperature is usually a few degrees lower on the Pacific coast compared to the Caribbean coast. The rainy season is from the end of April to the beginning of December, but as a rule the rains are sporadic and seldom prevent excursions and experiences. The high season is from December to April.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Departure from Scandinavia and arrival in Panama City

You travel from Scandinavia and arrive in Panama City late at night local time. You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel.

Day 2: City tour of Panama City and visit at Mirafloresslussen

Today awaits an eventful day! You first do a city tour and see Panama City – it is usually said that Panama City consists of 3 cities and you see all three; The historic city – remnants of 16th century Panama “La Vieja”, the old city, “Casco Antiguo” with the colonial buildings and then the modern city with skyscrapers and modern houses. After lunch you continue to Miraflores where there are balconies from which you have a very good view of the lock and canal and the huge container ships that begin their journey through the Panama Canal. Every year, more than 14,000 ships pass the Panama Canal and it has had an enormous impact on the country’s economy as well as the world economy. By passing through the Panama Canal instead of rounding Cape Horn, you save almost 12,500 kilometers each time. The canal officially opened in 1914 after many years of work. It was mainly the United States that saw the importance of creating a connection between the world’s two largest seas and entered into a cooperation agreement with Panama that gave them the rights until 1999 when they transferred to Panama. The canal is also one of today’s largest engineering companies. Enjoy the fantastic story that you get to experience a part of today! (F , L )

Day 3: Panama City – San Blas

Today you will be picked up at the hotel at sunrise. You have a 5-6 hour drive ahead of you before arriving on the Caribbean coast. On the way there is the opportunity to stop and buy some breakfast, stop at a store and buy snacks, sweets, drinks, etc. as there are no shops out on the islands. You also make a stop at the immigration authorities before it’s time to board the boat that will take you out to San Blas. The Kuna Indians are the colorful, indigenous people of this area and are the ones responsible for the San Blas archipelago with the approximately 365 islands that are scattered along the coast and which is a protected nature reserve. They live on one of the 49 inhabited islands themselves. Once there, check in to your simple but cozy accommodation on Senidub Island. ( F , M )

Day 4-5: Relaxation on the San Blas Islands

Nice days in the San Blas Islands. Enjoy breakfast to the sound of the waves crashing against the beach and relax with a book in a hammock. Here you swim and snorkel in the clear water among tropical fish. You can rent a boat or visit one of the Kuna Indian villages. You can buy beautiful handicraft souvenirs and contribute a little to the economy in this isolated part of Panama – you can easily book interesting and exciting excursions with the hotel. ( F , L , M )

Day 6: San Blas – Panama City

You now leave San Blas and continue by boat back to the mainland and then by car to Panama City where you check in at your hotel again. You have the rest of the day on your own to continue exploring the city. ( F , M )

Day 7: Panama City – Scandinavia

Then it’s time to say goodbye to Panama (though you can always book extra days or maybe go on to Costa Rica or some other exciting and interesting place in Central or South America). You land in Scandinavia the next day.

Day 8: Homecoming

You land in Scandinavia again – the time depends on which airline you have chosen to fly with.

Overnight stays

Three nights at a hostel in Panama City
Three nights at a hostel in San Blas

The Panama Canal and The San Blas Islands