Panama Highlands Experience

• Round trip economy class airfare from Miami to Panama City (other US Gateways available
• • Domestic flights within Panama
  • 7 nights hotel accommodations ( Panama City 2, Soberania Nat'l Park 1, Boquete 2, Cerro Punta 2)
  • All transfers as per itinerary with assistance and baggage handling
  • Land transportation and sightseeing via air-conditioned vehicles and English speaking professional tour guides
  • Meals as specified each day: B=Breakfast (7), L=Lunch (4), D=Dinner (3)
  • Guided excursions and tours as per itinerary
  • Entrance fees on included sightseeing
  • All hotel taxes and service charges
  • FreeGate travel bag and document portfolio
  

Day 1: USA-PANAMA CITY
Depart USA. Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Panama City and transfer to your hotel in Panama City. Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 2: SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK- CANOPY TOWER (B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to the Miraflores Locks to observe the operation of vessels transiting the Panama Canal. A presentation of the Canal will inform you about the past, present and future of this great wonder of the world. Then, transfer to Gamboa Rainforest Resort, where you will have the opportunity to relax or take other optional tours. After lunch, return to the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal and witness massive ships being raised and lowered by the forces of nature. Dinner at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, accompanied by an unforgettable sunset. Overnight.

Day 3- SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK- DAVID-BOQUETE (B)
Today, your visit begins with Pipeline Road, in the heart of the virgin lowland rainforest of Soberania National Park. Pipeline Road is considered one of the best birding spots in the world. More than 500 species were spotted here in a single day during the Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count. Vital to the Panama Canal, this protected watershed boasts outstanding bio-diversity. Afternoon flight to David in the western province of Chiriqui. Transfer by car to the picturesque mountain town of Boquete. Enjoy the afternoon in the beautiful Chiriqui highlands. Overnight.

Day 4: BOQUETE-BARU VOLCANO (B, L)
After an early breakfast explore the trails around the Baru Volcano National Park. At an elevation of 7,500 feet, you will have the opportunity to see the elusive resplendent quetzal in its cool habitat of orchids and bromelaids. Box lunch in the field. Overnight in Boquete.

Day 5: LA AMISTAD INTERNATIONAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE- CERRO PUNTA (B, L)
After breakfast, drive to the West Side of the volcano, Cerro Punta, and The Friendship Park, shared with Costa Rica. This park was recognised in 1982 as a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the different trails of the area. Overnight.

Day 6: CERRO PUNTA (B,L, D)
After breakfast, visit the Hartman Farm and Lakes for orchid observation. These tropical highlands support a rich diversity of orchids, ferns, bromeliads and tillandsias, many of which are pollinated by humming birds. Box lunch in the field. Overnight and dinner at Los Quetzales.

Day 7: PANAMA CITY (B, D)
After breakfast, transfer to David Airport for your flight back to Panama City. Free afternoon for relaxing and shopping. Dinner and folkloric show at Tinajas Restaurant. Overnight.

Day 8: DEPART PANAMA (B)
Transfer to the International Airport, approximately two hours before your flight's schedule departure time.

Accommodations		Hotel	Room type
Panama City		Intercontinental	Deluxe
Soberania National Park		Gamboa Rainforest Resort	Deluxe
Boquete		Panamonte	Standard
Cerro Punta		Los Quetzales	Standard

  {hotels}

Departure Dates & Prices

NOTES: Rates are person in US Dollars, based on double occupancy, valid through march 31, 2008 except for Christmas and New Year's periods (hotel supplements apply - please inquire). Airfare is based on Miami deparures; other gateways are available - please see below. Not included in the rates are US and foreign airport departure taxes, as well as airline fuel surcharges.

SUPPLEMENTS/ ADDITIONAL COSTS:
AIRFARE: Holiday Season (Dec. 10 - Jan 2): $290

BRING-YOUR-OWN-AIR: If you buy your own airline tickets please deduct $410 from the above prices

DEPARTURES FROM OTHER US CITIES: Please add the add-on fares listed below to the tour price:

BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADE (International airfare): Available on request