Panama Budget Itinerary
| Day 1: | Meet & Greet | Meet up and Night City Tour Where: Panama City Your guide will be at Mamallena’s hostel ready to greet you any time you arrive. She will introduce you to staff, give you a cell phone to contact her 24/7 and be ready for your first salsa or Spanish lesson. After an informational dinner your guide will take you on a city walking tour with great night views of the bay and city skyline. The tour has a couple of quick pub stops and ends in the city’s nightlife center. Or you can follow your guide back to the hostel if you want an early start the next day. Optional: Transfer In: 15.00 per person |
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| Day 2: | Jungle Trek\Biking | Where: Panama City The morning starts with a hiking expedition to a jungle in the city filled with monkeys, sloth and rare rainforest birds. The day is topped off with biking on the city’s causeway connecting 4 islands with amazing views of the skyline and luxury yachts. |
| Day 3: | Las Lajas | Travel to Las Lajas for Camping Beach Party Where: Las Lajas Beach Work on your Spanish homework with our guide as you ride with the locals to the kilometers long Pacific Beach of Las Lajas. Play in the water or practice surfing as we set up the bonfire to roast marshmallows and hotdogs. |
| Day 4: | Continental Divide Trail | The Continental Divide Trail Where: The Fortuna Forest Reserve On our way to The Fortuna Forest Reserve we stop at Gualaca river canyon for cliff jumping and swimming, then up the continental divide to The Lost and Found Lodge for Jungle Olympics, with foosball, darts and Jenga competitions for prizes. |
| Day 5: | Jungle Treasure Hunt | Jungle Treasure Hunt and Cloud Forest Hiking Where: The Fortuna Forest Reserve Take a day to relax or get up and start in the resort’s labyrinth and search for the one eyed monkey in the popular treasure hunt that takes you across rivers, through huge strangler fig trees and caves. |
| Day 6: | Gulf of Chiriqui | Gulf of Chiriqui Beach Excusion Where: Boca Brava Island A day of beach exploration and hikes to spot the howler monkeys. A fabulous lunch at the island’s restaurant before we grab lobster from local fishermen for a feast at The Lost and Found. |
| Day 7: | Hotsprings, Petroglyphs | Hotsprings, Petroglyphs, Paradise Garden and, Town Tour of Boquete Where: Boquete Today we drive the back roads through beautiful canyons, see the ancient petroglyphs, and soak in the natural hot springs on you way to Boquete. We visit Paradise Gardens animal rescue center to experience the monkeys and the wild cats and to see the highlights and magnificent views in Boquete. |
| Day 8: | Safari and Cave Camping | Overnight Safari and Cave Camping Where: Fortuna Forest Reserve Head out before dusk in search of wildlife that only stirs in the dark. Your guide Gabriel is a master at finding snakes, tarantulas and nocturnal mammals. In the morning you travel through the jungle to meet his family and the house he is building with the proceeds of this tour. |
| Leg 2 | Join our tour here | Join our tour here at The Lost and Found or Bocas Del Toro |
| Day 9: | Waterfalls Tour | Waterfalls and the massive Fortuna hydro project and Bocas nightlife Where: Palo Seco National Park and Bocas Del Toro On our way to Caribbean we stop at a massive dam, a pristine 30 meter waterfall before we take the fast boat to the islands to hit some of the country’s wildest nightlife. |
| Day 10: | Snorkeling and Beach Trek | Snorkeling and Beach Trek Where: Bocas Del Toro Archipelago Bright coral reefs, rare strawberry poison dart frogs, sand and sun are the order of the day as we boat through the islands and coves in such spots as Red Frog Beach and Dolphin Bay. |
| Day 11: | Inner Tubing Adventure | Inner Tubing Adventure Where: Province of Bocas Del Toro Float down the river on an inner tube through rarely visited Ngnobe Indian villages on the way back up to The Lost and Found for a trip photo contest and a karaoke fest. |
| Day 12: | Organic Coffee Tour | Organic Coffee Tour and Horseback riding Where: Cune’s Organic Farm From The Lost and Found we travel by 4 x 4 to the region’s only organic farm. We’ll tour the farm and learn how one man – part organic farmer, part mad scientist -- is proudly bucking the trend by going it alone with the region’s only certified organic farm. We’ll sit down with Cune and his family to have a genuine Panamanian farm to table lunch made with local organic ingredients and see how the Panamanian specialty, Sancocho, is made with free range chicken. After lunch Cune will share the stories, secrets and challenges of organic production in Panama and be even more eager to share a glass or his homemade wine or cup of his own organic coffee with you. After, we will continue on horseback through the Chiriqui highlands with views of Volcan Baru and valleys all the way down to the Pacific. |
| Day 13: | Tour of Flor de Chiriqui | Tour of Flor de Chiriqui Coffee Plantation and Carta Vieja Rum Factory Where: David Complete your coffee education with a trip to see how big coffee companies produce their coffee then head to see how Panama’s national rum is made. The evening is topped off with a BBQ pool party at Bambu Hostel. |
| Day 14: | Casino and Salsa | Casino and Salsa night in Panama City Where: Panama City On the bus ride back to Panama City we can brush up on our Spanish lessons, and rehearse our poker face for a quick game back at Hostel Mamallena’s then a night out to the casinos. For those not into gambling, every night at the casino has a busy dance floor and often live salsa. |
| Day 15: | Panama Canal | Where: Panama City No trip to Panama is complete without a trip to the world famous locks highlighted in such movies as Team America. Free time in the evening for more of Panama Cities famous nightlife. |
| Day 16: | Casco Viejo & Trf. Out | Casco Viejo walking tour and treasure hunt Where: The colonial quarter of Panama City A treasure hunt through the church towers, cobble stone streets and dungeons of Panama once sacked by English Pirates like Henry Morgan. For those less into treasure hunting and more into history, there is also a walking tour. The evening sadly is our farewell dinner. Optional: Transfer Out: 15.00 per person |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Lost and Found Adventure Tours so affordable?
We own the Lost and Found Lodge, a special Eco Resort ~ the perfect base in the center of most of our activities. We operate the majority of the tours instead of just commissioning them out. There are no middle men and we pay no commissions – we run all the tours ourselves. This means a much lower overhead for us and less costs for you. We are seasoned backpackers that know you want to spend your money on daring adventures, learning something new and experiencing cultures and do not want to waste your money on MTV in a hotel room. We arrange stays in friendly dorms or private rooms in hostels so you can meet other travelers and compare adventures.
2. Can you give me a general profile of the Lost and Found Adventure Tour customer?
Our customers are from all over the world, of all ages and are all young at heart. They do not like groups of uninformed tourists who come to a country expecting to see the sights everyone comes to see. Instead they expect the unexpected. Our customers do not choose Lost and Found Adventure Tours because they want to sit back and be shown Panama – no, they want their freedom and to explore. Many of our customers would normally be happy with a good backpacker guidebook and their freedom… but in Panama this means they would miss more than half of what they would want to see and experience. Without a 4x4 much would be missed. Without an experienced local group to plan discounts very much would be too expensive. They sleep in dorms not only because they are inexpensive, but because they prefer them for the opportunities they provide to meet new people.
3. How many hours of Spanish classes will I receive?
It’s up to you! Your tour guide is your teacher. If you speak Spanish with her you have unlimited hours of practice and homework.
4. How do I stay connected to family and friends back home?
On your first day of arrival you will be given a cell phone that can accept international calls for the duration of your trip. You can email this number to family members back home and be instantly in touch. You can buy prepaid phone cards the rates of which are low although Skype is available at many of the hostels you will stay at and your guide will have an account if you don’t. We recommend that you add one emergency contact number to the address book of your cell phone for us to contact in the event of an emergency.
5. Do your tours include international airfare?
No. We leave that up to you to find the best price from your place of departure. You can begin the tour from either Bocas Del Toro (possibly arriving from Costa Rica) or Panama City. We will suggest a flight to see if we can beat your best price.
6. Can I arrive with a one-way ticket?
No and yes. Most of the time immigration does not demand proof of onward travel but it is best to be prepared. But there are options if you are continuing on to Central or South America. You can buy a return refundable ticket and cancel your return after arrival or you can buy a one way ticket and a bus ticket that shows onward travel to Costa Rica.
7. How can I buy a bus ticket that shows onward travel?
After you make a down payment for your tour we can purchase one for you and mail it back. This service can save you a lot of money and hassle.
8. How many people will be in my tour group?
Our groups are small ~ between 4 and 10. We encourage members to share Facebook profiles (optional) so you can generate a discussion about your trips, share information and help shape the itinerary.
9. How difficult are the adventures?
This is an Adventure Tour that includes moderate hiking, swimming and other activities that require a moderate level of fitness to enjoy. The hardest mandatory climb is to the Lost and Found Lodge. It is a 15 minute steep hike with your backpack.
This is not luxury travel… there is a night safari and the objective is to FIND the wildlife which includes the snakes and bizarre rainforest insects. However keep in mind you need no special abilities and each place you go has hot showers, clean sheets, and great food.
10. What should I pack?
Pack light. When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
11. Other things to consider
Panama has every product you can buy at home that you will need from mosquito repellant to contact lens solution. But here are few tips:
First and foremost you need a backpack… this is a backpacking adventure and there are a couple of hikes and overnights you will need to make with your gear. Better if you have a cover for your pack too. You should have good quality hiking boots that can get wet. Take a good raincoat and sweater… you should have these in a day pack not only for your overnight night safari in the cloud forest but for the buses as well… the air conditioners work too well. Foot powder is a good friend to have as are flip flops for the shower. Some people swear by earplugs. A padlock will be good to have for peace of mind for your bag. Bring a towel ~ if you find yours bulky, try one of those micro towels they sell at specialty camping stores. Skin So Soft is a great product for both mosquitos and sand flies. We suggest that you make a color copy of your passport and laminate it and also make a copy of the entry stamp on your passport after you arrive. Why not scan and email your passport to yourself to be safe. You are required by law to carry this but color copies are good.
Allow us to remind you of something often overlooked, namely, what we call your adult clothes. You will have the option to take free salsa lessons and your guide will offer to take you to the hippest discos. Even the coolest techno clubs play the odd meringue and salsa music. Shorts and flip flops are not only out of place here, they WILL NOT let you in with them.
Here is a recommended checklist:
•Passport (we recommend color laminate photocopies. On arrival also make a copy of your entrance visa stamp)
•Travel insurance (optional, we offer this service, ask us for more information)
•Airline tickets (make photocopies as well)
•American Dollars
•Credit or debit card
•Backpack (a cover for the back comes in handy in the rain)
•Flashlight
•Concealable money-belt
•Sweater
•Rain jacket
•Bathing suite
•Hiking boots that WILL get wet
•Sport sandals or flip flops
•Adult clothes
•Skin So Soft
•Foot Powder
12. I want to upgrade to a private room with my significant other… will we be both be charged for the upgrade?
No. You will split the added costs of the upgrade… you save by sharing.
13. What if I arrive early?
We can book rooms for you but you will need to pay the regular rates… usually around $30 for a private room and $11 for a dorm.There is a lot to do if you arrive early of leave later with add on tours to San Blas.
14. Where will we be staying?
Mamallena hostel -- http://www.mamallena.com/
The Lost and Found Lodge – www.lostandfoundlodge.com
Bambu Hostel, David -- http://www.bambuhostel.com/
Gran Kahuna, Bocas -- http://www.grankahunabocas.com<wbr></wbr>/
15. Can I join a tour late or leave it early?
Yes, There are two legs to the journey. The first leg is eight days and ends in Bocas where you can take a short flight or bus to Panama City. Leg two ends in Panama City where there are flights and buses as well. You can join any leg at any stage as well because the tour itinerary runs back to back.
16. What form of transportation do we use?
For long trips our guide will take you through the steps of the local transportation network. Many of our treks will take you literally off the beaten track so we have our own 4x4 for that.
17. What if I want a domestic flight?
Most of our guests enjoy watching the scenery drift by and feel a stronger sense of connection to Panama when they use local transport. The longest trip is almost 7 hours. You can upgrade to an air ticket for $80 one way for this stretch. We can arrange all these details for you. But remember the bus ride is great opportunity to work with your guide on you Spanish.
18. Where can I wash my clothes?
There are laundry facilities right at all the hostels we stay.
19. How difficult is getting a travel visa?
You should check the visa requirements for your country but the vast majority of visitors just buy a $5 tourist card when they enter.
20. What vaccinations are required?
We will not be traveling to any areas affected malaria. There was a short period of time when travelers from South America were required to have Yellow Fever vaccinations but that has been waved. We will inform you if it is re-instituted. We do advise you check with your own General Medical Practitioner for any vaccination requirements.
21. Is tipping included?
Check to see if there was a service charge added to your bill before you consider tipping. If you were happy with your Lost and Found Lodge tour guide, feel free to show her your appreciation at the end of your trip.
22. How do I get from the airport to the hostel?
For some, arrival in a busy airport is the first travel challenge they face. Don’t worry; Panama City is easier than most. There are no touts pushing hotels or selling tours and no one shouting at you to go here or there. But there are some things to keep in mind while making your way to Hostel Mamallena.
We recommend taking a taxi instead of the bus especially at night. Be prepared to pay from $20 to $25 for your taxi. (Tip: if you head upstairs and snag a taxi from the ‘Departures’ drop off you can negotiate a cheaper fee.) The taxis do not have meters so you MUST agree on a price with your taxi driver first. This includes a toll charge for the new expressway. Don’t be alarmed if there is another person in the taxi that your driver will take somewhere first… this is common in Panama. Have the cell phone number of your guide if the taxi driver gets lost as almost all of them have a cell phone and will call for free.
You can tell the taxi driver (or write this down) ‘Calle Primera, Perejil, en la misma casa de La Junta Comunal de Calidonia en Perejil cerca de Colegio Javier.’ Don’t get in until he understands and agrees on the price. If he doesn’t understand try ‘Colegio Javier’ one more time pronounced ‘Coh leh he o Hav e air’. You can visit Mamallena for a map as well.
23. How much do the extras and options cost?
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.
Airport Taxi ($25 each way)
Food ($20 a day)
Tourist Card $5
Departure tax $20
23. How safe is Panama?
Relative to other Central American countries, Panama is quite safe. But whether it is New York or Mexico City there are areas travelers should be aware of to avoid.
Hostels are safe but backpackers from other countries are not always angels. When on the street it is a good idea to have your telephone with you at all times and you should have a colored, laminated copy of your passport. Only take what you need to spend. Let your guide know where you plan to go and generally what time you will be back. Information is your best security and your guide is an expert.
24. Where can I find Panama Red?
You may be led to believe there is a high tolerance for drug use in Central American countries that either export or facilitate the transport of drugs. This is not true. In fact the general public is less tolerant of marijuana than most European and North American countries. Although you will find backpackers occasionally using illegal substances it comes with great risk because of the somewhat arbitrary nature police enforce law. In the U.S. or Canada you know how the police will react and there will be a fair due process. In Panama you take the risk. Anyone jeopardizing the safety of other travelers through illegal use of drugs will be expelled immediately from the trip.
We hope all the above will be of use and benefit people joining our Tours or not. Panama has one of the most diverse range of flora and fauna in the world and is an emerging nation. Travel to Panama at this moment in time is financially very reasonable with so very much to see and do.
Ask us any additional questions you may have and…… come and join us and see what all the hype is about….. you won’t regret it!
