Panama: Nature, Culture & Private Island

Discover Panama City, the hip cosmopolitan capital of the Isthmus of Panama, and a melting pot of diverse cultures in Central America. Between baroque facades in the chic colonial neighborhood of Casco Viejo and ruins of Panamá Viejo, to the modern metropolis with a splendid skyline, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. The 48-mile Panama Canal is a human-made wonder and an engineering marvel that bridges the maritime routes of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Expansive waterfront parks, causeways, and markets showcase glimpses of local life, and the world-class dining and entertainment venues are great for socializing. Discover rare Geisha coffee and artisanal rums paired with regional specialties at chic eateries. Explore buzzing markets replete with vibrant textiles and stylish Panama hats that make for excellent souvenirs. Nearby, picturesque islands with white sandy beaches, and lush tropical rainforests help you escape the colorful chaos of this shipping and financial hub.

Isla Palenque is an island located just off the western Pacific shore of Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. To get there, take a boat ride from Boca Chica. The island has an area of 400 acres, most of which is covered in mature tropical forest. The term palenque originally referred to a safe place for escaped slaves and suggests that the island may have been a refuge for those seeking their freedom in the past. A wide array of plants and animals live on the island. You might spot howler monkeys, armadillos, coati and agouti. Reptiles include the spectacled caiman while birds such as toucans, hawks, owls and woodpeckers have been spotted in the forest. Around 2010, an exclusive private resort was built on the island, offering eight beachfront casitas and one six-bedroom villa. The resort offers activities such as snorkeling, wildlife hikes, and visits to nearby coffee farms. There are also marked trails on the island, so you can explore it on your own.

Experience a plethora of activities at Isla Palenque, a resort set on a 400-acre Panamanian island. Your stay includes the 15-minute boat transfer from the mainland to Palenque as well as the return trip. Once you reach the island, there’s plenty to do, see and taste. Head out into the open ocean on a stand-up paddleboard with an expert guide. Go kayaking at high tide to neighboring Boca Brava island and explore the mangroves along the coast. Alternatively, kayak to Isla Palenquito to visit a secluded beach. Find a good spot on the rocky coastline and try your hand at catching catfish or snapper during low tide. Follow your guide on a hike along the maze of trails that lead through Isla Palenque’s jungle and dive into the history and cultural significance of the island. You can also go on guided hikes to different areas of the island. Visit the tide pools and mangroves and discover the inner workings of these ecosystems with an expert guide. Climb the gently sloping path through the jungle that leads to Punta Ballena, a blowhole that erupts from the rocks. Enjoy the view over the Gulf of Chiriquí as the blowhole bathes you with its cool spray. Take the Paso Mangle trail down to Cala Esta beach and keep an eye out for howler monkeys. Wake up before dawn to go bird watching with a birding guide. Spot frigates and ibis and maybe a woodpecker or two. Head out on a mission to find the elusive howler monkeys with a guide who knows where they like to hangout. Indoors, you can take a pastry lesson at Las Rocas with the resort’s chefs or head to the bar to learn how to appreciate a fine rum. Sip a selection of English, French and Spanish rums as you discover what makes rum light or dark and how it changes as it ages. You can also purchase additional activities that are not included in your package directly at the hotel.(Included in your stay at Isla Palenque; 15-minute boat transfer from the mainland and back; Three meals per day plus unlimited non-alcoholic & non-mixed drinks; Shared activities & transfers; Activities included: Kayaking, Stand-up paddleboarding, Rock fishing, Secrets of the island hiking tour; Island hikes, Tide pools and mangroves, Hike to Punta Ballena, Cala Esta Hike, Birdwatching, Searching for monkeys, Pastry class, & Rum 101; Complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing equipment; Group size: depends on the activity; Fitness level: depends on the activity)