Panama: Sandy Beaches & San Blas Sunsets

Arrive at any time. Get ready to explore the life and energy of Panama City where each neighbourhood promises something new. Choose to check out the impressive skyline and beauty of the bay. You could learn about the country’s history by checking out Casco Antiguo and discover fun exhibits at the Biomuseo. Metropolitan Natural Park also offers a green oasis for nature lovers. Join a welcome meeting in the evening to get to know your newest travel family and opt to grab a meal at a local restaurant or rooftop afterwards as a way to break the ice and get the party started.

Included Experiences

• Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

It’s time to bid farewell to the mainland as the group travels early this morning to catch the ferry to the magical and largely untouched San Blas Islands. The islands are governed by the local Guna indigenous community and the archipelago is made up of 365 islands, of which only 50 are inhabited by the Guna community. The islands’ well-protected natural beauty make them a top destination to experience while in Panama, especially before word gets out about this wonderful paradise. Arrive to the community of Carti and pay a visit to the chief at their local Congress House for a brief welcome. Then, continue by boat to Asseryaladub Island, where you will have free time to relax on the beach and explore the underwater world of snorkelling. Gather round with the group after an included dinner this evening and listen to stories about Guna culture for a truly unique introduction to the San Blas Islands.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Free Time: Get settled on Asseryaladub Island, one of the more popular of the San Blas. Live those 'marooned on a deserted island' fantasies and relax in the tranquility of island life. Lounge on the beach, swim in the warm water, and choose to grab a snorkel to check out the abundance of fish beneath the surface. If you're looking for a reset, the laid-back atmosphere will not disappoint.

Remember, a trip to the San Blas Islands won’t look like an island experience you’ve had before. So embrace the local customs and cuisine, and keep in mind there’s no internet access. You will be completely unplugged for a few days. It’s paradise without the everyday creature comforts, and you’ll be surprised by how much you enjoy the simple things in life. After breakfast visit a natural pool and check out the starfish lounging beneath the surface. Then, visit another island for a slight change of scenery. Relax more on the beach here, play some games in the water with your travel pals and go snorkeling. Arrive back to Asseryaladub Island and your cozy huts there for more free time. Kick back in the common area and take it easy, there’s nowhere to be but here.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Relax, swim, sunbathe, and snorkel during your full free day among the San Blas Islands. Visit a few other spots like a natural pool with starfish and another smaller island for a slight change in scenery before returning to your home base. Here, chill out with the group or on your own and simply enjoy being in the moment with no pressing concerns to handle or problems to solve. It's the ultimate vacation.
• Kuna Yala Cultural and Natural Immersion: An immersive journey into the heart of Gunayala, the first semi-autonomous indigenous territory in Panama. A rare opportunity to move beyond the beach and engage deeply with the community of Carti Sugdub, where you will be welcomed by the local Sayla at the sacred Onmaggged Nega (Congress House). You will discover the secrets of traditional Mola textiles, learn the art of beaded Winis, and hear the powerful history of the Dule Revolution directly from the keepers of the culture. REDTURI (Red de Turismo Indígena de Panamá) is a dedicated, 100% indigenous-led non-profit organization committed to developing authentic tourism that honors the cultural heritage and autonomy of Panama’s original peoples.

Today, learn more about the prevalent traditional practices of the Guna. In the morning travel by boat to the Aguadub Community for a presentation and cultural session highlighting Guna tradition. This includes the art of crafting Molas, a traditional textile made from layers of colored fabric created to form patterns and pictures inspired by their universal beliefs. Listen as a member of the community discusses the significance of beadwork and ancestral medicine shared by a local healer. Return to Asseryaladub with a great appreciation for the indigenous community that calls these islands home and how they are working to protect and preserve its untouched beauty. This afternoon take advantage of free time to swim, snorkel, and maybe play a game of beach volleyball as a group. End the day feeling far more connected to this immensely special place.

Included Experiences

• Guna Community Visit: Experience a cultural session led by the local indigenous Guna community that will highlight their traditional practices. Become familiar with the art of Mola design, learn more about wini beadwork, and listen to stories from a local healer as they describe their ancestral medicine practices. This visit is an ideal way to give thanks to the community and better understand their desires to protect and maintain the solitude and untouched paradise of their beautiful San Blas Islands.
• Free Time: Enjoy a final free afternoon in the San Blas Islands. Grab a good book and read on a towel in the sand overlooking the inviting turquoise water. Snorkel with the fish, float aimlessly in the ocean under a perfect blue sky, or play a game of beach volleyball with your fellow travellers. Today's only rule is to relax and have fun.
• Kuna Yala Cultural and Natural Immersion: An immersive journey into the heart of Gunayala, the first semi-autonomous indigenous territory in Panama. A rare opportunity to move beyond the beach and engage deeply with the community of Carti Sugdub, where you will be welcomed by the local Sayla at the sacred Onmaggged Nega (Congress House). You will discover the secrets of traditional Mola textiles, learn the art of beaded Winis, and hear the powerful history of the Dule Revolution directly from the keepers of the culture. REDTURI (Red de Turismo Indígena de Panamá) is a dedicated, 100% indigenous-led non-profit organization committed to developing authentic tourism that honors the cultural heritage and autonomy of Panama’s original peoples.

Spend a leisurely morning on the island and soak up the magical connection you have built by visiting. Then, wave goodbye to the palm trees swaying in the breeze and the small waves crashing in the white sand as you board the boat back to Puerto Carti. From here, travel back to Panama City by private vehicle. Enjoy free time to explore the vibrancy of this city and if you desire, dance the night away with your new close friends. A rooftop bar seems like the perfect vibe for tonight’s night out on the town. The choice is all yours.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: The evening is yours in Panama City. Find a spot to watch the sunset, maybe grab some dinner at a rooftop restaurant/bar, and commit to dancing the night away with your group that has quickly become like family.
• Water Taxi: Enjoy a public ferry ride through the water from San Blas Islands back to Puerto de Carti.
• Big Night Out: Enjoy a night out on the town with your travel friends and truly let your hair down in the fun atmosphere of Panama City.

Depart at anytime. Or perhaps consider spending a few extra days in the lively Panama City. Before you go, make sure you swap information with your newest travel family because someday maybe you'll meet up in another part of the world.