Panama For You: Sample Programs

Destination
Season
Theme

Incentive Program for 80 pax

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

 Eurostars Panama City

With a convenient and elegant style, the Eurostars Panama City 5* is located in the heart of the Business District in Panama City. Built in 2011 and placed in a modern building, the Eurostars Panama City 5* is equipped with 300 rooms including two Presidential suites. The hotel offers exceptional views of the Panama City skyline and is strategically located just 22 kilometers from the Tocumen International Airport.

Decorated in earth tones conveying calm and relax, rooms at Eurostars Panama City 5* are fully equipped with safe, desk, TV, telephone, Wi-Fi and full bathroom.

 Las Américas Golden Tower Panamá

The newest luxury hotel in Panama’s financial district that has its grand opening in 2016. Las Americas Golden Tower Panama is already recognized as an icon of luxury and comfort in the city. The hotel boasts a strategic location, just steps away from the financial district, close to banks and hospitals, and within a few minutes of the best shopping centers, as well as easy access to and from the airport.

Hotel offers 285 rooms and suites with the best views of Panama City; with gourmet restaurant on the 29th floor, international cuisine restaurant, gastronomic zone.

Seven meeting rooms for banquets and conventions. Main ballroom with 332.35 sq. m. with a 460-person capacity auditorium style. Full banquet and audiovisual service. Hotel Las Americas Golden Tower Panamá offers everything you need to carry out your event in Panama City.

 OPTIONAL: Sortis Spa & Casino Autograph Collection Hotel

Located in the financial heart of the financial district of Panama City, Sortis Hotel, Spa, and Casino opens its doors to offer all of its guests the most incredible experience. 391 high-design rooms, suites and apartments to a striking, ultramodern style that infuses every moment of the guest experience. Restaurants include Manab&iacute, a rustic, contemporary restaurant showcasing modern Panamanian cuisine. Score, a globally inspired Sports Bar and Lounge. The pool scene, overlooking stunning city and skyline views. Acua, a poolside Bar and Lounge.

Eleven meeting rooms, nine breakout rooms, total meetings space of 1615 sq.m, with main ballroom. With a 900-person capacity theater setup. Full banquet and audiovisual service.

 

DAY 1 

 PANAMA: Visa Regulations

All tourists arriving in Panama must carry a valid passport with at least six months left before expiry, a flight ticket to the next destination of the trip or a return ticket, and a proof of sufficient funds, such as a credit card, cash, check book or traveller’s checks.

No Visa Required: The citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Panama:

Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Holland (the Netherlands), Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom or Uruguay.

Stamped Visa: A stamped visa does not require a previous authorization of the Panamanian Migration Office, and can be obtained at a Panamanian Consulate before traveling to Panama. The citizens of the following countries require a stamped visa to visit Panama:

Chad, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Philippines, Peru, Russia, and Thailand.

Authorized Visa

Citizens who wish to visit Panama and who are not from the previously mentioned states will need to obtain an authorized visa at a Panamanian Consulates in their country, or through a lawyer in Panama.

 PANAMA CITY: getting there

Panama is a key connecting point for travel throughout Latin America, with its largest airport, Tocumen International, being the busiest in Central America. Located on the outskirts of Panama City and currently is undergoing a major expansion, the airport is home to Copa Airlines, which 180 flights to 55 destinations in 27 countries, the most extensive service available in the region. Its routes are complemented by more than 20 other airlines, which serve Tocumen from Europe and the Americas.

Direct Flights from Europe:

Paris (10 hrs 10 min) by Air France

Madrid  (9 hrs 50 min) by Iberia

Frankfurt on Main  (10 hrs 50 min) by Lufthansa Airlines

Amsterdam (10 hrs 05 min) by KLM Airlines

Direct Flights from Americas:

By Copa Airlines -

Miami (2 hrs 55 min) by Copa, American Airlines

Orlando (3 hrs 20 min) by Copa Airlines

Tampa (3 hrs 27 min) by Copa Airlines

Ft. Lauderdale (3 hrs 39 min) by Copa Airlines

Atlanta (4 hrs 06 min) by Delta Airlines

Houston (4 hrs 10 min) by United Airlines

Washington, D.C. (4 hrs 47 min) by Copa Airlines

New York (5 hrs 29 min) by Copa Airlines

Toronto (5 hrs 29 min) by Copa Airlines

Boston (5 hrs 30 min) by Copa Airlines

Chicago (5 hrs 32 min) by Copa Airlines

Los Angeles (6 hrs 21 min) by Copa Airlines

Las Vegas (6 hrs 27 min) by Copa Airlines

Rio de Janeiro (7 hrs 19 min) by Copa, Avianca

 Panama Tocumen Airport Hotel Arrival Transfer

Panama is a key connecting point for travel throughout Latin America, with its largest airport, Tocumen International, being the busiest in Central America. Located on the outskirts of Panama City and currently is undergoing a major expansion, the airport is home to Copa Airlines, which 180 flights to 55 destinations in 27 countries, the most extensive service available in the region. Its routes are complemented by more than 20 other airlines, which serve Tocumen from Europe and the Americas.

 18:00 — 23:00 Transport & Guide Evening (Hotel — Venue — Hotel)

Due to the traffic situation all transportation is ordered 1 hour prior departure. Guides will be available 30 minutes prior departure. Please kindly note that we always recommend to have a guide/assistant for bus dispatching as drives do not speak English. Surcharge after 23:00 is according to specification below. All additional hours are charged additionally. Mineral water will be supplied only upon extra request. Please note that it is prohibited to drink and eat in some vehicles. In case of more than three vehicles, we strongly recommend to have an additional assistant, who will provide coordination at each stop. Transport and guide usage after 23:30 (11:30 pm) till 8:00 (8 am) — is charged as + 50% per each additional hour. NB! The vehicles presented on the pictures are samples of used but not necessarily provided during the actual transportation.

 18:30 Welcome Panamanian Folklore Dinner at Tinajas Restaurant — FEEL THE PANAMANIAN SOUL

Panama has been a melting pot for several cultures. Originally, native indian groups created their acoustic instruments using parts of plants and shells of different animals, and later Spanish conquerors brought their influence from the Old World. The Afro-Caribbeans also contributed to it when they came for the Canal construction. These and other small groups gave birth to, what is today, one of the most attractive and folkloric heritages of Latin America.

Enjoy the fabulous show while tasting excellent Panamanian cuisine.

 Traditional Panamanian Folk show during dinner (included to dinner menu)

Enjoy the cultural experience of a lifetime with a traditional dinner amidst a folkloric show representing many of the cultures of Panama. Panama has been a melting pot for several cultures. Originally, native Indian groups created their acoustic instruments using parts of plants and shells of different animals, and later Spanish conquerors brought their influence from the Old World. The Afro-Caribbeans also contributed to it when they came for the Canal construction. These and other small groups gave birth to, what is today, one of the most attractive and folkloric heritages of Latin America.

The show is fully allegoric with traditional acoustic music and musicians. Dancers (including women wearing the unique «Pollera») exhibit hand made cotton dresses complemented by precious body and head jewelry. Men´s typical attire is relatively simple. However, their hats are finely hand-made by excellent artisans that spend weeks creating only one piece. Their cotton shirts boast golden or pearl bottoms. You can enjoy the fabulous show while tasting excellent Panamanian cuisine.

Guests will see 4 different types of performances.

Dances and costumes, including different types of «polleras» (national woman costume), the most delightful and

elaborated «pollera de gala», devils´ costumes from Portobelo and Azueros.

An explanation in English of the origins and meaning of particular pieces is included into the presentation of the costumes.

At the end the dancers will be happy to invite guests to dance with them and share a really special moment all together.

 

DAY 2 

 09:00 — 17:00 Transport & Guide Full day Usage (8 hours)

Due to the traffic situation all transportation is ordered 1 hour prior departure. Guides will be available 30 minutes prior departure. Please kindly note that we always recommend to have a guide/assistant for bus dispatching as drives do not speak English. Surcharge after midnight hours is according to specification below. All additional hours are charged additionally. In case of full day usage price for meals of drivers & guides might be charged. Mineral water will be supplied only upon extra request. Please note that it is prohibited to drink and eat in some vehicles. In case of more than three vehicles, we strongly recommend have an additional assistant, who will provide coordination at each stop. Transport and guide usage after 23:00 (11 pm) till 8:00 (8 am) — is charged as + 50% per each additional hour. NB! The vehicles presented on the pictures are samples of used but not necessarily provided during the actual transportation.

 09:00 Panama City Tour with Panama Canal Visit

Panama City was founded in the XVI century by Spanish conquistadors. It was the first Spanish port on the Pacific. Now the capital has two towns: the «old town» (Panamá Viejo) and the «new town» (Casco Antiguo, Spanish for Old Quarter). The Panamá Viejo is an exceptional testimony of colonial town planning; the ruins of its cathedral, convents and public buildings showcase unique technological and stylistic characteristics of its temporal and cultural context; and Old Quarter represents a significant stage in the development of Spanish colonial style. Both Panamá Viejo and Old Quarter have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The 6-hour city tour includes the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal Visitors Center. It is the perfect place to witness how the Panama Canal works. From the observation decks, visitors may watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit. Through the exhibitions, you can learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. A 3D movie portrays the story of the waterway.

We will visit old and modern parts of the city, starting from the Former Canal Zone where the Americans lived during the construction of the Panama Canal, and ending with the Balboa Avenue, one of the most beautiful streets of the city along the bay.

The historic quarter of Panama City, Casco Antiguo, is a colorful neighborhood with nice avenues, parks, and squares. You will visit National Theater of Panama, France Plaza, San Jose Church with the famous Gold Altar, Bolivar Plaza, and Cathedral Plaza with the Panama Canal Museum.

Then, we will go up Ancon Hill, the highest point in the Panama City, which offers amazing views.! Ancon Hill is done only for group of not more than 10 pax as big buses are not allowed to the observation deck.

Then, we will go to Amador Causeway, one of the most interesting parts of the city. It's a long, winding road that connects three smaller islands: Naos, Perico, and Flamenco.

Included: Balboa, Modern Panama, Old Quarter, Amador Causeway, The Americas Bridge, Panama Canal.

Tour starts at 8 am. The excursion lasts 6 hours.

The lunch is not included.

 09:30 Casco Viejo — LITTLE SEVILLE IN THE CITY CENTER

In 1671, after the Pirate Henry Morgan attacked, looted and destroyed the Old City, Panama Viejo. Its residents and settlers, desperate for a safer and easier location to defend themselves against future seige, decided on what is now Casco Viejo (The Old Quarter).

This unique walled city, consisting of 16th & 17th Century Spanish Colonial Architecture, is a gem which was unknown to most of the outside world until 1997 when UNESCO named Casco Viejo a World Heritage Site. Shortly there after, investments and foreign expats started to poor into Casco Viejo (at that time a deteriorating slum which most Panamanians wouldn't dare visit) in what has been one of the greatest and fastest urban revitalizations in all of the Americas!

Today, Casco Viejo (aka. Casco Antiguo, San Felipe or El Casco) is a vibrant community consisting of a sharp contrast of old and new, local and foreign. The buildings are in various stages or redevelopment and renovation, with a strictly enforced standard of Historical Authenticity. There is tremendous culture and a feeling which is unique only to this neighborhood in Panama.

 10:00 Stop at Mercado de Mariscos WITH SEAFOOD TASTING

A vibrant market with lots of action as fishmongers shout while they deftly fillet corvina, tuna or octopus. Upstairs, there’s a restaurant and food stands selling seafood snacks like ceviche (RESTAURANTE DEL MERCADO DEL MARISCO).

 11:00 Biodiversity Museum — NEW INTERACTIVE MUSEUM

The Biomuseo is the latest cultural and eco-tourism destination! The Biomuseo is situated within view of the Pacific Ocean to the east and the entrance to the Panama Canal to the west, placing it at the forefront of a new cultural and eco-tourist center for the region.

The Biomuseo is the latest interactive museum conceived by Gehry, whose projects in Bilbao, Spain and other cities have help to revitalize cultural centers.

At the heart of Frank Gehry’s design for the Biomuseo is a public outdoor atrium covered by a lively assemblage of metal canopies in different shapes and strong colors: blue, red, yellow, green.

The museum has a public a 6-acre (2.4-hectare) Biodiversity Park.

 13:00 Lunch at Atlantic & Pacific Co Restaurant with the view to Panama Canal

Atlantic&Pacific Co is an outstanding restaurant at the Panama Canal Miraflores Visitors Center. The view at this restaurant is so exciting: you will enjoy delicious international and panamanian food while watching the vessels go through the Panama Canal Locks. Restaurant uses only locally-grown organic produce. Dishes are prepared fresh daily with produce from the local Farmer's Market.

It offers buffet for lunch and a-la carte for dinner

Capacity — maximum 250 persons

 15:00 Panama Canal Visit (Miraflores Locks) — THE PEARL OF PANAMA

Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal Visitors Center is the perfect place to witness how the Panama Canal works. From the observation decks, visitors may watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit. Through the exhibitions, you can learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. A 3D movie portrays the story of the waterway.

We will visit old and modern parts of the city, starting from the Former Canal Zone where the Americans lived during the construction of the Panama Canal, and ending with the Balboa Avenue, one of the most beautiful streets of the city along the bay.

 19:00 — 23:00 Transport & Guide Evening (Hotel — Restaurant — Hotel)

Due to the traffic situation all transportation is ordered 1 hour prior departure. Guides will be available 30 minutes prior departure. Please kindly note that we always recommend to have a guide/assistant for bus dispatching as drives do not speak English. Surcharge after 23:00 is according to specification below. All additional hours are charged additionally. Mineral water will be supplied only upon extra request. Please note that it is prohibited to drink and eat in some vehicles. In case of more than three vehicles, we strongly recommend to have an additional assistant, who will provide coordination at each stop. Transport and guide usage after 23:30 (11:30 pm) till 8:00 (8 am) — is charged as + 50% per each additional hour. NB! The vehicles presented on the pictures are samples of used but not necessarily provided during the actual transportation.

 19:30 Dinner at Tomillo Restaurant — VERY AUTHENTIC AND ATMOSPERIC

Among the ruins of an ancient building in Casco Viejo is Tomillo Panama, a restaurant that stands out for its casual and romantic atmosphere, with a terrace that evokes the past. All of this is accompanied by one of the best gastronomic experience in the City. Under the tutelage of the renowned Panamanian Chef Felipe Milanes, Tomillo Panama offers a cuisine inspired by local and organic products, within the influence of Caribbean and Central America essences using a concept of shared dishes or tapas, with the purpose of combining flavors of the world.

 

DAY 3 

 08:00 — 16:00 Embera Indians Village at Chagres with lunch included — BECOME A PART PF AN ANCIENT TRIBE FOR A DAY

It’s the best way to go back in time to the beginnings of the civilization. You will go wild with this outstanding tour to the heart of the jungle, to where the native Panamanian Indians still live in total harmony with Mother Nature in the village of Tusipono in the Chagres National Park.

This tour will get you out of the XXI century comfort zone and will make you look differently at the magic of life.

You will learn about the pre-Columbian history of Panama, the origin of the Embera tribe, their customs and traditions. They make incredibly beautiful and sophisticated baskets, tagua nut carvings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.

Refresh your mind and body in cool and crystal clean waters of a tropical waterfall, dance with the Indians their ancient dances, try delicious local food, feel the fresh air on your face and get totally renewed at the Chagres National Park.

The lunch is included. Guide english or Spanish is included

Pick up from the hotel at 08:00 AM. Back to the hotel at 04:00 PM.

We highly recommend wearing closed running shoes with laces. On the way to the waterfall, you have to cross the river. Be ready to get your shoes wet, the level of the river may vary according to the season.

 18:00 — 23:00 Transport & Guide Evening (Hotel — Restaurant — Hotel)

Due to the traffic situation all transportation is ordered 1 hour prior departure. Guides will be available 30 minutes prior departure. Please kindly note that we always recommend to have a guide/assistant for bus dispatching as drives do not speak English. Surcharge after 23:00 is according to specification below. All additional hours are charged additionally. Mineral water will be supplied only upon extra request. Please note that it is prohibited to drink and eat in some vehicles. In case of more than three vehicles, we strongly recommend to have an additional assistant, who will provide coordination at each stop. Transport and guide usage after 23:30 (11:30 pm) till 8:00 (8 am) — is charged as + 50% per each additional hour. NB! The vehicles presented on the pictures are samples of used but not necessarily provided during the actual transportation.

 18:30 Dinner at Segundo Muelle (Av. Balboa)

 

 

DAY 4 

 08:00 Soberania National Park & Gamboa — SEE THE PANAMANIAN NATURE FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES

The transfer from the capital to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort takes 40 minutes; we pick you up from your hotel at 07:40 AM. First, you tour the Chagres River by motor launch heading towards the Monkeys Island to see wildlife. Here you will find abundant fauna represented by tortoises, crocodiles, different birds, sloths, iguanas, and several kinds of monkeys such as capuchins, tamarins, and howlers monkeys. This part of the tour takes approximately 90 minutes.

Then, we will go back to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort where the aerial tram tour starts. We will see the forest from a breathtaking perspective, while sitting comfortably in the Swiss-engineered aerial tram system. Gliding smoothly through the treetops, you will experience the sounds and peace of the tropical rainforest firsthand.

You will discover the splendid panoramic views of the Chagres River, the Panama Canal, the Embera Indians Village, and the town of Gamboa.

On our way back we visit the aquarium, the serpentarium, butterflies expositions, and the orchids nursery. This part of the tour takes approximately 2,5 hours.

After the tour, we recommend trying delicious seafood in the Lagartos restaurant on the Chagres River.

NB! Cable cars are closed on Mondays

After we can lunch at restaurant Lagartos (sea food) on the Chagres river. It is not included.

Transportation + English-speaking guide.

Boat tour on Gatun Lake.

Aerial tram through the rainforest.

Ecological expositions: orchid, butterflies, and frog nurseries.

Transfer to Panama City. You will get back to your hotel approximately at 17:00.

Guide english or Spanish included

 Lunch at Don Caimán Restaurant (Gamboa) — LUNCH IN THE HEART OF THE JUNGLE

The restaurant has an amazing view of the Chagres River including a stretch of he Panama Canal itself. As we enjoy a delicious lunch we will be treated to the spectacle of huges ships passing as we dine. From the terrace the waiters will give us bread to throw into the river below. Alligators, colourful tropical birds, dozens of large turtles and fish will flock to gobble up the bread — great fun and unforgettable moments.

 19:00 — 00:00 Transport & Guide Evening (Hotel — Restaurant — Hotel)

Due to the traffic situation all transportation is ordered 1 hour prior departure. Guides will be available 30 minutes prior departure. Please kindly note that we always recommend to have a guide/assistant for bus dispatching as drives do not speak English. Surcharge after 23:00 is according to specification below. All additional hours are charged additionally. Mineral water will be supplied only upon extra request. Please note that it is prohibited to drink and eat in some vehicles. In case of more than three vehicles, we strongly recommend to have an additional assistant, who will provide coordination at each stop. Transport and guide usage after 23:30 (11:30 pm) till 8:00 (8 am) — is charged as + 50% per each additional hour. NB! The vehicles presented on the pictures are samples of used but not necessarily provided during the actual transportation.

 Dinner in Azahar Restaurant — FASHIONABLE NEWLY OPENED RESTAURANT

High cuisine in its maximum expression, Western European style author cuisine with asian influences.

The restaurant is hidden behind a small flower shop. Passing through a cold room door that appears to be a flower fridge, there is an imposing restaurant with the best view of Panama City

 

DAY 5 

 Shopping Tour & Leisure Time

As a major crossroads of the world, Panama is a shopping mecca, not least for such high-end goods as jewelry and designer clothing.

Includes:

Transfer hotel – mall – hotel.

Free time for shopping.

 Panama Tocumen Airport Hotel Departure Transfer

Panama is a key connecting point for travel throughout Latin America, with its largest airport, Tocumen International, being the busiest in Central America. Located on the outskirts of Panama City and currently is undergoing a major expansion, the airport is home to Copa Airlines, which 180 flights to 55 destinations in 27 countries, the most extensive service available in the region. Its routes are complemented by more than 20 other airlines, which serve Tocumen from Europe and the Americas.