Panama & Cartagena
Vibrant streets and rich history await
Embark on this South American adventure that begins in magnificent Panama and ends in beautiful Colombia. Experience traditional culture, dance to live salsa music, and walk through stone streets lined with eye-catching, colorful buildings. See history come to life as you visit the Panama Canal, the Monastery of La Popa, and countless other fascinating sites.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Panama City (PTY), out of Cartagena (CTG)
- Round-trip airport transfers in both cities
- 3 nights in Panama City at the Holiday Inn Panama Canal, Panama City, or similar
- One-way, economy class flight from Panama City to Cartagena, Colombia - additional baggage fees may apply
- 3 nights in Cartagena at the Don Pedro de Heredia Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
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Escape the bustle of the city and relax on one of Panama's sparkling beaches.
- Panama has so much more to offer than "just" its bustling city. Explore Panama's natural beauty and snap tons of photos of breathtaking mountains and its famous canal.
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Cartagena is filled with hidden treasures. Discover massive mansions, winding alleyways, and historic churches!
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Get lost in the cultural beauty of Viejo, the Old Quarter and the former capital of the country. Become immersed in history as you walk through charming streets and explore the ruins of this World Heritage Site.
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Visit the magnificent Miraflores and Biomuseo in Panama!
Gaze out at turquoise waters, explore Spanish colonial sites, and feel a vibrant spirit in the air as you walk down colorful streets. Smell empanadas cooking, hear arepas sizzling, and feel yourself craving these delicious, local favorites. Spend your evening dancing to live salsa music and sipping a refreshing aguardiente sour. Okay, enough with the daydreaming - it's time to make this dream a reality.
Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation and experience two gems of Latin America. Begin your journey in bustling Panama City, then hop on a quick flight and find yourself in the colorful streets of Cartagena, Colombia. Explore tropical rainforests, relax on postcard-worthy beaches, and immerse yourself in the energy of the cities. Visit the famous Panama Canal and get lost in the ornate beauty of countless churches, monasteries, and recognized World Heritage Sites.
Visit the Miraflores Visitor's Center in Panama and learn how the iconic canal works! In Colombia, stroll through the old town of Cartagena and take photos of the iconic Monastery of La Popa and the Convent of San Pedro. This city is ripe with fascinating history, so get ready to learn what makes Cartagena one of the most raved-about destinations in the world.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Panama City (PTY), out of Cartagena (CTG)
- Round-trip airport transfers in both cities
- 3 nights in Panama City at the Holiday Inn Panama Canal, Panama City, or similar
- One-way, economy class flight from Panama City to Cartagena, Colombia - additional baggage fees may apply
- 3 nights in Cartagena at the Don Pedro de Heredia Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
-
Escape the bustle of the city and relax on one of Panama's sparkling beaches.
- Panama has so much more to offer than "just" its bustling city. Explore Panama's natural beauty and snap tons of photos of breathtaking mountains and its famous canal.
-
Cartagena is filled with hidden treasures. Discover massive mansions, winding alleyways, and historic churches!
-
Get lost in the cultural beauty of Viejo, the Old Quarter and the former capital of the country. Become immersed in history as you walk through charming streets and explore the ruins of this World Heritage Site.
-
Visit the magnificent Miraflores and Biomuseo in Panama!
Gaze out at turquoise waters, explore Spanish colonial sites, and feel a vibrant spirit in the air as you walk down colorful streets. Smell empanadas cooking, hear arepas sizzling, and feel yourself craving these delicious, local favorites. Spend your evening dancing to live salsa music and sipping a refreshing aguardiente sour. Okay, enough with the daydreaming - it's time to make this dream a reality.
Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation and experience two gems of Latin America. Begin your journey in bustling Panama City, then hop on a quick flight and find yourself in the colorful streets of Cartagena, Colombia. Explore tropical rainforests, relax on postcard-worthy beaches, and immerse yourself in the energy of the cities. Visit the famous Panama Canal and get lost in the ornate beauty of countless churches, monasteries, and recognized World Heritage Sites.
Visit the Miraflores Visitor's Center in Panama and learn how the iconic canal works! In Colombia, stroll through the old town of Cartagena and take photos of the iconic Monastery of La Popa and the Convent of San Pedro. This city is ripe with fascinating history, so get ready to learn what makes Cartagena one of the most raved-about destinations in the world.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Panama City, Panama!
Upon arrival, head to your hotel to check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Become acquainted with your new surroundings, explore for a bit, and then have a delicious dinner before resting for the night.
Transfer to Panama City hotel
Check-in - Holiday Inn Panama Canal
Located right in front of the Panama Canal, this bright hotel is the perfect place to stay when exploring Panama City. Guests have access to the hotel's 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and fantastic dining options. Ship View Restaurant serves breakfasts, lunch, and dinner either buffet or a la carte style. The lobby bar offers snacks and bakery items along with cocktails.
Comfortable guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV, desk, private bathroom, air-conditioning, and coffee/tea-maker. Additionally, most guest rooms have a panoramic view of the canal or the park.
The hotel is located right inside the City of Knowledge Science Park and is near many attractions in Panama City. Panama Canal Miraflores Visitor Center is just under a mile away, while Panama's Old Town is a 20-minute drive away.
Day 2. Panama City
Today, visit Casco Antiguo and enjoy a delicious Panamanian meal at one of the local restaurants.
Day 3. Panama City
From your hotel, you will enjoy fantastic connectivity throughout the city via the nearby metro station and easy access to Tocumen International Airport, just 14 miles away. Extensive shopping and dining opportunities and popular Panama attractions, including the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, the Biodiveristy Museum and the Miraflores Locks' Museum can all be easily reached from this Panama City hotel.
Day 4. Panama City, Panama - Cartagena, Colombia
Welcome to Cartagena, the colonial jewel of Colombia! Upon arrival at Rafael Nunez International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, located in the modern Bocagrande district. As the hotel is located across the street from the beach, perhaps spend the rest of the day there, relaxing and enjoying the sunset.
Transfer to Panama City airport (PTY)
Fly to Cartagena!
Transfer to Cartagena hotel
The Casa India Catalina is a quaint hotel in Cartagena offering modern amenities and a prime location. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and an American-style breakfast served fresh every morning. There is also a relaxing hammock area and TV in the shared lounge.
Guest rooms are comfortably decorated with all the traveler essentials including a TV, minibar, and private bathroom. Other services available at the hotel include tour/ticket assistance and luggage storage.
The hotel is wonderfully located close to some of the top attractions in Cartagena including the city walls, Bolivar Park, Cartagena's Gold Museum, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, Bocogrande Beach, and more. Additionally, the airport is just about three miles away.
Day 5. Cartagena
Begin the day at the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, a masterpiece of engineering built by the Spaniards to defend the city from attacks by pirates.
Later, walk around the walled colonial city, where its narrow streets and houses with spectacular balconies will take you back in time. Visit the Convent of San Pedro Claver, a jewel of Spanish colonial architecture.
Day 6. Cartagena
After breakfast, you have another full, free day at leisure to enjoy this colonial city. The historic city center itself is an open-air museum, so you may want to just take more time to explore the centuries-old cobblestone streets, surrounded by almost 7 miles of walls. You could also spend time at the beach in the more modern district of Bocagrande.
Day 7. Depart Colombia
Your stay in Cartagena comes to an end today. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, for your onward flight.