Panamanian history and heritage are yours to discover in the country’s capital and at the famous canal. You’ll travel first to Fort Amador, built to protect the canal’s western, Pacific side. To reach the fort, you’ll ride over the long, palm-lined causeway – also once part of a U.S. military base -- that offers spectacular views of Panama City’s modern skyline. Then it’s on to the heart of the capital, the colonial center known as Casco Viejo.

When the Gatun Dam was built across the Chagres River more than a century ago, it created Gatun Lake close to the Atlantic port city of Colon. On this ecological adventure, you’ll paddle in the same waters that carry ships for more than 20 miles as they make their way across the isthmus, representing a critical component of the Panama Canal system. Follow your experienced guide as you explore close to the shores of the little islands that dot the lake, keeping a lookout for tropical birds and other wildlife, like capuchin monkeys.

With the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, the Embera people began to migrate from their traditional homeland in Colombia’s Choco region to the rainforests and waterways of the Panamanian isthmus. Discover how they have maintained their longstanding traditions over the centuries on a visit to one of their villages. This cultural exploration begins with a drive from the coast, through the jungle and into Chagres National Park. Along the way, your guide will share Panamanian history and discuss Embera culture.

Experience yoga in a beautiful natural setting with an invigorating flow class in the jungle. You’ll be welcomed by peaceful space surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Your teacher will then guide you through an invigorating, 90-minute practice that is suitable for all levels, from beginners to more experienced yogis. In savasana, the final relaxation pose, listen to the calls of the many tropical birds and the chatter of monkeys. Following the class, recharge with a lovely, healthful smoothie and fresh fruit.

Explore the unique culinary culture of Panama’s Caribbean region with a local chef at a local home. Chef will first introduce you to the key elements of cooking in the archipelago, including staples like plantains and bananas, root vegetables, other seasonal produce and, of course, the abundant seafood. Learn about the history of these ingredients and their uses, then it’s time to get cooking as chef guides you through the preparation of some local specialties.

Retreat to the beauty of a private garden whose owner welcomes you for an intimate guided tour, followed by time to enjoy the pool and a tropical lunch. Finca Los Monos is a delight for the senses: its lush 24 acres span Isla Colon from coast to coast, offering incredible views of the sea, nearby islands and mainland Panama. The gardens are a labor of love, filled with varieties of palms, gorgeous ornamental plants, fruit trees, and fragrant flowers -- and include native forest.

Enjoy a day amid the unspoiled natural beauty of the small islands found off Panama’s Caribbean coast. This boating-and-beach excursion takes you first to Zapatilla Cay, a small, picturesque island that is part of Panama’s Marine National Park. Zapatilla’s shores are sheltered by colorful coral reefs, making for calm, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and offer wonderful snorkeling. Stretch out on the white sand or go for a leisurely stroll – your time is your own here.

Just over a mile long, the Oriole Trail cuts through dense rainforest to the top of Lawyer’s Mountain with its panoramic view of the island. You will see a plethora of birds, butterflies and unusual plants, and perhaps even spot the rare Montserrat Oriole, the island's national bird.