Colombia
Trip summary statistics
9days
Canal to Coast: Panama & Colombia
Panama City, Cartagena, Rosario Islands
Wander Panama’s Casco Viejo, where colonial history meets vibrant local life.
Marvel at the Miraflores Locks in action, Panama's engineering wonder on the canal.
Explore Cartagena’s old town with a professional photographer capturing your best moments.
Snorkel and unwind on Colombia’s Rosario Islands, a secluded Caribbean escape.
Savor Cartagena’s top dining spots, recommended by your in-the-know Destination Expert.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
Panama CityThe Adventure Begins
- Panama Welcome Package
- Airport with Meet & Greet - Private
Panama CitySights and Insights
- Biodiversity Museum Visit & Historical Walking Tour (4-5 hrs) - Private - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Casco Antiguo at Leisure
Panama CityCross an Item off the Bucket List
- The Panama Canal Wildlife Experience & Miraflores Locks (with Lunch, 6 hrs) - Private
- Panama City Restaurant Recommendations
Panama City to Cartagena to Rosario IslandsLace Up for Some Fresh Air
- Tocumen International Airport - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Panama City - Cartagena [1.5 hrs] - Economy
- Cartagena - Rosario Islands [Punta Faro Hotel - 2 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver/Guide/Boat
Rosario IslandsIsland Time
- Activities at Punta Faro
Rosario IslandsBeach Bliss
- Punta Faro at Leisure
Rosario Islands to CartagenaAn Evening Out
- Rosario Islands - Cartagena [Punta Faro Hotel - via boat, 2 hrs] - Boat
- Dining Suggestion - Restaurante Alyzia
CartagenaA Walk Through the Past
- Historic Walking Tour with Cathedral, Inquisition Palace & San Pedro (4 hrs) - Private
- Professional Photographer - Photographer
- Cartagena at Leisure - Self-Guided
- Dining Suggestion - La Terraza
CartagenaJet Off
- Airport Transfer - Private
PANAMA CITY
The Adventure Begins
Welcome to Panama! A package with any necessary vouchers or information you may find useful will be awaiting your arrival.
For your convenience, an English-speaking guide will be waiting for you outside of Customs, holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel to assist with check-in.
Please note that all arriving passengers meeting our local representatives should proceed to the arrivals area in Terminal 2, regardless of the arrival terminal. Passengers arriving through Terminal 1 who are not checking luggage should also continue to Terminal 2 after immigration to meet their guide. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected internally and by a complimentary shuttle service.
Where you’ll be staying
Premium Room
PANAMA CITY
Sights and Insights
Gain a deeper understanding of Panama’s fascinating natural and cultural history on a privately guided tour of the Biodiversity Museum and the picturesque Casco Viejo. Uniquely set on the Amador Causeway, the Biodiversity Museum is one of the latest works of the famous architect Frank Gehry. The design of this colorful building tells the story of how the Isthmus of Panama rose from the sea, uniting two continents, separating a vast ocean, and changing the planet’s biodiversity forever. The museum’s impressive 43,055 sq. ft. contain eight permanent exhibits that highlight Panama’s spellbinding natural and ethnic makeup. Your day continues as you visit the old part of Panama City with your guide. Trace back the colonial history of Panama as you make your way down the picturesque streets lined with characterful edifices. See the monuments of Ferdinand de Lesseps and other Frenchmen instrumental in the ill-fated attempt to construct a canal through Panama, the Cathedral Church, and other historic buildings dotting the landscape of this beautiful part of the city. Your tour concludes with a private transfer back to your hotel.
A quaint district, Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo, is a UNESCO protected region of Panama City. Enclosed by colonial-era houses with fading pastel walls, Casco Antiguo is home to vibrant ventures. Savor a deluxe cup of Geisha coffee at CafÉ Unido inside The American Trade Hotel. Look over ships sailing at the seafront wherein colorful embroidered molas are sold by Kuna women. Step inside Pedro Mandinga boasting vintage interior dÉcor or indulge in rum-packed drinks including Mandinga Mojitos. Head over to Casa Casco and watch as dusk falls over to the city and live music fills the air. Have your choice of exciting restaurants and rooftop bars, then dance the night away at Teatro Amador.
Where you’ll be staying
Premium Room
PANAMA CITY
Cross an Item off the Bucket List
Experience the Panama Canal and its lush surroundings from a unique perspective on a privately guided boat tour introducing you to the biodiverse ecosystem of this part of the Isthmus. After an early morning pick-up from your hotel lobby, along with your naturalist guide you will transfer to the town of Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal. Here you will board a boat starting a jungle-adventure expedition across the Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal. Pass by the giant cargo ships transiting the waterway and notice the sharp contrast they create to your tropical natural surroundings. Along the way, watch out for the plethora of resident wildlife, including three toed sloths resting on tree branches, ospreys hunting for peacock basses, snail kites, keel-billed toucans, and many others. Your boat tour will circle rainforest-clad islands in the Gatun Lake in search for a variety of primates, such as the white-faced capuchin and mantled howler monkey. Your day continues as you visit Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks where large ships transit the canal. Enjoy a presentation by the Panama Canal Authority introducing you to the history of the Canal and marvel at the workings of this feat of human engineering. The tour then continues to the Panama Canal area, stopping by the town of Balboa, a former part of the Panama Canal Zone. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon you will return to your hotel in Panama City.
Panama City offers an exciting and diverse culinary scene, ranging from contemporary Panamanian cuisine and authentic local flavors to lively rooftop venues and refined fine dining experiences. Your Destination Expert can assist with restaurant recommendations, reservations, and transportation arrangements. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions, requirements, or specific food requests.
Maito – One of Panama’s most internationally recognized restaurants, Maito offers contemporary Panamanian cuisine with creative dishes highlighting local ingredients and flavors in an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere.
Fonda Lo Que Hay – A vibrant and casual restaurant known for its modern interpretations of traditional Panamanian cuisine. Expect bold flavors, creative presentations, and a lively local atmosphere.
Cantina del Tigre – A trendy and energetic restaurant specializing in excellent seafood and inventive Latin American small plates. Popular for its vibrant ambiance, cocktails, and lively atmosphere.
La Tapa del Coco – A favorite for authentic Afro-Caribbean cuisine, offering rich flavors and traditional dishes inspired by Panama’s Caribbean heritage in a relaxed local setting.
Kaandela – Located in a beautifully restored historic building, Kaandela offers elevated Panamanian cuisine with refined presentations and a sophisticated atmosphere ideal for lunch or dinner.
Salvaje, Azahar, and Lazotea Rooftop – Excellent options for guests seeking a more upscale dining and nightlife experience. These stylish venues combine creative cuisine, cocktails, rooftop settings, and lively evening atmospheres.
A to Z Chef’s Table – A unique and intimate fine dining experience ideal for food-focused travelers. Guests enjoy a carefully curated 10-course tasting menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and creative culinary techniques. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Where you’ll be staying
Premium Room
PANAMA CITY TO CARTAGENA TO ROSARIO ISLANDS
Lace Up for Some Fresh Air
You will be privately transferred between your hotel and Tocumen International Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.
Please note that all arriving passengers meeting our local representatives should proceed to the arrivals area in Terminal 2, regardless of the arrival terminal. Passengers arriving through Terminal 1 who are not checking luggage should also continue to Terminal 2 after immigration to meet their guide. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected internally and by a complimentary shuttle service.
Board a flight in Panama City, Panama with direct service to Cartagena, Colombia. Approximate flight duration is one hour and 15 minutes.
You will be privately transferred from Cartagena to Punta Faro on Murcura Island. After meeting your private driver and English-speaking guide, drive to the pier, then board an awaiting vessel which will ferry you to Punta Faro. Approximate travel time is two hours.
Where you’ll be staying
Junior Suite Sea View
ROSARIO ISLANDS
Island Time
During your stay at Punta Faro, a number of activities are available for purchase on-site throughout your stay. Whether you wish to snorkel in azure waters, paddle board in the shallows, board a kayak to explore the sea, rent a catamaran to relax in leisure or use a bicycle to explore the island, Punta Faro is ready to help! For more information, please speak to your Destination Expert.
Where you’ll be staying
Junior Suite Sea View
ROSARIO ISLANDS
Beach Bliss
A haven of tranquility, Punta Faro is a wonderland offering numerous on-site activities. Feel the warmth of white-sand beaches under your feet, allow the calm blue waters wash your stress away, stay active with a game of beach volleyball or discover the hidden gems of the island by bicycle. Unravel the mystery of the ocean while admiring the fragile beauty of corals as you snorkel near the shores. End the day lounging beachside and watch as the dazzling dusk consumes the horizon, giving way to a spectacular evening sky.
Where you’ll be staying
Junior Suite Sea View
ROSARIO ISLANDS TO CARTAGENA
An Evening Out
You will transfer from Punta Faro Hotel to Cartagena by boat alongside other guests of the lodge. Approximate travel duration is two hours.
An elegant al-fresco diner, Restaurante Alyzia is the ideal place to visit for an enjoyable meal in the charming center of colonial Cartagena. Found within the Movich Cartagena, tonight you are encouraged to savor the exotic surprises that are concocted on-site. Inspired by cuisine from the Mediterranean, you’ll find a wide range of dishes, each crafted with a unique Colombian spin. Please note: Your meal is not included and must be paid for on-site.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Room
CARTAGENA
A Walk Through the Past
After meeting your English-speaking guide in the lobby of your hotel, set out to discover scenic Cartagena on a four-hour walking tour. Begin with a stroll through the old town heading toward the Puerta Del Reloj, an iconic symbol of the city, and into Plaza de los Coches. Learn about the myth, legends and history of this historic city as you wind you way through tree-lined avenues en route to Plaza Bolivar, a park hosting a range of historic and cultural installations that serves as the ideal place to catch a glimpse of local life. Carrying onward, you’ll next visit the Inquisition Palace, an elegant building that hides a dark past. From the outside, it is easy to be impressed by the colonial architecture, but a walk through the building reveals a museum showcasing instruments of torture that were used in more turbulent times. With an expert guide leading the way, discover Cartagena in-depth and your preferred pace. After the tour, feel free to continue to explore the city on your own, or return to your hotel to relax and beat the afternoon sun.
To ensure you are able to bring home photographs that last a lifetime, a professional photographer will join you for up to two hours today. During this time, you will learn the essentials behind capturing excellent pictures and have a few professional shots snapped as you explore Cartagena.
Sweet-smelling restaurants, trendy bars, inviting boutique hotels and well-maintained colonial buildings define the city center of Cartagena – also known as the Walled City, or Ciudad Amurallada. Best experienced at leisure, stroll through avenues dotted with colorful homes, passing by sweeping plazas, towering churches and the centuries-old wall that has protected the city since the late 1700’s on this free day in Cartagena. Consider stopping for lunch at the acclaimed Restaurante Donjuan Cartagena found in the heart of the city. A trip to the Caribe Museum is a must-see for jewelry aficionados. And for those seeking to simply relax in the comfort of the refreshing Caribbean breeze, miles of rocky shores are yours to explore just steps beyond the city walls.
This evening, consider heading out to the historic core of Cartagena to enjoy the waterfront. Host to a range of charming bistro’s, La Terraza stands out. The bistro specializes in empanadas and other smaller bites and serves as an excellent option for guests hoping to take in a magnificent Cartagenian sunset while enjoying light fare and tasty cocktails.
Where you’ll be staying
Luxury Room
CARTAGENA
Jet Off
Set out with your private driver and English-speaking guide for a transfer between your hotel and Cartagena Airport. Approximate travel time varies based on the location of your hotel, typically averaging 30 minutes.
PANAMA CITY
Central Hotel Panama
Since 1874, Central Hotel Panama has hosted intrepid travelers including the French builders who designed the Panama Canal to U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, among others. The oldest purpose-built hotel in the country, it features luxury amenities, and has been recognized by UNESCO for its impressive architecture. Overlooking the historic center of Panama City, the hotel blends colonial-era charm with modern comforts. With views of Plaza de la Independencia or the bustling streets of Casco Viejo, guests can expect an enjoyable stay at Central Hotel Panama.
ROSARIO ISLANDS
Punta Faro
In the Island of MÚcura, declared a national park, you can find the Hotel Punta Faro. A dreamlike oasis of white sand and warm sea breezes, surrounded by nature, with an exclusive and unique style, where great service, along with the charm of its people will welcome you to this magical tropical paradise. Punta Faro Hotel is a jewel in the Colombian Caribbean offering service and comfort in an island of dreams. Feel like a preferred customer with all of the commodities, bask in the sun of a beautiful white sand beach, take yourself through a stroll around gardens and submerge yourself in a charming atmosphere that will awaken all of your senses. The Punta Faro hotel features 45 air-conditioned rooms, with a TV, safe-deposit box, minibar, and many other spaces that will permit you to be part of nature. Dazzle yourself with the captivating environment and the warm dÉcor of Punta Faro.
CARTAGENA
Movich Hotel Cartagena
The architecture, design, and materials used to construct the Movich Hotel Cartagena reflect their Caribbean surroundings: beautiful limestone walls, native wood furniture, and local crafts carefully placed throughout the hotel make for a comfortable, natural setting. The traditional caÑa flecha, used for the Colombian sombrero vueltiao, is ever-present in the hotel's interior design. You can find it lining the walls, in the furniture, and in the crafts that make Movich Cartagena de Indias a unique and exquisite hotel. The Caribbean feel is everywhere: fresh and inspiring like the Atlantic breeze.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.








