Cherish Tours Panama Trip

Arrived in Panama City, Panama in the early afternoon. Previously arranged transport drove us to the Las Clementinas hotel right in Old Town. I did not expect to see the number of high rise buildings and the huge bulk carrier ships offshore. After hitting the Maholo bar and restaurant in the hotel for lunch, we took a long walk around the city. We saw interesting businesses, beautiful architecture, and some street vendors. Musicians played on the streets which added to its ambiance.

Started our day early with a complimentary breakfast at the Maholo. Food was exceptional! Fresh squeezed orange juice was a treat! We were picked up by our guide Teresa of New Leaf Panama to take us by boat to Monkey Island via the Panama Canal. Also visited an indigenous community where we learned about their culture, danced, and enjoyed looking and purchasing their art. During our adventurous day we saw sloths, monkeys, bats, blue morph butterflies, etc. We enjoyed fish tacos at MaaGoo Fish and Taco! For dinner, we did a walking tour sampling small plates along the way. Tantalo restaurant had incredible food and modern artwork. Sama Sky Lounge at the Oasis Hotel had incredible views. Everything was exquisite!

Started our day with a big breakfast at Mahalo and a walking tour of Old Town. Bought some authentic Panama fabric art and stopped by the Panama Hat company. Toured the Saint Dominic Complex and took in the beautiful lobby of the LaCompania Hotel. Had a nice outdoor lunch at the Mi Ranchito and headed to the Panama Canal to watch a freighter go through the locks. Looking forward to heading to Bocas del Toro tomorrow.

We had a great flight to Bocas del Toro in the morning and then took a boat ride to an indigenous community where we took a hike learning more about the medicinal purposes of plants and seeds, had lunch prepared by the women in the community, and learned how to make strands from large plant leaves for weaving. Our return boat ride was rough but safe, and several of us got soaked. Just another adventure! We took yet another boat ride to our next hotel, Casa Cayuco, and settled in for the night.

Chill day on the beach! Lots of good food, drink, and swimming. Attended a “how to make coconut milk” presentation which was informative and fun. Found two large starfish and several species of fish while snorkeling. Great place to curl up with a good book, too! Some in the group visited a chocolate farm and brought 100% chocolate to share!

Another beautiful day. Enjoyed beach time, delicious lunch, bread making class, and a fantastic night boat ride where we experienced bioluminescence - looked like stars in the water that glowed when agitated. So very cool!

Visited the Salt Creek indigenous community by boat this morning. Traveled through the Mangroves which were filled with birds and crabs! Learned about the local education system for the community’s 300 children. Purchased a cool souvenir which was locally made by one of the community members. Said our goodbyes to the incredible staff at Casa Cayuco and began our journey back to Panama City. Ate a nice meal at Jimmy’s before retiring to our airport hotel. Big travel day home tomorrow!