Panama: Craters, Coasts & Highland Mountains

This G Adventures small-group tour starts quietly in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, where surfboards and bicycles hint at the relaxed pace. Crossing into Panama, it moves to the tropical archipelago of Bocas del Toro, waters clear enough to spot starfish while snorkelling. Further inland, Boquete offers misty trails and waterfalls, the kind that dampen socks and spirits in equal measure. Nights in Valle de Antón are a novelty, with the town settled inside an ancient volcanic crater.

Panama City contrasts sharply: tall buildings, nightlife and cafés spilling onto sidewalks with a view of the skyline. Finally, the tour winds down on the remote San Blas Islands, where accommodation is simple and the rhythms dictated by tides and indigenous Guna culture. Local guides accompany the group, adding depth without overwhelming. The mixture of communal hostels and basic island huts underlines a travel style that prioritises genuine encounters over luxury.

These are the places the trip visits, in order. G Adventures publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.