Panama Canal and Transcontinental Bike Tour:
Panama City to the Kuna Yala
Be a trail-blazer as the first to cross the continent by bike to the San Blas Archipelago, a tropical paradise of 350 islands dotting the Caribbean coast of the Panamanian isthmus.
Join us on this cycling exploration of the Isthmus of Panama, from Panama City on the Panama Canal to the rainforest, around the beautiful Casco Viejo (Old Town) and the Amador Causeway with fabulous views of Panama City and the Pacific entrance to the Canal, on the Panama Canal Railway to the Caribbean and back along the Panama Canal trails with stops at the fascinating Gatun Locks where we watch immense ocean going ships passing through the Canal and then continue riding through the Soberania National Park. We give everyone a chance to relax midweek with a short boat crossing to Isla Taboga, and a chance to explore this beautiful island, spend some beach time on the island, and take some time to shop and explore the island's restaurants.
We finish the week as the first biking tour in Panama along the new road from just beyond Panama City to Kuna Yala, the pre-Columbian Indian tribe spread across the spectacular tropical paradise of the San Blas Archipelago. We spend two nights here in the Kuna Yala and take some time to relax, do some snorkeling, exploring the tropical jungle, and savoring the beauty of the splendid isolation of the San Blas.
Our lodging in Panama City is in the charming la Estancia Bed and Breakfast set up from town on the slopes of Ancon Hill.
Ukuptupu, an island near El Porvenir in the Kuna Yala region of Panama, is your ideal base for exploring the Kuna Yala archipelago and enjoying life in the islands. The hotel in San Blas (Kuna Yala) was originally a Smithsonian research center. The walls of the rooms are made out of cane, and the floors and structure are wood, but the roof is metal, and it sits out over the water. Shower/wc are shared. NO hot water. This is an adventure you will never forget.
This promises to be a spectacular week of fun and adventure at the junction point of the two continents of the Americas. You won't want to miss it!
Panama City to the Kuna Yala
| Tour Type | Bike/Bus |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | 7 nights 3-star Bed and Breakfast 2 nights thatched hut with real bed |
| Biking Tour Type | Group Guided (English) |
| Biking Level | 1-4 |
| Duration | 8 days / 7 nights |
| Biking Distance | Daily distance varies 157 km approx. total |
| Bike Rental | Bikes are included |
| Tour starts in: | Panama City, Panama |
| Tour ends in: | Panama City, Panama |
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer to the hotel. Tour orientation at dinner.
Day 2: Partial Canal Transit - Bike Gamboa/Plantation Road
Total Biking: 15 km
Elevation changes: very little
After breakfast, we transfer from the hotel to our boat for our Panama Canal Partial Transit. We finish the Canal Transit at approx. 12:30 and then start biking Gamboa/Plantation Road where we see abundant tropical wildlife.
Lunch included
Afterwards, return to our hotel.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight: Panama City
Day 3: Panama City Tour
Total Biking: 15 km
Elevation changes: very little
After Breakfast, we ride around Panama City's most famous sights to see the best of this fascinating city, including Cinta Costera, Casco Viejo, and Panama Viejo. After lunch, we take the bus up the hill to Cerro Ancon, and then ride downhill to the Amador causeway to enjoy some spectacular views of Panama city. We ride by the Smithsonian Marine research Center, and then bike to the hotel.
Overnight: Panama City
Day 4: El Valle
Total Biking: 30 km
Elevation changes: 150 m
After breakfast, we ride out for a full day to explore the beauty of this highland vally, dotted with charming villages, just 2 hours from Panama City. Lunch is included.
Dinner at leisure
Overnight: Panama City
Day 5: Transcontinental Bike Ride
Total Biking: 65 km
Elevation changes: 300 m
After breakfast, we transfer to the train station, where we will ride the train from Panama City to Colon. We start biking along the Panama Canal, and through the Soberonia National Park. Depending on traffic, we will use combinations of bike and van transfers. We join up at the Amador Causeway to return to the hotel by bike. Lunch included.
Dinner included
Overnight: Panama City
Day 6: Isla Taboga - Leisure day
After breakfast, we have a full day at leisure with ferry to Isla Taboga and enjoy beach time and relax on this beautiful island
Lunch and Dinner at Leisure
Overnight: Panama City
Day 7: Bike to Kuna Yala
Total Biking: 32 km
Elevation changes: 695 m
Starting after breakfast, we will be among the first to bike across the isthmus on the brand new road connecting the Pacific and Panama City, to the Kuna Yala/San Blas Islands on the Caribbean.
We will transfer to our lodging by boat. Lunch and Dinner are included.
Lodging in Kuna Yala are simple cane and wood structures with real beds. Shower/wc are shared. NO hot water. This is an adventure you will never forget.
Day 8: Kuna Yala
Breakfast
Full day at leisure to tour or snorkel the amazing San Blas Islands of the Caribbean. This pre-Columbian civilization is remarkable for its beauty and isolation. Lunch and Dinner included.
Overnight in Kuna Yala.
Day 9: Return to Panama City
After breakfast, fly back to Panama City. Full day at leisure back in Panama City to do some last minute shopping, touring, or see more of the beauty and wildlife of Panama Bay at Metropolitan National Park. We end with a farewell dinner in the famous Casco Viejo, Panama City's Old Town
Overnight: Panama City
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to airport for return flight home.
Changes:
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary details, published times, and accommodations due to weather, local conditions, organization necessity or safety concerns.