Come with me on a Panama adventure!
I’ve been traveling solo for two decades and after every trip I hear the same refrain: That looks amazing but I could never do it alone. Well, your time has come as I’ve put together an amazing women’s trip to one of my favorite places: Panama! Consider this your invitation to swim in two oceans, climb to a jungle waterfall, visit monkeys up close, stomp in the path of pirates and eat your weight in just-caught seafood.
Ready to roam, revel, and escape the ordinary? This is Panama my way: bold, unfiltered, and unforgettable.
And so I don’t bury the lede: There’s an early bird discount. The trip is capped at 15, so don’t miss out!
The trip: January 17-24, 2026
Pack your sass and your sunscreen—this is not your grandma’s group tour. Here’s the real-deal, no-filter itinerary for a week of wild, wonderful, and occasionally salty adventures in Panama, curated by yours truly and powered by the legendary Barefoot Panama crew. The day tours we created are unique to this trip as I visited many sites making sure we had the right balance of comfort and adventure.
Your Home Base: Central Hotel Casco Viejo
Let’s talk about your digs. We’re staying at the iconic Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo, a five-star stunner right in the heart of the city’s historic district. This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a piece of Panamanian history, dating back to 1874 and perched on Plaza de la Independencia, steps from the Presidential Palace and all the cobblestone charm Casco Viejo can throw at you.
Expect rooms with Old Town views, plush comforts, and all the little luxuries. After a day of escapades, reward yourself with a dip in the rooftop pool (the views are as extra as you are) or enjoy a drink in the historic lobby accompanied by live music. Breakfast is complimentary and way more than just coffee and toast—fresh pastries, made-to-order omelets, and local specialties to fuel your adventures.
Best of all, it’s your home for the entire trip—no pesky packing and unpacking.
The Itinerary
Saturday: Touchdown & Toasts in Panama City
Arrive in Panama City and shake off the jet lag with a welcome dinner. We’ll kick things off with great food, new friends, and a little “cheers to us” for making it all the way to the crossroads of the Americas.
Included: airport transfers, dinner
Sunday: Canal Queens & Casco Vibes
Get ready to geek out on history and epic views. We’ll hit the Miraflores Locks early to watch massive ships squeeze through the Panama Canal—bonus points if you can spot the “mules” guiding them in. Then, we’ll head to a sloth sanctuary along the ocean. Finally, we’ll stroll through the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo, Panama’s old town, and soak up stories of pirates, gold, and revolution.
Included: breakfast
Monday: El Valle Explorer & Pacific Beach Bliss
We’re heading for the hills—literally. El Valle de Antón. two hours from the city, is a lush valley in the crater of an extinct volcano, home to waterfalls, petroglyphs, and the famous Golden Frog. We’ll climb an elevated path to a jungle waterfall, and if we’re lucky sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds will stop by and say hi. Then we’ll wander the artisan market, visit a butterfly garden, and stop off at a local “fonda” for lunch. After soaking up the mountain air, we’ll unwind with some Pacific beach time. Sand between your toes, drink in your hand—this is how Mondays should always be.
Included: breakfast, lunch
Tuesday: Gamboa, Monkey Island & Sky-High Views
Jungle mode: activated. We’ll cruise Lake Gatun, get up close with cheeky monkeys on Monkey Island, and keep an eye out for sloths, toucans, and maybe even a crocodile (don’t worry, they’re shy). Then after lunch, we’ll take the Sky Tram for a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy. That evening, trade your hiking boots for an apron as we dive into a Panamanian cooking class—dinner included, and yes, you’ll want seconds.
Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Wednesday: Caribbean Snorkeling, Portobelo & Canal Vistas
We’re off to the Caribbean coast for a day of snorkeling in crystal-clear water after a scenic 90-minute drive, exploring historic Portobelo (think pirates, forts, and the famous Black Christ), and soaking up the laid-back vibes. After lunch we’ll check out the AquaClara and Gatun locks for a different perspective on the canal. Salt in your hair, history in your heart.
Included: breakfast, lunch
Thursday: Embera Village Immersion
Time to unplug and connect. We’ll visit the Embera people, one of Panama’s indigenous communities, for a firsthand look at their traditions, crafts, and way of life. It’s a chance to slow down, listen, and maybe pick up a few dance moves. Bring your curiosity—and your appreciation for beautiful handmade baskets.
Included: breakfast, lunch
Friday: Choose Your Own Adventure + Farewell Fête
It’s your day, your way. Lounge by the pool, explore more of Panama City, or hop over to Contadora Island for a last dose of Pacific paradise. That night, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner and the Sabroso show—expect music, dancing, and a little bittersweet “see you next adventure.”
Included: breakfast, dinner
Saturday: Time to head home
After breakfast, feel free to do some last-minute shopping or enjoy a final dip in the pool before your flight.
Included: breakfast and airport transfers
Why Panama?
Well, lots of reasons. I’ve visited Panama four times now and each time I marvel in how people are sleeping on the crossroads of the Americas. Panama is exotic enough that you feel like you’re somewhere else but not so exotic that it’s scary.
The old town, Casco Viejo, is restored to its former glory and is safe to explore even solo at night, but is not yet Disney-fied, retaining its character as a place where people actually live.
Panamanian cuisine is as diverse as the ships that pass through the canal, with Caribbean, Asian, and European influences alongside indigenous ingredients. One of my favorite dishes is a version of frutti di mare stuffed with shellfish but with a creamy curry-coconut sauce instead of the traditional tomato. And of course you can’t miss the just-caught fish—the seafood market is a destination in itself.
Logistically, it’s one of the easiest trips out there. Copa Airlines, a United partner, flies nonstop from sixteen US cities and both American and Delta also offer daily flights into Panama City. If you’re an award traveler, I can share that business class seats are plentiful—I’ve used 25K Aeroplan miles on Copa and 15-20K Alaska miles on American flights in the last year. Panama also uses the dollar as its currency.
About Barefoot Panama
I chose the team at Barefoot Panama to help me build this trip. I’ve been touring with Kevin, the owner, since 2010 and his company is the leading American-owned licensed tour operator in Panama. All of the guides I’ve met have had years of experience and a level of knowledge that left me at ease.
The details
The cost of the trip is $3,500 with a $1,500 deposit at booking and the remainder 30 days in advance of the trip. To book the trip send me an email at thediaadams@gmail.com.
If you book before May 31, I’ll throw in an early-bird discount of $300!
The trip cost includes the hotel (single occupancy, no need to share a bathroom), breakfast daily, airport transfers, all tours listed including tips, (except Friday which is optional), and meals listed on the itinerary. Meals include a non-alcoholic drink or local beer. (I’m a fan of Panama beer in Chelada form with lime and ice, perfect for the heat.)
The trip does not include airfare, but as a special bonus, I will provide those who wish a one-hour coaching session on how to use travel rewards to help offset the cost of the trip.
FAQs
I know you will have questions! I’ll answer as many as I can in advance, for others please drop a note in the comments or send me an email.
Why is this trip only for women?
Because that’s who I hear from the most: friends who are yearning to get out into the world but who want the security of a group. That said, if enough couples or men have an interest in this trip I can open up another week, so be sure to let me know!
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We will do our best to accommodate food requests, but outside of Panama City dining options are more limited. You’re welcome to come of course, but it’s hard for a small family-owned restaurant or an indigenous villager to cook with every contingency in mind.
What level of physical fitness do I need to have?
I’ll start by saying that I’m a woman in her 50s who is definitely not a gym rat and I could do everything easily. The things to keep in mind:
- In Casco Viejo the streets and sidewalks are cobblestone and can be unstable at spots.
- The El Valle waterfall hike requires stairs that may be slippery.
- The Embera Village is reached by a small boat ride and gentle hike.
- Temperatures in Panama in January can be over 90 degrees, so you need to be ok with heat.
What is the refund policy?
$1,000 of the initial deposit is refundable up until 30 days before the tour. The other $500 is non-refundable as we have to pay hotels and other items in advance and can’t get the money back. After full payment, 50 percent is refundable up until 7 days before the tour. If you want to transfer the tour to someone else, you can do so for $200. Travel insurance is highly recommended.