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Day 1
Panama City
Framed by two oceans connected by the singular Panama Canal (the 7th Wonder of the Modern World) this vibrant and dynamic urban centre is truly a city on the world’s stage of commerce and ecology. Sleek skyscrapers are surrounded by pristine nature. Soberanía National Park protects a bounty of flora and fauna minutes from downtown. Casco Antiguo, the cobblestoned colonial centre, is a lovely labyrinth of churches, palaces, and plazas lined with cafes and the best champagne rooftop bars in the city. A UNESCO creative hub for gastronomy, it is home to a vibrant and diverse food scene led by world-class chefs. An incredible cultural crossroads sure to connect you to the uncommon.
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Day 2
Panama Canal Transit
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Day 2
Panama Canal Transit
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Day 3
San Blas Islands
Picture a chain of more than 370 paradise atolls cast off the north coast of Panama. This autonomous archipelago is also known as Guna Yala, meaning “land of Kuna”, the indigenous community driven out of mainland Panama by Spanish invaders in the 1500s and today the archipelago’s only inhabitants. They host visitors seduced by the clear, calm Caribbean waters, soft white sands and swaying palms, where we might meet the Kuna people and buy molas or coconuts, kayak the shoreline or enjoy a bonfire on the beach. Here we slow the pace and swim, snorkel, and repeat.
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Day 4
Cartagena
Sparkle in this jewel of the Caribbean; the cultured and very colourful Cartagena. Saunter or ride by Segway through a maze of cobbled streets for historic architecture, bougainvillea-dripping plazas, old churches and chic eateries where you’ll discover a blend of Caribbean cool and Colombian sophistication. Learn new cooking techniques with a personal chef, birdwatch at the National Aviary, visit botanical gardens, take a cycle tour or head to Turbaco. Roam offshore to Islas Del Rosario for magnificent beaches and snorkelling through colourful coral reefs. And as the sun sets over the ancient city walls, prepare for an intoxicating nightlife scene - in no time you’ll be sipping moreish mojitos, nodding to reggaeton and - once really in the spirit - gyrating to the salsa.
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Day 5
Santa Marta
The sign says you can have it all in Santa Marta. Blending a thriving Caribbean trade with bountiful countryside, history and culture, Colombia really does offer a great deal. Drift into the depths of the Colombian countryside where organic coffee farms and Minca, the bohemian mountainous haven sit beneath the Sierra Nevada peaks. Roam around town for museums, Bolivar’s Park, colourful markets and partake in a Colombian cooking class. Speed into lagoons to visit a village built on stilts, and roam further afield to Bogota. Unfurl true paradise at the Lost City, Tayrona National Park and Caoba tropical bio-reserve.Colombia’s raw regional beauty will leave you longing for more.
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Day 8
Miami, Florida
Welcome to Miami and the sweep of South Beach - backdrop to every iconic Miami movie, and forefront of Latin American culture. Stroll through pastel-hued geometric buildings in the art deco district, to graffiti mural masterpieces at Wynwood Walls. Watch Latino life unfold in Little Havana - the heartbeat of this great city - where walk-up windows sell café cortadito, sweet sugarcane juice, hatuey beer and guava ice-cream. Watch passionate locals discuss politics, play dominoes and smoke cigars. Shimmy at a salsa class, shop designer boutiques and race marlin and sharks by speedboat. Then slow your pace to uncover rare and endangered species at the Everglades National Park outdoor oasis. You’ll find the Miami dream is real – and it’s not just Cuban heels that will give you a spring in your step.
