Panama Canal to Caribbean tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
• The itinerary minimises internal flights and makes extensive use of shared road and boat transport, which lowers emissions per traveller.
• Human powered activities form a meaningful part of the trip, including guided forest walks in Boquete, La Amistad and Soberanía, and gentle explorations of historic districts on foot.
• Vegetarian and vegan meals are available throughout, and many ingredients are locally sourced, particularly in the highlands where farms supply fresh produce to the lodges.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
• All accommodations are reviewed for their environmental standards, including water saving measures, reduced plastic use and responsible waste management, with several in Boquete integrating small scale habitat restoration on their grounds.
• The itinerary supports protected areas through entrance fees to La Amistad International Park, Bastimentos Marine National Park and Soberanía National Park, helping to fund conservation and biodiversity monitoring.
• Expert local nature guides accompany key excursions, promoting respectful wildlife viewing and sharing ecological insight, while visits to Emberá and Ngäbe Buglé communities reinforce sustainable land stewardship.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
• Most accommodations used on this itinerary are locally owned or locally managed, ensuring that revenue remains within Panama’s communities, with smaller properties in Boquete and Bocas del Toro providing particularly meaningful local benefit.
• The itinerary employs local guides throughout, including Indigenous Emberá and Ngäbe Buglé hosts who share cultural traditions and generate income directly for their communities.
• Visits to artisan shops, community markets and small independent restaurants in Casco Viejo, Boquete and Bocas del Toro further support local producers, craftspeople and family run businesses.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
• Our Panamanian operating partners employ almost entirely local staff, many of whom are from the regions visited, ensuring economic benefit reaches the communities we engage with.
• The itinerary creates income earning opportunities for Indigenous groups through village visits, cultural demonstrations and locally prepared meals, supporting communities that are often economically marginalised.
• All staff are paid at or above national minimum wage, and our partners maintain inclusive hiring practices that welcome employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, orientation or background, making the trip fully LGBTQ+ friendly.