Explore Panama, Colombia & Galapagos Islands Tour

Arrival in Panama City

We meet at 05:30 in the morning at the tour desk in the International Terminal at Istanbul Airport. After completing baggage and passport procedures, we depart directly for Panama City at 13:50 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 903.

After a flight of approximately 14 hours and 10 minutes, we arrive at Panama City Tocumen Airport at 20:00 local time. Our local guide greets us, and we travel to the hotel by private vehicle. Turkish Airlines flight TK 903 operates directly between Istanbul (IST) and Panama City (PTY), departing at 13:50 and arriving at 20:00.

We stay at Hotel Riu Plaza Panama or a similar 4-star hotel.

Panama Canal and Casco Viejo

After breakfast, we begin a full-day tour to explore Panama City. Our first stop is the Panama Canal. At Miraflores Locks, we watch ships pass through the canal. At the Panama Canal Museum, we learn about the canal's history and its construction during 1881-1914, examining the technical details of the project started by the French and completed by the Americans.

We then continue to Casco Viejo, Panama City's historic district. Built in 1673 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the district has colonial-era buildings and colorful streets. Our stops also include Plaza de Francia, with its monument dedicated to French engineers, San José Church, known for its golden altar, and the Presidential Palace.

We have lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying seafood dishes from Panama's cuisine. After lunch, we head to Amador Causeway, with its long waterfront walkway and recreation area. Here, we take in views of the Pacific Ocean and browse the souvenir shops.

Our final stop of the day is Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry. At this museum, we learn about Panama's biodiversity and ecosystem. In the evening, we return to the hotel and stay at the 4-star Hotel Riu Plaza Panama.

On to Medellín and Comuna 13

We leave the hotel early in the morning and transfer to the airport. We fly directly from Panama City (Albrook Airport) to Medellín with Wingo Airlines at 08:15. After a flight of approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes, we arrive at 09:33 in Medellín, one of Colombia's lively cultural cities.

After being met on arrival, we begin our city tour in Comuna 13. This neighborhood, which experienced difficult times in the past, has been revitalized through art, music and street culture. We explore its street murals and learn about local artists and residents' way of life. The neighborhood stands out as an example of urban transformation in Latin America.

We then head to Plaza Botero, one of Medellín's well-known squares. We stop for photos in the square, which features large bronze sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. We have lunch at a local restaurant. The menu features Bandeja Paisa from Colombian cuisine. This traditional Antioquia dish consists of rice, beans, meat, plantain, avocado and egg.

After lunch, we visit El Poblado, one of Medellín's modern neighborhoods, and Arvi Park, an ecological conservation area. We sample Colombian coffee at a spot overlooking the city. In the evening, we return to the hotel.

The direct flight with Wingo Airlines operates between Panama City (BLB) and Medellín (MDE). Departure is at 08:15 and arrival is at 09:33. Accommodation is at Hotel Diez Medellín or a similar 4-star hotel.

Bogotá's historic centre

After breakfast, we leave the hotel and fly directly from Medellín (MDE) to Bogotá (BOG) with Avianca Airlines at 10:49. After the 50-minute flight, we arrive in Bogotá at 11:39 and begin our city tour.

In La Candelaria, Bogotá's historic centre, we see Bolívar Square in the heart of the capital, the Presidential Palace (Casa de Nariño) and Bogotá Cathedral, which dates from the colonial period. We then visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), where we learn about Colombia's gold craftsmanship and the legend of El Dorado. The museum houses one of the world's most extensive collections of pre-Columbian gold, with more than 55.000 gold objects.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we take a cable car up Monserrate Hill, at an elevation of 3.150 metres. Here, we enjoy panoramic views of Bogotá and visit the historic church on the hilltop.

After the tour, we transfer to the hotel. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá or a similar hotel.

The lake behind El Dorado

After breakfast, we depart for Laguna de Guatavita, north of Bogotá.

Laguna de Guatavita is known as the birthplace of the legend of El Dorado. According to legend, the Muisca people covered their leaders in gold dust and immersed them in the lake’s waters during sacred ceremonies. The legend of El Dorado (the Golden City) is said to have originated here. We take a nature walk in the area where Spanish colonists repeatedly tried to drain the lake in search of gold.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Bogotá.

We stay at the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá or similar hotels.

Quito's colonial old town

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel. We depart from Bogotá for Quito at 07:15 with Avianca Airlines. After a flight of approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, we arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, at 08:50.

After being welcomed on arrival, we begin our Quito city tour. The Historic Centre of Quito (Centro Histórico), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved colonial city centres in South America. During the tour, we see the capital's historic square, Plaza Grande, the Presidential Palace and Quito Cathedral. The interior walls of La Compañía de Jesús Church, one of Latin America's Baroque buildings, are entirely covered in gold leaf.

We have lunch at a local restaurant. We then visit El Panecillo Hill for panoramic views of Quito. The large Virgin Mary Statue on the hill is one of Quito's landmarks. After the tour, we transfer to the hotel.

The direct flight with Avianca Airlines from Bogotá (BOG) to Quito (UIO) departs at 07:15 and arrives at 08:50.

Accommodation will be at the 4-star Hotel Dann Carlton Quito or a similar hotel.

The equator and Otavalo Market

After breakfast, visit the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) Monument, where the equator passes through. Here, you can stand in both hemispheres at once, with one foot in the north and the other in the south. You can observe scientific experiments conducted on the equator.

During the visit to the Intiñan Sun Museum, learn about local people's knowledge of astronomy and ancient Ecuadorian cultures.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant offering traditional Ecuadorian dishes.

In the afternoon, visit Otavalo Market, one of the largest local markets in South America. The market offers handmade textiles, jewellery, artwork and traditional Ecuadorian products. You can shop for alpaca shawls, ponchos and Andean handicrafts.

Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight accommodation is at Hotel Dann Carlton Quito. The hotel has a 4-star rating.

Arrival in the Galapagos

Check out of the hotel early in the morning. Depart from Quito for the Galapagos Islands at 11:01 with Avianca Airlines. After a direct flight of approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes, arrive at Baltra Airport at 12:13. The flight route is Quito (UIO) to Galapagos (GPS-Baltra).

On arrival, complete the entry procedures for Galapagos National Park. Entrance fees are paid in cash on site. Details of the fees are provided below.

Take a ferry to Santa Cruz Island and continue to the town of Puerto Ayora. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

Then visit the Charles Darwin Research Center, located in the lands where Darwin developed his theory of evolution. Learn about the Galapagos ecosystem and its giant tortoises.

During the visit to Las Grietas Natural Pool, stop for a swim in the clear natural pool between volcanic rocks. Transfer to the hotel in the evening.

The 20 USD fee for the Transit Control Card (TCT) is paid at Quito/Guayaquil airport before boarding. The Galapagos National Park entrance fee of 200 USD is paid upon arrival in Galapagos. Only cash is accepted for both fees. These fees are excluded from the tour package and are paid directly by passengers.

Stay at the 4-star Hotel Fiesta Galapagos on Santa Cruz Island or a similar hotel.

A day in Galapagos nature

Today is devoted to a full day exploring the nature of Galapagos. After breakfast, we walk to Tortuga Bay Beach. One of the most famous and unspoiled beaches in Galapagos, it is known for its white sand, clear waters and marine iguanas. Here, we can see endemic species in their natural surroundings.

During our visit to El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, we observe Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. These giant land tortoises can live for up to 150 years and weigh up to 250 kilograms.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit Los Gemelos (Twin Craters), large craters formed by volcanic collapse. We then walk through lava tunnels to learn how the underground volcanic formations took shape.

In the evening, we return to the hotel. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Fiesta Galapagos.

On to Guayaquil

After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Depart from Galapagos for Guayaquil with Avianca Airlines at 11:40. After a flight of approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes, arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, at 13:34.

After being welcomed on arrival, begin the Guayaquil city tour. Along Malecón 2000, a modern waterfront walkway stretching 2,5 km, see historic monuments, parks, modern shopping areas and views of the Pacific. Then visit the Las Peñas neighborhood, known for its colorful houses and city views. This is one of Guayaquil's oldest and most historic areas.

After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the hotel.

The direct flight with Avianca Airlines from Galapagos (GPS) to Guayaquil (GYE) departs at 11:40 and arrives at 13:34. Stay at the 4-star Hotel Wyndham Guayaquil or a similar hotel.

Guayaquil's history and nature

After breakfast, we set out to explore Guayaquil's historic and natural sites.

The first stop is Parque Histórico Guayaquil, a large open-air museum that brings together history, culture and nature. Colonial-era buildings and native plant and animal species introduce visitors to Ecuador's past.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

We then climb the 444 steps to Cerro Santa Ana Hill. From here, we view Guayaquil's cityscape and the colorful streets of the Las Peñas neighborhood.

During our visit to Guayaquil Botanical Garden, we explore the region's vegetation, native and exotic plant species, and tropical environment.

After the tour, we return to the hotel. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Wyndham Guayaquil or a similar hotel.

Return via Bogotá to Istanbul

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Guayaquil Airport. Depart from Guayaquil for Bogotá with Avianca Airlines at 10:10, arriving in Bogotá at 11:50.

After completing baggage and passport formalities at Bogotá Airport, depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK 801 at 15:20. The Bogotá-Istanbul flight takes approximately 16 hours and includes a short technical stop in Panama City.

The Avianca Airlines flight from Guayaquil (GYE) to Bogotá (BOG) is direct. Departure is at 10:10 and arrival is at 11:50.

THY flight TK 801 from Bogotá (BOG) to Istanbul (IST) has 1 stop (PTY). The scheduled departure time is 15:20 and the arrival time is 15:35 (+1).

Spend the night on board.

Arrival in Istanbul

We arrive at Istanbul Airport at 15:35 local time on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight TK 801. After passport control and baggage collection, our Latin America tour comes to an end.

This journey took you from the Panama Canal to the streets of Medellín, from Laguna de Guatavita, where the legend of El Dorado began, to Mitad del Mundo, where you stood right on the Equator. It also featured Quito's gold-covered colonial churches and the giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands. Thank you for choosing to travel with us. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip.