BP On The Ground: Unveiling Insider Experiences In Panamá & Colombia

From Panama’s Pacific and Caribbean coastlines to Colombia’s dynamic cities and world-renowned coffee region, these destinations offer striking contrasts and effortless continuity. Stretching between two oceans and boasting some of the most diverse terrain on earth, these stunning countries offer an extraordinary range of experiences within remarkably varied landscapes.

As we regularly seek out new VIP experiences and insider access tours, our President and Founder joined two Blue Parallel Travel Experts on a recent familiarization trip to personally vet luxury accommodations, guides, and unique activities.

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Here, they share highlights of their journey to Panamá City, Cartagena, Bogotá, and Colombia’s coffee region, including their favorite activities and experiences…

Panamá City

Our journey began in Panamá, in the country’s capital. What was once a modest colonial port has evolved into a striking skyline of glass towers, lively coastal promenades, and a beautifully restored historic quarter.

Panama City offers a glimpse into both the country’s cultural and economic heart, whether marveling at the engineering brilliance of the Panamá Canal or wandering the atmospheric cobblestoned streets of Casco Viejo.

Walking Tour Of Casco Viejo

We began our exploration of Panamá with a privately guided walking tour of Panamá City’s Old Quarter, or Casco Viejo, led by an expert local guide who brought the neighborhood’s history to life.

As we meandered through winding, rustic alleys and past beautifully restored historic buildings, we gained insight into the city’s colonial past, its cultural evolution, and the thoughtful preservation that has shaped Casco Viejo into one of Panama’s most atmospheric districts today.

VIP Access To The Panamá Canal

The Panama Canal is a landmark of modern engineering, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through a 51-mile waterway across the Isthmus of Panama. Completed in 1914, it revolutionized global maritime trade by eliminating the need for ships to navigate the lengthy and hazardous route around Cape Horn.

Its system of locks allows vessels to be raised and lowered smoothly through varying elevations, showcasing one of the most significant achievements in transportation infrastructure.

During our visit, our expert guide took us to the old American barracks, where canal workers once stayed as they built this magnificent feat. From there, we continued to the Miraflores Lock, where we had VIP access to the viewing deck and could see the boats up close.

For a truly VIP experience, we can arrange an exclusive partial crossing of the canal in a private yacht alongside one of the canal’s expert engineers, or an incredible aerial tour in a private helicopter.

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Cultural Immersion With The Emberá Indigenous Community

The next day, we departed the city for an immersive cultural experience in Chagres National Park, where we had the chance to meet Panama’s indigenous Emberá community.

The Emberá people are native to Panamá and are known for their deep connection to the rainforest, as well as their traditional semi-nomadic way of life. Organized in small, kin-based communities along rivers, they maintain a rich cultural heritage expressed through handmade crafts, intricate body painting with natural dyes, and a distinct linguistic and musical tradition.

Our cultural experience began with a canoe ride along Lake Alajuela in a traditional boat steered by the Emberá people. We were greeted by members of the community and were given an exclusive look at their traditions and way of life.

From artisan visits and musical demonstrations to a traditional lunch prepared on-site, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a culture that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

Later that day, we returned to Panama City where we spent the night.

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Cartagena

Our luxury tour continued in Colombia, which works wonderfully when combined with Panama. From Panamá City, we journeyed to Cartagena, the jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Situated along turquoise waters teeming with tropical fish, nearby islands, and historic fortifications, this city creates an enchanting blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Cartagena is also renowned for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, vibrant streets, and UNESCO-listed walled Old Town.

Private Walking Tours

We began our exploration of Cartagena with a private walking tour of the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful buildings and traditional colonial Spanish architecture, and the 16th-century walls surrounding it.

Highlights along this tour included a visit to the Puerta del Reloj and a stroll along the city’s walls. We also witnessed a lively local dance demonstration, showcasing the rhythms and sounds of the Caribbean coast.

Later, we visited Getsemaní, a neighborhood filled with street art and vibrant nightlife. During our privately guided walking tour, we visited some of the best local bars and restaurants in the area, including Café Havana, where we recommend an authentic salsa experience.

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Cartagena boasts a wonderful, vibrant culture and rich history, and there are plenty of cultural experiences to be enjoyed beyond its charming streets. Our recommendations include an exclusive salsa lesson with professional dancers or an indulgent rum tasting with an expert sommelier, which can both be enjoyed inside historic 16th-century buildings

Private Boating To The Rosario Islands

One of the highlights of our luxury journey to Cartagena was a high-speed, private boat excursion to the nearby Rosario Islands. With white sand beaches and luxury accommodations, this archipelago is the ideal place to relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

While here, we visited a luxury private villa at Sofitel Baru Calablanca located on Barú Island, one of our newest preferred recommended properties. We also relaxed on pristine beaches, enjoying the turquoise water and savoring local cuisine, such as freshly sliced coconuts to sip from.

It’s possible to visit the Rosario Islands on a day trip; however, for those with more time, we recommend spending the night and unwinding to the rhythm of island life.

Bogotá

Our journey continued in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia located at around 8,600 feet above sea level, high in the Andes Mountains. Perched atop the high plateau of the Eastern Mountain Range of the country, it is the third-highest capital city in the world.

Bogotá offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and luxury stays, all of which we visited and vetted during our journey.

Private Tour & Tasting in Paloquemao Market

Colombia is known for its wide variety of tropical fruits, many of which are unique to the country. In Bogotá, this is celebrated in lively markets where stalls showcase regional produce and tantalize the senses.

We began our exploration of Bogotá with a private fruit tasting at the bustling Paloquemao Market, where we immersed ourselves in the country’s rich local flavors.

Each tasting revealed a new layer of Colombia’s natural richness, and we learned how the aromas and flavors were each shaped by the country’s diverse climates and elevations.

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Tour Of The Botero Museum

Colombian artist, Fernando Botero, is renowned for his distinctive style, characterized by exaggerated, voluminous forms that explore themes of power, identity, and everyday life.

Housed in the atmospheric La Candelaria district, the Botero Museum showcases one of the most important collections in the country, including art donations made by Botero himself. The galleries feature an impressive array of his paintings, drawings, and sculptures, displayed alongside works by international masters such as Picasso, Monet, Dalí, and Renoir.

During our luxury tour of Bogota, we visited this iconic museum for a closer encounter with Botero’s artistic evolution and an inside look at Colombia’s cultural heritage. For a truly unique experience, we can arrange for an exclusive tour of the museum with a member of the Botero family.

Coffee Region

Our exploration of Colombia and Panama culminated in Colombia’s lush coffee region. Known as the Eje Cafetero, this mountainous area is celebrated for its ideal growing conditions and long-standing coffee-producing traditions.

The region encompasses the departments of Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda, and features fertile volcanic soil, temperate climates, and terraced Andean landscapes that support some of the world’s highest-quality Arabica beans

Private Jeep Willys Tour

One of the most traditional ways to traverse the mountains of the coffee region is by “Jeep Willys”, or covered Jeeps.

Our exploration of this breathtaking area began with a Jeep Willy adventure from Salento to Filandia. We journeyed across rolling hills and lush valleys dotted with giant wax palms growing in the distance, stopping along the way for a private picnic in spectacular natural settings. As we enjoyed our delicious lunch, we admired sweeping views of the coffee and banana farms dotting the mountainsides around us.

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Private Coffee Farm Tour

Colombia is famous for having some of the smoothest coffee in the world, with mild acidic notes in a robust arabica bean. There are countless small coffee growers throughout the country, and some of the best come from the coffee belt.

No tour of Colombia’s coffee region would be complete without a private tour, demonstration and tasting. During our trip, we visited a local working coffee farm, or finca, where we meandered through coffee plants growing along the hillside and learned about the growing, harvesting, roasting, and preparation process from start to finish.

After our tour, we had the opportunity to sample the coffee with a private tasting.

Horseback Riding

While Colombia is now connected by a network of winding roads that traverse its diverse landscapes, horses have long been an essential means of transportation for locals who need to cross rugged mountains and navigate rural terrain.

Today, horseback riding, or ‘cabalgata,’ remains a popular tradition, particularly in the coffee region.

We journeyed through various fincas on a private horseback excursion, admiring the lush landscape that surrounded us along the way. As we rode along gentle slopes and across rolling hills, we felt connected to Colombia’s local heritage.

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Private Cacao Farm Tour

Coffee isn’t the only fruit produced in Colombia; with rich, fertile soil and a year-round sunny climate, the country grows a number of crops. Among them is cacao, which, although not a major export of the country, is an up-and-coming product with artisan cacao farms and chocolatiers becoming more common throughout.

During our Colombia tour, we visited a working cacao farm to learn about the full process of making artisanal chocolate. From opening freshly harvested cacao pods to tasting the sweet, tangy pulp that surrounds the beans, we experienced the wonder of this tropical fruit up close.

Discover The Best Experiences In Panamá and Colombia

The activities and experiences on offer in Panamá and Colombia can be adjusted to the preferences and activity level of our travelers.

With each research trip our team embarks on, we deepen our expertise in some of our preferred travel destinations. Our process allows us to continue to offer unique experiences, white-glove service, and luxury stays and to strengthen relationships with guides, preferred properties, and scholars on the ground.

For more information on our luxury Panamá and Colombia journeys, ccontact one of our Travel Experts today.

Tailor-Made Itineraries To Panamá & Colombia

Discover epic outdoor adventures, picturesque landscapes and more in Colombia with a bespoke, luxury tour…

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