WILD PANAMA
WITH PHOTOGRAPHER MATTIAS KLUMCOUNTRY: Panama PHOTO: Wildlife NUMBER OF DAYS: 10 days DATE: 1-10/3 2028 MIN/MAX PARTICIPANTS: 8/12
For me, Panama was a wonderful nature experience. Here two worlds meet – Darién’s ancient rainforest and Coiba’s living coral reefs – and between them lies a wealth of species that few even know exists. To stand side by side in the dawn light and wait for the photographic moment together is one of the most meaningful things I know. This is not just a photo tour, it is a chance to experience the wild as few ever have!
Mattias Klum
This is an unforgettable photo tour for a select few, to Panama’s two most beautiful and least-visited national parks, in the company of National Geographic photographer Mattias Klum.
Beyond the tourist areas await two of Central America’s most captivating natural landscapes. In Darién’s dense, green rainforest – one of the planet’s last true wildernesses – and around the marine national park of Coiba, where coral reefs bloom beneath the surface of the Pacific, you will follow the award-winning National Geographic photographer Mattias Klum into one of South America’s most species-rich corners. Here nature is not a backdrop, but something you come very, very close to.
With exclusive permits that open doors few others may pass, and with Mattias’s personal guidance at your side, adventure, learning and stillness are woven together into something greater. A journey that touches the heart, awakens curiosity and stretches your limits as a photographer.
Join us from the cool shadows of the rainforest to the shimmering light of the coral reefs. Listen to the toucans calling at dawn and let the silent presence of the whale sharks take your breath away. This is wild Panama – seen, felt and captured through your camera.
SOME OF THE TOUR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
-
- Safari, hiking and photography together with Mattias Klum.
- The chance to photograph the majestic harpy eagle.
- An expedition in one of the world’s most species-rich rainforests.
- Meeting the Emberá people.
- A 12 km trek along the Imana trail, from primary forest to the Pacific coast.
- Boat excursions, snorkelling and wild nature in Coiba National Park – Central America’s marine crown jewel.
- Opportunities to photograph scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, turtles and rays.
- Personal guidance in composition, light and visual storytelling from Mattias Klum.
- Group image reviews and time for editing and reflection.
- Talks on conservation, biodiversity and environmental issues in Panama’s tropical ecosystems.
COUNTRY: Panama PHOTO: Wildlife NUMBER OF DAYS: 10 days DATE: 1-10/3 2028 MIN/MAX PARTICIPANTS: 8/12
For me, Panama was a wonderful nature experience. Here two worlds meet – Darién’s ancient rainforest and Coiba’s living coral reefs – and between them lies a wealth of species that few even know exists. To stand side by side in the dawn light and wait for the photographic moment together is one of the most meaningful things I know. This is not just a photo tour, it is a chance to experience the wild as few ever have!
Mattias Klum
This is an unforgettable photo tour for a select few, to Panama’s two most beautiful and least-visited national parks, in the company of National Geographic photographer Mattias Klum.
Beyond the tourist areas await two of Central America’s most captivating natural landscapes. In Darién’s dense, green rainforest – one of the planet’s last true wildernesses – and around the marine national park of Coiba, where coral reefs bloom beneath the surface of the Pacific, you will follow the award-winning National Geographic photographer Mattias Klum into one of South America’s most species-rich corners. Here nature is not a backdrop, but something you come very, very close to.
With exclusive permits that open doors few others may pass, and with Mattias’s personal guidance at your side, adventure, learning and stillness are woven together into something greater. A journey that touches the heart, awakens curiosity and stretches your limits as a photographer.
Join us from the cool shadows of the rainforest to the shimmering light of the coral reefs. Listen to the toucans calling at dawn and let the silent presence of the whale sharks take your breath away. This is wild Panama – seen, felt and captured through your camera.
SOME OF THE TOUR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
-
- Safari, hiking and photography together with Mattias Klum.
- The chance to photograph the majestic harpy eagle.
- An expedition in one of the world’s most species-rich rainforests.
- Meeting the Emberá people.
- A 12 km trek along the Imana trail, from primary forest to the Pacific coast.
- Boat excursions, snorkelling and wild nature in Coiba National Park – Central America’s marine crown jewel.
- Opportunities to photograph scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, turtles and rays.
- Personal guidance in composition, light and visual storytelling from Mattias Klum.
- Group image reviews and time for editing and reflection.
- Talks on conservation, biodiversity and environmental issues in Panama’s tropical ecosystems.
PANAMA
PANAMA
PANAMA
Panama, with its capital Panama City, sits on the narrow isthmus that forms the land bridge between North and South America, with the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It borders Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east. The country is best known for the Panama Canal, the strategically vital waterway that connects the Atlantic and the Pacific and is one of the world’s most important trade routes. Its area is about 74,340 km² and the population is around 4.6 million. The country is also extremely rich in species – as a biological bridge between two continents it holds enormous biodiversity, from the rainforests of Darién to the marine World Heritage Sites around Coiba.
DARIÉN
Darién is one of Central America’s most remote and biologically diverse regions. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that forms a natural bridge between North and South America and is home to 169 mammal species, 99 reptiles, 78 amphibians and around 50 freshwater fish, plus over 500 bird species. Here, primary rainforest, flooded lowlands, rivers and natural clearings meet in a mosaic landscape that holds extraordinary wildlife.
Among the best-known predators is the jaguar, the largest cat in the Americas, known for its powerful bite that can crush turtle shells. Ocelots and other cats are found here too. Other mammals include Baird’s tapir, giant anteater, ocelots and several monkeys, such as the black-headed spider monkey, mantled howler monkey and night monkey. There is also the capybara, the world’s largest rodent.
The park is a birding paradise with around 670 species. The most spectacular is the harpy eagle, Panama’s national bird. Other species include macaws and toucans.
The park is also home to a large number of snakes. The most dangerous is the fer-de-lance. There is also the Central American bushmaster and the boa. You will almost certainly also encounter caiman and the American crocodile. The park also has plenty of amphibians, including venomous poison-dart frogs, and many species of butterfly.
Read more about all the species in Darién.
COIBA
Coiba National Park lies off Panama’s Pacific coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí and is largely a marine park – unlike Darién, here it is the sea that is the main attraction. The park covers about 2,700 km² and includes Coiba (Central America’s largest island), 38 smaller islands and the surrounding waters. Because the island was a prison until 2004, it has remained relatively untouched and well preserved. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Coiba has two endemic mammals: the Coiba agouti, found only on the island of Coiba and its nearest islets in Panama, and the Coiba howler monkey. There is also the black-eared opossum and a white-tailed deer. Bats dominate, with at least 30 identified species, many of them endemic.
It is beneath the surface that the park truly shines. The area is home to 760 species of marine fish, 33 species of shark and 20 species of whale. The coral reefs are sometimes called “the rainforest of the sea”. Among the marine life, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and dolphins are often seen in the surrounding waters.
Coiba has 147 bird species, including the brown-backed dove and 20 endemic subspecies – one of them is the Coiba spinetail. Perhaps the best known is the scarlet macaw. Coiba is the last refuge for several threatened species that have largely vanished from the rest of Panama, including the crested eagle and the scarlet macaw. One of the last healthy populations of scarlet macaw lives in the area, together with toucans, herons and many birds endemic to the tropical Pacific. Among the other birds, the king vulture is also noted.
In Coiba you’ll find the American crocodile and green iguanas, which thrive in the park’s wetlands and coastal areas. The dense forests and mangrove swamps are also home to a wide range of reptiles and insects – including sea turtles that nest and move through the surrounding waters.
Read more about all the species in Coiba
Read more about the places we will visit during the tour.
PANAMA
Panama, with its capital Panama City, sits on the narrow isthmus that forms the land bridge between North and South America, with the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It borders Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east. The country is best known for the Panama Canal, the strategically vital waterway that connects the Atlantic and the Pacific and is one of the world’s most important trade routes. Its area is about 74,340 km² and the population is around 4.6 million. The country is also extremely rich in species – as a biological bridge between two continents it holds enormous biodiversity, from the rainforests of Darién to the marine World Heritage Sites around Coiba.
DARIÉN
Darién is one of Central America’s most remote and biologically diverse regions. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that forms a natural bridge between North and South America and is home to 169 mammal species, 99 reptiles, 78 amphibians and around 50 freshwater fish, plus over 500 bird species. Here, primary rainforest, flooded lowlands, rivers and natural clearings meet in a mosaic landscape that holds extraordinary wildlife.
Among the best-known predators is the jaguar, the largest cat in the Americas, known for its powerful bite that can crush turtle shells. Ocelots and other cats are found here too. Other mammals include Baird’s tapir, giant anteater, ocelots and several monkeys, such as the black-headed spider monkey, mantled howler monkey and night monkey. There is also the capybara, the world’s largest rodent.
The park is a birding paradise with around 670 species. The most spectacular is the harpy eagle, Panama’s national bird. Other species include macaws and toucans.
The park is also home to a large number of snakes. The most dangerous is the fer-de-lance. There is also the Central American bushmaster and the boa. You will almost certainly also encounter caiman and the American crocodile. The park also has plenty of amphibians, including venomous poison-dart frogs, and many species of butterfly.
Read more about all the species in Darién.
COIBA
Coiba National Park lies off Panama’s Pacific coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí and is largely a marine park – unlike Darién, here it is the sea that is the main attraction. The park covers about 2,700 km² and includes Coiba (Central America’s largest island), 38 smaller islands and the surrounding waters. Because the island was a prison until 2004, it has remained relatively untouched and well preserved. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Coiba has two endemic mammals: the Coiba agouti, found only on the island of Coiba and its nearest islets in Panama, and the Coiba howler monkey. There is also the black-eared opossum and a white-tailed deer. Bats dominate, with at least 30 identified species, many of them endemic.
It is beneath the surface that the park truly shines. The area is home to 760 species of marine fish, 33 species of shark and 20 species of whale. The coral reefs are sometimes called “the rainforest of the sea”. Among the marine life, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and dolphins are often seen in the surrounding waters.
Coiba has 147 bird species, including the brown-backed dove and 20 endemic subspecies – one of them is the Coiba spinetail. Perhaps the best known is the scarlet macaw. Coiba is the last refuge for several threatened species that have largely vanished from the rest of Panama, including the crested eagle and the scarlet macaw. One of the last healthy populations of scarlet macaw lives in the area, together with toucans, herons and many birds endemic to the tropical Pacific. Among the other birds, the king vulture is also noted.
In Coiba you’ll find the American crocodile and green iguanas, which thrive in the park’s wetlands and coastal areas. The dense forests and mangrove swamps are also home to a wide range of reptiles and insects – including sea turtles that nest and move through the surrounding waters.
Read more about all the species in Coiba
PROGRAM
PROGRAM
1-10 MARCH 2029
Throughout the tour, Mattias Klum is available at all times for photographic advice and tips, as well as help with image editing and critique. Mattias, who has spent many months in these rainforests, will also give talks and share the challenges of photographing in the rainforest. The exact timing of these is decided based on the photographic activities and on what happens during the boat trips and hikes in the rainforest.
DAY 1, (1/3) – ARRIVAL IN PANAMA CITY
You arrive in Panama City during the day. Accommodation at the first-class Crowne Plaza Hotel near the airport. Here you are welcomed by Mattias Klum and a host from Zoom Photo Tours. After check-in there is time to relax.
In the evening a welcome drink is served while Mattias talks about the days we’ll share together. There will also be information about the hike in the first part of the tour. This is followed by a shared welcome dinner as we get to know one another. (D)
DAY 2, (2/3) –TOWARDS DARIÉN – REALM OF THE HARPY EAGLE
An early departure from Panama City, heading east towards Darién. The five-to-six-hour drive takes us past bustling towns, peaceful farmland and into the dense, primary rainforest. We will make several photo stops along the way.
In Yaviza we switch to a boat heading for a private ranch where active harpy eagle nests are monitored in collaboration with landowners and biologists.
After a short 4×4 transfer and an easy 800-metre forest walk, we reach the observation site, where we can calmly document nesting harpy eagles – an experience as much about nature as it is about photography.
Late in the afternoon we continue to Chucunaque Lodge & Birding, a working cattle ranch that runs jaguar conservation projects, where we will spend the night. (B, L, D)
DAY 3, (3/3) – A FULL DAY IN THE RAINFOREST
A full day in a privately owned protected area in Darién, where rainforest, flooded lowland and river systems create a mosaic of habitats. We move slowly and attentively to capture the rainforest’s wildlife. Subjects range from primates, birds and reptiles to macro photography of insects, frogs and the textures of the rainforest.
Midday we take a break for rest, hydration and equipment care before the afternoon session. The reserve is home to jaguar, and with the right conditions we may find tracks, calls or, in rare cases, a glimpse of this elusive animal.
After nightfall we set out on a night safari focusing on agouti, frogs, snakes and insects. (B, L, D)
DAY 4, (4/3) – DEEP INTO THE RAINFOREST
We set off from Metetí towards Puerto Kimba, where we transfer to a boat onward to Garachiné. From here we move deeper into Darién National Park through a combination of 4×4 transport and guided trekking.
The trail offers continuous exploration of primary rainforest, several river crossings, dense jungle sections and vast areas with no human presence at all. Along the way we stop at an Emberá village, where we are served a traditionally prepared lunch.
The trek is about 12 km, five to six hours of active hiking, with around 800 metres of ascent and more than 20 river crossings. Late in the afternoon we make camp at a remote forest site, eat dinner in the rainforest and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle. (B, L, D)
DAY 5, (5/3) – HIKING ALONG THE IMANA TRAIL
One of the most visually rich days of the tour. We continue along the Imana trail, from the enclosed compositions and filtered light of the primary forest to open coastal and river environments. The landscape offers many photo opportunities: from intimate forest details to wide-open vistas as the terrain opens out towards the Pacific.
The path is technical and varied: narrow trails, muddy stretches, dense vegetation and several river crossings. The pace is deliberately slow to allow time to document the landscape and its wildlife. After about 12 km we reach the isolated Emberá village of Playa Muerto, right by the sea, where we spend the night in simple huts. (B, L, D)
DAY 6, (6/3) – BACK TO PANAMA CITY
An early departure from Playa Muerto and the return journey by river, land and road back to Panama City – a structured transition from total wilderness to the city’s infrastructure. Along the way we stop for lunch before arriving at the hotel late in the afternoon.
Check-in at the 5-star InterContinental Hotel, located right by the sea. The evening is for relaxing and downloading images. Dinner on your own. (B, L, D)
DAY 7, (7/3) – PANAMA CITY TO SANTA CATALINA
From Panama City we travel to Santa Catalina, our base for the Coiba stage. The journey takes us from the pulse of the city through countryside and on to the Pacific coastline, with photo stops along the way. On arrival we check in at the Nativo Boutique Hotel. In the evening we work on image editing and image review together with Mattias. (B, L, D)
DAY 8, (8/3) – COIBA NATIONAL PARK
A full day exploring Coiba National Park, setting course for the Río San Juan area, the park’s most remote and least-visited parts.
The area includes river systems, mangroves, untouched beaches and coastal rainforest. Here there is a chance to see howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, reptiles, crocodiles and coastal birdlife – and, with luck, scarlet macaws. Transport is by boats chosen for optimal comfort and space for photo equipment.
The day is designed as an active field day in a strongly protected environment, with few visitors, which has created favourable conditions for observing wildlife and photographing coastal ecosystems in a largely untouched natural setting. (B, L, D)
DAY 9, (9/3) – MARINE DAY IN COIBA NATIONAL PARK
A full marine day with snorkelling at carefully selected sites within Coiba National Park. We focus on well-preserved ecosystems – rocky reefs, coral areas and transition zones between coast and open sea – with sites chosen dynamically based on sea conditions, visibility and animal activity.
During the day we snorkel at 2–3 sites with plenty of time for observation, adjustment and photography both beneath the surface and from the boat. Possible encounters include reef fish, rays, turtles and other coastal or pelagic species.
In the evening we share a farewell dinner and reflect together on our wonderful adventure. (B, L, D)
DAY 10, (10/3) – HOMEWARD JOURNEY
After breakfast we check out and head back to Panama City and the airport for onward travel on your own. A lunch stop along the way is paid for individually on site. (B)
If you have booked the add-on package at the fantastic Dreams Playa Bonita Panama, the bus will drop you off there.
FOLLOW-UP – Date set together with Mattias
Once you have had time to edit your images from the tour at your own pace, we will hold a digital follow-up session after you get home. There will also be feedback on your best images, ending with Mattias selecting the tour’s best photo, which goes straight to the final of Zoom’s competition ”Photo of the Year 2029”.
Here you can read more about the programme in Panama.
1-10 MARCH 2029
Throughout the tour, Mattias Klum is available at all times for photographic advice and tips, as well as help with image editing and critique. Mattias, who has spent many months in these rainforests, will also give talks and share the challenges of photographing in the rainforest. The exact timing of these is decided based on the photographic activities and on what happens during the boat trips and hikes in the rainforest.
DAY 1, (1/3) – ARRIVAL IN PANAMA CITY
You arrive in Panama City during the day. Accommodation at the first-class Crowne Plaza Hotel near the airport. Here you are welcomed by Mattias Klum and a host from Zoom Photo Tours. After check-in there is time to relax.
In the evening a welcome drink is served while Mattias talks about the days we’ll share together. There will also be information about the hike in the first part of the tour. This is followed by a shared welcome dinner as we get to know one another. (D)
DAY 2, (2/3) –TOWARDS DARIÉN – REALM OF THE HARPY EAGLE
An early departure from Panama City, heading east towards Darién. The five-to-six-hour drive takes us past bustling towns, peaceful farmland and into the dense, primary rainforest. We will make several photo stops along the way.
In Yaviza we switch to a boat heading for a private ranch where active harpy eagle nests are monitored in collaboration with landowners and biologists.
After a short 4×4 transfer and an easy 800-metre forest walk, we reach the observation site, where we can calmly document nesting harpy eagles – an experience as much about nature as it is about photography.
Late in the afternoon we continue to Chucunaque Lodge & Birding, a working cattle ranch that runs jaguar conservation projects, where we will spend the night. (B, L, D)
DAY 3, (3/3) – A FULL DAY IN THE RAINFOREST
A full day in a privately owned protected area in Darién, where rainforest, flooded lowland and river systems create a mosaic of habitats. We move slowly and attentively to capture the rainforest’s wildlife. Subjects range from primates, birds and reptiles to macro photography of insects, frogs and the textures of the rainforest.
Midday we take a break for rest, hydration and equipment care before the afternoon session. The reserve is home to jaguar, and with the right conditions we may find tracks, calls or, in rare cases, a glimpse of this elusive animal.
After nightfall we set out on a night safari focusing on agouti, frogs, snakes and insects. (B, L, D)
DAY 4, (4/3) – DEEP INTO THE RAINFOREST
We set off from Metetí towards Puerto Kimba, where we transfer to a boat onward to Garachiné. From here we move deeper into Darién National Park through a combination of 4×4 transport and guided trekking.
The trail offers continuous exploration of primary rainforest, several river crossings, dense jungle sections and vast areas with no human presence at all. Along the way we stop at an Emberá village, where we are served a traditionally prepared lunch.
The trek is about 12 km, five to six hours of active hiking, with around 800 metres of ascent and more than 20 river crossings. Late in the afternoon we make camp at a remote forest site, eat dinner in the rainforest and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle. (B, L, D)
DAY 5, (5/3) – HIKING ALONG THE IMANA TRAIL
One of the most visually rich days of the tour. We continue along the Imana trail, from the enclosed compositions and filtered light of the primary forest to open coastal and river environments. The landscape offers many photo opportunities: from intimate forest details to wide-open vistas as the terrain opens out towards the Pacific.
The path is technical and varied: narrow trails, muddy stretches, dense vegetation and several river crossings. The pace is deliberately slow to allow time to document the landscape and its wildlife. After about 12 km we reach the isolated Emberá village of Playa Muerto, right by the sea, where we spend the night in simple huts. (B, L, D)
DAY 6, (6/3) – BACK TO PANAMA CITY
An early departure from Playa Muerto and the return journey by river, land and road back to Panama City – a structured transition from total wilderness to the city’s infrastructure. Along the way we stop for lunch before arriving at the hotel late in the afternoon.
Check-in at the 5-star InterContinental Hotel, located right by the sea. The evening is for relaxing and downloading images. Dinner on your own. (B, L, D)
DAY 7, (7/3) – PANAMA CITY TO SANTA CATALINA
From Panama City we travel to Santa Catalina, our base for the Coiba stage. The journey takes us from the pulse of the city through countryside and on to the Pacific coastline, with photo stops along the way. On arrival we check in at the Nativo Boutique Hotel. In the evening we work on image editing and image review together with Mattias. (B, L, D)
DAY 8, (8/3) – COIBA NATIONAL PARK
A full day exploring Coiba National Park, setting course for the Río San Juan area, the park’s most remote and least-visited parts.
The area includes river systems, mangroves, untouched beaches and coastal rainforest. Here there is a chance to see howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, reptiles, crocodiles and coastal birdlife – and, with luck, scarlet macaws. Transport is by boats chosen for optimal comfort and space for photo equipment.
The day is designed as an active field day in a strongly protected environment, with few visitors, which has created favourable conditions for observing wildlife and photographing coastal ecosystems in a largely untouched natural setting. (B, L, D)
DAY 9, (9/3) – MARINE DAY IN COIBA NATIONAL PARK
A full marine day with snorkelling at carefully selected sites within Coiba National Park. We focus on well-preserved ecosystems – rocky reefs, coral areas and transition zones between coast and open sea – with sites chosen dynamically based on sea conditions, visibility and animal activity.
During the day we snorkel at 2–3 sites with plenty of time for observation, adjustment and photography both beneath the surface and from the boat. Possible encounters include reef fish, rays, turtles and other coastal or pelagic species.
In the evening we share a farewell dinner and reflect together on our wonderful adventure. (B, L, D)
DAY 10, (10/3) – HOMEWARD JOURNEY
After breakfast we check out and head back to Panama City and the airport for onward travel on your own. A lunch stop along the way is paid for individually on site. (B)
If you have booked the add-on package at the fantastic Dreams Playa Bonita Panama, the bus will drop you off there.
FOLLOW-UP – Date set together with Mattias
Once you have had time to edit your images from the tour at your own pace, we will hold a digital follow-up session after you get home. There will also be feedback on your best images, ending with Mattias selecting the tour’s best photo, which goes straight to the final of Zoom’s competition ”Photo of the Year 2029”.
ADD-ON TRIP
SUN & BEACHADD-ON TRIP
SUN & BEACH
EXTEND YOUR TOUR WITH SUN & BEACH – 10-13/3
An extension of the tour with four days of sun and beach at the 5-star Dreams Playa Bonita Panama, a perfect place to wind down and enjoy total relaxation after all the experiences of the expedition.
The resort is idyllically located on Panama’s Pacific coast, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and close to Panama City. Here you are met by a harmonious setting where comfort, nature and exclusive service come together to create the ultimate experience.
The resort offers a wide range of facilities. Relax by one of the pools, stroll along the private beach, treat yourself to a treatment at the spa or simply unwind on a sun lounger. In addition, there is kayaking and paddleboarding, beach volleyball, seaside yoga, water aerobics and pool activities, cooking classes, cocktail classes, and evening shows with Panamanian music and dance
The culinary experience is an important part of the stay. The resort’s restaurants and bars offer a varied selection of international flavours and gastronomic experiences that make every meal something to look forward to.
Dreams Playa Bonita Panama offers All Inclusive, which means that meals, drinks and access to the resort’s facilities are included. You can therefore focus entirely on enjoying your holiday without having to think about extra costs.
For those who wish, there is also the option to book various excursions and activities, while the stay retains its flexible character with no fixed programmes or schedules.
The hotel offers excursions including the following:
Panama Canal
One of the most popular excursions is a visit to the world-famous Panama Canal, where you can watch the enormous ships pass through the locks and learn more about the canal’s fascinating history.
Panama City & Casco Viejo
Discover Panama’s modern capital with its skyscrapers, shopping and the charming historic district of Casco Viejo, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Island hopping and snorkelling
Boat trips to nearby islands offer white beaches, crystal-clear water and opportunities for snorkelling and swimming.
Sunset catamaran cruise
One of the most appreciated experiences is an evening cruise along the Pacific coast with a fantastic view of the sunset.
Read more about Dreams Playa Bonita Panama here.
For prices and details, see the section PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING
Extend your tour with a few relaxing days of sun and beach.
EXTEND YOUR TOUR WITH SUN & BEACH – 10-13/3
An extension of the tour with four days of sun and beach at the 5-star a perfect place to wind down and enjoy total relaxation after all the experiences of the expedition.
The resort is idyllically located on Panama’s Pacific coast, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and close to Panama City. Here you are met by a harmonious setting where comfort, nature and exclusive service come together to create the ultimate experience.
The resort offers a wide range of facilities. Relax by one of the pools, stroll along the private beach, treat yourself to a treatment at the spa or simply unwind on a sun lounger. In addition, there is kayaking and paddleboarding, beach volleyball, seaside yoga, water aerobics and pool activities, cooking classes, cocktail classes, and evening shows with Panamanian music and dance
The culinary experience is an important part of the stay. The resort’s restaurants and bars offer a varied selection of international flavours and gastronomic experiences that make every meal something to look forward to.
Dreams Playa Bonita Panama offers All Inclusive, which means that meals, drinks and access to the resort’s facilities are included. You can therefore focus entirely on enjoying your holiday without having to think about extra costs.
For those who wish, there is also the option to book various excursions and activities, while the stay retains its flexible character with no fixed programmes or schedules.
The hotel offers excursions including the following:
Panama Canal
One of the most popular excursions is a visit to the world-famous Panama Canal, where you can watch the enormous ships pass through the locks and learn more about the canal’s fascinating history.
Panama City & Casco Viejo
Discover Panama’s modern capital with its skyscrapers, shopping and the charming historic district of Casco Viejo, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Island hopping and snorkelling
Boat trips to nearby islands offer white beaches, crystal-clear water and opportunities for snorkelling and swimming.
Sunset catamaran cruise
One of the most appreciated experiences is an evening cruise along the Pacific coast with a fantastic view of the sunset.
Read more about Dreams Playa Bonita Panama here.
For prices and details, see the section PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING
PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOGRAPHER
MATTIAS KLUM – National Geographic photographer
Mattias Klum is Sweden’s internationally most renowned nature photographer, filmmaker and author. Since the 1980s his work has been published extensively in magazines such as the New York Times, GEO, Der Spiegel and National Geographic, where his images have graced the cover 13 times. As a filmmaker he is behind a series of award-winning films and TV productions, and has published 15 books to date. Two of the books he co-wrote with Johan Rockström: ”Vår Tid på̊ Jorden” and ”Välfärd inom planetens hållbara gränser”, with a foreword by President Bill Clinton, and ”Big World Small Planet – Välfärd inom planetens gränser”, as well as ”The Perpetual Calendar of Life” , written in collaboration with Dr Jane Goodall. For more than three decades his work has been driven by a desire to move his audience on the subject of threatened environments, species and cultures.
Read more about Mattias here!
Mattias Klum is Sweden's internationally most renowned photographer. Read more about Mattias here.
MATTIAS KLUM – National Geographic photographer
Read more about Mattias here!
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING
PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING
THE MAIN TOUR
Price per person: SEK ??????:-
The price includes:
- Accommodation in a shared double room at the listed lodgings.
- Meals as per the programme (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Bus transfers as per the programme.
- Photo walks as per the programme.
- Boat trips.
- Various entrance fees.
- Park fees.
- Participation of Mattias Klum throughout the tour.
- Talks and image reviews led by Mattias Klum.
- A Zoom Photo Tours host accompanies the tour.
- Local guides on site.
- All tips except for the main guide.
- Hotel and other local taxes.
- Travel information before departure.
The price does not include:
- Flights to Panama, return.
- Single room supplement SEK ????:-
- Tips for the main guide. Approx. 15 USD per person per day.
- Costs of a personal nature, such as alcoholic drinks, etc.
- Cancellation protection/travel insurance; for more information, see our website under ”Other”.
ADD-ON DAYS 10-13/3
Price per person: SEK ??????:-
The price includes:
- Accommodation in a shared double room at the listed lodging for three nights.
- All inclusive (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Free access to the hotel’s à la carte restaurants.
- All drinks incl. alcoholic beverages and cocktails.
- Free minibar.
- Entertainment at the resort.
- Free access to the hotel’s activities.
- Hotel and other local taxes.
The price does not include:
- Single room supplement SEK ????:-
- Excursions outside the hotel. Booked directly on site.
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport. Can be booked directly on site.
FLIGHTS
Regarding flights, you should arrive in Panama City no later than 16:00 on 1/3.
If you travel home directly after the tour ends, book your return from Panama City no earlier than 17:00 on 10/3, or 13/3 if you have booked the add-on package.
Once the minimum number is reached, we will send out flight suggestions.
We recommend arriving in Panama a day or so before the programme begins, as it is a long flight with quite a few hours of time difference, and there may be flight delays.
If you would like help booking flights or extra nights at the hotel, we are more than happy to assist. You are welcome to call us on +46 70 180 90 99, email us at info@zoomfotoresor.se, or let us know when you make your booking.
FACTS
Target audience: Photographers interested in developing their skills in landscape, wildlife and nature photography.
Min/max participants: 9/12
Language: Swedish, English
Exchange rate used: USD 9.29 (as of 7/8 2025).
Other: For more information about Zoom Photo Tours, terms of delivery etc., see our website under ”Other”.
PHOTO EQUIPMENT
- Your camera.
- A standard zoom from 24 up to 200 mm for landscape photography.
- A long telephoto up to 500 mm for wildlife and nature photography.
- A monopod or tripod.
- Memory cards and a card reader.
- Spare batteries and a charger.
- A cleaning kit for the camera/lenses.
- A laptop with either Photoshop CS or Lightroom.
BOOKING
You book your participation by clicking the button below. You are also welcome to call us on +46 70 180 90 99 or email us at info@zoomfotoresor.se
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