Blog List
Panama: A World-Class Culinary Destination
Discover the Flavors Conquering Latin America! Panama is shining on the international stage as an exceptional culinary destination, showcasing its rich cultural and gastronomic heritage. Panamanian Restaurants Among the Best in Latin America This year, the iconic Maito restaurant, led by Chef Mario Castrellon, has been ranked among the top 15 in Latin America by The World's 50 Best Restaurants. Castrellon's innovative culinary concept, "Chombasia", blending Afro-Caribbean and Asian influences, has firmly placed Panamanian cuisine on the global map. In addition to Maito, several other Panamanian restaurants earned their spot on The Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2024: Cantina del Tigre Fonda Lo Que Hay La Tapa del Coco Intimo These accomplishments strengthen Panama's reputation as a leading food destination and as a proud UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Savor Panama's Culinary Heritage with Vapues Travel Immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Panama with our exclusive experiences! Caribbean Food Experience Get familiar with the culture and flavors in the Panamanian Caribbean. You visit the colorful town of Colon, a site with many traditions, and where you are introduced to some of the most traditional flavors. Start by visiting a bakery to learn about the process of the plantain "empanadas". Then, heading to the municipal market and taste "isinglass", a soft drink. End the tour by visiting a local restaurant where you try some the most famous local Caribbean dishes and ingredients. Culture and Flavor at Casco Antiguo Get a taste of Panama's distinct food and culture as you stroll through Panama City's old town, Casco Antiguo. The first stop is at the colorful seafood market where you'll try the famous ceviche, before visiting a chocolate factory where you'll learn about the cacao production process and enjoy some tasty samples accompanied by a freshly brewed coffee or tea. Panamanian Culinary Workshop Join a fun and interactive cooking workshop led by Ana Patricia Zubieta at Taste Kitchen Cooking Studio in Casco Antiguo. Plan Your Culinary Adventure Today! Whether you are exploring the Caribbean coast or the lively Panama City, Vapues Travel creates custom itineraries that highlight the culture, history, and, most importantly, the real flavors of »
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Couples Experiences and Honeymoons Panama & Nicaragua
Picture-perfect beaches, crystal-clear seas and great local food, Nicaragua and Panama tick a lot of boxes when it comes to couples vacations and honeymoons. For some couples that's all they need, but let's face it, even the most beautiful beach can get boring after a while. As Vapues Travel, we offer a range of experiences that are just perfect for restless couples looking to break up their days with a little adventure. From horse riding along a deserted Nicaraguan beach to private flights over the Panama Canal, we can help you add those extra touches which can make a couples vacation even more special. Take a look at some of our favourite experiences for couples and honeymooners. Private Seaplane A short trip with a unique blend of the amazing history and raw nature of Panama. Fly alongside the Panama Canal, the most famous waterway in the Americas. Reaching the Caribbean your pilot flies over Fort San Lorenzo for a throwback in time to the era of pirates and buccaneers. Valle de Antón Experience A full day journey to the beautiful Panamanian mountains, this tour takes you to El Valle de Anton, a charming little town and valley just two hours drive from Panama City. As you arrive in the valley, you'll see La India Dormida - a row of hilltops overlooking the village which resemble a sleeping Indian. Los Guatuzos The Los Guatuzos Wildlife Reserve, not far from Islas Solentiname, is one of the most extensive wetland areas in Central America. With two distinct climate zones, namely tropical humid forest and tropical dry forest, the diversity of wildlife here is incredible. Horse Riding Adventure Head into the Nicaraguan countryside on horseback - an amazing way to see this beautiful part of the world. You'll be looked after by an expert local guide and will have a healthy, well-kept horse to carry you along the trails which wind through this rugged terrain. The Riverside Inn Set amongst unique landscaped gardens on the banks of Rio Pianista, The Riverside Inn provides a homely countryside retreat where you can settle into the peaceful surroundings of Boquete. Tribal Hotel This intimate and beautifully decorated boutique hotel offers a luxurious and peaceful retreat in the heart of Granada. There are just seven stylish rooms, each with their own private terrace, surrounding a central courtyard filled with plants, local artworks, lounging beds and seating around the swimming pool. Talk to the Vapues team about adding some special touches to your couples vacations and »
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Hiking Adventures - Panama & Nicaragua
Spending some time in the great outdoors is an essential part of most vacations, and there's no simpler way than to put on your hiking boots and set off on the local trails. Nicaragua and Panama provide many unique and wonderful opportunities to explore on foot, from spectacular volcano trails to routes which take you through thick rainforests, dramatic canyons and serene countryside. Along the way, you'll encounter much of the diverse flora and fauna which attracts nature-lovers from across the world. At Vapues Travel, we offer a range of fascinating trails and experiences which can be added to your itinerary with ease, along with transport and expert naturalist guides to show the way. Take a look at some of our favourite short hikes in Panama and Nicaragua. Cloud Forest Hike Enjoy a half day hiking experience along the Lost Waterfalls Trail of La Amistad National Park. The trail runs parallel to Quebrada La Mina - a creek that crosses some of the ridges and valleys above Boquete, creating spectacular waterfalls that spill into Caldera River. The 4.5 km round trip trail requires a moderate fitness level as some sections are challenging. Barú Volcano An amazing full day hiking adventure in Barú Volcano National Park, taking place at night in order to enjoy the sunrise from the volcano. The trails ascends to 3500 meters above sea level in the first 6 hours, where you will be able to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the Panamanian coastlines, Pacific and Caribbean, from the highest point of Panama; besides experiencing different forests and microclimates. Mombacho Volcano Journey into the lush cloud forest around the majestic Mombacho Volcano, spotting wildlife and taking in the incredible panoramic views from the top. After travelling to the Mombacho Nature Reserve, you'll begin to climb the volcano by 4x4 truck, stopping for a delicious local coffee at one of the plantations along the way. Tisey Nature Reserve Discover the natural beauty of Esteli as you explore the surroundings with a local guide. Your experience starts at the Estanzuela Waterfall. After a short walk, you'll visit a traditional farm that hosts the highest viewpoint of the reserve, on a clear day the best place to enjoy panoramic views from Lake Managua to the volcanoes of the Pacific. After lunch a moderately challenging hike down to the valley brings you to a subsistence farm surrounded by dense forest and farmland, Finca El Jalacate. Panamonte Inn Dating back to 1914, this elegant country hotel in the highlands of Boquete has hosted guests such as Teddy Roosevelt, Charles Lindbergh and Richard Byrd during its long history. Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, and with an excellent restaurant and lounge, it makes for a relaxing haven for a few days in this peaceful part of Panama. Marduk Garden Marduk Gardens Boutique Hotel is located near Esteli, at the top of the reserve El Tisey-Estanzuela, at 1450 meters above sea level. The hotel has three luxuriously decorated cabins in vintage style, including a bedroom, a living room, a balcony, and a bathroom with hot water. The hotel has a small on-site restaurant, extensive gardens, and various trails to explore the beautiful surroundings. Get in touch to talk about our hiking and adventure »
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