Batty for Panama

There are more bat species flying in one small patch of forest in Panama than can be found in the whole of Europe or the USA. To study their behaviour, BBC2’s Bat Women of Panama, aired this week, documented a group of scientists based on Barro Colorado Island in the Panama Canal, who aimed to uncover the secret lives of these mysterious creatures.

Panama may be the top destination for bat enthusiasts, but if Northern Ghost, Big Crested Mastiff or Common Vampire don’t raise the excitement levels, then Trips Worldwide’s 13-day Panama Highlights tour - featuring pristine rainforest, colonial cities, undeveloped beaches, incredible wildlife, indigenous tribes and one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, the Panama Canal - is guaranteed to.

On arrival in Panama City, transfer to the 5-star waterfront Miramar Panama. Spend 3-days taking in the sights during a guided tour of the city, followed by a tour of Portobello Church and Fort in Colon. On to the luxurious Gamboa Rainforest Resort, located on the Panama Canal in the heart of the lush Panamanian rainforest. Here, over 340-acres along the Chagres River, offer unique landscapes including Gatun Lake and the Soberania National Park.

Next up, enjoy the friendly Panamonte Inn and Spa, situated outside the town of Boquete. After a day exploring the rainforest, keeping an eye out for the striking feathers of Quetzal, or sampling coffee at a nearby coffee plantation, relax with a massage or take a stroll in the resort’s beautiful gardens. Continue by road and ferry to Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro, to unwind at a small beachside, antillean-style hotel situated within Bastimentos Island National Marine Park.

The area offers 33,000-acres of undeveloped, beautiful beaches, on which four species of endangered sea turtle lay their eggs (May to September), along with stunning underwater scenery – a great excuse to don snorkel and flippers. At Punta Caracol, further beachside relaxation and underwater activities are on offer from a base at a unique stilted aqua-lodge, before returning to Panama City for a final night and homeward flights.

The holiday costs from £2,395 p/p including scheduled international and internal flights, taxes, 4 and 5-star hotel and lodge accommodation, some meals and all excursions as per itinerary accompanied by an English speaking local guide.

For more information, log on to Tripsworldwide.co.uk.