Our unique journey to the surprisingly diverse countries of Ecuador and Panama
Richard and Helen van den Broek
We love travelling to faraway places, beautiful and varied natural landscapes, and fantastic, luxury accommodation in special locations with a unique story to tell. The team at Sapa Pana Travel have once again surpassed themselves. We’ve also been to Patagonia and Costa Rica through Sapa Pana Travel.
What we love so much is that our personal wishes form the starting point for every trip. Together with Petra, we came up with the idea of taking a one-month trip to Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands and Panama. Thanks to the itinerary and the pace of the trip, we were able to discover the surprisingly many facets of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands and Panama. And we saw so many beautiful things; one highlight after another (sometimes literally) followed in quick succession.
![]()
“ The team at Sapa Pana Travel have once again surpassed themselves. ”
The Amazon
Take, for example, our visit to the Napo Wildlife Centre in the heart of the Amazon. What a magnificent place to stay, with excellent guides and an endless array of flora and fauna to enjoy. We encountered countless species of birds, each one more beautifully coloured than the last.
![]()
Galapagos Islands
Another absolute highlight that, in our opinion, should not be missed on a trip to Ecuador is the Galápagos Islands. The animals there aren’t afraid of people, so you can get really close to them. Swimming with sea lions, penguins and turtles – what a marvellous experience! We also highly recommend the luxurious accommodation on the cruise ship the Cormorant (eight stunning cabins with king-size beds, showers and balconies). What exceptional service on board!
The Andes
The backbone of Ecuador is formed by the Andes mountain range with its many beautiful volcanoes, mountainous landscapes and crystal-clear lakes. In our view, a lovely way to explore this part of Ecuador is to stay in haciendas. The haciendas recommended by Sapa Pana all had something special to offer. These ranged from learning about Ecuador’s fascinating historical and political past to experiencing rural life in the Andes. Who wouldn’t want to milk cows themselves at Hacienda San Agustin? Enjoy a lovely horse ride, make your own chocolate and spend a day as a beekeeper at Hacienda La Danesa. Or listen to fascinating stories about the country’s (political) history by the fireside with the daughter of Ecuador’s former president. Fantastic!
Panama and Bocas del Toro
And then, as the icing on the cake, our stay at Bocas Bali in Panama during the final few days. A paradise in which to unwind and let all our experiences sink in.
We are so grateful to Sapa Pana Travel for this unforgettable trip! Thank you, Petra and Johan!
![]()
Fancy a trip of Ecuador and Panama?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Ecuador and/or Panama and are you curious about the possibilities? Then do take a look at the itineraries we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have an immediate question? Then feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an e-mail to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help.