Panama Canal & Rainforest Tour

Today, you will have a glimpse of the vibrant Panama capital city accompanied by a professional guide. The driver and the guide will be waiting for you at the hotel. The first stop is Casco Viejo (San Felipe), the “Old Quarter” of the city, which dates back to 1673. As the second colonial city under Spanish rule, the UNESCO-listed district features many Spanish-style colonial buildings, cathedrals and monuments. Then you will be guided to see the spectacular Bridge of the Americas, take a stroll along the romantic Amador Causeway while enjoying the sea breeze.

Next, we will drive to explore the city’s most iconic attraction, the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks. As the ship transit schedule is mostly at noon, we especially arrange it at this time. Miraflores Visitor Center here offers you a chance to stand high at the Observation Deck to live an impressive experience of seeing cargo ships and large cruises pass through the canal locks. Apart from that, there is an IMAX theater where you can see a short film about the history and construction of the legendary engineering project. At least 25,000 workers died during the construction period and most of them died of diseases like yellow fever and manila.

After that, head to Panama Viejo, the first colonial city was built in 1519 but the destruction by pirates in 1671 left the city in ruins. Today we can see crumbling building remains of important cultural value and your professional guide will bring color and context to this ruins tour. Today’s last stop is Panama City where you can view the modern outlook of the country.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero (4 stars)

Today starts the highlight of your Panama tour, cruising along the Panama Canal on a comfortable ship and enjoying traversing the lock systems in person. In the early morning, you will be transferred to Flamenco Marina, where the ship starts to sail. Boarding on the cruise, you can first admire the beautiful skyline of Panama City and enjoy the scenic Panama Bay. Then the cruise will pass through the Bridge of the Americas, Miraflores Locks and Pedro Miguel Locks, enter Miraflores Lake and finally arrive at Gamboa Dredging Division. The 6-hour canal tour covers nearly half of the Panama Canal. Along the way, you can not only see how the canal locks operate, the ship is raised several meters above sea level, but also appreciate the rich fauna. A bilingual guide will also accompany you on board and answer your questions about the canal. After disembarking at Gamboa Dredging Division, you will be sent back to the hotel.

Notes:
1. The northbound canal tour will depart early in the morning as the check-in time is about 6:30-7:30 am. If you feel too early, a southbound tour departing late is also available for your choice. Please contact your travel consultant in advance.

2. No-alcoholic drinks and soda water will be served on board, and breakfast and lunch will also be included on the northbound canal tour. Nevertheless, it is still suggested to take your own food.

3. The actual departure time of the ship will finally be based on the Panama Canal Authority’s decision so the time will be confirmed with you the day before the tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero (4 stars)

In the morning we will first drive to Soberania National Park. We'll hike along the paths in the rainforest to look for the wild life. Then we'll take a boat to explore Gatun Lake and go to the Monkey Island and other island to look for monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas. Afterwards, take cable car to visit Gamboa Rainforest and search for birds, butterflies, sloths and monkeys. Finally return to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero (4 stars)

Today we'll drive one hour to Chagres National Park. Take the canoe at Gatun River Dock and row 30 minute along Chagres River to see the amazing scenery of the rainforest. After arriving at Indian Embera Village, we'll enjoy the Embera music and dance and learn their tradition and lifestyle. The Indians will invite us to have a hiking tour to explore the various plants and animals and hike through primitive jungles with waterfalls. We can also see their handicrafts including baskets and colorful clothes. At last, go back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero (4 stars)

This is the last day of our tour in Panama. The driver will pick you up and transfer you to Tocumen International Airport on time. Wish you a pleasant journey home!

Meals: Breakfast