Discovering the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is one of the modern wonders of the world. Many people would like to see more than just the locks. Some take a Canal Transit with hundreds of people and the experience is less than intimate. Experience the Canal in a unique way that will transport you back in time where you can hear the voices of the past tell a fascinating stories of how man divided the a strip of land to unite the world.
Location: Province of Panama and Colon
Difficulty: Easy
Price: US$875.00*
Duration: 5 Days (days can be added for a more customized trip)
Day 1: Arrive in Panama
Upon arrival in Panama City, you will be met not just at the airport but at the gate for a VIP reception. Don't worry about your bags or customs we take care of all these little inconveniences as soon as you arrive. While you're waiting for your baggage enjoy your favorite beverage in the Royal Saloon.
Overnight in Panama City
Day 2: Tour of Panama City
After breakfast, you will depart for a tour of the major sights of Panama City. Your day begins with the ruins of Panama Viejo "Old Panama City" founded 1519 and later destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. Then, you will explore the narrow streets, plazas and public parks of Casco Viejo, the Colonial area. The tour continues to the commercial and banking area of modern Panama City.
Overnight in Panama City (B L)
Day 3: Panama Canal Adventure
Panama is well known for the Canal and many would like to see more than just the locks. Some take a partial or full canal transit with hundreds of people on Saturdays and the experience is less than intimate. We thought it was time to Experience the Canal in a way that would appeal to our adventurous types looking for a unique experience. After breakfast, you will travel to Amador causeway on the pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. From here you head to Balboa to the Administration building of the Panama Canal. Travel along the railroad passing by former military bases Albrook Airfield and Fort Clayton before arriving at the first set of locks. With any luck, you will see vessels as they transit through Miraflores Locks. There is an excellent viewing Center recently opened that will help you understand this engineering marvel. After about 2 hours, which will go by faster than you think, you then head north passing Pedro Miguel Locks, the smallest of all three locks to Gamboa. Gamboa, which is in the center of the 55,000-acre Soberania Park, on the banks of the Rio Chagres. Unlike most visitors who only peer at the canal from the locks, today you will take a fast boat through the Panama Canal and through Gatun Lake. We navigate our way up the waterway passing jungle islands and vessels making their way to Gatun Locks. During your boat adventure you will enjoy a box lunch in the middle of this beautiful theater of life call the Panama Canal.
Overnight in Panama City (B L)
Day 4: Panama Canal Railroad & Gatun Locks
This Morning you embark on an elegant train adventure along the Panama Canal, traveling across the isthmus to Colon City. Upon arrival you will visit Gatun Locks which offers visitors an incredible view of the Caribbean Ocean and Lake Gatun. You will see a parade of ship as they are raised in three giant steps 85 feet above sea level. After about two hours you will then cross the locks and drive over the channel. This is only possible we both lanes are closed. You have an opportunity to see the little remains of the French Canal before arriving Former Military base Fort Sherman. Here you continue to Fort San Lorenzo on the mouth of the Chagres River. Birding on this road to San Lorenzo is phenomenal. I can't think of any other places more remarkable for wildlife. San Lorenzo is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
Overnight in Panama City (B L)
Day 5: Departure
Transfer to the international airport at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. (B)
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Seasonal Climate: Panama has a tropical climate with high temperature and humidity, the average temperature 30°C. The rainy season is from May to November and the summer from December to April. The rainfall is of a tropical nature, falling for 1-2 hours in the afternoon.
Required Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens are strongly encouraged to have a passport which is valid for six months from the date of entry. Travelers are required to purchase a $5 tourist card (provided by the airline) for entry into Panama. UK, CAN, USA, NZ and AUS citizens do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Other nationalities should consult their consular office.
Vaccinations & Protection: Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Malaria, Typhoid, Infectious Hepatitis and Polio if you are traveling to Jungles of Darien, Bocas del Toro or San Blas. Special Note: Visa and Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP
A recommended list of clothing and personal gear will be provided before your trip. Here we make a few specific recommendations with regard to your Package.
Luggage: One main piece of luggage and a daypack. Total allowance: 44lbs /20kgs.
Clothing: Pack essentially for Hot Conditions. Lightweight clothing is essential though a warmer sweater is advisable in A/C settings. A rain jacket is recommended during the green season. Footwear: A pair of lightweight shoes or sandals are recommended. They should be comfortable and broken in before coming to Panama.
Equipment: We recommend a sunhat, a Flash Light/torch, insect repellent, umbrella during the Green Season. Binoculars are very useful for bird and animal spotting and a camera.
Included
All ground, train and boat transportation within your trip, all accommodations, Canal and park fees, local tourism taxes, Bilingual guide, all activities as described in the itinerary and some meals.
Not Included
R/T transportation from your home city to Panama City, beer, liquor and bottled water in hotel rooms, items of a personal nature (laundry, telephone, etc.), gratuities, travel insurance, international airport departure taxes. The Panama Canal is one of the modern wonders of the world. Many people would like to see more than just the locks. Some take a Canal Transit with hundreds of people and the experience is less than intimate. Experience the Canal in a unique way that will transport you back in time where you can hear the voices of the past tell a fascinating stories of how man divided the a strip of land to unite the world.
*5% ITBMS government tax not included.
Note: Hotels are subject to change.