Tours
Tour of City and Canal – Full Day Ref. T-001
This historical tour will begin with the ruins of “Old Panama,” the first city founded on the Isthmus by the Spanish and later attacked by the British pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. After the tour of “Old Panama”, we will travel through a scenic and modern part of the city en route to the “Casco Antiguo” (Old Quarters), built in 1673 after “Old Panama” was sacked and burnt. The predominant architectural style of the “Casco Antiguo” is French and Spanish colonial styles. This part of town is the home of the famous Golden Altar, which survived Morgan’s plundering and destruction of “Old Panama”; the “Flat Arch,” which engineering structure was key for the United States’ decision to construct the Panama Canal; churches and a cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Grand National Theater, the Bóvedas (prison chambers), and the French Plaza with the written history of the Canal on it murals. At the Independence Plaza, a most beautiful building houses the modern Museum of the Interoceanic Canal.
Next we will continue to Flamenco Island, one the three islands, which form a causeway at the entrance of the Canal. Here we will have lunch and later proceed to the Miraflores Locks. Of the three sets of locks in the Canal, this is the closest to Panama City. You will observe the magnitude of this engineering marvel, which operates a century later using the same hydraulic system since its inception. There will be a short audiovisual presentation and other exhibits at the Visitor’s Center.
From the watchtower you will have an excellent view of the operation as a ship crosses the locks in either direction.
City Tour - Half Day Ref. T-002
Our first stop during this historical sites tour will be the ruins of “Old Panama," the first city on the Central American Isthmus founded by the Spanish and later plundered by the famous pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. From here we will continue to the “Casco Antiguo,” (“Old Quarters”) built in 1673. The architecture is a delightful combination of Italian, French and Spanish architectures of that period. En route, you will get a panoramic glimpse of the most modern part of the city, as well.
We will visit the Independence Plaza, pass in front of the Presidential Palace, Plaza Bolivar, the Grand National Theater, the Church of San José, the Cathedral, the Bóvedas (prison chambers) and the French Plaza’s Walkway, which offers a beautiful view of the Panama City.
Canal Tour - Half Day Ref. T-003
We will begin this tour at the Museum of the Interoceanic Canal, located at “Casco Antiguo” (“Old Quarters”.)
Next, we will proceed to the Visitor’s Center at Miraflores Locks, where you will be able to view documents, instruments and pictures related with the construction and operation of the Canal and you can even captain a ship, from the booth of a simulator. From the Center’s watchtower you will be able to observe ships maneuvering through the locks, complemented by a 10-minute presentation of the waterway’s operation.
From the different levels of the Visitor’s Center Building, you will delight in the flora and fauna of the area, and its watershed.
Tours Include: Transportation, Spanish / English speaking guide, admissions and lunch (Lunch is included only in the full day program)
What to Bring: Light and comfortable clothes, sandals or running shoes, sunglasses, hat or cap and camera. We strongly recommend the use of sunscreen
Duration: Half-day tours last 4 hours, while full-day lasts 7 hours
Days of Operation: Fridays and Wednesday
The Path Between the Seas - Full Day Ref. T-004
The history of the Panama Canal is a fascinating drama of ingenuity and courageous individuals, years of sacrifice, significant defeats, where many lives were lost , and final victory. At the Visitor’s Center, you will learn its history from the French construction period until its final completion by the United States to the present. You will make an 80-kilometer journey stopping at the waterway’s main points of interest.
We will begin at the Museum of the Interoceanic Canal and the French Plaza. The plaza owes its name to Ferdinand De Lesseps, who made the first attempt to build a Canal. We will then proceed to the Administration Building of the Canal, the French Canal, Miraflores Locks, and Pedro Miguel Locks. We will pass by neighboring communities, where the Canal employees lived, On the Atlantic side, we will visit Lake Madden and the Gatun Locks.
After lunch on the Atlantic, we will end our tour after an hour long train ride to the Pacific side of the Isthmus, where we will experience traveling through the center of the Canal, and passing through areas not accessible any another way.
Tour Includes: Transportation, Spanish/English speaking guide, admissions, train tickets and lunch
What to Bring: Light and comfortable clothes, sandals or running shoes, sunglasses, hat or cap and
camera. We strongly recommend the use of sunscreen
Duration: 9 to 10 hours
Days of Operation: Upon Request
Partial Transit through the Panama Canal – Half day Ref. T - 005
Partial transit of the Canal will begin on the Pacific entrance of the waterway, just across from Flamenco Island. Once the Panama Canal Authority Pilot, who will guide us through our transit, has boarded the ship we will follow our companion vessel through the transit of the Miraflores Locks. After transiting the set of locks and crossing Miraflores artificial lake, we will continue to travel through the next set of locks at Pedro Miguel until we reach the dock at Gamboa. During our journey we will see an array of birds, alligators and monkeys. This, in addition to the fact that the Panama Canal is considered the eight wonder of the world, certainly makes this tour an unforgettable experience.
The partial transit can begin either at Panama or at Gamboa.
Complete transit through the Panama Canal – Full Day Ref. T - 006
Transit of the Canal will begin on the Pacific entrance of the waterway, just across from Flamenco Island. A Panama Canal Authority Pilot will guide us through our transit. We will then follow our companion vessel for the transit of Miraflores Locks. After transiting the set of locks and crossing Miraflores artificial lake, we will continue to travel through the next set of locks at Pedro Miguel and Culebra Cut, the Canal’s narrowest part.
Once we reach Gatun Locks we will have concluded our journey. During our transit we will see a myriad of birds, alligators and monkeys. We will then proceed to disembark and begin our return trip to Panama City aboard comfortable buses.
Tour includes: Transfers, ship fee, Spanish/English speaking guide, Brunch
(light lunch) in the partial transit. Breakfast and Lunch in the
Complete transit.
What to Bring: Light and comfortable clothes, sandals or running shoes, sunglasses, hat or cap and camera or camcorder. We strongly recommend the use of sunscreen
Duration: Partial transit lasts 5 hours; Complete transit lasts 10 hours.
Days of Operation: Partial transits are conducted on Saturdays; Complete transit on the following dates:
Barro Colorado Nature Reserve Ref. T - 007
Early in the morning, we will head for the dock at Gamboa. For nature lovers, this is considered one of the best tours in Panama offering a view into the area’s ecological richness and for its proximity to the city. Barro Colorado Island is located at the center of Gatun Lake. Once this island was a hill that was flooded by the Chagres River to form the Gatun Lake during the construction of the Canal. In 1923, this area was declared a biological reserve and in 1943 the Smithsonian Tropical Institute established its laboratories for the investigative research of neo-tropical plants and animals . We will travel by boat along the Canal with a nature specialist. Once at Barro Colorado Institute (BCI), you will be able to search for monkeys, sloths and other mammals, as well as admire the countless species of tropical birds in their natural habitat. Enjoy a nature walk where the guide will share his knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area. Lunch will be served at BCI.
Tour includes: Transportation, admission fee, Spanish/English speaking guides, bottled water and a light lunch
What to Bring: Appropriate clothing for navigation and walking through the rainforest. Cap or hat,
t-shirt, towel, sunscreen and a camera
Duration: 8 hours
Days of Operation: Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
Adventure in the Crater of a Volcano, El Valle Ref. T - 008
We will leave your hotel and head for El Valle of Anton, which is at the center of an extinct volcano; possibly the biggest in Central America. This valley is 600 meters above sea level with impressive panoramic views and a cool and pleasant climate. Upon arrival, we will visit the picturesque market of local indigenous crafts, where you will be able make purchases.
Next we will visit El Macho Waterfall and the ancient petroglyphs. (If you wish you can go for a swim at the waterfall).
Afterwards, we will visit El Nispero Gardens and Zoo. We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant..
El Valle – The Canopy Adventure Ref. T – 008-A
This is an optional adventure for people that visit El Valle and wish a thrilling experience.
Located near the town, the Canopy consists of several attractions, one is the hiking trail, where you will be able to get a close look at the flora and fauna of the place. This Canopy consists of five stations or platforms, which you will use to soar among the treetops. You will be given a safety briefing, as well as shown how to operate the equipment. You should take advantage of this unique experience.
Tour includes: Transportation, admissions, Spanish/English guide, bottled water and lunch . The Canopy is not included, it has an additional charge
What to Bring: comfortable and appropriate clothes for walking. Running shoes, cap or hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera
Duration: 9 hours
Days of Operation: Sundays
The Indigenous Embera Community Ref. T-009
After breakfast, we will take a short 30-minute bus ride to Chagres National Park and then embark on a fascinating cultural trip. Upon arrival at the National Park, we will enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the rainforest while aboard small or motorized canoes that take us through Lake Alajuela and the Chagres River until we reach the friendly people of the Embera-Drua Community. We will enjoy learning about their culture and traditions and have lunch in their thatched huts. This will be most definitively an unforgettable experience.
You will also have the chance to take a tour with the “Medicine Man” who will explain the use of plants as natural medicines. You will have the opportunity to go for a refreshing swim before we return to the city at the village’s beautiful tranquil natural pool or at a waterfall, which is approximately 20 minutes walking distance.
You will also be able to purchase some of their incredible crafts. The Embera Indians are master artisans, known for their trays, fine baskets and high quality woodcarvings. In addition to crafting objects for sale, skilled woodcarving has many traditional uses in the Embera culture, including fabricating hunting weapons, canoes, paddles, household furnishing and ceremonial objects. The Embera have recently expanded their carving skills to tagua, known as “vegetable ivory”, and have created a unique and imaginative art inspired by the plants and animals of the rainforest.
The Embera artisans carve the tagua with hand tools and polish the tagua with a series of fine abrasives; no varnishes or lacquers are used. The natural color of the tagua is ivory white with a dark brown skin with other natural shades of brown and gray. Others colors are produced by dying the tagua with natural extracts of plants and earth, using the traditional methods for dying basket fibers. Only high quality India inks are used on those pieces with inked “tagua“ details. Some of these carvings have won UNESCO prizes in native craft competitions.
Tour includes: Transportation on land and water, admission fee at Chagres National Park,
refreshments, light lunch, Spanish/English speaking guides
What to Bring: Sandals or running shoes, short pants, T-shirt, swimsuit, towel, extra set of clothes,
hat or cap, sunglasses, camera and sunscreen. (We recommend you place your extra set of clothes in a plastic bag to keep them dry and the same for any photographic equipment you bring on the trip)
What Not to Bring: Shoes with heels, skirts, jewelry or other valuable objects.
Duration: 8 hours
Days of Operation: Mondays, Wednesday and Saturdays
Portobelo - The Gold Route Ref. T-010 and Ref. T-010/A
Portobelo was the name given to perhaps one of the most ideal and well protected entrances along the Caribbean coast of Panama. A safe haven for The Conquistadors and a juicy target for the pirates trying to get their hands on the treasures of the New World. It is said that Sir Francis Drake, a famous pirate that attacked the City, died off the coast of this area in 1596 and was supposedly buried in a lead coffin near what is now known as Drake Island.
Portobelo was the Atlantic terminal of two trails that crossed the rainforests of the isthmus, Camino Verdadero and Camino de Cruces. Once enough goods were accumulated at Portobelo, caravans of ships began their return journey to Spain, accompanied by escort ships with enough fire power to protect them from most, but not all pirate attacks. During its heyday, Portobelo had a military compound composed of batteries and forts that protected the entrance of this beautiful bay. It was perhaps the most heavily fortified Spanish control point along the coasts of the Americas. Nonetheless, this strategic and well –guarded fort was not enough to impede the fleet of pirate ships commanded by the Englishman Edward Vernon, who captured and destroyed it in 1739.
Enjoy this important historical site, visit the Church of the Black Christ, and learn its interesting legend. Return to Colon.
Tour includes: Transportation, bottled water, Spanish/English speaking guides, admissions and lunch. Program Ref – 010-TO will return by train.
What to Bring: Sandals or running shoes for walking , short or long pants, T-shirt or light shirt, cap or hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, in case you want to take a plunge, towel and camera. Don't forget the sunscreen
Duration: 8 hours
Days of Operation: Thursdays
Fort San Lorenzo: Panama’s Atlantic Biological Corridor Ref. T-011
Located on the Atlantic coast, to the west of the Panama Canal, this nature reserve contains 9,653 hectares of rainforest, swamps, reefs, in addition to 20 kms of coastline. It is an important piece of the Meso-American Biological Corridor, besides comprising the northern most part of the Biological Corridor between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Although it rains twice as much than on the Pacific coast, there are more hours of sunshine daily in this area, except for the months of January and February.
The area harbors San Lorenzo's Castle, a colonial period fort built in 1597 on the outlet of the Chagres River, in addition, it is the largest of the Republic of Panama. San Lorenzo's Castle, together with the fortifications at Portobelo, was declared in 1980 World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Tourist attractions at this national park includes San Lorenzo's Castle, Camino de Achiote, trails for bird watching, the French Canal, traveling the Chagres River on kayak or speed boat and getting a glimpse of the batteries of coastal defense of the Canal, built during World War I by the U.S. Furthermore, you will see the Gatun Locks and its impressive dam, scenic landscapes of the swamps on the road from Gatun and to
Sherman, flora and fauna, howling monkeys, coatimundi, toucans and heliconians, on the road from Sherman to San Lorenzo's Castle.
Tour includes: Transportation, bottled water, Spanish/English speaking guides, admissions and a
light lunch
What to Bring: Sandals or running shoes for walking, short or long pants, T-shirt or light shirt, cap or hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, in case you want to go for a swim, towel and camera. Don't forget the sunscreen
Duration: 8 hours
Days of Operation: Thursdays
Pipeline Path – Soberania National Park Ref. T-012
This tour is perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers. The Pipeline Path is located within limits of Soberania National Park and is part of the Canal’s watershed. This forest is the home to some 385 bird species, a true paradise for birdwatchers. This path is also used for the scientific investigation of plants, reptiles, insects and mammals some of which are only found on this reserve. While on your walk, the nature specialist guide will share with you many secrets of the tropical rainforest. Enjoy lunch outdoors. On the return trip we will stop at the Visitor’s Center at Miraflores Locks, where you will witness the operation of the Locks first-hand, and enjoy an audiovisual presentation that describes how ships travel through this engineering marvel.
The Metropolitan National Park Ref. T-013
The nearest national park to the city is the Metropolitan National Park (MNP) located at 15 minutes distance. It is one of the few tropical forests located within a city in all Latin America. Also, it is part of the Interoceanic Biological Corridor composed of diverse sheltered areas which extend from the Pacific to the Atlantic. At MNP you will find over 200 species of birds, as well as two and three-toed sloths. The MNP offers trails for nature observation, environmental interpretation, a watchtower (where you can observe the Panama City and its surroundings), a bookstore and a store where crafts are sold.
Tour includes: Transportation, Spanish/English speaking guides with specialty in nature, admissions, and refreshments
What to Bring: comfortable clothes, long pants, running
shoes or boots, cap or hat, insect
repellent, sunglasses, camera and
binoculars, if available
Duration: Pipeline Path - 5 hours
Metropolitan National Park - 3 to 4 hours
Days of Operation: Pipeline Path: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Metropolitan National Park: Tuesdays
and Thursdays
Dinner and Folkloric Show Ref. T-014
Among Panama’s many attractions is the female’s national dress called the "Pollera", which is totally hand-embroidered and has a variety laces.
The woman’s head is adorned with what we call "Tembleques", small headpieces made of fish scales and pearls which move rhythmically when the lady moves her head while she dances. It is from this movement that the “tembleques” gets its name (temblar means to shake.)
Besides the tembleques, small ornamental combs and a larger comb (peinetón) is worn in the head, these also have movement when the lady dances.
The jewelry which complement s this beautiful and rich attire is composed of 6 chain necklaces, to include scapularies, and other chain necklaces (i.e. cadena chata)... and the famous “mosqueta” pendant and earrings.
This dress has won awards on many occasions, grabbing the attention of photographers when it is presented.
Besides enjoying this show, you will enjoy our native Panamanian dishes.
Includes: Transportation, admission and dinner
What to Bring: Comfortable and casual Clothes, do not forget your camera
Duration: 3-½ hours (approximately)
Days of Operation: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Aerial Tram & Ecological Exhibitions Ref. T-016
Enjoy the thrilling and spectacular 360º view above the rainforest canopy. The aerial tram ascends 280 feet over half a mile and ends at the top of a hill. You will then walk two minutes on a trail to the observation tower and from there you will get great views of the Panama Canal and the Chagres River as well as the surrounding forested areas of Soberania National Park and Gamboa`s Town.
You will visit the orchid nursery were you may see local orchids including some introduced species.
The reptile exhibit gives you the opportunity of seeing live snakes from a short distance behind the safety of our terrariums. In this exhibit you will also receive interesting information about how to recognize poisonous snakes, what they eat and some of their habits.
The butterfly exhibit is also a nursery where a butterfly expert will explain to you anything you might want to know. The exhibit has a laboratory where we grow/quarantine the caterpillars and some cocoons. However, most of the exhibit consists of a large enclosed area where up to 15 butterfly species roam freely.
In the aquarium you will find fresh water fish from the tropical areas of America, Africa and Asia. This colorful exhibit also host reptiles such as crocodiles, caimans and turtles.
The model Indian village is a sample of Embera houses including a ceremonial/meeting house with an Embera guide who explains some aspects of there culture including rituals, traditional medicine, utensils of everyday use and some of their cultivated foods.
Includes: Transportation, entrance fee to the Aerial Tram & Ecological Exhibits and bilingual tour guide.
What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, camera.
Days of Operation: Monday thru Sunday
Duration: 4-½ hours (approximately)
Night Tour Party Bus: “Chiva Rumbera “
Ref. T-017
Panama is known for its vibrant nightlife, full of entertainment. As a participant of this tour you will get to know the Panamanian way of having fun. The Chiva Parrandera is a typical bus, colorful decorated with urban Panamanian paintings and lights and has onboard musicians who will delight you by playing traditional and happy folkloric music.
The Chiva Parrandera drives past the most beautiful sights of Panama City by night, such as Avenida Balboa, a way considered as "the balcony of the sea" from which you will have a view on both sides of the city: the historic and the modern part. And you will pass the Causeway and Mi Pueblito (a touristic point of interest which combines the three main cultures of Panama: Indigenous, Spanish and Antilles).
Includes:
Transportation, bilingual tour guide, tour around Panama City, open bar during the tour featuring local drinks
What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, camera.
Night Tour “Party Tour by Boat “ Ref. T-017
Come and cruise with us in the totally refurbished and legendary Isla Morada Boat, and enjoy an evening tour on the Bay of Panama. The Tour offer snacks, open bar and calypso music.
Includes:
Transportation Hotel to Pier- Round , Boat admission, open bar, snacks and live music.
What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, camera. |
