Panama , How Beautiful You Are!! ....

12 Days / 11 Nights

This program is recommended for the entire family. It is designed for those who have a long stay in Panama with time to learn and enjoy all about our outstanding culture and traditions. You will visit Panama City , El Valle of Anton and its Sunday market, the one-hour train ride to Colon City , Portobelo National Park , Gamboa at Soberania National Park , an indigenous community at Chagres National Park , Barro Colorado at Barro Colorado National Park on Gatun Lake , Kuna Yala Archipelago, and Playa Blanca.

(Barro Colorado does not allow children under 10 years old)

Day 1 - Monday. Arrival at Panama City / Gamboa

Arrival at the International Airport , greeting by our representative and transfer to the hotel, which is approximately one hour from the Airport.

Day 2 – Tuesday, Tropical Rainforest, Gamboa

During the day, enjoy visits to the exhibitions: snake house, butterfly farm, indigenous village and aquarium. Enjoy the unparallel experience of the aerial tram into the rainforest canopy. At its highest point, you will have a marvelous view of the Canal, the Chagres River and the Gatun Lake .

You will have time to take additional tours such as a boat ride in Gatun Lake , a Kayak ride or an evening tour boat ride, from which you will hear the sounds of the forest, as well as the bright, shining eyes of the mammals that live there.

Overnight at Gamboa Rainforest Resort. B.

Day 3 – Wednesday, Barro Colorado Nature Reserve

Early in the morning, we will head for the dock at Gamboa, where we will embark for Barro Colorado . Barro Colorado is located at the center of the Gatun Lake . Beside our small craft, we might have a big transatlantic or freighter that we will find on our way to Barro Colorado . At Barro Colorado , there are trails which have been laid out since 1986, which have been designed to foment respect for ecological interaction, while offering the opportunity to experience and to participate in the natural history of the forest. The main trail travels the tropical forest in 45 minutes, visiting the Giant Tree and 53 more important points.

In 1923, at the petition of a group of scientists, this area was declared a biological reserve, and laboratories for investigative research were established, thus becoming the first of its kind in the New World . In 1946, the Smithsonian Tropical Institute becomes responsible for the administration and use of this reserve and in 1979 more territory was added on mainland and was declared Monument of Nature .

After the tour, return to the Panama City .

Overnight in Panama City B.L.

Day 4 – Thursday, Portobelo - The Gold Route: Soberania National Park , Camino de Cruces National Park , Portobelo National Park , transoceanic train ride

The tour begins in the ruins of “Old Panama,” first city founded on the Pacific by the Spaniards. Today, it is known as “Old Panama,” and it was where the treasures coming from Peru were disembarked on the Pacific, and crossed over the King's Bridge through Camino de Cruces.

The rainforest of this park offers a variety of activities, environmental interpretation, observation of birds, and walking trails such as El Charco, Camino del Oleoducto (Pipeline Path) and Camino de la Plantacion. The cultural and historical aspect of this Park gives testimony to the importance of the Isthmus of Panama as a path between the seas during colonial times, where these trails were used to transport gold and silver of the famous Fairs at Portobelo.

We will travel through the park, only stopping at the entrance and Camino de Cruces, to continue toward Portobelo, where we will walk the old fortifications and the restored Customs Building , where the goods for the fairs were stored. A short documentary will present its history.

Lunch at a restaurant in the area.

Later, we will head for Colon City to board the transoceanic Railroad, where you will witness first-hand the beauty of the Canal's surroundings.

Overnight in Panama City . B.L.

Day 5 - Friday, Panama City , Casco Antiguo (Old Quarters), Flamenco Island and Canal

This historical tour will begin with 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, the “Flat Arch,” churches and a cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Grand National Theater, the Bóvedas (prison chambers), among others. At the Independence Plaza , a most beautiful building houses the modern Museum of the Interoceanic Canal , which we will visit, as well.

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 . From the Visitor's Center you will have an excellent view of a ship transiting the locks north or south-bound. In addition, there will be a short audiovisual presentation, other exhibits, and a ship simulator which you can operate.

In the evening, dinner and a Panamanian Folkloric Dance (Tipico) Show.

Overnight at Panama City . B.L.

Day 6 – Saturday, A day with the Embera Indigenous Culture

This fascinating adventure will begin early in the morning. Once we arrive at Chagres National Park , we will embark on small canoes that take us through Lake Alajuela and the Chagres River until we reach the friendly people of the Embera-Drua Community. Enjoy learning about their culture and traditions and have lunch in their thatched huts, and it will be a diet based on fish and plantains.

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. Do not forget 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.

Overnight in Panama City . B. L.

Day 7 – Sunday, El Valle of Anton, in the Crater of a Volcano

El Valle of Anton, is located 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 a nd 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.

For those who are seeking adventure, we recommend the Canopy. What a thrill to go from platform to platform among treetops. You should take advantage of this opportunity. The price of the Canopy is not included (price is per person).

Overnight in Panama City . B. L.

Day 8 – Monday, Kuna Indigenous Culture at the Kuna Yala Archipelago

Very early in the morning, depart for the Domestic Airport , and head for one of the more than 365 Islands of the Kuna Yala Archipelago. After the 30-minute flight, you will arrive at this beautiful place where you will enjoy a short stay on an island inhabited by indigenous Kunas who will share their culture. You will have the option going to a deserted island to take a swim in the Caribbean . (This depends on the island you choose)

Overnight at Dolphin Lodge. B.L.D .

Day 9 - Tuesday, Panama City

Once in Panama , transfer to your hotel. Free day to rest or to take any other optional tour, go shopping, enjoy the city, or simply enjoy the hotel's facilities.

Overnight in Panama City . B.

Day 10 - Wednesday, Beach Blanca

Conclude your vacation at Playa Blanca Resort, where you will enjoy the sun, the white sands and the warm waters of the Pacific. This hotel has an All-included” program.

Overnight at Playa Blanca. AI.

Day 11 - Thursday, Playa Blanca

Free day at the beach.

Overnight at Playa Blanca. AI.

Day 12 - Friday, Depart Panama

At the set time, transfer to the Airport, or continue with another program. .B .