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We
offer 28 different day tours for you to choose
from when designing your Panama itinerary:
RAINFOREST & RUINS OF PANAMA CITY
(DT016)
Depart at 6:30 AM with your guide to Metropolitan
Natural Park and enjoy bird watching on a short
nature trail. Then visit Old Panama, founded in 1519
and sacked in 1671 by the English pirate Henry
Morgan. History continues to unfold with a stop in
the once-walled city of Casco Viejo founded shortly
after 1673 and known for its magnificent Spanish
Colonial architecture. Duration: 4 hours (approx.).
MORNING HIKE IN THE RAINFOREST
(#DT017)
This tour is designed for business travelers with
limited time who want to see Panama’s tropical
rainforest. We will depart early to best appreciate
Metropolitan Park at dawn. Walk on a trail through
the rainforest and observe many species of birds,
trees and lush plant life. Return to your hotel by
9:00 AM.
-OTHER WALKS IN METROPOLITAN PARK
(DT054)
The Metropolitan National Park, situated only 15
minutes from downtown Panama City, is the most
accessible rainforest in the region. It is the only
tropical forest in Latin America located inside a
major urban center. The MNP and several other
protected areas form the “Interoceanic Biological
Corridor” that stretches from the Pacific to the
Atlantic Oceans. The MNP is characterized by the
increasingly rare dry lowland pacific forest and is
home of the two- and three-toed sloth as well as
over 200 bird species. In this remarkable park
visitors can access four walking trails, a bike
trail (you must be in shape for this one) and the
Cedar Hill lookout over Panama City and the Canal. A
library and souvenir shop is also found here.
-WALKS IN SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK
(DT055)
This park, estimated to be at least 500 years old,
borders the central part of the Panama Canal and
protects some 19,500 hectares of lowland tropical
forest in the Atlantic watershed. The Chagres River
divides the park into two parts. There are a number
of excellent birding trails in the southern section,
including Plantation Road, the El Charco Nature
Trail and the Las Cruces Trail. In the northern
section, Pipeline Road provides access to moister
and more mountainous sections as well as a whole new
variety of animal species. Soberania is also home of
the Toucan, Parrot, Trogon, Mot-mot and Antbird.
PIPELINE ROAD: BIRDING IN THE PANAMA
CANAL RAINFOREST (DT018)
Panama’s Pipeline Road – where 300 species were
spotted in a single day by the Audubon Society – is
considered one of the best birding spots in the
world. Located in the Panama Canal watershed, this
former US military access road takes you into old
growth secondary forest, ideal for the observation
of flora and fauna from the Pacific and Caribbean
slopes. The tour begins with a preparatory talk
about the geography and animal life of the Panama
Canal areas by our expert guide as you are driven to
Soberania National Park, about an hour outside
Panama City. Soon you will be enjoying an easy walk
under the forest canopy into a veritable bird
sanctuary. During the tour you'll have the
opportunity to see many bird species and a diversity
of plant and tree species. Howler Monkeys, Anteaters
and Agoutis also inhabit this area. Box lunch
included. Duration: 3-4 hours.
BIRDING ACHIOTE ROAD: THE ATLANTIC
SIDE OF PANAMA (DT018-b)
Early breakfast and birding excursion to the
Atlantic side of Panama wich is the most scenic
drive in central Panama. From the road you will see
the remnants of the old sea level French Canal,
drive through wooded hills and will be able to reach
the Gatun Locks. The woodland along the road is
noted for trogons, motmots and numerous other forest
and woodland birds. Then we head to Achiote road
and will hike the CEASPA new trail for other species
such as White-headed and Stripe-breasted Wrens and
Montezuma Oropendolas among others.
CAMINO DE CRUCES TRAIL (DT019)
The 8-mile Camino de Cruces Trail takes visitors
through 4,000 hectares of primarily tropical forest
that connect the Metropolitan and the Soberania
National Parks. Freshwater birds can be seen by the
ponds located at the start of Chiva Chiva Road.
Follow the road and discover a variety of birds,
flora and fauna. The Camino de Cruces Trail was
originally used in the 16th and 17th
centuries by Spanish plunderers to haul gold from
Peru by mule across the Isthmus of Panama on its way
to Spain. This trail was also used as a path for
fortune seekers transiting the Isthmus during the
1849-1950 California Gold Rush. All day. Box lunch
included.
SMITHSONIAN’S BARRO COLORADO ISLAND
(DT020) – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays
The adventure begins at 6:30 AM with a car ride
through a tropical rainforest to the small town of
Gamboa where a boat awaits us. We will cruise along
Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal to the “Gigante
Peninsula” and to the Barro Colorado Natural
Monument (BCNM), administered by the Smithsonian
Tropical Research Institute since 1946 and
considered the best-protected and studied tropical
rainforest in the world. Here, we will hike along an
interpretative trail through a complex and diverse
ecosystem and then lunch at the Smithsonian
Exhibition Center. Afterwards you will have the
opportunity to buy souvenirs, T-shirts or books.
Finally we will begin our return journey, cruising
bays and channels covered by the forest. We will see
birds and other animals without having to get off
the boat. Arrival in Panama City estimated at 3:00
PM. Includes: transportation, boat trip, lunch,
specialized guide and Smithsonian conservation fee.
EL VALLE COUNTRY MARKET (DT022) –
Sundays only
This excursion begins at 7:00 AM with
a two-hour drive along the Pan-American Highway to
the beautiful mountain town of El Valle de Anton in
the province of Cocle. According to geologists, El
Valle is the crater of a dormant volcano, once the
largest in Central America. With a cool and pleasant
climate, this picturesque valley rises 600 meters
above sea level. El Valle has a variety of
attractions such as Indian petroglyphs, hot springs,
waterfalls, rock climbing and hikes for all
abilities. Upon arrival, visit the picturesque
Sunday Indian Market where large selections of
native and national handicrafts are on sale. The
tour continues with a visit to the ancient
petroglyphs of the El Chorro Macho Waterfall and a
trip to the Nispero Gardens and Zoo where you can
observe the rare “golden frogs” found only in this
area. Enjoy lunch at the cozy Rincon Vallero
Mountain Lodge. Return to Panama City after lunch.
Optional Canopy Adventure and night at Rincon
Vallero.
HALF DAY PANAMA CITY TOUR (DT023 -B)
FULL DAY PANAMA CITY TOUR (DT023-A) :
INCLUDES LUNCH AND MIRAFLORES LOCKS.
Depart from your hotel to visit Panama Viejo, the
first city founded on the isthmus by the Spanish at
the beginning of colonization. The remaining ruins
are the vestiges of the city left by Pirate Henry
Morgan, who sacked the town in 1671. You will have
the opportunity shop for souvenirs near the ruins.
Then, we head for the second colonial city of
Panama, Casco Viejo, which was built in 1673. Here
we will walk the French Plaza and surrounding area.
The architecture here includes colonial styles of
the French, Italian, American and Spanish. Finally,
you will see the city from high atop Cerro Ancon.
Departure time: 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM. Duration: 3-4
hours.
PANAMA FOLKLORIC
DINNER & SHOW (DT026)
– Tues., Thurs., Fri. and Sat. only.
Enjoy an oasis of flavor and folklore characteristic
of the countryside and taste delicious Panamanian
style dishes in comfortable and elegant surroundings
at Las Tinajas Restaurant, located in the center of
Panama City. Includes: transfer to and from hotel,
traditional Panamanian dinner, cover charge, service
charge and folkloric dance show. Departure time:
8:00 PM. Duration: 4 hours.
EL VALLE MOUNTAIN HIKE (DT027)
This excursion begins at 7:00 AM with
a two-hour drive along the Pan-American Highway to
the beautiful mountain town of El Valle de Anton in
the province of Cocle. According to geologists, El
Valle is the crater of a dormant volcano, once the
largest in Central America. With a cool and pleasant
climate, this picturesque valley rises 600 meters
above sea level. El Valle has a variety of
attractions such as Indian petroglyphs, hot springs,
waterfalls, rock climbing and hikes for all
abilities. Upon arrival, visit the picturesque town
market where handicrafts are on sale. The tour
continues with a hike into the hills around the
valley. Enjoy a picnic lunch from atop “La India
Dormida,” “Cariguana,” or the easier walk, “Pastoreo.”
Return to Panama City in the late afternoon.
THE PIRATE TRAIL: Gatun Locks & Fort
San Lorenzo (DT029)
San Lorenzo was built of stone on a high bluff at
the mouth at the Chagres River in the late 16th
century. The fort was meant to protect the final leg
of the “Camino de Cruces,” one of the trails the
Spaniards had developed across the isthmus to carry
South American treasure to the Caribbean for
transport to Spain. Afterward we'll stop for lunch
at the Tarpon Club, where another view of the
Chagres River can be appreciated below Gatun Dam,
the largest in the Panama Canal system. We will
also take a look at the old French Canal, begun in
the 1880’s. From here we go to the nearby Gatun
Locks observation area, where you'll have an
impressive view of the Caribbean 87 feet below Lake
Gatun. Of course, ships can also be observed here as
they are lowered from lake to ocean level. Return to
Panama City in the late afternoon. (Lunch included.)
EL VALLE CANOPY ADVENTURE (DT036)
The Canopy Adventure takes place at
the El Macho Waterfall in the mountain town of El
Valle de Anton. It offers the adventurous tourist
the opportunity to ascend into the tree canopy and
observe the forest from a new perspective. Depart
from your hotel by bus for a two-hour drive to El
Valle. Upon arrival you will hear about the El Macho
Ecological Reserve and hike along an interpretative
trail. At the end of the trail, the Canopy adventure
begins as you are harnessed onto a suspended cable
connecting four platforms high in the trees. Glide
from platform to platform on your own, stopping at
each platform to observe the forest from 65 mts up.
Then, we have the option of visiting other sites of
interest in El Valle. A traditional Panamanian lunch
will be provided. Also includes: transfer from El
Valle to the Canopy, specialized guides and
equipment.
INDIGENOUS ENCOUNTER IN CHAGRES
NATIONAL PARK (DT037)
This adventure takes us to an
indigenous village in the Chagres National Park. We
will board a motorized canoe to reach the community
and get to know their culture by seeing their
artisans at work and learning about their use of
botanical plants. Embera dance and music will evoke
scenes of a time before the colonization of the
Americas. If you wish, you can try traditional body
painting using the “Jagua” fruit. We will also
observe a variety of tropical birds found in this
area. Walk in the jungle,
swim under
a waterfall and enjoy a day in the rainforest.
Includes: ground and river transportation, snacks
and soft drinks, lunch and specialized guide.
DIVE THE PANAMA CANAL (DT041)
At
7:00 AM transfer from your hotel in the city to the
pier for the Panama Canal Diving Tour. You will dive
into history seeing an underwater train left behind
during the early attempts to build the canal. The
train rests in 52 feet of calm fresh water. You can
hear in the distance the churning of the water by
the sunken ship’s blades. In the afternoon transfer
back to your hotel in the city.
SCUBA/SNORKEL IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN
(DT042)
Pick up at your hotel on Contadora Island in the
Pacific. There are five coral fields near the
island, and within them you can expect to see
schools of Angelfish, Damselfish, Moray Eels,
Parrotfish, Pufferfish, Butterflyfish, White-tip
Reef sharks and a whole lot more. Even in the waters
off Playa Larga, the most popular of Isla
Contadora’s beaches, you can often see sea turtles,
Mantarays and Amberjack.
SCUBA/SNORKEL IN THE CARIBBEAN
(DT043)
Pick up at your hotel at 7:00 AM for transfer by bus
to the Atlantic Side of Panama. You will enjoy a
morning wreck dive near the bay of Portobelo, the
historic terminal of the Spanish conquistadores.
Here you will be diving in the vicinity of Sir
Francis Drake’s burial site. Includes: Boat &
operator, dive master, lunch bag and soft drinks,
two tanks, weights. Transfer back to the city in the
late afternoon.
RIVER RAFTING ON THE CHIRIQUI VIEJO
(DT045)
This trip starts in David then takes you into the
mountains on the border of Panama and Costa Rica. On
your way to the river you will admire spectacular
views of this region. The group puts in after a
safety lecture and life vest fittings. Participants
will find this river to be an exciting ride, with
consecutive rapids in the class 4 range. Everyone
participates in rowing to avoid rocky areas and
other obstacles. Lunch is served at La Deslisadora
(The Slide), where swimming and a rest will restore
you for the final descent. Lunch included. Class IV.
HORSEBACK GUARDIA RANCH (DT047)
For horse lovers, it is possible to ride in this
beautiful cattle farm, where you will be able to
learn about the dairy process and enjoy the
landscape and mountain scenery while ride a criolllo
horse. Our guide will take you in a 2 hours horse
ride crossing the river and learning about the
Panamanian agriculture and farming. Lunch will be
served at the Ranch where you will be able to
observe different animals of a local farm.
KAYAK THE CHAGRES (DT049)
Kayak the lower Chagres River starting below the
famous Gatun Spillway and embark on a voyage with
Mother Nature on this scenic trip. Experience the
tropical rainforest at a leisurely pace that will
allow us to quietly go with the current and perhaps
chance upon birds, monkeys, sloths and other animal
life. Upon arrival to the Caribbean, we will view
the San Lorenzo Fort on a bluff over the Chagres
River. Includes: kayak, transportation in Colon,
sandwiches, snack, drinks and San Lorenzo tour. Full
day.
PANAMA CANAL RAILWAY - The
First Inter-Oceanic Railroad (DT050)
The Panama Canal Railway offers a scenic experience
on the first railroad to join the two oceans. The
one-hour trip across Panama can be made every
weekday throughout the year with departures at 7:15
AM from Panama City to Colon. Recreate the
experience of the California Gold Rush age and enjoy
the spectacular scenery of the rainforest around the
heart of the canal from the comfort of your train
cabin. Spend a day at leisure in the Colon Province
and return to Panama City on the train at 5:15 PM.
Optional tours available from Colon
Station:
-Caribbean beach excursion to Isla
Grande (DT057)
Spend the day on the beach or snorkel the reefs near
Bananas Village Resort, where you will have access
to their facilities and enjoy a delicious seafood
lunch (included up to $10). Tour of mangrove forest
or nearby islands included.
-Historic Portobelo and Gatun Locks
(DT021)
See Gatun Locks, one of the best places to view the
Canal’s operations up close. Then continue on to
Portobelo, an important Spanish terminal when
treasures plundered from South America were loaded
onto galleon ships headed for Spain. Site of many
pirate attacks, Portobelo’s fort was once a key
defense for the Spanish Crown. The local church
houses the Black Christ statue, an important
religious figure for Panamanians. Lunch included.
-Fort San Lorenzo and Gatun Locks
(DT024)
See Gatun Locks, one of the best places to view the
Canal’s operations up close. Then on to San Lorenzo,
scenically located on a bluff over the mouth of the
Chagres River. The fort was built to protect the
road on which the treasures from South America were
being transported to the Atlantic sector. Lunch
included.
-Day of relaxation at the Melia
Panama Canal’s pool (DT028)
Lake Gatun boat tours available at the
hotel.
-Birding at Sierra Llorona (DT030)
You will be picked up at the Colon
Station by your birding guide and taken into the
mountains outside Colon for a day of unbelievable
birding in the forest. Lunch at Sierra Llorona
Lodge. Return to Panama City on the train at 5:15
PM.
HIKING TOUR AND MONKEY ISLAND IN LAKE
GATUN (DT053)
Hike the Soberania National Park and
Explore the rainforest by boat. You will be picked
up at your hotel for the transfer to the Soberania
National Park at Plantation road where you will hike
and admire the wildlife of the Panama Canal
Watersherd, then head to Gamboa Marina to meet your
boat captain. Begin the tour from the Chagres River.
Soon you will be entering the rainforest surrounding
Lake Gatun and headed to Monkey Island. Along the
way you will have the opportunity to see caiman,
iguana and many different tropical bird species. You
are also likely to see giant cargo ships moving
through the lake to the locks. Upon reaching Monkey
Island, you will be able to feed the monkeys by hand
as they come down from the trees to meet your boat.
This is a fun and scenic tour that adults and
children alike will enjoy.
LOS QUETZALES TRAIL IN FRIENDSHIP
INTERNATIONAL PARK (DT054)
This is one of the most beautiful trails in Central
America. Depart from your hotel in Boquete at 7:00
AM in a 4x4 to the ranger station of Volcan Baru
National Park where you will begin your trek along
the Quetzales Trail. Walk through different
elevations and landscapes giving the group the
opportunity to see a great variety of tree, plant
and bird species, including the Resplendent Quetzal,
the Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Silvery-throated Jay,
Black-faced Solitaire and the Barred Becard.
Includes: transportation, box lunch and guide. Full
day. Class: IV.
ISLA GRANDE CARIBBEAN REEF & BEACH
EXPLORATION (DT056)
Leave Panama City early to reach the Isla Grande
sector on the Caribbean coast. You will pass through
historic Portobelo to see the Spanish Customs House
then board a small boat in La Guaira that will take
you to Isla Grande. Once on the island, you will
meet your guide at the Dive Center and plan the
afternoon snorkel or dive expedition. Meet up with
the boat captain and begin your exploration of
Maclean Island reef. Afterwards you will enjoy a
delicious lunch then finally some down time on the
beach before returning to the mainland at about 4:00
PM. Lunch included.
ISLA GRANDE CARIBBEAN ESCAPE AT
BANANAS VILLAGE RESORT (DT057)
Spend the day on a Caribbean island at Bananas
Village Resort, Isla Grande. En route visit historic
Portobelo, where the Spaniards guarded treasures
from South America before loading them on galleon
ships headed for Spain. Portobelo was subject to
various pirate attacks and its church is famous for
its Black Christ statue. From the small village of
La Guaira, you will board a local boat for the short
crossing to Bananas Resort. Return to Panama City at
approx. 6:00 PM. Includes: All transport, welcome
cocktail, lunch (up to $10.00), tour of nearby
island or mangrove forest, use of towels, beach
chairs and non-motorized water toys.
PANAMA CANAL TOUR (DT058)
Depart from your hotel for a visit to the Panama
Canal, one of the 20th century’s most important
engineering feats. Learn about the history of the
Canal from the first attempts by the French through
the US completion of the project in 1914. At the
Miraflores Locks you will also have the opportunity
to observe the locks functioning as giant cargo
ships are raised and lowered in them just meters in
front of you. Then you will view the Canal from the
scenic Amador Causeway. View and photograph the
impressive Bridge of the Americas as ships pass
under it on their way in and out of the Canal.
Please indicate to your guide if you wish to be
dropped off on the Causeway to enjoy the bars and
restaurants found there. Includes entrance fee to
Miraflores visitor center and scenic tour of Amador
Causeway. Departure time 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM.
Duration: 3-4 hours. |
