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Highlights of Panama – 8 Days

$ 1,975.00

Panama is known for the Panama Canal, a famous feat of human engineering, cuts through its center, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to create an essential shipping route. Beside, this country also has a modern capital with colonial buildings and the rainforest of Natural Metropolitan Park.

8 Days visit Panama including Panama City, Panama Canal and Gamboa Rainforest Reserve.

Description

Day 1 Panama City
Arrive to Panama City’s International Airport, and our private transfer will take you to your hotel in Panama City’s lively historical center.

Las Clementinas or similar

Day 2 Panama City – Old City District and Panama City Tour (B)
The tour starts with a walk through the Old Town where you can observe the various architectural styles that demonstrates the rich cultural heritage of the area. The main styles are: Spanish, because Panama was a Spanish colony; French, due to the fact that French and Italians who made the first attempted to construct the canal lived in the area.

Over the last few years the Old Town has undergone a massive restoration to bring the buildings, monuments and promenades to their former glory.

In 1997 the Old Town was declared World Heritage by UNESCO, since then the works have continued. Thanks to this initiative the area has been transformed into a tourist and commercial center.

Day 3 Panama Canal Full Transit
We will travel from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean on the same day. You will experience all that is mentioned in the partial transit tour description, but in the other direction. In addition, you will enjoy a trip through Gatun Lake, which was formed when the river widened and deepened, by the construction of the Gatun Dam about 10 km (6 miles) from the river’s mouth.

During the three-hour passage through Gatun Lake you will see the Gamboa homeport of the Dredging Division of the Panama Canal, and some of their interesting floating equipment, like the floating cranes “Herman the German” and “Hercules”; the dredges “Rialto Christensen” and “Mindi”, plus the jungle and wildlife in the shoreline. Throughout the transit you will see the Canal operations in a way one cannot see from a large cruise ship; tugs assisting in maneuvers, locks locomotive operators and seamen, canal boatmen making wires fast from ship to locomotive.

Day 4 Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
Experience the magic of the virgin rainforest of Gamboa, ascending some 280 feet from the shadowy forest floor through the dense undergrowth and up to the sun drenched canopy with its thousand shades of green that are only interrupted by the vibrant colors of flowering trees, this the first and only tram in Panama. Colorful birds and butterflies are abundant here, and you might also encounter sloth tor white-faced capuchin monkeys and hear the howler monkey cry out in the distance.

After the tour you will visit the orquidearium, butterfly house, fresh water aquarium and snake house, then we will take a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake. This area is a sanctuary for the native flora and fauna. You can easily spot monkeys, toucans, alligators and turtles. We will finish the trip with a lunch at Los Lagartos restaurant which has wonderful views of the Chagres River.

Day 5 Portobelo Historical Tour
This tour begins with a trip by train or by road from the Pacific Ocean to the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea. After leaving the Panama-Colon road and on reaching the town of Portobelo, we will see beautiful green landscapes with spectacular views along the coast and sea. Portobelo is a sleepy town full of colonial history where you will feel transported in time. Here you will find five colonial fortresses where cannons still point to the bay.

Portobelo is also home to the Black Christ image, which according to a legend, has supernatural powers which do not allow that the Christ could be taken away from the town. Other attractions are: The Custom House was built in 1640 and the Hospital Chapel founded in 1597.

Day 6 Embera Indigenous Village
This is a trip to paradise in its purest form! The enchanting journey takes us deep into the dense jungles of Chagres where the Embera Indians have lived for many years. Our adventure begin with a ride up the river in canoes, the Embera’s traditional hand carved boats.

On arrival to the village, you will be taken back in time as you observe the ancient Embera’s dances and music that have hardly changed since Christopher Columbus arrived in the 1500´s. The natives will invite you to explore the surrounding areas which are teaming birds and wildlife. During our visit, the Emberas will give you a glimpse into their mystical rituals and their amazing knowledge of medicinal plants and natural pigments.

The Embera women are known as one of the world’s finest basket makers, and you will watch them create beautiful objects made out of palm leaves and dyed with natural pigments. You could also have your body painted with a natural fruit dye called Jagua, used by the Indians for body decorations as well as for its health-giving properties. Before returning to civilization, the Emberas will invite to a traditional lunch of fresh fish and plantains and you will have the opportunity to purchase some of their gorgeous handicraft.

Day 7 Panama City
Full day at leisure or do some shopping. Panama City has always been a shopping paradise where you can find the best products at the best possible prices. From luxury items to the electronic equipment all can be found here.

Over the last few years Panama City has become a lively shopping area where tourists can buy a wide variety of items from electronic and audiovisual equipment to couture, jewelry and oriental articles to mention a few. Panama is always up to date with the latest fashion trends and recognized brands of clothing, footwear, cosmetics and perfumes, handbags and underwear can be purchased in city’s shopping centers.

Day 8 Panama City (B)
Breakfast at Hotel.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.


Privately customized tour
ON REQUEST
Quote will be based on the season of travel, number of passengers, category of the hotel used.

Additional information

OVERVIEW

Panama is known for the Panama Canal, a famous feat of human engineering, cuts through its center, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to create an essential shipping route. Beside, this country also has a modern capital with colonial buildings and the rainforest of Natural Metropolitan Park.

DEPARTURE

Guaranteed departure on any days for minimum 2 travelers.

INCLUSIONS

 Hotel with daily breakfast as listed in the itinerary
 Meal specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, SD = Special Dinner)
 Arrival and departure transfer services from Airport/hotel/airport
 Transfer and ground transportation during the tours by air conditioned vehicles
 Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary with English speaking local guide(s)
 Entrance fees at sites/monuments (one time)
 Present applicable VAT/taxes.

EXCLUSIONS

 International flights – Call 1-888-887-1688 to get a quote from your home city
 Tourist visa to the country visited in the itinerary
 Insurance you may wish (which we urge you to purchase)
 Personal expenses and gratuities.
 Any other item not specified
 The cruise company requires a gratuity of RMB150 (US$25) per person to be charged to clients account when they go on board, which is separate from the above costs.

QUESTIONS

Should you have any further questions, please call 1888-887-1688 for assistance.

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