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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Panama Tours, Cruises and Travel

Expedition / Golden Pathway / Indigenous Trail / Journey / Walking
San Blas Kayaking / Romance / Family / Canopy Tower / Canopy Lodge / Expedition Cruise

The Golden Pathway to Panama and Beyond -
7Days/6 Nights

Enjoy this unique historical itinerary that takes you into the hidden history of conquistadors and explorers that traveled from South America to the Isthmus to transport their riches to Europe. Learn about pirates, gold, pathways, and fortresses on the path less traveled in Panama!

Day 1: Arrival to Panama
Upon your arrival to Tocumen International Airport a representative will greet and assist you to your hotel in the city.

Day 2: City & Canal Tour
After breakfast and a brief orientation, we will explore the city. The tour focuses on the modern Panama City with its gleaming skyscrapers, Panama Viejo and Casco Antiguo known as the historical heart of the city. Your guide will point out the architectural influences of the Spanish, French and Italians whose nations have all played a role in the Panama history. Also watch the ships make their way through the Miraflores locks at the famous Panama Canal. Overnight in Panama City. (B)

Day 3: Transcontinental Railroad & Portobelo Tour
Early in the morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the Panama Railroad Station. The Panama Canal Railway offers an unforgettable experience on a railroad that joins the two oceans. Re-creating the experience of the famous California Gold rush age and enjoy the beautiful scenery: observing the rainforest and the heart of the canal from the comfort of your train cabin. After the 1-hour train trip adventure, then you will be greeted by a guide to begin your Portobelo Tour.

During the 17th and 19th centuries, the Port of Portobelo served as a Spanish Fortress and Caribbean terminal. Products such as spices, gold and silver that came from Peru were transported along the Royal Path (Camino de Cruces) that crossed the isthmus to Portobelo were the riches were stored before they were transported to Spain. Portobelo was the victim of various pirate attacks, the most well known being the attack by Henry Morgan. The small island of Drake, where his remains are located, is another attraction. We will visit all the ruins of the colonial port, the customhouse where the treasures and gold were stored and the Portobello church, where the famous Black Christ statue rests. A celebration to commemorate the Black Christ, which is venerated throughout the country, is held every 21 of October. Lunch is also included at a typical restaurant. After their tour you will be transferred to their hotel Melia Panama Canal. Check in and overnight. (BL)

Day 4: In the morning after breakfast you will be met by a guide in the lobby of the hotel to begin your tour of Fort San Lorenzo and the Gatun Locks. First you will cross the amazing Gatun Locks and then proceed to Fort San Lorenzo which was constructed by the Spaniards in the 16th century to hold riches and gold that was transported by canoe to the fort from Peru. San Lorenzo was besieged by British pirates over the years due to its strategic location guarding the entrance to the Chagres River. Sir Henry Morgan captured San Lorenzo and used it as the entrance point to sack Panama City in 1671. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Afterwards you will be transferred to their hotel. Overnight in Melia Panama Canal. (BL)

Day 5: Embera Indigenous Encounter
In the morning you will be met by a guide to begin your tour.This adventure takes us to the indigenous community in the National Park Chagres. Where you will get to know and learn about the culture of the Embera Indians. You will witness their artisans and enjoy their knowledge of botanical plants. Their cultural dances and music will take you back centuries. If you would like you can paint their body as they do with the fruit known as Jagua. The you can also observe the great variety of birds found in these areas. Walk in the jungle, explore waterfalls, and learn from a magical culture, all this in one day. Afterwards you will be transferred to a hotel in the city.(BL)

Day 6: Partial Canal Transit (Saturday only)
In the morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the Flamenco Marina, and where you will travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. You will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City's splendorous skyline, and later the tourists will pass under the Bridge of the Americas. At Miraflores Locks the vessel will ascend 54 feet in two distinct steps. The vessel will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks. Next, the vessel will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel will be raised the last 27 feet to get into Gatun Lake. Once at Gatun Lake the vessel will sail through at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gaillard Cut is also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake and is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide. In addition, you will observe the brand new construction among the Panama Canal, the Centennial Bridge, and the vessel will travel the Cut's 13.7 kilometers on the way to the Panama Canal Dredging Division in Gamboa where passengers disembark. A driver will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. (BL)

Day 7: At the appropriate time you will be transferred to the Tocumen International Airport for your flight back home. They will arrive to the airport approximately 2 hours before your departure time. (B)

2010 Prices per person, double occupancy in US$:

Program includes:
* meet and greet upon arrival
* 6 nights lodging
* private air-conditiooned transportation throughout tour
* meals as specified
* entrance fees to national aprks and other attractions, as speicified
* English-speaking guide
* domestic flights
* information kit
* lodging and indigenous taxes

Program does not include:
* optional activities
* international airfare and taxes
* departure taxes ($20 per person for Panama)
* meals not specified
* alcoholic beverages
* personal equipment
* extras in hotels and gratuities