Panama Tours, Cruises and Travel

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

Special Green Season Panama Canal Watershed - 7 Days / 6 nights

Day 1: Welcome to Panama
Welcome to Panama! Upon your arrival you will be met by an EcoCircuitos Tour Guide that will be assisting you during transfer to the hotel located in the core of the Soberania National Park. Once arrival to the hotel, please check-in and overnight. Lodging will be at GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT, Standard Room. (NO MEALS)

Day 2: Panama Canal Boat Tour & Hiking the Soberania National Park
Early in the morning you are picked up at the lobby of your hotel by our Naturalist Guide for a 45 minute drive to the town of Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal. Here you board a boat and head off on an adventure that will include a expedition across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal passing by gigantic cargo ships transiting the waterway, making contrast with the natural surroundings. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to spot Green iguana and Three-toed sloth resting on tree branches, Crocodile, Osprey in the hunt for Peacock bass, Snail kite and Keel-billed toucan among other wildlife. The tour boat will allow for close approximations to rainforest covered islands (former hill tops) in Gatun Lake to search for White-faced Capuchin, Mantled Howler Monkey, Central American Spider Monkey, and Geoffrey’s Tamarin. After the boat tour we will head to Soberania National Park for a hiking tour around the trails of the lush forest.
Includes: Naturalist Guide, entrance fees to Soberania National Park, boat ride, private ground transportation, snacks and beverages
Departure: 6.00AM Duration: 6 hrs Overnight at GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT, Standard Room. (B,L)

Day 3: Embera Indigenous Encounter at Chagres River
Early in the morning you are picked up at the lobby of your hotel by our guide and transferred to El Corotu on the shores of Madden Lake. Here, you board a motorized piragua (dugout canoe) and travel up the Chagres River to the Embera indigenous village of Embera Drua. The boat journey takes you through the rainforest of the 320,000-acre Chagres National Park, which is the largest of the National Parks protecting the Panama Canal Watershed. Along the Chagres River, you may be able to spot Little Blue and Green Heron, Great Egret, Anhingas, Neotropical Cormorant, Amazon, Ringed, and Green Kingfishers, along with Keel-billed Toucans and Ospreys flying above. At the Embera village you will be greeted with dancing and music. You will learn about Embera customs and their relationship with nature. There will be handcrafts available for sale and you will have a chance to be painted with the traditional jagua, a natural dye the Embera use to adorn their bodies. After a traditional Embera lunch you will be heading back to Panama City.
Optional: short hiking in a botanical trail at the community. Duration: 8 hours
Departure: 8:00 AM
Include: ground and river transportation, entrance fees to the Chagres National Park, traditional lunch at the community, donation and specialized guide.
What to bring: Sunscreen and insect repellent, Light synthetic clothes (easy to dry), walking shoes or river sandals, swimming suit, rain jacket and an extra pair of clothes.
Overnight at GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT, Standard Room. (B,L)

Day 4: Transcontinental Railway & the Pirate Trail
Depart from the hotel at 9.00AM and start and cross the Isthmus via the Trans-Isthmian Highway. Stop at Gatún to explore the locks and the lake. Afterwards, cross the Panama Canal by drawbridge and keep going till Fort San Lorenzo. Constructed by the Spaniards in the 16th century, San Lorenzo was occupied by British pirates over the years due to its strategic location on the Chagres River. Sir Henry Morgan conquered San Lorenzo and used it as the entrance point to sack Panama City in 1671.
Afterwards you will be transferred to Colon Train Station for your ride back to Panama City.
The trip is every weekday throughout the year with departures at 5:15PM from Colon City to Panama City. Re-creating the experience of the famous California Golden steam age and enjoy the most beautiful scenery: observe the rainforest and the heart of the canal from the comfort of your train cabin.
Include: Private transportation, Historical Guide, lunch in a local restaurant, train ride, entrance fees to Gatún Locks Visitor Center and San Lorenzo National Park.
Departure: 9.00AM. Duration: 8 hrs
Tour Remarks: transcontinental train ride is only available during week days.
Overnight in Country Inn Amador or similar, Standard Room. (B,L)

Day 5: Panama Canal Morning Expansion Tour
Today you will have a tour to visit the project of expansion of the Panama Canal. Afternoon free for your relaxation and exploration of the city on your own. (B)

Day 6: Panama City Free Day
Today you will have a free day for relaxation and exploration of the nearby areas on your own. Optional activities / tours can be arranged upon request. Overnight in Country Inn Amador or similar, Standard Room. (B,L)

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

Price per person in US$: USD 983.00 – minimum 4 people (we can price for 2 people)

The program includes:
- Meet and greet
- English Speaking guide during day tours
- Private transportation
- 6 nights of lodging + hotel taxes
- Meals as specified each day: B=breakfast, L=lunch or D=dinner
- Information kit - Lodging taxes

The program does not include: - Optional activities - Meals not specified in the itinerary - Alcoholic beverages - Personal equipment - Extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service, etc.) - Gratuities
*** Prices valid from July0 1st – November 30th 2010 (prices subject to change due availability problems or increases on fuel

Prices are subject to change without previous notice depending on any significant increase in rates, taxes, fuel or due to availability problems.
Prices are based on the minimum of paying participants previously informed.
If the minimum number of paying participants changes, the rates would also change
Tips for drives and guides not included

BOCAS DEL TORO ARCHIPELAGO – 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS Specials for Green Season
An Extension Itinerary from Panama City

Day 1 Welcome to Bocas del Toro
Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred from your hotel in Panama City to Albrook Domestic Airport to take your one hour flight to Bocas del Toro Upon arrival, our local representative will meet and transfer you to your hotel in the archipelago. Check-in and overnight in the hotel of your choice in Bocas del Toro Archipelago. You will enjoy the clear waters of the Atlantic Side of the country and the days are enjoyed visiting nearby islands snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beaches.
*Each passenger is entitled to carry 25 pounds of luggage (12 Kilos) baggage on flights from Panama City to Bocas del Toro*

Day 2 Bocas del Toro – Days at leisure
Free day for your relaxation and exploration of the area on your own. During your stay you can go for the following activities upon request:
* Visiting some of the most exotic and isolated virgin beaches located in the different Islands of the Archipelago.
* Snorkeling at the Coral Reefs of the bay to see lots different kind of corals, tropical fishes and starfishes.
* Boat rides through the Island visiting Indian Communities.
* Hiking in the rainforest to see the flora and fauna.
* Motorized Canoe River Trips to search the slots and the white face monkeys.
* Boat tours to meet dolphins in their natural living area.
* Visiting Bocas town to buy some handcraft and admire its afro Caribbean colonial architecture style.

Day 3: Return to Panama City
In the morning after breakfast check-out from the hotel of your choice. Afterwards transfer to Bocas Domestic Airport for your flight back to Panama City. Once arrival, transfer to your hotel in Panama City.
*Each passenger is entitled to carry 25 pounds of luggage (12 Kilos) baggage on flights from Panama City to Bocas del Toro*

HOTEL OPTIONS

Option # 1: Tropical Suites – Standard Room
Tropical Suites is a premier boutique hotel, located at the edge of the tranquil Caribbean Ocean in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Our hotel is a just minute walk away from restaurants, cafes, and more on the island of Isla Colon. From our dock, we launch boats daily for our guests to explore beautiful beaches, surfing, diving, snorkeling, hiking, dolphin tours, gardens and more. Tropical Suites sets just far enough away from all the movement of the town center for you to relax and unwind in the modern comfort of our rooms. Each suite offers you a large open living area with a fully equipped kitchen and spacious, Jacuzzi bathrooms… amenities truly reminiscent of a home away from home. Our staff is here to serve you in the best way that we can. From arranging tours to airport pick-up, pre-purchased groceries to laundry service, let us know how we can help you.
AMOUNT OF ROOMS: 17 rooms
TYPE OF ROOMS: Ocean View, Island View, Presidential Penthouse
ADDRESS: Isla Colon, Main Avenue
Price per person (3 days / 2 nights program): $ 385.00
Price per person (5 days/4 nights program): $ 515.00
**Includes: Breakfast and lodging
Based on 2 participants

Option # 2: Hotel Bocas del Toro – Standard Room No View
The hotel is located at only 10 metres away from the main street and it has a beautiful ocean view. This authentic Caribbean style hotel integrates historic costume and style. The rooms are spacious and the hotel offers 66 double/ triple rooms and 4 triple rooms. All with air conditioning, hot water and T.V. And a beautiful view of Carenero and Solarte cays. The hotel also features a great restaurant and bar
AMOUNT OF ROOMS: 11 rooms boutique hotel
TYPE OF ROOMS: 4 Town Balcony, 2 Sea Balcony, 4 Standards and 1 Luxury Room with Sea Balcony
ADDRESS: Isla Colon, Main Avenue
Price per person (3 days / 2 nights program): $ 347.00
Price per person (5 days/4 nights program): $ 438.00
**Includes: Breakfast and lodging
Based on 2 participants

Option # 3: Playa Tortuga Hotel & Beach Resort – Standard Room
An exclusive and yet relaxed resort, with excellent service in the laid back atmosphere that encompasses the Caribbean life. Playa Tortuga Hotel features spacious deluxe rooms with private balconies overlooking the water, and large suites with a living room and separate bedroom, as well as two Grand Suites and one Presidential Suite. Some amenities you will enjoy as a guest include complimentary WIFI throughout the hotel, and gourmet restaurants with Panamanian as well as Caribbean cuisine native to the Bocas archipelago with its exotic and delicious flavors, as well as International cuisine and a Children’s menu. You will also enjoy the thirty-foot pool right in front of the beautiful pink sand beach, surrounded by clear, calm Caribbean waters. Playa Tortuga is an eco-friendly hotel.
AMOUNT OF ROOMS: 117 rooms
TYPE OF ROOMS: Standard rooms, Junior Suites, Grand Master Suites & Suite Almirante Colón
LOCATION: On Isla Colon in Bocas Del Toro
Price per person (3 days / 2 nights program): $ 415.00
Price per person (5 days/4 nights program): $ 563.00
**Includes: Breakfast and lodging
Based on 2 participants

Option # 4: El Limbo on the Sea – Standard Room
In the heart of Bocas, this lovely hotel is built right over the sea in classic Caribbean-style architecture. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands as you dine in restaurant/bar terrace. Dive in or sunbath on the seaside deck. The rooms have AC, cable TV, private baths, telephones, hot and cold water and a mini frig. There are also rooms available with sea view balconies. Guests also have privileges to a private island beach in a nature reserve of an incredible beauty, where a dozen countries have filmed their successful Survivor TV series including France, Spain, Russia, England, Italy and Portugal.
AMOUNT OF ROOMS: 15 rooms
TYPE OF ROOMS: Standard Room, Island Town View, Ocean View Room.
ADRESS: Bocas del Toro, Colon Island
Price per person (3 days / 2 nights program): $ 326.00
Price per person (5 days/4 nights program): $ 400.00
**Includes: Breakfast and lodging
Based on 2 participants

Option # 5: Eclypse De Mar: Aqua Lodge – Standard Cabin
Located in an unspoiled environment surrounded by earth friendly pathways and lagoons on 6.5 acres of rainforest, Eclipse de Mar offers its guests an alternative atmosphere in Bocas del Toro. The lodge is run on solar power and filtered spring water. Each bungalow has been carefully build and furnished over the Caribbean Sea with a private bathroom, hot water shower, fans, hammocks, room service when requested and a private terrace where you can observe the amazing sunset.
AMOUNT OF ROOMS: 6 rooms
TYPE OF ROOMS: Bungalows, standard rooms
ADDRESS: Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro
Price per person (3 days / 2 nights program): $ 438.00
Price per person (5 days/4 nights program): $ 636.00
**Includes: Breakfast and lodging
Based on 2 participants

Option # 6: Hotel Bahia – Standard Room
This hotel is located on the southern end of Third (Main) Street, Bocas del Toro, in a grand old building with 100 years. Built in 1905, it still serves the public as one of the oldest hotels in the area. Its recent complete and through renovation included upgrading the rooms with modern conveniences, yet maintaining the charm of yesteryear. In its lobby you will observe a large and aging safe, which was installed during the construction of the building in 1905. This safe, savaged from the original building that was destroyed by the 1904 fire, was used for safekeeping of cash to pay the small banana producers of the area. Gran Hotel Bahia has the most spacious and comfortable rooms, all of them with A/C, Cable TV and private bathroom with hot shower. Its friendly and relaxing environment let our Distinguished Guests feel at home.
AMOUNT OF ROOMS: 18 rooms
TYPE OF ROOMS: Standard, Deluxe
ADRESS: Colon Island, Bocas del Toro, Third Street
Price per person (3 days / 2 nights program): $ 305.00
Price per person (5 days/4 nights program): $ 370.00
**Includes: Breakfast and lodging

Option # 7: Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge – Punta Caracol Suite
Punta Caracol was born out of the idea of creating an Aqua-Lodge in a totally virgin and natural environment. The idea is to offer guests a pure and intimate experience with nature in a place of singular beauty where they can relax in comfort. Built over the Caribbean Sea in the famous Bocas del Toro region of Panama, along a mile long coral reefed coast, Punta Caracol is constructed using the traditional methods of the Archipelago. Each handsomely crafted cabin is built upon stilts which support a wooden frame over the water and covered by a palm leaf roof - an unforgettable habitat congruent with the native communities of the region. Natural building materials offered by the rich nature of the region were used- different kinds of native woods and plants, clays, leafs, bamboo, wild cane and others. The result is a warm, close-to-nature ambience that takes us back to our origins.

Enjoy the five exclusive cabins set over the crystal clear waters of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. From your private terrace you will be able to observe impressive sunsets interrupted only by playful dolphins.

Feel immersed in the sounds of nature while laying down on a colonial style bed at the second level master bedroom, or just relax with a hot water shower in your private bathroom after taking an inspiring day tour. Learn to coexist with the most advanced systems of renewable energy - solar panels that provide electricity to the cabins or the bio-digester that debugs waste water avoiding any type of pollution from the pristine environment. At night, the restaurant's impressive terrace and thatched roof creates the perfect surrounding for a candlelight dinner. Enjoy a variety of Caribbean, local and international dishes. Enjoy one of its cabins where you will have access to crystal clear waters from your private terrace or you will be able to observe the impressive sunset interrupted only by playful dolphins
AMOUNT OF ROOMS: 9 exclusive rooms
TYPE OF ROOMS: 5 Punta Caracol Suites, 3 Luna Suites, 1 Master Suite.
ADDRESS: Isla Colon Island
Price per person (3 days / 2 nights program): $ 699.00
Price per person (5 days/4 nights program): $ 1,159.00
**Includes: Breakfast & dinner, boat transfers (roundtrip) + lodging

All services above mentioned are subject to 7% ITBM Government taxes and banking fees

The program includes:
- Local transfers
- 2/4 nights of lodging + hotel taxes
- Domestic flight (Panama – Bocas del Toro – Panama)
- Meals as specified each day: B=breakfast, L=lunch or D=dinner
- Information kit - Lodging taxes

The program does not include: - Optional activities - Meals not specified in the itinerary - Alcoholic beverages - Personal equipment - Extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service, etc.) - Gratuities

*** Prices valid from July0 1st – November 30th 2010 (prices subject to change due availability problems or increases on fuel

Special conditions
*This special promotions will be on black-out during July 15 – 31, 2010 / October 29 – November 7, 2010.
*A complete payment is required at the moment of the confirmation of services.
*Reservations and confirmations are subject to availability of the hotels mentioned above and airline.

Cancellation policies or no shows
*60 days prior customer arrival: Full payment will be refunded.
*59 – 46 days prior customers’ arrival: Any cancellation fees, surcharges, or nonrefundable deposits charged to EcoCircuitos by individual hotels, airlines or other third parties will be charged. (50%) Additionally, a cancellation fee of 10% of the total trip cost will apply. The remainder of any deposits paid to EcoCircuitos will be refunded.
*45 -30 days prior customers’ arrival: 100% cancellation fees will apply. No refunds will be made.

Tips for drives and guides not included

Phone: 800-232-5658 or 1-512-443-5393 email

Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Panama Tours, Cruises and Travel

Special Green Season Panama Canal Watershed - 7 Days / 6 nights

BOCAS DEL TORO ARCHIPELAGO – 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS Specials for Green Season An Extension Itinerary from Panama City

Phone:
800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email

BOCAS DEL TORO ARCHIPELAGO – 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS Specials for Green Season
An Extension Itinerary from Panama City