6 days: Panama City, Panama Canal, Gamboa Rainforest & Embera

Tour overview:

This 6 days classic experience will bring you to the Magnificent Panama Canal. The Old Town of Panama offers a great variety of activities that will show Panama in a glance, not only because of its rich history and architecture, but because of the amount of local flavors inside this magical place. Take part in an expedition on Gatun Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, located right at the Panama Canal.

Day 1 - Arrive Panama City

Arrival to Panama City, Meet and greet by our staff at the Tocumen International Airport and transfer to your hotel and check–in.

Welcome Dinner at the local restaurant.

Day 2 - Half Day City Tour with Lunch

After breakfast, participants will have the opportunity visiting places such as Miraflores Visitor Center, and a colonial tour in the Old Quarter of Panama that will take us from 1673 to our days. This classic experience will bring you to the Magnificent Panama Canal. Participants will be able to witness the Miraflores Locks and most probably, its operation. An expert canal guide will take us back in time to be part of it. What a wonderful way to experience this magnificent architectural masterpiece and to have a breath-taking view of the 8th wonder of the World. The oldest sector of modern Panama City (the Old Town), founded in 1673, is known as the Casco Antiguo. The Old Town of Panama offers a great variety of activities that will show Panama in a glance, not only because of its rich history and architecture, but because of the amount of local flavors inside this magical place. You will have the opportunity to taste the Panamanian Geisha Coffee, considered one of the best and most expensive coffee in the world, who back in 2019 had the World Guinness Record, as the pound of this type of coffee was sold in usd$1,029. (BL)

Day 3 - Panama Canal Partial Transit

You will be transferred from your hotel to the Gamboa Area where you will board the ship, and start transiting the Gaillard Cut (Corte Culebra), this area is one of the most important attractions of the trip because it’s full of history. Then you will cross under the Centennial Bridge (Puente Centenario) and that is when you will be on the way to transit Pedro Miguel Locks. Also, you will witness the work being done for the Canal expansion project. When entering Pedro Miguel Locks you will experience a drop of 9 meters in one step and find the Miraflores Lake, an artificial lake that connects Pedro Miguel Locks with and Miraflores Locks. Now you will enter the last set of locks called Miraflores Locks in the Pacific Ocean where you will be lowered 18 meters in two different steps. You will be sailing the Pacific Ocean on the way to the disembarkation point at Amador Causeway but before that, you will be passing under the Bridge of the Americas (Puente de Las Americas). You will be in the Panama Bay and that is the end of this unique trip. (BL)

 (The transit route might change depending on the date – Departure time will be advice 1 day before tour date, *check in time for the transit should be between 6:30 am and 7:30 am approximately)

Day 4 - Gamboa Rainforest Experience

Gatun Lake Expedition Take part in an expedition on Gatun Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, located right at the Panama Canal. Surrounded by lush forest, it's home to animals such as capuchin, howler, and tamarind monkeys, as well as iguanas. The adventure begins at the private dock of the beautiful Gamboa Rainforest Reserve. You'll navigate through the Chagres River, a waterway used by the famous pirate Henry Morgan.

 The Rainforest Aerial Tram and Sloth Sanctuary Experience the magic of the Gamboa Rainforest as you ascend 280 feet (85 meters) from the shadowy forest floor through dense vegetation to the sun-drenched canopy, with its thousand shades of green interrupted only by the vibrant colors of flowering trees. From the tram, a short walk leads to the observation tower, offering panoramic views of the Chagres River, the Gaillard Cut, and the rainforest. The tour concludes with a visit to ecological exhibitions, including an Orchid Garden, a Butterfly Farm, and a Frog Farm. (B)

Day 5 - Embera

Join us on a journey to paradise deep in the jungles of Chagres, where the Emberá Indians have lived for generations. The adventure begins with a ride up the river in traditional dugout canoes, hand-carved by the Emberá themselves. Upon arriving at the village, you'll step back in time, witnessing ancient Emberá dances and music that have remained unchanged since the era of Columbus. Explore the jungle's rich wildlife with the Emberá as your guides, learning about their mystical rituals and the medicinal plants they use. Marvel at the artistry of Emberá women as they craft intricate palm leaf baskets and offer body painting with natural fruit dye. Before heading back, savor a traditional meal of fresh fish and plantains, and take the opportunity to purchase stunning handicrafts as cherished souvenirs of this unforgettable experience. (B)

Day 6 - Departure

Transfer from Le Meridien to Tocumen International Airport (Breakfast included in the hotel restaurant with operational hour from 6:30 am to 10:00 am)