Explore the Soberania National Park and spend a night at Gamboa Rainforest Resort or at the famous Canopy Tower, where birdwatching is as easy as looking out your canopy-level bedroom window. See the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal and then head west to the Costa Rican border where you will hike through the cloud forest in Friendship National Park and discover Panama’s highlands and mountains. Near your hotel, explore the forest home of the elusive and stunning Quetzal.
Day 1: Arrive to Panama
A representative will meet you at the international airport for your transfer to your hotel in Panama City.
Day 2: City & Canal Tour/Panama City
Depart from your hotel to visit Panama Viejo, the first city founded in the isthmus by Spanish conquerors at the beginning of colonization. The remaining ruins are the vestiges left by Pirate Henry Morgan, who sacked the town in 1671. Then we will head to the second colonial city of Panama, Casco Viejo, built in 1673 and will walk around the French Plaza and monuments in the area. The architecture of this area is exquisite including French, Italian and Spanish styles. The last stop will be at the Miraflores Locks to witness the workings of the Panama Canal. Departure time: 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. Duration: 4 hours (B)
Day 3: Panama City/Gamboa Rainforest Resort/Emberas
After breakfast visit a paradise found in its purest form. This tour leaves Panama City at 8:00 AM and begins with a ride in a "piragua" (a native boat) along the route commonly used by the Indians for their daily transport along the Chagres River. Hike through a forest with a local indigenous guide who is an expert in explaining botanical novelties and the culture of this authentic Chocoe-Embera village. In the village, the tribe will share their culture through dances, rituals, food, etc. You will have the opportunity to partake in "jagua", body painting with vegetable ink. Arrival back in Panama City is estimated at 4:00 PM. (B)
Day 4: Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Free day to enjoy at your leisure, you also have a day tour included in your stay today.Spend the night at Gamboa Resort. (B)
Day 5: Gamboa/Beach Resort
Depart from the hotel after breakfast for the Pacific Coast’s best beaches and resorts. You can choose different options as (Breezes, Playa Blanca Beach Resort, Intercontinental Playa Bonita, Solarium Beach Hotel, Buenaventura Resort, TOGO B&B, Coronado hotels, Decameron). (meals will depend on the hotel option).
Day 6-7: Beach Resort
Enjoy another fun family day on the beach. (BLD)
Day 8: Departure from Panama
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the international airport for your scheduled departure. (B)
Hotels: Country Inn & Suites, Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Playa Blanca All-inclusive
2011 Prices per person in US$: US$1260 each for 2, US$1165 each for 4, US$1075 each for 6.
Program includes:
* meet and greet upon arrival
* 7 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