Amazon Adventures

Panama

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

Romancing in the Isthmus - 8 Days / 7 Nights

This is the perfect honeymoon getaway to relax and enjoy the best of the isthmus. First you will
experience the historical diversity of Panama City and then fly to the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. You will
stay at Tranquilo Bay where you will be able to kayak, snorkel and taste the exquisite cuisine of their
kitchen. Relax and read a book on the deck of your cabin while gazing in to the tropical nature of the area
or stroll along friendly pathway through the mangroves. You will also discover the amazing beauty of
Zapatilla Cayes all in one week.

Day 1: Arrival to Panama
At the appropriate time a representative will meet and assist you at the Tocumen International Airport. Then you will be transferred to Miramar Intercontinental, check in and overnight.

Day 2: Panama City Tour
After breakfast you will be met by your guide in the lobby of your hotel to begin your private whole day City Tour. You visit the famous first city of Panama (Panama La Vieja), this was the first Spanish city established on the Pacific side. Then sacked and destroyed in the year 1671 by famous English pirate Henry Morgan, who took Fort San Lorenzo on the Caribbean side and proceeded to Panama City. Then you will visit the second city of Panama, Casco Antiguo. This city was constructed strategically 1673 after Henry Morgan sacked the first city. It was built by the Spanish and then used by the French during the construction of the canal. Also used by the railroad workers. Here you will be able to observe the diverse construction styles and city layout. Afterwards you will visit Ancon Hill to observe the city from one of the highest point in the city and then have lunch at a gourmet restaurant in the city, Manolo Caracol or similar. Afterwards you will proceed to visit the Miraflores Locks, the entrance to the Pacific side of the canal. Here you will learn and watch this engineering master piece in motion. Then you will visit the French Cemetery, where each cross represents 1,000 people who died in the construction of the canal. Then you will be transferred back to Miramar Intercontinental. (BL)

Day 3: Panama City
Today you will have a free day to enjoy at your leisure. You may explore the city, go shopping or just relax by the pool optional tours are available upon request. Also today you will receive a special basket with an assortment of cheeses, fruits and wine. Overnight at Miramar Intercontinental (B)

Day 4: Bocas Del Toro
Early in the morning you will be met by a driver to be transferred to Albrook Domestic Airport. You will have an approximately an one hour flight to Colon Island located in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Our local host will meet and transfer you to your hotel. You may kayak or take a swim around the neighboring mangroves, which allow you to observe an abundance of tropical fish. (BD). Overnight at Punta Caracol.

Punta Caracol was born out of the idea of creating an Acqua-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, 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 one our nine 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 how to coexist with the most advanced systems of renewable energy - solar panels that provide electricity to the cabins or the bio-digestor that debugs waste water avoiding any type of pollution of our pristine environment. At night, our restaurant's impressive terrace and thatched roof creates the perfect surrounding for a candlelight dinner. Enjoy a variety of Caribbean, local and international dishes.

At Punta Caracol acqua-lodge the ancient crafty construction techniques are combined with the most advanced alternative energy creation systems such as the solar panels, which are present at the restaurant and in all suites, and gas cooling in all our refrigerators and freezers, as well as the coupling of a sewage purifying system using state-of-the-art aerobic systems for micro-processing and sewage treatment.

Day 5: Punta Caracol
Free day or enjoy an optional tour. (BD)

From the Lodge the staff of Punta Caracol can help you to organize Activities and Tours to get in touch with some of the most spectacular spots here in the Archipelago as:
* Visiting some of the most exotic and isolated virgin beaches located in the different Islands of the Archipelago.
* Snorkelling 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 6: Punta Caracol
Today you will have a free day to relax or do optional tours. (BD)

Day 7: Return to Panama City
At the appropriate time you will be transferred from Tranquilo Bay to Bocas Domestic Airport for your flight to Panama City. Upon your arrival you will be met by a driver and transferred to Miramar Intercontinetal. Check in and overnight. (B)

Day 8 Transfer Out
Today at the appropriate time you will be met in the lobby of your hotel by a driver and transferred to Tocumen International Airport for your flight home. (B)

Prices per person in US$:
Dec. 16 2007-May 15 2008 and July 1-Aug. 31 2008 = $2153 per person double occupancy
May 16-June 30 and Sept. 1- Dec. 15 2008 = $1990 per person double occupancy

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