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Panama

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

Walking the Panama Canal Watershed -
8 Days / 7 Nights

This is the perfect itinerary for birdwatchers, walkers and hikers to explore the Panama Canal Watershed. Visit the Metropolitan Park located right outside Panama City, Smithsonian’s research center Barro Colorado, Soberania National Park, relax in the middle of nature at Sierra Llorona as hummingbirds buzz around your head and learn about the history of gold and pirates at Fort San Lorenzo one of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Panama all in one week!

Day 1 Arrival to Panama
Welcome to Panama! Upon your arrival to Tocumen International Airport a representative will be waiting to assist and transfer you to your hotel, Country Inn & Suites Amador, located on the Amador Causeway, 15 minutes away from the town’s city center by taxi. Depending on your arrival time to the hotel, you can walk along the famous Causeway ( 6 km ) that was constructed during the building of the canal. The Causeway also connects three islands: Naos, Pericos and Flamenco. On these islands you will find a number of small restaurants, bars, cafes and other areas to sit down and relax. Tourists can also visit Punta Culebra Marine Exhibition Center, managed by the Smithsonian Institute (STRI) for an introduction of the Marine Life of the Pacific side of the Isthmus of Panama.

Day 2: Metropolitan Park & Folkloric Show
In the morning after breakfast you will be met by a guide to begin your tour to The Metropolitan National Park, situated only 15 minutes from downtown Panama City, is the most accessible rainforest in the region. It is the only tropical forest in Latin America located inside a major urban center. The MNP and several other protected areas form the “Interoceanic Biological Corridor” that stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans. The MNP is characterized by the increasingly rare dry lowland pacific forest and is home of the two- and three-toed sloth as well as over 200 bird species. In this remarkable park visitors can access four walking trails, a bike trail (you must be in shape for this one), and the Cedar Hill lookout over Panama City and the Canal. Afterwards you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening at approximately 7:30 PM you will be met in the lobby of your hotel and transferred to Tinajas Typical Restaurant. Here you will have the opportunity to eat Panamanian food, made of corn, plantains, yucca, fish, tamale, sancocho (typical Panamanian chicken soup), pork, seafood, beef and more. After dinner you will watch a folkloric show where they will be able to see the diverse national dances with their elegant costumes. The name of these dances are the Punta, Travesado, Diablos Sucios and are preformed with live music performed using the typical instruments of Panama. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel to get ready for your next adventure. (BD)

Day 3: Barro Colorado
Early in the morning after breakfast you will be met by a driver in the lobby to be transferred to the Barro Colorado Pier. Then you will navigate along the Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal to the “Gigante Peninsula” and to the Barro Colorado Natural Monument (BCNM), administered by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute since 1946 and considered the best-protected and studied tropical rainforest in the world. Here, you will hike along an interpretative trail through a complex and diverse ecosystem and then lunch at the Smithsonian Exhibition Center. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs, T-shirts or books. Afterwards you will begin your return, cruising by bays and channels covered by the forest. You will be able to observe birds and other animals without having to get off the boat. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel, Country Inn & Suites Amador. (BL)

Day 4: Sierra Llorona
Early in the morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the family owned Sierra Llorona Lodge located in the Colon Province, approximately one hour and a half away from Panama City. Here you will relax in the middle of nature, while different species of hummingbirds buzz around the property. Hike on the 4 different friendly trails to observe the amazing flora and fauna of the area. Birding is very rich here; ask the front desk for their birding list. Optional birding tours are available. Overnight at in Sierra Llorona Lodge. (LD)

Day 5: Sierra Llorona
Today you have a free day to enjoy at your leisure and relax in nature at the lodge. Optional tours of the area are available. (BLD)

Day 6: Portobello Kayaking & Portobello Historic Tour
In the lobby of your hotel a guide will be waiting for you begin your kayaking tour. You will kayak down the bay towards the town of Portobello, visiting the historic San Fernanado and San Fernandito Fort, which are made of coral but as strong as basalt. Afterwards you will have lunch at a local restaurant and then go on to learn about the historical city of Portobello. During the 17th and 19th centuries, the Port of Portobello served as a Spanish Fortress and Caribbean terminal. Products such as species, gold and silver coming from Peru and other Spanish Colonies passed through to the Pacific side by way of a trail called the Royal Path across the isthmus, to await ships to transport them to Spain. Portobello 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 Portobelo 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. Afterwards you will be transferred to your hotel, Melia Panama Canal. (BL)

Day: 7 Fort San Lorenzo
In the morning after breakfast the tourists 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. 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. Then you will board the Panama transcontinental railroad for your trip back to Panama. 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. Upon your arrival to Panama City you will be transferred from the train station to your hotel. (BL)

Day 8: Transfer Out
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)

2008 Prices per person in US$:

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