SHORT BREAK
DAY 01
On arrival, clear customs and immigration and once you are in the arrival hall you will be received by a local representative, and will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is free and at your leisure.
DAY 02
A full-day Panama City Tour – Start your day with a visit to the ruins of Panama’s first capital, known as Old Panama or Panama La Vieja. This city was founded in 1519 as the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific Ocean. Spanish expeditions to conquer other South American colonies left from here and returned with vast quantities of gold, attracting the attention of pirates like Henry Morgan. When this notorious pirate looted the city in 1671, the whole city was destroyed by fire, but the ruins of several impressive structures remain to this day. You will see the ruins of the Spanish fortress, the cathedral and the Bishop’s House, as well as a museum detailing what life was like in Old Panama. Next, visit the Reprosa Jewelry Factory where they make the reproductions of the Indian burials jewels along with other Panamanian jewelry. Also experience Casco Antiguo, the Colonial City, which is the historic center of the modern capital for a walking tour and visit the fish market.
DAY 03
Partial Panama Canal Transit – No trip to Panama would be complete without a visit to the Panama Canal, Panama’s most popular tourist destination. This voyage through the canal has various start times so budget the entire day. After being transferred to the pier, you will board the Ferry Boat, a vessel that will take you through the Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks, and the Culebra Cut. The Culebra Cut (called this because it twists and turns like a snake), is a fascinating geological area where the canal was carved through the Continental Divide. This area is susceptible to landslides, and you will appreciate the amount of work required to maintain it. During your voyage, you will be able to see the huge ships traversing the canal and the tugboats assisting them, as well as the up-close operation of the canal. Traveling through the locks, you will enjoy the experience of being raised or lowered to the level of the other ocean. You will disembark at Gamboa Pier and be transferred by bus back to the Flamenco Pier. Here you will meet your representative for transportation back to the hotel. This tour includes lunch and an English speaking guide. The transit may be in reverse order
DAY 04
El Valle tour – High in the mountains of Panama lies the picturesque town of El Valle de Anton (the Anton Valley), which occupies the largest inhabited volcano crater in the world. This quiet town is a popular weekend getaway, with beautiful trails for hiking and bird watching. The drive to El Valle takes about 1 ½ hours, and once there, you will be able to experience much that this beautiful town has to offer. You will visit the crafts market, which has a diverse offering of flowers, fruits, and vegetables, as well as crafts handmade by the villagers themselves. You will also enjoy a walk through the rainforest for a visit to the El Chorro Macho Waterfall (The Male Waterfall), a spectacular 35-meter waterfall with a natural lagoon at its base. No trip to El Valle would be complete without a visit to the Butterfly Haven; come and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of many hundreds of living, jewel colored butterflies. Stroll through the screened tropical exhibit house and grounds and learn about these amazing creatures. Return to BeachDAY 05
Gamboa Rainforest -Aerial Tram and Nature Labs. On this full day tour, you will enjoy a trip through the rainforest from above, as you glide through the canopy of the forest on the aerial tram. You will be accompanied by a guide on this mile-long trip, who will describe the flora and fauna that you will see. The tram ascends 280 feet over half a mile and ends at a spectacular viewpoint atop a hill. You may visit the Observation Tower where you will have a panoramic view of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal.
Butterfly nature lab: An orthodox but perfect place for a welcoming or farewell cocktail. If you are an enthusiast of the tropical rainforest flora and fauna, this experience within our butterfly farm laboratory is ideal. It is designed to acquaint you with the life cycle and habitat of around 20 native beautiful species.
DAY 06
Jungle Boat Tour with lunch – This full-day adventure is a combination of Eco Tourism and an up-close look at the work being done to expand the Panama Canal. Tour Lake Gatun via fast motor launch, viewing the flora and fauna, and see the ships transiting the canal. We will stop along the way in hopes of spotting the white-faced Capuchin monkey, as well as sloths and other wildlife. Be sure to wear your swimsuit as you will have an opportunity to swim at a spring-fed natural pool. You may also have a chance to do some fishing or kayaking. Return to the boat ramp at 4:00 p.m. to transfer back to your hotel.DAY 7
Depart for the airport for your flight to your next destination.