Day 1 - Arrive Panama City†

Arrive in Panama City, meet your Tour Director and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight with your fellow travelers. (D)

 

Day 2 - Panama Canal Transit Cruise

This morning travel to the Flamenco Marina in Amador to board the Panama Canal Day Cruiser. The journey begins on the Pacific Ocean heading north. Cruise under the bridge of the Americas, which raises over 100 meters above sea level reuniting the land divided during construction of the canal forming a link on the Pan-American Highway. As the cruise continues reach the first set of locks, Miraflores Locks, the tallest in the canal’s locks system due to the extreme tidal variation of the Pacific Ocean. These locks will raise the ship over 50 feet above sea level in two steps into Miraflores Lake. A transition from salt water in the Pacific Ocean to fresh water in the locks chambers and lake take place here. While you enjoy lunch on board, you will reach Pedro Miguel locks where the ship is raised another 30 feet. At this point the ship will be cruising on Gatun Lake at 80 feet above sea level and will enter Gaillard Cut, the narrowest section of the Panama Canal. Disembark and travel to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort and experience the Gamboa Aerial Tram which traverses a tract of humid forest that lies within the Gamboa Resort’s boundaries. You will observe the forest canopy in some areas and are likely to encounter birds and hear howler monkeys. The tram ascends 280 feet over half a mile and ends atop a hill. Enjoy the evening at leisure. (B,L)

 

Day 3 - Emberas Community

Today take a trip back in time to experience the lifestyle of the Emberas Tribe. Take a 30 minute ride which will lead you to the heart of the Emberas Tribe, who came originally from Darien in the south of the country but have moved closer to the city. Their lives are based on fishing, hunting, farming and artisan pottery. This will be a day of simple pleasures. Watch as the tribe dances under a broad Rancho elevated over columns to provide shelter from wild animals. Enjoy lunch with the tribe before returning to the resort. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B,D)

Day 4 - Gamboa - Playa Blanca

Today travel to El Valle de Antón, a rural community built on the crater of an ancient inactive volcano. Due to its cool weather and calm environment it is a popular destination among nature lovers. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore the area before traveling to Playa Blanca. Check into your resort for a 2-night stay and enjoy dinner at the resort tonight. (B,D)

 

Day 5 - Playa Blanca

Enjoy the entire day at leisure to relax and enjoy the beach, hotel and spa facilities. Playa Blanca is a resort area on the Pacific Ocean side, and is ideal for swimming. (B,L,D)

 

Day 6 - Playa Blanca - Panama City

Today return to Panama City for a Panama City Tour. Visit the ruins of Panama La Vieja, the remaining part of the Old City and former capital of the country founded August 15, 1519. Through this part of the city, all the gold arriving from Peru passed by towards Portobelo and Nombre de Dios in order to be shipped to Spain. The Casco Antigo has become an open-air museum, and you will find helpful descriptions in front of each ruin. Among the best preserved buildings are the Cathedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the former private residence Casa Alarcón, and the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a popular local restaurant. (B,D)

 

Day 7 - Panama City - Return to USA†

Transfer to the airport for your flight home full of wonderful memories of your Discover Panama Tour. (B)

 

†Land only rates do not include hotel transfers. Roundtrip air package includes hotel transfers.