The Discovery Journey to
Panama
Be one of the first to enjoy one of nature’s best kept secrets – Panama. Unlike many Latin American tourist areas, Panama’s lush rainforests, vibrant highlands and pristine beaches remain pure and unspoiled. The Isthmus of Panama is the umbilical cord joining South and Central America, bordering Costa Rica to the west and connecting with South America at the Colombian border to the east. This integral land bridge has allowed thousands of different species to migrate between North and South America. See a staggering array of unique wildlife with a biodiversity paralleled by few places on Earth.
Day 1 - Miami/Panama City
Board your flight for Panama. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your deluxe resort hotel. Situated in the heart of Panama’s 55,000-acre Soberania National park, it is surrounded by large tracts of lowland tropical rainforest that nourish thriving plant and animal populations. The balance of your day is at leisure, after meeting with your naturalist guide for a briefing and welcome cocktail. GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT.
Day 2 - Gatun Lake/Rainforest Aerial Tram
This morning embark on a small expedition boat and voyage across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal. You will pass by gigantic cargo ships transiting the waterway. Along the way, you may see green iguana and three-toed sloth, crocodile and Keel-billed Toucan. Local primate species include the white-faced capuchin, howler monkey, spider monkey and the endemic red-napped tamarin. Return to Gamboa for lunch and a siesta followed by a ride on the Rainforest Aerial Tram through the rainforest canopy. GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Chagres National Park/Embera Village
Morning birding along the famed Pipeline Road, built during World War II. This road is in the heart of the virgin lowland rainforest of Soberania National Park and is considered one of the best birding spots in the world, with nearly 400 bird and 150 mammal species. Later this morning, you are honored guests at an Embera village. This native tribe lives much as they did when Columbus visited in 1502. Trek to local waterfalls and learn about the Embera’s extensive botanical knowledge and their contributions to modern pharmaceuticals. In the afternoon, enjoy an activity and cocktails at the Canopy Tower, perched atop Semaphore Hill, commanding spectacular views of virgin rainforest with superb viewing of birds, mammals and the canal. GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Trans-Isthmian Route
Travel across the Isthmus of Panama to the Caribbean side of the Canal. Explore Fort San Lorenzo and the fortifications of Portobelo. Then, visit Gatun Locks, located at the Caribbean end of the canal. The American government built the Canal from 1904 to 1914, and it is now a vital artery of international trade with nearly 14,000 ships traveling through it every year. Continue to El Corotu on the shores of Madden Lake, providing 40% of the water required for the operation of the Panama Canal. Transfer by ‘piragua’ (dugout canoe) up the Chagres River negotiating rapids and discovering the rainforest splendors of Chagres National Park. Return to Gamboa on the famous Panama Canal Railway train across the isthmus. GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Summit Gardens/Chiriqui
Visit the small zoo at nearby Summit Gardens, known for its Baird’s tapir and Harpy Eagle natural exhibits. Continue on to Miraflores Locks in the Panama Canal. After lunch with magnificent views of ships being lowered or elevated in the lock chambers, board your flight to David, the capital of the Chiriqui province, a beautiful landscape of cloud forests, volcanic peaks, coffee plantations and home to most of Panama’s Guaymi Indians. Continue to the town of Volcan and your teak hotel. DOS RIOS HOTEL. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - La Amistad International Park/Boquete
Spend the morning hiking and exploring La Amistad, rich in biological and cultural diversity. A majority of Costa Rica’s and Panama’s indigenous people live in the Talamanca highlands within the park, sharing it with four percent of all terrestrial species on earth. Although difficult to spot, jaguars, giant anteaters, Baird’s tapirs, howler and black-handed spider monkeys, as well as more than 400 bird species, including the Resplendant Quetzal, make their home here. After lunch, visit Dracula Farm, home to over 1,500 orchid species. Continue to Sitio Barriles to view old paintings, petroglyphs and ceramic artifacts from the extinct Baril culture. Continue to Boquete and your charming country, boutique hotel. HOTEL PANAMONTE. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Finca Lerida
Depart from the lodge at 6 a.m. en route to Finca Lerida, a privately owned preserve in Boquete. At an elevation of 5,200 feet above sea level, you will have the opportunity to spot the elusive quetzals, Volcano Hummingbird and Prong-billed Barbet in their cool habitat of orchids, bromeliads and wild avocados. Hike through the lush vegetation and arrive at Collin’s shade-grown coffee farm in time for lunch. Afterward, return to the hotel where the remainder of your day is at leisure. HOTEL PANAMONTE. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - David/Panama City
Travel back to David for your flight to Panama City. From here continue on to The Causeway for lunch at Mi Ranchito with magnificent vistas of Panama City’s skyline, the Bay of Panama and the entrance to the world-famous waterway. Continue to Casco Viejo and explore the colonial section of Panama City. Stay at a historic hotel in the heart of the city. EL PANAMA HOTEL. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Canal Crossing/Panama City
Early this morning transfer to Balboa Pier for a half-day tour, northbound on the Panama Canal with a professional guide to explain the trials and tribulations of this engineering feat. The ship will be raised 55 feet above sea level in two steps and enter Miraflores Lake which is about a mile long. A transition from salt water in the Pacific Ocean to fresh water in the locks chambers and lake take place here. Navigate in the lake until reaching the Pedro Miguel locks, where the vessel turns around and exits into the Pacific Ocean. Return to your hotel where the rest of your day is at leisure. Enjoy a farewell tapas dinner at Manolo Caracol’s Restaurant. EL PANAMA HOTEL. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Panama City/Miami
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
3-Day Optional Post-Extension to Bocas Del Toro
Fly to Bocas del Toro’s archipelago, an expanse of turquoise waters dotted with lushly forested islands. Christopher Columbus landed here on his fourth and final New World voyage. The heart of this pristine archipelago is the 32,700-acre Bastimientos National Marine Park. Here you will find dramatic landscapes, long stretches of beaches, lush mangroves and inlets for two idyllic days spent snorkeling and hiking. Visit a local village in Salt Creek to learn more about the indigenous people. Return to Panama City and spend a night at El Panama before flying home.
Your Journey Includes:
- Roundtrip air transportation from Miami to Panama City.
- All ground transfers in air-conditioned motor coach.
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated, or similar.
- Services of naturalist guide throughout the tour.
- All meals as specified.
- All park and entry fees.
- All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.
2008 Dates |
Price Main Trip |
Single Supplement Price/Main |
Optional Extension |
Price Extension |
Single Supplement Price/Ext |
Jan 27 - Feb 3 |
$2,895 |
$795 |
Bocas del Toro |
$1,195 |
$395 |
Mar 9 - 16 |
$2,895 |
$795 |
Bocas del Toro |
$1,195 |
$395 |
Apr 20 - 27 |
$2,895 |
$795 |
Bocas del Toro |
$1,195 |
$395 |
Nov 9 - 16 |
$2,895 |
$795 |
Bocas del Toro |
$1,195 |
$395 |
Dec 28 - Jan 2, 09 |
$3,195 |
$795 |
Bocas del Toro |
$1,195 |
$395 |
*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.