Discover Panama

br />Save $200 per couple on 10/7/11-4/30/13 departures. Offer valid on new bookings only made by 2/28/12.

Restrictions apply, based on availability.
Ask your agent for details today! Click here for terms and conditions.

Day 1: Panama City, Panama - Tour Begins
Welcome to Panama, a country of lush rainforests, rich history, diverse wildlife and spectacular coastlines. Your tour begins in cosmopolitan Panama City.

Day 2: Panama City
Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome breakfast before embarking on a city tour. Visit Panama Viejo Visitors’ Center and Cathedral Tower, exploring the ruins of the oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific. Next, stop at two local markets specializing in fresh produce and seafood for an introduction to the specialty foods of Panama. Continue to Casco Antiguo, the Old Quarter – a UNESCO World Heritage site. A short walking tour down its cobblestoned streets showcases the Plaza de la Independencia, the Presidential Palace, the National Theater, and restored colonial churches and monuments. After lunch at leisure, head to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to view the Panama Canal and learn about its rich past, present and future. Tonight, experience a private culinary demonstration with a local chef and learn how typical Panamanian dishes are prepared. Then, enjoy a dinner overlooking the Miraflores Locks.

Day 3: Monkey Island-Galeta Marine Laboratory-Panama Canal Railway-Gamboa
Follow the canal north into the rainforest for your first glimpse of Panama’s wildlife during a morning cruise to Monkey Island. Spot iguanas, toucans, crocodiles and more. Enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the marina, listening to birds and howler monkeys in the distance. Learn more about Panama’s delicate ecosystems at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Galeta Marine Laboratory as a staff biologist brings this breathtaking setting to life. Stroll through mangrove boardwalks, spot species of indigenous birds, and learn about the Collette Foundation’s support of Galeta’s outreach programs for local children. At the train station in Colon, climb aboard the historic Panama Canal Railway and relax in elegance as you are whisked past stunning scenery in perfectly restored cars. Continue to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort – your home for the next four nights.

Day 4: Panama Canal Cruise
This morning your guide leads a nature walk through your resort’s forest and gardens to view its abundant birdlife. Next, board the Pacific Queen for a partial transit through the Panama Canal. Enjoy lunch on board and pass through two locks as you revel in a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this incredible engineering feat first hand and learn all about its construction and operation. Disembark at Flamenco Marina. Visit a local handicraft market and peruse artisan souvenirs made by indigenous peoples, including the “mola” embroidery of the Kuna Yala. Then, soak up the ambiance at the oceanfront Amador Causeway where you will relish a delicious seafood dinner.

Day 5: Gamboa
With a day at leisure, perhaps enjoy the resort’s pool and spa; soak in the sights and sounds from the hammock on your balcony; take an aerial tram ride; kayak in the Panama Canal or embark on an optional day trip to Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Institute at Barro Colorado Island Nature Monument for a guided trail walk.

Day 6: Emberá Indigenous Village
Set off for an excursion to an Emberá indigenous village. Board dugout canoes for a scenic ride up the Chagres River to a settlement of Emberá, known as the “Keepers of the Rainforest.” The Emberá strive to preserve their heritage and love to share their traditional techniques of homebuilding and handicrafts with visitors. Join in their dances and partake in a simple lunch cooked traditionally before returning to the mainland. This evening, enjoy a private salsa lesson where you move to the rhythm of Panama and learn about its rich folkloric tradition.

Day 7: Gamboa - Playa Bonita
Your morning is at leisure to relax or perhaps participate in a nature walk, visiting the butterfly house and orchid nursery. Or, embark on an optional tour to Gatún Locks and the Portobelo Fort. Depart Gamboa this afternoon for Playa Bonita and your luxurious five-star beachfront resort. En route, ascend to Cerro Ancon’s peak for a captivating view of Panama City.

Day 8: Playa Bonita
Today you enjoy free time for relaxing on the beach, enjoying the spa or amenities at your hotel, kayaking, or taking a nature walk in the adjacent Punta Bruja Reserve. You may also opt to take a tour to a pineapple farm or an excursion to the enchanting Anton Valley, nestled inside the second largest volcanic crater in the world. This evening, celebrate your unforgettable journey to Panama at a farewell dinner overlooking the Pacific.

Day 9: Playa Bonita - Tour Ends

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/5/2012 - 9/13/2012	$1,849
10/24/2012 - 11/1/2012	$1,849
11/7/2012 - 11/15/2012	$1,849
12/5/2012 - 12/13/2012	$1,849
1/15/2013 - 1/23/2013	$1,999
2/19/2013 - 2/27/2013	$1,999
2/26/2013 - 3/6/2013	$1,999
3/12/2013 - 3/20/2013	$1,999
4/10/2013 - 4/18/2013	$1,899
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• Travel Improves Your Health
• Quito : Gateway to the Galapagos
• Costa Rica and Panama Ecotourism
• Places to Visit in Brazil
• Places to Visit in Chile
• About Trafalgar Tours
• Independent Travel Simplified :: Globus Monograms
• PERSONALIZE YOUR HONEYMOON - STRESS-FREE - WITH MONOGRAMS
• MAKING THE MOST OF A “MINI”: PACK FUN INTO QUICK GETAWAYS WITH MONOGRAMS
• Independent Vacation 2010 Prices Down 10 Percent Worldwide
• Spectacular South America
• CLIA's World's Largest Cruise Night
• Family Tour Vacations
• Spectacular South America
• First Time Around Cape Horn
• France Family Tours
• Places to Travel in October
• Where Can Globus Take you in 2012