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Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to
Panama City
Our representative
will greet and assist you to your hotel; then you'll
begin a City Tour.
First you will visit Panama Viejo, the first city
founded in the isthmus by Spanish conquerors at the
beginning of colonization. This also was the area
where the Spaniards began the colonization of South
American countries such as Peru, Ecuador among
others. The remaining ruins are the vestiges left by
Pirate Henry Morgan, who sacked the town in 1671.
Then will proceed to the second colonial city of
Panama, Casco Antiguo, built in 1673.
You will have the opportunity to walk around the
French Plaza and other monuments. The architecture
in this area is exquisite including French, Italian
and Spanish styles.
Overnight at Country
Inn & Suites Amador, located on the Amador Causeway,
15 minutes away from the town’s city center. Rest of
the day at your own leisure - 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. You 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: Transcontinental Railroad & Portobelo Tour
Early in the morning
after breakfast you will be transferred to the
Panama Railroad Station. 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. Once on the Caribbean
side you'll begin your Portobelo Tour.
During the 17th and 19th centuries, the Port of
Portobello served as a Spanish Fortress and
Caribbean terminal. Products such as spices, gold
and silver that came from Peru were transported
along the Royal Path (Camino de Cruces) that crossed
the isthmus to Portobello were the riches were
stored before they were transported 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
Portobello 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. Lunch is also included
at a typical restaurant. After the tour you will be
transferred to hotel Melia Panama Canal. Check in
and overnight. (B, L)
Day 3: Fort San Lorenzo
In the morning begin 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 to hold riches and gold that were
transported here from Peru. 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.
Overnight in Melia Panama Canal. (B, L)
Day 4: Indigenous tribes
In the morning continue to the indigenous community
in the National Park Chagres, visiting the Embera
Indians. Witness their artisans and enjoy their
knowledge of botanical plants. Their cultural dances
and music will take you back centuries. Observe the
great variety of birds found in this area. Walk in
the jungle, explore waterfalls. (B, L, snacks)
Day 5: Partial Canal Transit
After breakfast transfer to the Flamenco Marina, and
start on your passage from the Pacific Ocean to the
Atlantic Ocean. Admire the Bay of Panama and Panama
City's splendorous skyline, pass under the Bridge of
the Americas. At Miraflores Locks the vessel ascend
54 feet in two distinct steps. The vessel will then
enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial
body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from
Miraflores Locks. Next, the Pacific Queen ships will
enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two
sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the
vessel will be raised the last 27 feet to get into
Gatun Lake. Once at Gatun Lake the vessel will sail
through at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where
the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gaillard
Cut is also known as Culebra Cut because its curves
resemble a snake and is one of the main points of
interest for visitors because it was carved through
the Continental Divide. In addition observe the
brand new construction - the Centennial Bridge.
Last, the vessel will travel the Cut's 13.7
kilometers on the way to the Panama Canal Dredging
Division in Gamboa where you'll disembark. Here a
driver will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel.
(B, L)
Day 6: Out
At the appropriate time transfer to the Tocumen
International Airport for your flight back home. (B)
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