If you'd like to photograph butterflies, reptiles, birds, spiders, etc., do some birding, rainforest  hiking, look no father as this lodge in an ideal place. If should like to add sight seeing of the Emberá Indian Village, Fort Portobelo,
Fort San Lorenzo, Gatun Locks, all within 30min to 1hour drive from the Lodge, email us.

Sample itineraries in the Colon region of the canal:

Historic Portobelo and Gatun Locks

See Gatun Locks, one of the best places to view the Canal’s operations up close. Then continue on to Portobelo, an important Spanish terminal when treasures plundered from South America were loaded onto galleon ships headed for Spain. Site of many pirate attacks, Portobelo’s fort was once a key defense for the Spanish Crown. The local church houses the Black Christ statue, an important religious figure for Panamanians. Lunch included.

THE PIRATE TRAIL: Gatun Locks & Fort San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo was built of stone on a high bluff at the mouth at the Chagres River in the late 16th century. The fort was meant to protect the final leg of the “Camino de Cruces,” one of the trails the Spaniards had developed across the isthmus to carry South American treasure to the Caribbean for transport to Spain. Afterward we'll stop for lunch at the Tarpon Club, where another view of the Chagres River can be appreciated below Gatun Dam, the largest in the Panama Canal system.  We will also take a look at the old French Canal, begun in the 1880’s. From here we go to the nearby Gatun Locks observation area, where you'll have an impressive view of the Caribbean 87 feet below Lake Gatun. Of course, ships can also be observed here as they are lowered from lake to ocean level. Return to Panama City in the late afternoon. (Lunch included.)

INDIGENOUS ENCOUNTER IN CHAGRES NATIONAL PARK

This adventure takes us to an indigenous village in the Chagres National Park. We will board a motorized canoe to reach the community and get to know their culture by seeing their artisans at work and learning about their use of botanical plants. Embera dance and music will evoke scenes of a time before the colonization of the Americas. If you wish, you can try traditional body painting using the “Jagua” fruit. We will also observe a variety of tropical birds found in this area. Walk in the jungle, swim under a waterfall and enjoy a day in the rainforest. Includes: ground and river transportation, snacks and soft drinks, lunch and specialized guide.

KAYAK THE CHAGRES

Kayak the lower Chagres River starting below the famous Gatun Spillway and embark on a voyage with Mother Nature on this scenic trip. Experience the tropical rainforest at a leisurely pace that will allow us to quietly go with the current and perhaps chance upon birds, monkeys, sloths and other animal life. Upon arrival to the Caribbean, we will view the San Lorenzo Fort on a bluff over the Chagres River. Includes: kayak, transportation in Colon, sandwiches, snack, drinks and San Lorenzo tour. Full day.

HIKING TOUR AND MONKEY ISLAND IN LAKE GATUN

Hike the Soberania National Park and Explore the rainforest by boat. You will be picked up at your hotel for the transfer to the Soberania National Park at Plantation road where you will hike and admire the wildlife of the Panama Canal Watersherd, then head to Gamboa Marina to meet your boat captain. Begin the tour from the Chagres River. Soon you will be entering the rainforest surrounding Lake Gatun and headed to Monkey Island. Along the way you will have the opportunity to see caiman, iguana and many different tropical bird species. You are also likely to see giant cargo ships moving through the lake to the locks. Upon reaching Monkey Island, you will be able to feed the monkeys by hand as they come down from the trees to meet your boat. This is a fun and scenic tour that adults and children alike will enjoy.

BIRDING ACHIOTE ROAD:  THE ATLANTIC SIDE OF PANAMA

Early breakfast and birding excursion to the Atlantic side of Panama wich is the most scenic drive in central Panama.  From the road you will see the remnants of the old sea level French Canal, drive through wooded hills and will be able to reach the Gatun Locks.  The woodland along the road is noted for trogons, motmots and numerous other forest and woodland birds.  Then we head to Achiote road and will hike the CEASPA new trail for other species such as White-headed and Stripe-breasted Wrens and Montezuma Oropendolas among others.

SCUBA/SNORKEL IN THE CARIBBEAN

Pick up at your hotel, in Panama City or elsewhere along the canal, for transfer to the Atlantic Side of Panama. You will enjoy a morning wreck dive near the bay of Portobelo, the historic terminal of the Spanish conquistadores. Here you will be diving in the vicinity of Sir Francis Drake’s burial site. Includes: Boat & operator, dive master, lunch bag and soft drinks, two tanks, weights. Transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Caribbean beach excursion to Isla Grande

Spend the day on the beach or snorkel the reefs near Bananas Village Resort, where you will have access to their facilities and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch (included up to $10). Tour of mangrove forest or nearby islands included.