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Do you have a limited amount of time but want to go somewhere new and exciting? Take advantage of either of these 2 packages to Panama for just 4 nights.
Arrival to Panama. Meet and greet at the International Airport in Panama and transfer to your hotel.
After breakfast, you will be picked up for a half day tour of Panama and the Canal from land. You will start your day with a visit to the ruins of Panama’s first capital, known as Old Panama or Panama La Vieja. This city was founded in 1519 as the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific Ocean. Spanish expeditions to conquer other South American colonies left from here and returned with vast quantities of gold, attracting the attention of pirates like Henry Morgan. When this notorious pirate looted the city in 1671, the whole city was destroyed by fire, but the ruins of several impressive structures remain to this day. You will see the ruins of the Spanish fortress, the cathedral and the Bishop’s House, as well as a museum detailing what life was like in Old Panama. Next, you will travel to Casco Antiguo, the Colonial City, which is the historic center of the modern capital. Here you will do a walking tour which includes a visit to the Church of San Jose. Within this small, plain church resides the stunning Golden Altar (the Altar de Oro), carved of wood and covered with gold flake. The altar originally resided in Old Panama, and while Henry Morgan’s gang was looting the city, priests painted the altar black to hide the gold from the greedy pirates. The pirates left the altar alone, and later the priests moved it to its present location. You will next head through the former “Canal Zone” to see the Miraflores Locks visitor center. This includes the entrance to the Museum, a movie on the new canal, and access to the viewing locations. From the observation deck, you can watch as ships cross the Panama Canal, and the fascinating process as they pass through the lock. This tour is quoted in private with an English speaking guide, and bottled water is furnished.
Accommodations at your selected hotel.
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the pier for a partial Canal transit. You will board a vessel that will take you through Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks, and Gaillard Cut. You will disembark at Gamboa Pier and be transferred by bus back to Flamenco Pier. Here you will meet your representative for transportation back to the hotel. Tour includes lunch and an English speaking guide. Transit may be in reverse order. Full transit available on request. Not available all days - ask for dates.
You will be picked up from your hotel at 7:30 pm for a transfer to Las Tinajas Restaurant, which gets its name from a clay pot used to keep drinking water fresh. This is an authentic Panamanian restaurant housed in a charming old colonial house, with a menu based on traditional Panamanian recipes. Your dinner will be followed by a show about Panamanian folklore and local dances. You will enjoy the beautiful costumes worn by the dancers; elaborately stitched traditional clothes, with gold and pearl hair combs and jewelry inspired by traditions from as long ago as the 1500’s.
Accommodations at your selected hotel.
Breakfast included at the hotel.
Today you can choose from 3 tour options:
Jungle Boat Canal Day Tour -
This full day adventure is a combination of Eco Tourism and an up close look at the Canal and its Expansion. Sights of vessels as they cross the Canal, encounters with wild animals and a canoeing adventure to a fresh water hole make this Eco Adventure Extravaganza a must see. On a good day you will spot Howler Monkeys, white faced Capuchin monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, iguanas, and birds. You will be served a hot lunch on the main floating lodge nestled within a remote area of Gatun Lake. Wear your swimsuit as you will have an opportunity to swim at the spring fed natural pool. You may also have a chance to do some fishing or kayaking.
OR
Embera Indian Village tour -
Depart from your hotel at 8:30 am for the Piragua (dug out canoe) put-in point. Transfer up the Chagres River to spend a half day with an Embera Indian village tribe. You will enjoy sharing their culture with dance and lunch. You can shop for their arts and crafts. Following lunch you will go to a waterfall for a swim then return by boat to the bus and back to your hotel.
OR
The El Valle Tour -
Depart your hotel at 8:00 am for a 1.5 hour drive to the Anton Valley, where you will discover a picturesque village that harbors a crafts market with a diverse offering of flowers, fruits and vegetables, as well as crafts handmade by the villagers themselves. You’ll visit the El Chorro Macho Waterfall, where you will walk through the tropical rain forest. At the zoo and botanical garden, El Nispero, you’ll become familiarized with the flora and fauna endemic to this region. You could also see the ‘golden frog’ among other species.
Tour the area and the Indian Market and enjoy lunch (included). Here is your chance to bargain with the natives and pick up those hand-made souvenirs by the different artisans of Panama.
Accommodations at your selected hotel.
Breakfast included as time allows, then transfer out for your international flight.
