The image conjured by Panama is generally that of the spectacular Canal, considered by many as one of the eighth wonder of the world, and rightly so. The Panama Canal cuts through one of the narrowest saddles of the Isthmus of Panama approximately 80 kilometers long, joining North & South America with the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans.

Today you will have a unique opportunity to travel on board a comfortable air conditioned motor coach and travel from Atlantic to Pacific on a similar route once used by the Spanish Conquistadors and the 49ers seeking a short cut in search of Gold in the West.

Your first stop will be Miraflores Locks, take this opportunity to pause and view the gargantuan ships that make their way through the Panama Canal and visit the four exhibition halls, organized by themes that constitute the heart of the Miraflores Visitors Center.

Continuing with the Panama Canal informative tour, you will visit the Panama Canal Expansion the largest project at the Canal since its original construction that created a new lane of traffic along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the waterway’s capacity, be a witness of this major undertaking by visiting the New Observation Center of the Canal Expansion.

The new Observation Center of the Canal Expansion, located in Colon Panama, is a park style concept based on open platforms and roofed terraces, built in an area of four hectares, 400 visitors, simultaneously, will be able to enjoy in this new center, the construction of the new locks of the Panama Canal in the Atlantic, at the same time, from its privileged location, visitors see the majestic Gatun Lake, where ships continue their transit through the waterway.

While the ingenuity of the Panama Canal is world renowned, few know about the amazing history that shaped Panama and this tour invites you to discover it. Enjoy a scenic view of the skyline while traveling to the old Panama City, founded in 1519 and destroyed by the infamous Welsh Captain Henry Morgan in 1671. This scenic excursion takes you to see the ruins of the churches and convents, colonial palaces, bridges and military buildings that attest to the city’s history and grand past.

As you make your way along the coastline, take the opportunity to discover the tales of gallantry and piracy that wait in the narrow streets of Colonial Panama. You’ll walk through the old French Quarter, founded in in 1673 by French colonists. On a leisurely 45 minute walk, you’ll appreciate the many changes of the city by viewing its unique architecture, influenced by a combination of French, Spanish and Italian styles.

Glide through the jungle on an Aerial Tram and see the rainforest from the same perspective as the monkeys and birds do. You’ll travel to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort located within the Soberania National Park for your tram adventure.

Your gondola will take you from the shadowy forest floor, through the under story and high into the sun-drenched canopy. Keep an eye out for the monkeys and exotic birds that make their home here. You’ll also have an opportunity to explore the various resort exhibits, including a butterfly farm, aquarium and orchid garden.

Please note this tour starts in Gatun Yacht Club and ends in Colon

Step back in time and visit the Embera tribe who still live in traditional villages within Panama’s rainforest. The tribe is proud to share their culture and traditions with you. Your expedition starts with a transfer by coach to the jungle, while your guide provides you with an overview of Panama and prepares you for your visit with the Embera people. You’ll travel to the village aboard traditional dugout canoes, which were critical in establishing supply lifelines.

As your motor up the river, keep your eyes open for wildlife which is abundant along the water’s edge. Upon arrival at the village, the chief will welcome you with traditional Embera hospitality and a series of dances will be performed for you. The Embera are very talented craftsmen and have produced some beautiful items which are available for purchase as souvenirs of your unique experience. A light lunch is included.

You’ll visit the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center which offers exhibits about the canal operations with interactive modules, video presentations and models of the Panama Canal. Hopefully you’ll also have an opportunity to see a vessel transit the Miraflores Locks’ chambers.

This historical excursion will take you past the former, old Panama Canal Zone where the military installations of the American administration are a gentle reminder of the strategic importance of the area. Your specially trained guide will provide a narration, during your scenic drive of the City of Knowledge, Clayton, Albrook Airport, a former US Air Force Base. A photo stop will be made at the Panama Canal Administration offices.

Enjoy a scenic drive over the palm-lined Amador Causeway with fantastic views of the downtown skyline. This causeway was built with excavated material during the construction of the Panama Canal, it took 18 million yards of solid rock. Originally part of a military base, this is now a popular recreational area with shops, restaurants and a marina attracting locals and visitors alike. A short stop will be made at Fort Amador, before your return to the ship.

Visit the Bio Diversity Museum and learn about the origin of the Isthmus of Panama and its incredible impact on the planets biodiversity and discover the ingenuity of the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks Visitors Center.

The Bio Diversity Museum, designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry was conceived to tell a story about the origin of the Isthmus of Panama and its incredible impact on the planet’s biodiversity. The galleries were conceived by Bruce Mau, founder of the Institute without Boundaries and the scientific content was developed by a group of scientists from the Smithsonian Institute and the University of Panama.

Leaving the museum, enjoy a scenic drive over the palm-lined Amador Causeway with fantastic views of the downtown skyline. This causeway was built with excavated material during the construction of the Panama Canal, it took 18 million yards of solid rock. Originally part of a military base, this is now a popular recreational area with shops, restaurants and a marina attracting locals and visitors alike.

You’ll also visit the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center which offers exhibits about the canal operations with interactive modules, video presentations and models of the Panama Canal. Hopefully you’ll also have an opportunity to see a vessel transit the Miraflores Locks’ chambers.

OVERVIEW

Behold the technologically advanced Aqua Clara locks – which doubled the capacity of the Panama Canal – and become immersed in Panama’s most iconic products while browsing the innovative Brand Experience Center. The Aqua Clara locks were built to provide an alternative lane for ships that were too long and too wide to pass through the canal’s original locks. Although the guide will explain the complex operation of the locks, there is nothing like seeing the locks in action as the massive ships pass through them. You will have that opportunity while standing atop the roof terrace of the Aqua Clara Observation Center. Your experience at the BEC will be just as eye-opening as you can sample many of the brand-name products that define Panama’s heritage and identity. You might enjoy tastings of Boquete coffee – whose beans are grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil – and the country’s national beer, another uniquely flavorful product.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View the Panama Canal’s innovative Aqua Clara locks as massive ships pass through them.
• Learn about the engineering behind the locks, which doubled the canal’s capacity.
• Sample some of Panama’s most iconic products in the Brand Experience Center.
• Spend free time in old town Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.