Day 1
After finishing the immigration process at Tocumen International Airport, guests will be received by one of our drivers where they will be transferred to a Hotel in Panama City.
Day 2
After breakfast, we will head in the direction of Soberania National Park, one of the most important ecological preserves in the Panama Canal watershed. In this National Park, we will hike the Pipeline Path, considered to be one of the finest places in the world for birding and nature observation. This route is not currently being used which allows for a perfect environment where one can observe the authentic nature of the area. We will visit Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, a facility used for ecotourism and environmental education administered by Avifauna Eugene Eisenmann Foundation. After approximately four hours in the area, we will go to the Charco Path, where we will discover the unique flora located within the rainforest’s ecosystem that also forms part of Soberania National Park. Afterwards we will enjoy a picnic lunch and in the afternoon discover the Panama Canal, by going to the Visitor’s Center at Miraflores Locks, the most important set of locks on the Pacific Side, where we may be fortunate enough to watch the movement of vessels through the Canal, and witness the operation of one of the most important architectural and engineering feats of the 20th Century. Afterwards guests will return to their hotel. (B,L)
Day 3
After breakfast, we will transfer to the Gamboa area to visit two indigenous communities that live in harmony with nature on the banks of the Panama Canal. Two ethnic tribes; the Embera and Wounaan, form part of the seven indigenous groups found in Panama. Traditionally, they inhabit areas close to rivers and are lead by a Noko (“Chief” in the Wounaan language). They sustain themselves mostly by fishing, but they also live from hunting and agricultural activities. After a short boat ride on the Chagres River, we will arrive at the villages Ella Puru – Embera and San Antonio Wounaan, where we will learn their cultures and traditions. The discovery of these indigenous villages is considered a new tourist destination within the Canal, and these communities open their doors to any tourist that comes into contact with them. We will be surrounded by natural beauty, while at the same time discovering the culture of one of the indigenous groups located in Panama, which tries to preserve its valuable traditions. On our way back to Panama City, we will visit Summit Botanical Garden, which was opened in 1923 as an experimental garden. It is an enjoyable walking tour in a tranquil setting that allows guests to appreciate the diversity of different flora and fauna. In one of the enclosures guests can observe the Harpy Eagle, the national bird of Panama and the largest of the New World raptor species. We will have a quick lunch. (B,L)
Day 4
Returning to the Gamboa Area, we will once again take a boat ride on Gatun Lake, part of the Panama Canal watershed, which was created in 1913 as part of the Canal and is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. This lake offers abundant fishing of Peacock Bass and other species as well as spectacular views of areas of the Canal and ships transiting from one ocean to the other. On this day, we will take a light breakfast and lunch with us as well as non alcoholic drinks so we can enjoy our fishing tour on Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal. (B,L)
Day 5
Crossing from one ocean to the other, we will board the first inter oceanic railway to the City of Colon. This historic railway dates back to 1855 during the times of the California Gold Rush. We will travel on the train which borders the Panama Canal and upon arriving in Colon we will transfer to the historic town of Portobelo, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Portobelo was once a trade center for commercial and crown goods coming from Peru, South America, as well as the rest of Latin America and Spain. This made Portobelo a very attractive place for pirates such as Sir Francis Drake, Sir Henry Morgan, and William Parker to name a few. We will tour the church of San Felipe and visit the Black Christ, known to be made of wood and to come from Spain and according to folklore arrives in Portobelo shrouded by stories of shipwrecks, and divine intervention. The mystery of the Black Christ makes Portobelo a pilgrimage site for the faithful. After this historic tour, we will board kayaks and cross Portobelo Bay, with its magnificent beauty and its natural “U” shape provide for an enjoyable sight seeing experience. We will also visit San Fernando Fort which was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Before we return to Panama City by land, we will eat lunch typical of what locals eat on that side of the isthmus (seafood, seafood and more seafood).
Day 6 Leave Panama City and fly to the island paradise of Bocas del Toro where you will be greeted by sea breezes and friendly locals. Your day will be highlighted by a guided boat tour of nearby islands along with some relaxed swimming in the crystal clear beaches of Bocas del Toro. The staff at Hotel Vista Mar will make your stay on the main island comfortable and enjoyable. (B,L)
Day 7
Guests will awaken to a complimentary breakfast in the hotel then depart for a day of fishing on board a thirty eight foot Robalo center console fully equipped with the serious angler in mind. A box lunch, drinks, fruit, water and beer will be provided throughout the trip. If you so choose, your catch will be cooked for you in the hotel restaurant accompanied with a bottle of wine. (B,L,D)
Day 8
Guests will wake up excited to know another day of fishing is in store. Capt. Julio Cotes will take you to his special spots once again for a day filled with fishing and breath taking sights. (B,L,D)
Day 9
Wave goodbye to the beautiful island paradise of Bocas del Toro as you come back to the hustle and bustle of Panama City where you will be delighted with a tour of the city that includes a historic tour along with a visit to one of our local malls. Guests will once again get a comfortable night’s rest in a city hotel. (B)
Day 10 Guests will leave the hotel after enjoying a complimentary breakfast and transfer to Tocumen International Airport to catch their flight back home.
CONDITIONS: Our prices include bilingual guide services, lodging, land and in country air transportation, park and special entrance fees, meals as shown per day. They do not include tips, flights from/ to your home country, airport taxes, international or local phone calls, laundry services, nor any other personal services.
