The Path between two oceans - 8 Days

Explore the diverse area of the Panama Canal Watershed; learn about the history, natural history and its people. This unforgettable itinerary will take you on a journey to the highlights of this unique area in Panama. Explore Panama City, learn about pirates and gold, transit through the canal and ride on the Transcontinental Rail road to the Atlantic side of the country to visit Fort San Lorenzo all in one week!

Day 1 Arrival to Panama
Welcome to Panama! Upon your arrival to Tocumen International Airport a Vacaciones’ representative will be waiting to assist and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2 Complete City Tour
We will visit the modern City and next Casco Viejo, the antique neighborhood of San Felipe with his colonial churches, San Francisco, the square of the vault. We’ll make a stop for lunch and next visit the Canal Museum, the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal. In the evening, enjoy a Panamanian dinner and a folkloric dance show. Return to your hotel after dinner.

Day 3 Biking Pipeline
Today after breakfast, you will be met by your Vacaciones’ guide for the day to begin your mountain biking tour in the Panama Canal Watershed. This fun, scenic and non-technical trail is great for bikers of all levels. Follow a single track into the thick foliage of the tropical forest. Here we may observe and listen the tropical animals and admire the lush vegetation of the area. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel to relax. You will have the afternoon free to explore the city or walk and relax along the Amador Causeway.

Day 4 Barro Colorado
Early in the morning after breakfast you will be met by a VACACIONES’ driver in the lobby to be transferred to the Barro Colorado Pier.

Then you will navigate along the Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal to the “Gigante Peninsula” and to the Barro Colorado Natural Monument (BCNM), administered by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute since 1946 and considered the best-protected and studied tropical rainforest in the world. Here, you will hike along an interpretative trail through a complex and diverse ecosystem and then have lunch at the Smithsonian Exhibition Center. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs, T-shirts or books. Afterwards you will begin your return, cruising by bays and channels covered by the forest. You will be able to observe birds and other animals without having to get off the boat. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel, Country Inn & Suites Amador.

Day 5 Partial Transit
Early in the morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Flamenco Marinatoto to begin your transit. You will be able to admire Panama Bay and Panama City's splendorous skyline, and later you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas. At Miraflores Locks the vessel will ascend 54 feet in two distinct steps. You 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 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 you 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, you will observe the brand new construction among the Panama Canal, the Centennial Bridge, and the vessel will travel the Cut's 13.7 kilometers on the way to the Panama Canal Dredging Division in Gamboa where passengers disembark. After the transit and Vacaciones’ driver will be waiting for you to transfer you back to your hotel, Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Day 6 Embera Indigenous Encounter
In the morning after breakfast a Vacaciones’ guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of your hotel to begin your tour. This adventure will take you to the indigenous community in the National Park Chagres. We will get to know the culture of the Embera Indians and witness their artisans and enjoy their knowledge of botanical plants. Their cultural dances and music will take you back centuries. If you would like you can also paint your body as they do with the fruit known as Jagua. We can also observe the grand variety of birds found in these areas. Walk in the jungle, explore waterfalls, and learn from a magical culture, all this in one day. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel, Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Day 7 Panama Transcontinental Railroad & Fort San Lorenzo
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. After the 1-hour train trip adventure, you will be greeted by a Vacaciones’ guide to begin your Fort San Lorenzo. 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. 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. After your tour you will be transferred to your hotel, Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Day 8 Transfer Out
At the appropriate time the tourists will be transferred to the Tocumen International Airport for their flight back home. They will arrive to the airport approximately 2 hours before their departure time.

If you need more information about this Packages, please write us to info@vacacionespanama.com