zAAA Vacations® - The Complete Panama Canal

AAA Complimentary Inclusion: Enjoy a free extra night in Panama City before your tour in your oceanview room at the InterContinental Miramar.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Panama City. Meals B

Marvel at the Miraflores Locks and watch ships transiting the Panama Canal as your guide shares history and insight. Then cross the bay for a walking tour in Casco Antiguo c, founded in 1673 and noted for its splendidly-preserved Colonial architecture. Meals B

An unforgettable day unfolds as you journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic on a full Canal transit. Enter into the Miraflores Locks and through the Gaillard Cut to cross Gatun Lake. Upon arrival in Cristobal, it’s a scenic drive to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, set on the banks of the Chagres River. Meals B,L

Journey by boat into the heart of Gatun Lake to Barro Colorado, a pristine nature reserve managed by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. By special arrangement, your Small Group will set out on a guided walk along forested island trails deep into the native habitats of myriad species of tropical birds and indigenous mammals like tapirs, sloths and monkeys. Meals B,L

Relax poolside or join available naturalist-guided rainforest activities like birdwatching, wildlife tours or fishing on Gatun Lake. You might opt for a tour to Tucipono. This remote jungle village promises a fascinating and authentic encounter with Panama’s indigenous Embera Indians. Meals B

Explore the Caribbean town of Portobelo c, rich with history and impressive ruins of Colonial-era fortifications. Visit the 17th-century Custom House, see the revered Christo Negro statue, sit down to a Caribbean lunch and enjoy a lively performance of Afro-Caribbean dance. Then embark on a thrilling transcontinental trip on the historic Panama Railroad. This once-in-a-lifetime journey through the tropical rainforest promises superb views of the Canal and ship traffic. Upon arrival at Corozal Station, it’s a pleasant drive to the InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa. Meals B,L

You have a full day to unwind and enjoy the swimming pools, beautiful beach and sports activities of your Pacific resort. Meals B

Enjoy another day at leisure before this evening’s farewell dinner at the Light House Restaurant. Meals B,D

Your program with us ends this morning. Meals B

AAA Complimentary Inclusion: Enjoy a free extra night in Panama City before your tour in your oceanview room at the InterContinental Miramar.

Check in to the 5-star Bristol Hotel.

Marvel at the Miraflores Locks and watch ships transiting the Panama Canal as your guide shares history and insight. You’ll be astounded by the immensity of these tankers, cargo ships and even naval ships up to 900 feet long! Then continue with a walking tour through Casco Antiguo c, founded in 1673 and noted for its splendidly-preserved Colonial architecture. At the new BioMuseum, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, you’ll discover how Panama’s vital role as a land bridge between North and South America has impacted the biodiversity and even human life on both continents.  Meals B,L

An unforgettable day unfolds as you journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic on a full Canal transit, surrounded by the enormous ships that rely upon this vital passage between these oceans. You’ll enter the Miraflores Locks and continue with these giant vessels through the Gaillard Cut to cross Gatun Lake, marveling all the while at the density of the shipping traffic and surrounding rainforest. Upon arrival in Cristobal, it’s a scenic drive to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, set on the banks of the Chagres River. Meals B,L

Relax poolside or join available naturalist-guided rainforest activities like birdwatching, wildlife tours on Gatun Lake or a fascinating encounter with Panama’s indigenous Embera Indians. Meals B

Today’s specially designed sightseeing explores Panama’s rich biodiversity and delves into the history of America’s involvement with the Canal, from its construction to the strategic role we continue to serve in protecting this vital shipping way. We’ll begin at the Memorial Cemetery dedicated to Americans who lost their lives during the Canal’s construction and visit the USA Administration Building. From the top of Cerro Ancon, a strategic post from Spanish Colonial times to the present, we’ll have spectacular views of Panama City and the Pacific entrance to the Canal. At a US Army bunker, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for America’s continued role in protecting the Panama Canal. Meals B, L

Explore the Caribbean town of Portobelo c, rich with history and impressive ruins of Colonial-era fortifications. Visit the 17th-century Custom House, see the revered Christo Negro statue, sit down to a Caribbean lunch and enjoy a lively performance of Afro-Caribbean dance. Then embark on a thrilling adventure on the historic Panama Railroad. Built for fortune seekers during the California Gold Rush, this was the first transcontinental railroad in the world. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the tropical rainforest with superb views of the Canal. You’ll also have a chance to observe the ongoing construction of the massive new canal being built to accommodate ships up to 1,400 feet long and 180 feet wide! Upon arrival at Corozal Station, it’s a pleasant drive to the InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa. Meals B,L 

Today’s full-day excursion begins with a scenic drive through rolling hills and rural villages to El Valle, a charming town nestled in the crater of an enormous extinct volcano. Embark on a guided walk through the forest to a lovely waterfall before sitting down to lunch in town. Mingle with villagers who come to shop and barter at El Valle’s colorful market and visit Nispero Zoo to see beautiful tropical flowers, orchids and endangered Panamanian species like the golden frog.  Meals B,L

This day is yours to unwind and enjoy the swimming pools, beautiful beach and sports activities of our Pacific resort. Bird watchers and other wildlife aficionados might wish to join an optional guided walk through Soberania National Park, home to hundreds of avian species including toucans, tanagers and flycatchers. Howler monkeys, sloths, anteaters and agoutis also reside in this verdant tropical forest. This evening, join fellow guests for a farewell dinner at the Light House Restaurant. Meals B,D 

Your program with us ends this morning. Meals B