The Complete Panama Canal

On arrival in Panama City, you’ll be greeted and escorted to your oceanview rooms at the beachfront Westin Playa Bonita Resort. After checking in, the balance of this day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
 

After breakfast, a full day of guided exploration begins at the Miraflores Locks where you can marvel at the site of ships and freighters entering the Panama Canal. A talk at the Panama Canal Authority delves into the dramatic history of the Canal. Afterwards, you can take some time to peruse exhibits that further explore the past, present and future of this engineering marvel. Then visit Memorial Hill, the only American cemetery in Latin America, and tour the historic Canal Administration Building; opened in 1914, its grand lobby is embellished with impressive murals that vividly tell the story of the Canal’s construction. After lunch, explore the BioDiversity Museum, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, where you’ll learn how Panama’s vital role as a land bridge between North and South America has impacted biodiversity and human life on both Continents.  This evening, raise a glass of wine with your fellow travelers and enjoy a congenial welcome dinner.  Meals B+L+D

Today’s complete transit of the Panama Canal begins from the Flamenco Marina. Enjoy the skyline view of the capital from the Bay of Panama before passing under the Bridge of the Americas to enter the Canal. Transiting through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks here on the Pacific side of the Canal will raise our sightseeing vessel nearly 90 feet in three distinct steps. From here, we’ll cruise through the Culebra Cut that was excavated to create this passage through the Continental Divide. Reaching the Atlantic side of the Canal, you’ll descend 85 feet through the Gatun Locks and continue to port where you’ll disembark. Then we’ll take you to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve where riverview balcony rooms have been reserved for our guests.  Meals B+L

After breakfast, you’ll join our expert naturalist for a guided boat excursion on to the calm waters of Gatun Lake. Venturing close to some of Gatun’s many lush and uninhabited islands, you’ll have a chance to learn about this unique eco-system; created during the construction of the Canal, it’s the second largest artificial lake on the planet. With sharp-eyes, this enriching excursion offers a chance to observe some of the region’s indigenous species including exotic tropical birds, crocodiles, caimans, sloths, and families of capuchin, howler and white-face monkeys.
 
Back at Gamboa, you’ll visit the resort’s ecological exhibits. Native orchids, colorful butterflies and rare frogs are among the flora and fauna that you will see and learn about. At the Sloth Sanctuary, you’ll gain insight into the work being done by the Pan American Conservation Association to protect this amazing creature. After your guided touring, the balance of this day is at leisure for you to enjoy the pristine rainforest setting and amenities of our resort.  Meals B

Today’s adventure begins with a scenic one hour drive to the edge of Gatun River where Emberá villagers will meet you with their dugout canoes. Traveling silently up the Gamboa River and deeper into the forest offers a chance to spot herons, egrets and ospreys. With a bit of luck and sharp eyes, you might also see toucans, otters and sloths. Stepping ashore in their village, you’ll have time to explore the community, with your guide on-hand to offer information and insight.
 
As you engage with the villagers, you’ll learn first-hand about their cultural traditions, cuisine and language – much of which can be traced to ancestors who migrated from Colombia’s Chocó region in the late 1700’s. Informal presentations will deepen your insight into their daily life, tribal history and enduring ways – from their shamanic rites to dance and music. After lunch with the villagers, you might join a tribal elder for a nature walk to learn about their medicinal use of indigenous rainforest plants. This evening, savor an à la carte dinner accompanied by wine. Meals B+L+D

Bid goodbye to the rainforest and wind your way through the tropical forest alongside the Canal, where you’ll catch superb views of the Canal and its ship traffic.  Visit the Panama Canal Expansion Center where, from the Observation Deck 164 feet above ground, you’ll have an enthralling view of the recently-expanded Canal. Opened to traffic in 2016, this new waterway and third set of locks literally doubled the capacity of the Panama Canal, which can now accommodate massive ships up to 1,400 feet long and 180 feet wide. After a Caribbean lunch, you’ll explore San Lorenzo c, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its wealth of history and the ruins of Colonial-era fortifications, many with their ancient cannons still in battle-ready position. Built in 1598, the fort was under constant attack by pirates Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan.  After sightseeing, we’ll take you to our deluxe hotel perfectly located in Casco Viejo. Meals B+L

Your full day of guided exploration begins with a visit to the archaeological ruins of Panama Viejo. Founded in 1519, it was the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. The tour continues with a leisurely stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Casco Antiguo. Dating back to 1673 and brimming with splendid colonial architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is now one of Panama City’s most vibrant districts, filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Along the way, you’ll enjoy tastings of local specialties, including the renowned Panamanian Geisha coffee, which set a Guinness World Record in 2019, selling for $1,029 per pound. A highlight of the day is a visit to the Mola Museum, where you’ll admire the brightly colored textile art created by the Guna people, one of Panama’s seven indigenous tribes. Before heading back to your deluxe Pacific resort, we’ll make one last stop to sample Panamanian rum—an ideal way to unwind in true Panamanian style. The evening is free for you to enjoy and dine as you wish. Meals B+L

Today, you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythm of Panamanian daily life. Begin your experience by gathering personalized ingredients at two local markets in Panama’s Old Town. You'll explore the renowned Mercado de Mariscos, the largest seafood market in Panama, and soak in its bustling atmosphere.  With the help of our expert guide, choose the freshest corvina for your Panamanian-style ceviche from the daily catch delivered by local fishermen from both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Next, take a short walk to the bustling Mercado San Felipe Neri, where vibrant vendors offer the freshest meats, fruits, and vegetables Panama has to offer.  
 
Armed with your hand-picked ingredients, you'll head back to the cooking studio at En La Fonda Restaurant for a hands-on cooking class.  Under the guidance of a skilled chef, you’ll prepare a 4-course menu of classic Panamanian dishes, including Panamanian-style ceviche with fresh corvina, Carimañola, a beloved dish of mashed yucca stuffed with seasoned ground beef, Tamale Típica, a family dinner favorite with corn masa filled with meat or vegetables and wrapped in a plantain leaf, and Plátano en Tentación, sweet plantains cooked in cinnamon, molasses, and citrus fruit juice. While cooking, you’ll learn about the distinctive spices and herbs that make Panamanian cuisine so special.
 
In the spirit of culinary exploration, we’ll also stop at a chocolate laboratory, where you’ll discover the secrets of cacao production in Panama and get the chance to make your own chocolate bar. Back at the Hotel Central resort, take some time to unwind, and later enjoy a farewell dinner with wine at the cozy Kaandela, a trendy Casco Viejo restaurant known for its creative cuisine and stylish ambiance. Meals B+L+D

We’ll take you to the airport today. Meals B