Day 1. Panama City

On your arrival into Panama you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore.

Day 2. Panama City Tour

Panama City is a city of easy cosmopolitan living, a delightful combination of the historic and the ultra modern. Upon seeing the Manhattan-like skyline, visitors comment that they had no idea that there was such a modern, beautiful capital city in Central America. The City has historically been an international crossroads, so its people are accustomed to visitors and are some of the most friendly and helpful in the world.

During the half-day morning tour you will visit the ruins of Old Panama, climb up the Cathedral tower, visit the Old Panama Museum and then continue to Casco Viejo (the old city compound) which dates from the late 1600's. A bilingual guide will describe the events in history leading up to the eventual movement of the capital city to its present location. Casco Viejo is home to monuments to Ferdinand de Lesseps and other Frenchmen instrumental in the ill-fated attempt of the French to construct a canal through Panama. Your tour ends with a visit to the Panama Canal Museum.

The full day tour continues with lunch at a Panamanian restaurant and a tour of the Panama Canal area, including the town of Balboa, formerly part of the Panama Canal Zone. You will stop at the folk art market at the old YMCA building and then visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal where large ships can be seen transiting the canal. Enjoy a presentation by the Panama Canal Authority on the history of the Panama Canal and marvel at the workings of this feat of human engineering. Late afternoon you will return to your hotel in Panama City.

There are actually "three" Panama Cities the visitor should become acquainted with: the modern skyscraper city, the Colonial-era Casco Viejo and the ruins of the original Panama City in Panama Viejo.

The "first" Panama City is a picturesque ruin: Panama Viejo (Old Panama) a site with the ruins of the original 16th century Panama City. Founded in 1517, Panama City was the first city built on the Pacific Coast of the Americas. It was founded to facilitate the transfer of riches the Spanish plundered from the Incan Empire to Spain via the Isthmus of Panama.

In 1671, it was destroyed and burnt down as a result of an attack by the English pirate Henry Morgan. Make sure and visit the Panama Vieja Museum with exhibits on history and daily life including artifacts archaeologists are finding in the ongoing excavations. With the exception of an impressive scale model of the city, the exhibits are all in Spanish, so unless you speak Spanish, this is one trip best taken with a tour operator.

The "second" Panama City, the Casco Viejo sector of the city dates from the 17th century Spanish era. Numerous noteworthy historical buildings dot the area including 17th century churches and convents and handsome 18th and 19th buildings which reflect Panama City's long history as the crossroads of the Americas and the world.

Visitors to the area enjoy fine restaurants in historical ambiences (one restaurant, Las Barandas; is housed in former Spanish dungeons), historical museums like the Panama Canal Museum in a elegantly restored headquarters building of the French company which tried and failed to build the Panama Canal in the late 1800's and a great nightlife.

The "third" Panama City is set on beautiful Panama Bay, has a prosperous business district, first-world infrastructure including 100 banks, a lively nightlife, a fantastic restaurant scene and the only rainforest within city limits in the world: the Metropolitan Natural Park. Countless beautiful residential neighborhoods add to the city's charm. It is also one of the safest cities anywhere. BL

Day 3. Onward travels

After breakfast you are transferred back to the airport for your onward journey. B

Additional nights are available on request.

PRICES FROM:

Exchange rates differ from time to time. For the most up-to-date prices of this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form.

NOTES:

7:30 a.m. Pick up time at your hotel in Panama City (depending on your hotel location)
9-10h Approximate tour duration.

*a $25 per person surcharge (roundtrip, based on 2+ persons) must be added to day tours beginning and/or ending at Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort or the Canopy Tower.

• Panama international departure tax $20 USD
• Local currency is Balboa
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5
• Dialing Code: 507
• Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
• Weights & measures: Metric

DEPARTURE:

Departs daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Bilingual Naturalist Guide
• Full Lunch
• Transportation from/to your hotel in Panama City*
• Park and related fees
• All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

NOT INCLUDED

• Visa fees (if required)
• Passport & Visa Costs
• Vaccination Costs
• Personal Spending Money
• Meals where not listed
• Drinks
• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Airport departure taxes
• Border taxes or fees

Visas

At the time of booking we will advise you of any visas or other documentation that will be required prior to your arrival.

Costs relating to the issue of visas or related documentation are the responsibility of the traveller.

As visa requirements change it is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation and visas are obtained before traveling. Failure to do so may result in your not being able to join the trip.

For the latest information on visas please visit:

US Citizens
Canadian Citizens
Australian Citizens
General

Disclaimer:

Prices based on per person, twin/double share, unless otherwise noted, and pre-set group minimum numbers. Prices & itineraries are correct at the time of printing. Itineraries & prices may change due to currency fluctuations, local conditions or events outside the control of A.I and her local operators. Please see our booking terms & conditions for full details.

Equipment List / Check List:

• Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher
• Health requirements arranged
• Money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card
• Money pouch
• First Aid kit
• Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
• Alarm clock and torch/flashlight
• Mosquito repellent
• Refillable water bottle and plastic mug for train journeys
• Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper
• Walking shoes with a good grip
• Camera
• Wet Wipes (disinfectant hand tissues)

Please call us to inquire about departure dates.