Highlights of Panama

Welcome to Panama City, the Capital of the Republic of Panama, founded on August 15, 1519, by the Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila. The city was the starting point of expeditions that later conquered the Inca Empire in Peru (1532). Upon arrival, meet your Spiced Destinations- representative and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

Today we explore the highlights of Panama City, including the ruins of the original landing site and fortress from 1519, the Colonial Old City, and today’s modern city. Also included is a visit to the Panama Canal Museum. Located in heart Casco Viejo, the museum, chronicles the planning, construction and present-day operation of Panama's landmark canal. Lunch is included on the causeway, overlooking the Skyline of Panama City (b,l)

This morning we drive through the rain-forest to the banks of the Chagres River. We then board our private motorized canoe for a ride up the river to a sandy beach, where we disembark. Enjoy an easy jungle hike along paradise-like settings till we reach a beautiful waterfall and an inviting crystal clear water pond. After a short break for refreshing swim, continue by canoe towards the village. You will feel as if you have traveled back in time to meet an indigenous tribe, known as the Embera, or “keepers of the rain-forest”. Spend some time learning about this culture's harmonious co-existence with the rain-forest and the river, while enjoying a typical lunch. We return to our vehicle and drive to the breathtaking Gamboa Rainforest Resort Spa for an evening at leisure (b,l)

Board the Aerial Tram, located within your resort for a fascinating ride above the tree line. As you go, your guide will point out the highlights of the unique flora and fauna that surrounds you. When at the top, climb the Observation Tower for unforgettable views of the Panama Canal, Lake Gatun and the forest below. Then walk through the self guided Nature Exhibits, including the Serpetarium (snakes habitat), a Butterfly Farm, the orchid and a Tropical Fish Aquarium. After free time spent at leisure to enjoy the resort’s facilities, descend to the resort’s pier for a 1.5-hour sail on Lake Gatun, amidst the lush “paradise-like” flora. (b)

We enter the canal at the north end of Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut, because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors, because it was carved through the Continental Divide. The vessel will sail the Cut's 13.7 kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. Before reaching Pedro Miguel Locks, at the southern end of the Cut, you will see the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. Next, we will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 18 meters (59 feet) in two distinct steps. Lunch is included aboard your vessel. We return to the resort in the afternoon. (b,l)

Enjoy the tropical setting of tour luxury resort, or take optional tours offered by the local tour desk. Then in the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for your flight’s departure. (b)