Panama

Starting Price:	$4,518.00
Trip Length:	8 days
Includes airfare allowance from Miami (US)

Interests:

Kayaking/Rafting
Soft/Multi Adventure
Walking/Hiking

Embera Baskets

Gamboa Hut

Bocas del Toro

Brief Panama: Panama City and Canal, Gamboa Rainforest and Embera Indians and Tranquilo Bay

Description Pricing Itinerary Hotels

This tour includes a visit to the Soberania National Park and the Gamboa Rainforest Resort and involves a tram ride through the canopy of the rainforest which features the sound of birds and howler monkeys. Yampu travelers will make a partial crossing of the Panama Canal and then return to Panama City for an evening of folklore, including a show with dinner. The next day we visit the Embera Indian community before we head to the breathtaking Tranquilo Bay. The eco adventure lodge is a magical retreat tucked into a stunning Panamanian rainforest in the province of Bocas del Toro.

All transfers and most services (except at Gamboa and the canal) are provided on a private basis.

Panama Canal Transit Market operates only on Saturdays, so ideal start date for this trip is Thursday (or Friday if you tour Soberania National Park the day after). This can be modified to suit your schedule by rearranging the itinerary. You also choose the type of accommodation (3-Star to 5-Star hotels).

This tour includes airfare allowance from Miami (US), on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via Miami; Yampu will fly you the most direct way to your city of destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city or country of origin.

Additional information on this trip:

Days of Week the Trip can Start:
Thursday, Friday
Dates this trip is NOT available for online booking (please submit a regular request):
20 December - 02 January
Visited Cities:
Panama City

Day 1

Thursday Upon arrival in Panama City, private transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Friday Mini-hiking and aerial tram ride: Soberania National Park and Gamboa Resort Depart from Panama City early in the morning for Soberania National Park and world-famous Pipeline Road, the right place for bird watchers and ecologists. It was site of the 1985 world record Panama Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (385 species of birds were identified in 24 hours). During World War II, a pipeline was built to transport fuel from one ocean to the other. Fortunately, it was never used. Today, the road built to maintain the pipeline provides excellent access to primary forest within Soberania National Park with the comfort and safety of vehicle support. After this short hike, we will head to Gamboa Rainforest Resort. There you will be taken into an aerial tram that takes you from the shadowy rainforest floor through the understory, and into the sun- drenched canopy. You will enjoy a bird's-eye view of a thousand hues of green interspersed with the fluorescent exclamation points of flowering trees. The aerial tram is located in 100 hectares of rainforest licensed to Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Here one finds an exuberant flora and fauna typical of Panama's neo-tropical forests. The resort has built five exhibits that showcase local flora and fauna as well as a replica of an Embera Indian village. Afterward, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The tour includes transportation, entrance fee to Soberania National Park and water. Overnight at Gamboa Resort.

Day 3

Saturday Pick up from Gamboa for a Partial Canal Transit (operates only on Saturdays) Your trip departs from the Flamenco Marina, and you will travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. You will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City's 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 Locks 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 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 ("culebra" in Spanish) and is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide. The vessel will travel the Cut's 13.7 kilometers on the way to the Panama Canal Dredging Division in Gamboa where passengers disembark and transfer back to Flamenco Pier. Note: Exact itinerary may vary depending on where the transit starts. Panamanian night tour Enjoy an oasis of flavor and folklore characteristic of the countryside, and taste delicious Panamanian-style dishes in comfortable and elegant surroundings at Las Tinajas Restaurant in the center of Panama City. Includes transfer to and from hotel, typical Panamanian dinner, cover charge, service charge and dance show. Available only on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Day 4

Sunday Embera Indigenous Encounter (Private Tour) This adventure takes us to the indigenous community in Chagres National Park. We will get to know the culture of the Embera Indians, and witness the artisans and enjoy their knowledge of botanical plants. Their cultural dances and music will take you back centuries. If you would like, you can paint your body as they do with the fruit known as Jagua. We can also observe the grand variety of birds found in the area. Walk in the jungle, explore waterfalls, and learn from a magical culture—all in one day. Includes ground and river transportation, snacks and soft drinks, lunch and a specialized guide.

Day 5

Monday Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival, you will be met & transferred to Tranquillo Bay. Enjoy the afternoon by the pool or participate in any of the resort activities including birding, fishing, Snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle hiking, Kayaking or surfing. All meals included.

Day 6

Tuesday Day free to enjoy the sun and sand or take part in any of the resorts included activities. All meals included.

Day 7

Wednesday Day free to enjoy the sun and sand or take part in any of the resorts included activities. All meals included.

Day 8

Thursday Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Panama City where you will connect with your international flight home or add extra nights at Tranquilo Bay or add-on another Yampu side trip to other great destinations in Central America.

Suggested Hotels by City and Category *

Panama City
3-star	El Dorado Country Inn & Suites (standard room), or similar.
4-star	Granada (standard room), or similar.
5-star	Marriott (luxury room), Intercontinental Miramar (deluxe room), or similar.
Boutique	Canal House, Deville Boutique, or similar.
Deluxe	Intercontinental Miramar (club intercontinental room), Playa Bonita (deluxe), or similar.

* Subject to confirmation at time of booking

Occupancy Type	3-Star	4-Star	5-Star
Double	$4518	$4638	$4976
Single	$5806	$5945	$6623

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