It is a different way to enjoy the wildlife on Gatun Lake…visit monkey Island, bathe in waterfalls & see the Panama Canal Expansion up close. Encounter rainforest animals like sloths, toucans, crocodiles and many other species. Enjoy the exotic flora available in the area and experience a canoe excursion through Gatun Lake ending at a pristine water hole & cascade where you can bathe, go fishing , swimming and kayaking as part of the afternoon activities.
Authentic Panamenian dinner show where you will enjoy a dance show with the Spaniards, Africans, and Indian influences of our culture. You will be amazed by the display of our national dress, the beautiful “Pollera”, one of the most spectacular folkloric dresses in the world, along with all this you can enjoy a true panamenian dinner.
At only a ten minutes drive from the center of Panama City, the Parque Natural Metropolitano is the most accessible tropical forest in the world. The park offers great opportunities to observe a diversity of animals and plants. The Metropolitan National Park is a tropical rainforest in which we can find over 200 species of wildlife.
Trails: the park has four trails and a road that allows the observation of our rich vegetation formed by vines, bindweed, shrubs, orchids, and trees between 30 and 50 meters high.
Fauna: the park is shelter to a great variety of species of mammals, reptiles, insects, and birds that you will be able to observe.
The 235 hectares of Metropolitan Nature Park is one of the few remaining tropical dry forest of the Pacific Coast that remains throughout Central and South America. Metropolitan Nature Park is home to a rich biodiversity, have been recorded at the park about 284 species of trees, 45 species of mammals, 254 species of birds, reptile and amphibian species.
The crane is placed in a dry tropical forest, has about 35 meters high in the forest and operates within a radius of 40 meters, the work of the crane can cover about 180,000 cubic meters of forest, the maximum people can get at the same time is 5 and is placed in the center of a hectare on a parcel approximately 316 trees, these trees have a height that is between 30 and 40 meters, over 60 species of trees and vines can be seen in the perimeter of the crane as well as one of the most beautiful views of the Panama city.
The aerial tram is located in 100 hectares of rain forest licensed to Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Here one finds an exuberant flora and fauna typical of Panama's neo-tropical forests. Flora includes species such as the Guarumo (Trumpet tree), Manglillo, Mangavé, Higo de Montaña, Espavé (Wild Cashew), Balsa, and others.
This impressive plant diversity is the food source for all kinds of indigenous animals including these mammals: Coatimundi, Peccary, Howler Monkey, Squirrels, Capybara, and Sloth. Beautiful birds such as Toucans, Trogons, Parrots, and Momots are also plentiful.
We travel on small boats northbound (Atlantic) on the canal for 25 minutes where we might come close to some of the big ships that transit the canal daily. Slowly, we motor along the forested banks of Gatun Lake, also a protected area, and we look for wildlife such as Capuchin Monkeys, Howler Monkeys, 3 toed sloths, various kinds of Toucans and other bird life.
Then we dock along an old rehabilitated pier that served a top-secret US Naval radio communications center until the end of World War II. Here we walk up a series of steps and along a 300 yard trail that leads to the ruins of this hidden military installation. This is a place to observe the raw regenerative power of the forest as it struggles to claim what was once wild.
Pipeline Road is known worldwide by specialists in bird-watching because of the great variety of unique species, colors, sizes and songs of birds that can be found in one single place. While you are enjoying the beautiful birds, your attention will also be captivated by the interesting insects, mammals and other animals that inhabit this enchanting environment below the vast foliage of the giant trees that provide shelter and home for the rainforest inhabitants below.
The 235 hectares of Metropolitan Nature Park is one of the few remaining tropical dry forest of the Pacific Coast that remains throughout Central and South America. Metropolitan Nature Park is home to a rich biodiversity, have been recorded at the park about 284 species of trees, 45 species of mammals, 254 species of birds, reptile and amphibian species.
The crane is placed in a dry tropical forest, has about 35 meters high in the forest and operates within a radius of 40 meters, the work of the crane can cover about 180,000 cubic meters of forest, the maximum people can get at the same time is 5 and is placed in the center of a hectare on a parcel approximately 316 trees, these trees have a height that is between 30 and 40 meters, over 60 species of trees and vines can be seen in the perimeter of the crane as well as one of the most beautiful views of the Panama city.
This tour is very similar at the wildlife observation tour but only includes the ride along the forested banks of Gatun lake, and the search for wildlife such as Capuchin Monkeys, 3 toed sloths, Howler Monkeys, various kinds of Toucans and other bird life.
The Chagres River and Gatún Lake offer one of the best freshwater sport fishing in the world. Feel the excitement as you hook on the three main sport fish such as peacock bass, snook or tarpon. In the comfort of our fishing boats and accompanied by one of our captains you will experience why Panama is considered to be an excellent fishing destinations.
If you are from people who love sports, the adrenaline the most of this is your chance of a morning raid by the waters of the Panama Canal. Out of the ordinary and quite original is to conduct kayak and discover what the famous Panama Canal holds you on your journey.
Discovering a natural place, of so huge and enormous beauty, is an experience that fills the senses with pleasure and it shows all together, how our passage through this world is ephemeral; making us remember that we must preserve with responsibility our world with all its natural wonders.
At the arrival to the caves, we equip ourselves to initiate this beautiful and impressive route, by a cannon, plenty of passages and enormous caverns, where we find a variety of small animals that inhabit this ecosystem without sunlight, crystalline water lagoons, enormous limestone rock formation, conformed through the centuries until finishing in a lagoon, where we will be able to take a small crystalline water bath. This route has an extension of approximately 1 kilometer.
Panama is one of the breeding grounds of the playful humpback whale and you can see them in fairly large numbers in the archipelago off the Pearl Islands just 40 nautical miles off the coast of Panama City.
The Pearl Islands is mainly inhabited by small fishing communities and is made up of about 250 different islands.
The first groups to be seen in Panama are usually the newly pregnant females, followed by the immature whales of both sexes, and then come the mature males and females. They are in panama from July to October.
Includes: Local transfers, air ticket, tour fee, tour guide, snorkeling equipment, 03 hours boat ride along different island & bottle of water.
There are meeting sites for scuba diving and snorkelling like Portobelo Bay, Isla Mamey and Isla Grande. It could turn out to be a great adventure to dive in these waters full of the history of pirates and privateers from the XVII century, where stormy battles took place and where the mortal remains of the famous pirate Sir Francis Drake, were laid to rest at sea in a leaden casket. The best diving months are April, May, November and December.
History and operation of one of the "Engineering Wonders of the World"
Our visit to the locks begins with a drive through some of the former military installations used by the U.S. government for the protection of the water way.
Here you can observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters and learn first hand about the various operations of the Panama Canal, the history of its construction, its participation in the world markets, and the importance of its watershed.
Four exhibition halls constitute the heart of the CVM. The exhibitions include historic pieces, interactive modules, video presentations, models of the Panama Canal, and objects used in Canal operations.
Founded on August 15, 1519 by Pedro Arias de Ávila (Pedrarias) as Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Panamá, she was the first city founded on the Pacific coast of America by Europeans. Panama is one of the oldest Spanish cities in the America where the magnificence of these ruins can be appreciated; visit to the Tower of the Cathedral. Then we proceed to the most commercial area of the city, Punta Paitilla, Ave. Balboa, The Banking Area and then we can cruise to one of the most impressive areas of Panama, “ Amador Causeway “ full of restaurants and former military bunkers turned into bars and clubs.
The AQUABUS is a custom made Hydra Terra model amphibious vehicle designed and built by C.A.M.I LLC., in Bluffton, South Carolina, USA. Each vehicle is US Coast Guard certified and approved as a passenger vehicle for use on roadways. The AQUABUS is 39’’ feet long by 8’’ feet wide with capacity for 47 passengers and 2 crew members (the operator and the guide).
We will visit Gatun Locks and drive by the Panama Canal before we head to Fort San Lorenzo. The Fort was a colonial fortification, high on a cliff, meant to stop pirates from entering the Isthmus of Panama. Once you are there, you will have a panoramic view of the mouth of the Chagres river and the rainforest from the strategic location on top of the hill. You can choose either to return to Panama City on the transatlantic train and our car will pick you up at the train station in the Panama city, or you can return to Panama City in the same car that brought you.
A journey in the DISCOVERY is a feast of intense, sensory experiences: the aroma of remote places, the texture of unknown things, the multicolor tapestry of nature, the accent of unheard languages, and the exquisite flavor of what has never before been tasted;that is the incomparable feeling of penetrating the secrets of the other wolrds, other lives. That proximity is life, it is beginning and end.
Seeing the Panama Canal from the air is just as memorable as a Canal Transit. The two are, of course, wildly different from their vantage points. Once you are aloft, your perspective immediately changes. The enormity of the project. The wildlife, the aquatic system supporting the Canal's operations, and the history of the area, create a far more memorable experience to last a lifetime. Camera and video shots are unparalleled and we know many hidden areas to shoot.
The tour operates every saturdays only. This is a wonderful transit that you won't want to miss. The boat departs around at 8:30 a.m. and cruises up through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. During the trip, you can experience how the canal operates as it elevates your ship 26 meters above sea level.
You will be impressed by the wonders of the engineering marvel of the Canal's construction when you pass the Culebra Cut, during this journey there will be a guide aboard the boat providing you with all the fascinating information and facts about the canal and the entire trip you will be surrounded by natural and beautiful scenery.
You will be able to appreciate the vegetation and wild life of Gatun lake which was once the biggest artificial lake in the world. It is amazing to learn how thousands of acres of land and forest were flooded to create the lake.
The tour operates only once a month. This is a wonderful transit as well as the Partial Transit. The only differences between both is that it goes until the last set of locks “ Gatun Locks “, located at the Atlantic site of the country. The boat leaves at 7:30 a.m. and cruises up through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, Culebra Cut and Gatun Locks.
El Valle is located in the crater of one of the world's largest extinct volcanoes. It is about 70 miles from Panama City. Since El Valle is located in the highlands, the temperature during the entire year is about 20°C. This picturesque town is well known for its weekend market where the local indigenous groups provide our visitors with some of their amazing crafts also a place to purchase some of the local fruits, flowers and vegetables. Beautiful scenery and walking trails abound in the town and in the hills around the valley. El Valle has a small zoo as well as a renowned thermal bath for those who want a skin treatment.
The Indian village we visit is just 1-1/2 hours from Panama City. The Embera Indians are native to the Darien jungles but have migrated to this area in recent years. They still keep and maintain their traditions, cultures, dances and religion. In the village, the Chief of the tribe and his assistant will explain to us their culture and traditions.
Later, he will show us their community, houses, medicinal gardens, and their handicraft works. We can talk to or photograph the men and women while they are engaged in their handicraft. A traditional dance will be part of the arrangement. You may join them if you feel comfortable or just observe and listen to the rhythms of their music. For those that would like to enjoy a little more of this beautiful national park we can also take a dip in a nearby waterfall.
Barro Colorado is located in the middle of the Panama Canal where its surrounding areas were declared a Nature Reserve in 1923. This area is managed by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute as a biological reserve. This Island was formed by the damming of the Chagres river after the construction of the Canal had been finished. At least 1,300 plants species, more than 280 bird species and no less than 100 mammal species can be found here. The trip will start early in the morning. We will depart Panama City to Gamboa where we will board a boat and navigate to Barro Colorado Island through the Gatun Lake. We will visit the Smithsonian office before we take the trail where we will be able to view the flora and fauna of a virgin ecological environment. The visit is a highly recommended experience for biologist or simply nature lovers.