Panama 2025
The southernmost country in Central America, Panama has so much more to offer than just the canal zone. In addition to the Miraflores locks, where we will learn about and observe the operation of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, ride the Panama Canal Railway, explore 16th century forts, old Colonial city, visit rainforest reserve, fish in the canal zone if you wish, visit a native village and relax on day tours to beautiful island off the coast.
Feb 9-18, 2025
9 night/ 10 day tour
Prices for 2025 to be determined approx April 2025
(*2024 Prices:)
Double occupancy $2,450.00 per person
Triple or Quad occupancy $2,375.00per person
Single occupancy $2,950.00 per person
Please see payments/ refunds link before booking
$300 deposit per person to hold reservation (see cancellation policy)
2nd payment of $900.00, due July 15, 2024
Balance of tour due Oct 15, 2024
Payment by cash/ check or bank transfer
Credit card payments, add 3.5%
All prices include: RT airfare from Salt Lake City, hotels, bus transportation, excursions included on itinerary, breakfast every day.
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Travel Insurance
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Contact one of the following companies or one of your own choice to discuss your travel needs.
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Day one: Flight into Panama City and night at the hotel. (We will be spending our entire trip at this hotel and doing excursions from there) The hotel is connected to a large mall which contains many stores and eating establishments. Also a theater for those who may like movies.
Day two: This morning we will take a hike to the top of a hill through Metropolitan Park, overlooking the city where we will enjoy beautiful views. After lunch we will visit the Locks of the Panama Canal at Miraflores and watch an iMax presentation detailing the history of the Panama Canal. We will have an opportunity to see ships go through the locks.. a very interesting process that helps you to understand how the big ships make it through the canal. A museum with artifacts about the canal is also on the site.
Day three: We will have a free morning with the option of attending church if desired. In the afternoon, we will take a trip to Gamboa Rainforest reserve where we will take a boat ride through the canal zone to spot wildlife. Hopefully we can spot some crocodiles or capuchin monkeys. Afterward we will have the opportunity to ride the aerial tram, for spectacular views of the lake. Last, we will enjoy the beautiful butterfly garden and sloth sanctuary where we can get up close and personal and learn more about these animals native to the area.
Day Four: Today's tour will be a bus ride to the city of Portobelo. Portobelo was a major port city in the 1500's.. the Spanish used it to transport gold to Spain. Many pirates including Drake and Morgan ransacked the city looting the gold from the Spaniards. Forts were built to protect the bay. Many of the cannons and fortifications are still present. A small museum has many of the artifacts and historical facts of the area. Next we will visit the nearby fort of San Lorenzo which has recently been made accessible to the public. Lots of new excavations at this site.
Day Five. Today will include a visit the old Spanish part of Panama, Casco Viejo, with many buildings from the colonial period. We will be looking back in time to see these architectural Spanish structures. After lunch we will visit the Main part of the old city, Panama Viejo with many buildings churches and other structures dating back to the 17-1800s. Many beautiful buildings that have been restored or preserved.
Day six: Isla Taboga .. we will take a ferry to this quaint island where we will have a chance to laze on the beach, take a short walking tour of the small historic area, tour to the highest point for a view and possibly have a chance to have some seafood in one of the restaurants overlooking the ocean. The island, first settle by the Spanish in 1515 is also home to the Western Hemisphere's 2nd oldest church.
Day seven: Today is a free day for you to relax by the hotel pool, explore the Biomuseo, focused on the natural history of Panama, or fish on the Panama Canal.
Day eight: Early rise to catch a boat to the island of Contadora ...about a 90-minute ride to this small Island in the Pacific. This is a great place to relax and enjoy some beautiful beaches. Options include swimming, snorkeling, fishing, renting a golf cart to explore the island or just lazing on the beach.
Day nine: An hour drive to visit the Embera native village. We will board boats up a river to the Village. A short hike (including a stop at a waterfall for swimming if you like) to the village. Lunch is served in the village. Many exhibits and native cultures of the tribe are experienced. This is one of the top attractions in Panama.
Day Ten: Flight Back to the US.