Panama’s Journey Between Oceans
Overview / Highlights
7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYSYou are invited to explore and discover the natural and cultural beauty of Panama, traversing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans aboard the Discovery Expedition Cruise. This fascinating adventure will take you to the Darien National Park in search of amazing wildlife; and for a cultural exchange with one of our distinct indigenous groups: the Emberas. We also navigate the Pearl Island Archipelago and will have the opportunity of crossing the renowned Panama Canal. We navigate through the Gatun Lake and the Chagres River while exploring the legendary trails of the of Pirates and Conquistadores that once fought in the Isthmus that changed the world.
CountriesPanama | CitiesPanama City, Darien Jungle, Perl Island, Gatun & Charges River, Portobelo |
Tour Program Summery Outline
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Features
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Interest
Adventure / Beaches / COSMOPOLITAN CITIES / CULINARY /Cruises / Cultural / ECO TOURS / FAMILY ADVENTURES / FLORA / Historical / LUXURY / Nightlife
Day 1 Arrive Panama City
Meeting services upon arrival to Panama and transfer to the Bristol Boutique Hotel. This afternoon, a guided tour Panama City. Our first stop during this historical site tour will be the ruins of “Old Panama," the first city on the Central American Isthmus founded by the Spanish and later plundered by the famous pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. From here we will continue to the “Casco Antiguo,” (“Old Quarters”) built in 1673. The architecture is a delightful combination of Italian, French and Spanish architectures of that period. En route, you will get a panoramic glimpse of the most modern part of the city, as well .We will visit the Independence Plaza, pass in front of the Presidential Palace, Plaza Bolivar, the Grand National Theater, the Church of San José, the Cathedral, the Bóvedas (prison chambers) and the French Plaza’s Walkway, which offers a beautiful view of the Panama City.Overnight at the Bristol Panama City Hotel.
Day 2 Panama City – Board Discovery Expedition Cruise
Today we board the M/V Discovery, a 110-foot, purpose-built catamaran perfect for small ship cruising in Panama. Originally built in Tasmania, Australia, the Discovery has found the perfect home in Panama. She accommodates 24 guests in 8 queen and 4 twin cabins, ensuring every passenger enjoys serenity and privacy while cruising through Panama. Enjoy Panamanian gastronomy and be delighted with exquisite indigenous dishes prepared by the talented chef, along with a refreshing glass of local beer or favorite wine. While knowledgeable, professional guides lead excursions by day, the chef and crew serve amazing quality food from an unbelievably small galley every morning, lunch and night.Overnight aboard the ship. (D)
Day 3 Aboard Discovery Expedition Cruise - Darien Jungle
Today we step back in time and travel back more than 600 years to a place that not many have had the privilege of experiencing. More than an excursion, this is a journey into the lives of the Embera Indians. A proud people who have been able to maintain their traditions and lifestyle as they were before the Spaniards colonized the region. These natives are also master crafters of cocobolo woodcarvings and basketry. After motoring up river you will see the village emerging from the jungle, as if by magic. Keep your eyes open along the way as the region offers abundant wildlife that is particularly active along the river’s edge.Overnight aboard the ship. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Aboard Discovery Expedition Cruise - Pearl Islands
Snorkel and swim in the waters of the Pearl Islands. The archipelago owes its name to the abundance of pearl oysters, which supported a substantial fishery in the early 1900's. On the outer portion of the archipelago, the islands are home to some pristine beaches and fertile fishing grounds. View the remains of the submarine Explorer built in 1865 during the Civil War and which sunk off the coast of San Telmo during the oyster fishery of the late 1800´s. We visit San Telmo, located in the southeast area of the islands and the Reserva Natural Isla, established in 1996 as a protection measure for marine turtles that can be seen on the beaches, endemic birds and animals are found in the premontane forest, and the island waters are a whale.Overnight aboard the ship. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Discovery Expedition Cruise - Panama Canal Transit - Gatun Lake
Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, the vast jungle area that is now the Gatun Lake was teeming with an overwhelming abundance of wildlife. As the region was flooded to create the lake, animals took refuge in the mountain peaks, which are now the many islands that dot the renowned lake. Explore Gatun Lake and kayak in Panama Canal waters. Your expedition leader will take you on board small crafts past lush rainforests to secluded areas of the lake to witness first-hand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you could see in their native surroundings. The sights sounds and scents that make up this beautiful, tropical jungle will engulf you. Cameras are a must as this is considered the world’s premier location for viewing monkeys and other animals in the wild. The Discovery will exit the Panama Canal in the afternoon on its way to the mouth of the Chagres River.Overnight aboard the ship. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Discovery Expedition Cruise - Chagres River - Fort San Lorenzo
Experience the magnificent Chagres River which was used by the conquistadors to move their gold across the Isthmus of Panama en-route from Peru to Spain and by the gold prospectors who attempted a “short cut” from the US East coast to the gold fields of California. Explore Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built at the mouth of the Chagres River. The road will lead us deep in the rainforest until we get to the impressive ruins situated on cliffs overlooking endless rainforest and abandoned coast lines. The Spanish bastion formerly served to fortify and protect the river entrance of the Las Cruces Trail that led to Panama City on the Pacific Ocean. This entrance was later used as the port of entry for gold diggers on their way to California during the second half of the 19th century. Enjoy the rich history and extensive panorama of the fort and hike through the rainforest within San Lorenzo National Park, watching out for monkeys, Two and Three-toed sloths, coatimundis, toucans and other wildlife species.Overnight aboard the ship. (B, L, D)
Day 7 End of Expedition Cruise - Portobelo – Caribbean – Panama City
Wake up to a farewell breakfast before you disembark. Travel by motor coach to Portobelo and enjoy this town located on Caribbean waters which was founded by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage to the new continent in 1597. This quaint town is rich in history as it was the site of many sea and land battles between the Spanish colonials and the pirates and corsairs raiding the Spanish Main. Later in the afternoon, board the Panama Canal Railway train back to Panama City where our representative will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel.Overnight at the Bristol Panama City Hotel. (B,L)