Panama Tours & Travel

Adventure Life
800-344-6118 (Toll-free)
406-541-2677 (International)
406-541-2676 (Fax)
E-mail us
1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Extensions

Extend your Panama travel a few more days with a Panama extension. Panama Tour Extensions »

Icon Legend

Please click to see a detailed explanation of these icons used throughout the site.

Escort

Escorted Unescorted

Difficulty

Easy Moderate Challenging

When to Travel

Excellent Very Good Unpredictable Unavailable

Panama Tour Extensions

---

Panama Canal - Standard Transit *

Extension Cost Per Person: US$170/person

If you are interested in boating through the "Eighth Wonder of the World," you can experience the Panama Canal transit tour every Saturday. You rise early to arrive at Flamenco Pier by 7:30 in the morning and take a short bus ride to Gamboa where the vessel awaits. This transit provides a small brunch. The exploration of this engineering wonder begins at the north end of the Gaillard Cut -- builders faced unprecendented challenges as they carved their way through the continental divide's solid rock for nearly 9 miles. At the southern end of the Cut, enter the Pedro Miguel Locks, taking you into the man-made Miraflores Lake. Next, you'll be lowered 18 meters in the Miraflores Locks as you make your entrance into the Pacific Ocean. Disembark back at the Flamenco Marina where your guide will take you back to the hotel. The tour takes approximately four to five hours. We recommend that you wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes and don't forget sun block, hat and your camera!

* This tour departs every Saturday; excluding days when the Full Transit tour takes place

 

---

Panama Canal - Full Transit **

Extension Cost Per Person: US$240/person

On one Saturday a month, you can experience the entire crossing of the Canal. The trip departs from Flamenco Marina at 7:30 am. Your transit takes you from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. Begin your tour by traveling through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. Spend time cruising the colossal Gatun Lake, crossing the Chargres River and passing the Smithsonian's Barro Colorado Island. In the Gatun Locks, the boat will be lowered 26 meters in three separate steps. Here you can experience first-hand the handling and operation of the canal. Your tour continues on until you arrive in Colon and disembark at Pier 6. Your driver will be waiting to return you to your hotel in Panama City. The tour takes approximately 10 hours and we suggest you wear casual clothing, comfortable shoes and a hat. Don't forget to bring your sun block and a camera!

** This tour is only available on the following dates:

2008: Apr 19, Jun 21, Jul 19, Aug 16, Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 20, Dec 26

 

---

Panama Folkloric Dinner and Show
(4h. - Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat)

Tour Cost: $55 per person

Includes: transfer to and from hotel, dinner, cover charge, service charge, and show
Departs 8:00pm
Enjoy an oasis of flavor and folklore characteristic of the countryside, and taste delicious Panamanian style dishes in the comfortable and elegant surroundings at Las Tinajas Restaurant, located in the center of Panama City.

---

Panama City and Canal Tour

Tour Cost: $110 per person, min 2

Includes: private guided city tour, includes lunch and entrance fees to Panama Viejo and Miraflores Visitors Center

Enjoy a tour of Panama's vibrant capital city. You begin with a tour of the ruins of Panama La Vieja, where loads of Peru's gold once crossed. Later the pirate Henry Morgan came in search of the famed gold, and after Morgan's attack in 1671, Casco Antiguo was built. You'll spend some time exploring Panama's "second" city, whose Spanish and French architecture reminds one of its past citizens. Next it's off to the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal to observe the "eighth wonder of the world." Locomotives tie onto the mammoth ships and pull them through the locks to lessen the chance of mishap.

---

Portobelo and Canal Railway

Tour Cost: $190 per person, min 2

Includes: private guided tour to Portobelo, Colon, Canal Railway train

Today you will head out with a guide to visit the old fort of Portobelo and the town of Colon. You will first tour Portobelo, the historic terminal of the Spanish conquistadores. This is the site of many pirate attacks, and Portobelo's fort was once a key defense for the Spanish crown. Next you will head on to Colon and explore this port town before boarding the Canal Railroad for your train trip back along the Canal to Panama City.

---

Smithsonian's Barro Colorado Island
(Half-day - Tues, Wed, Fri)

Tour Cost: $155 per person

Includes: transfers, boat trip, lunch, guide and Smithsonian conservation fee
Departs 6:30am
After a short ride to the town of Gamboa, we board a boat to cross the massive Lake Gatun. Born out of the Panama Canal, Gatun's creation displaced over 50,000 people and submerged acres of forest -- it also formed Isla Barro Colorado. It is heavy with wildlife including howler monkeys, keel billed toucans, tapirs, sloths, anteaters, tiger herons, crocodiles and the stunning morpho butterfly. Administered by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute since 1946 this area is considered the best-protected and most-studied tropical rainforest in the world. Travelers are limited to a single trail that loops the island, to ensure the ecosystem remains well protected. We'll take a guided nature walk along the Cima Trail and lunch at the Smithsonian's research station. Spend the afternoon exploring the area. You will also have the opportunity to explore the bays and forest-covered channels. From the boat, keep an eye out for Panama's thriving wildlife.

---

El Valle Canopy Adventure
(Full-day - everyday)

Tour Cost: $205 per person

Includes: transfers, lunch, specialized guide and equipment
Departs 7:00am
Take a two-hour drive along the Pan-American Highway into beautiful mountain town, El Valle. We'll learn about nearby the El Macho Ecological Reserve and hike to El Macho Falls where we'll securely strap into a harness, and through a series of cables and pulleys, we'll observe the landscape from four different platforms on a canopy adventure. At 220 feet above the forest floor, we share this rare and remarkable view with the animals sheltered within the canopy.

On Sundays, travelers have the option to visit El Valle's Handicraft Market. Local farmers, as well as Ngobe Bugle, Wounaan and some Embera Indians come to the market to sell fruits, vegetables, plants and handicrafts.

---

Embera Drua Community in Chagres National Park
(Full-day - everyday)

Tour Cost: $170 per person

Includes: transfers, snacks, soft drinks, lunch and specialized guide
We board a motorized canoe to take us deep into Chagres rainforest. The park's protected waters supply nearly 80% of Panama City's drinking water. The canoe takes us to an Embera settlement. Let these intriguing the inviting people introduce you to their culture as they share with us their knowledge of botany, craftsmanship and traditional music and dance. Try Embera's traditional body painting that colors the skin with the purplish juice from a jagua fruit. Enjoy lunch with the Embera community. Spend the rest of the afternoon with a guided tour of the tropical park.

---

Bocas del Toro Extension *3 Day*

Tour Cost: $335 per person plus $225 round trip internal flights

Day 1 Off to Bocas del Toro (B,L)
Today it's off to the charming Caribbean town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colon. You will be picked up and transfer back to the airport in David for your 25 minute flight to Bocas del Toro. Once there, you will need to grab a taxi and head to your new hotel. You'll arrive at Bocas mid-day, and enjoy a welcome to Bocas Lunch. The rest of the day is yours to wander this charming town and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

Day 2 Isla Bastimentos (B)

Today you'll board a motor launch to explore some of the areas most idyllic beaches, forests and snorkeling waters. The island's midsection and surrounding waters are protected in the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, and the entire island offers nature lovers an array of wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. The waters here are filled with brilliant parrot fish, angel fish, red snapper, slender needle fish and many others. Four species of sea turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches and the forests are home to many endemic and endangered species such as neon colored frogs, the red billed tropic bird and two and three toed sloths.

Your snorkeling tour begins at Dolphin Lagoon; an important feeding area for bottle-nosed dolphins. Then onto Coral Cay and Red Frog beach. It is a short walk through mangroves to Red Frog beach -- keep an eye out for its endangered namesake. You'll enjoy a relaxing swim, or lounge, on the beach before heading to Hospital Point for more snorkeling. Once the primary medical center for the United Fruit Company, Hospital Point is now popular for its wonderful snorkeling and diving. Tonight, enjoy the laid back night life of Bocas town.

Day 3 Return Panama City (B)
Enjoy a leisurely morning before catching your return flight back to Panama City.

---

San Blas Extension *3 Day*

US$590     Tour Code: SBE3
San Blas consists of over 360 islands off the Caribbean Coast of Panama, only 60 of which are inhabited. The islands are virtually self-governed by the local Kuna people. These friendly people are strong in tradition and their beliefs; they are devoted to preserving their heritage, and tranquil, colorful environment. Explore the beautiful landscape and people of the San Blas islands with a 2-night stay at Dolphin Lodge, located on private Uaguitupo Island just outside of the Achutupo community.

 

Day 1 (B,L,D)

Take an early flight from Panama City to the Achutupo airstrip. Meet your local guide, and travel by boat across the calm lagoon waters to the Dolphin Lodge. Spend some time unwinding with a stroll through the private island. The fine white beaches are perfect for sunbathing and a good book, but be sure to take advantage of the water with some snorkeling and swimming. Lunch and dinner feature delicious dishes of the day's catch. As you turn in, let the warm Caribbean breeze and the quiet lapping waves put your senses at peace.

Day 2 (B,L,D)

After a light breakfast, spend the afternoon touring the San Blas Islands. Your time in San Blas is spent relaxing relaxing and relaxing! It is a true get-a-way. Enjoying the sandy beaches and crystal waters of the private islands -- marine wildlife in the area includes dolphins, green and hawksbill turtles, sponges, lobsters and a large variety of reef fish. You can also hike around neighboring islands for fantastic bird watching. Parakeets, parrots, and hummingbirds are just some of the hundreds of species that migrate to the San Blas islands. After dinner, enjoy a final look at the starry night before turning into bed.

Day 3

Rise early for breakfast, and then take a boat back to Achutupo where you will catch your return flight to Panama City.

Note:

Because of airplane capacity, it is required that your luggage not exceed 25 pounds (per traveler). Recommended travel items include:

• Swimming suit (one-piece for women*)
• Light cotton clothes
• Walking shoes
• Sandals
• Insect repellent
• Camera**
• Money in small bills
• Flash light
• Binoculars

*Please note that two-piece swimming suits are not considered appropriate for the islands. The Kuna people consider them insulting. Please respect the local Kuna people's request.

**Feel free to take all the pictures (including video and film) you want in the lodge and of Uaguitupu Insland, including pictures of the lodge staff in their Kuna garb. However, during visits to the islands of Achutupu and Ailigandi, permission should be obtained prior to taking a photo of an individual Kuna man of woman or a group close - up. A tip of $0.25 to $0.50 per photo for the person photographed is recommended unless you have purchased a handicraft from him or her.

Panama Articles & Information :
Activities in Boquete | Arts & Crafts | Bocas del Toro | The Panama Canal | Flora & Fauna | The Kuna People of the San Blas Islands | Did You Know That.... | Panama, Graced with Sun & Sand | A Challenge for the Adventurer | Cultural Heritage: A Reflection of Panama's Roots | A Brief History | Mola: Preserving Kuna Tradition | Monika's Costa Rica & Panama Trip Journal | Mary's Travel Journal: Central America Expedition Cruise