Day 1: Welcome to Casco Viejo and the Central Hotel!

The oldest section of Panama City known as Casco Viejo (Old Town) was founded in 1673 just two years after the original Panama City was torched during an invasion by the infamous Pirate Henry Morgan. It is only about 5 miles from the ruins of Panama la Vieja but is a world apart.

Featuring a unique French-influenced design, Central Hotel Panamá is one of many historic buildings recognized by UNESCO for its architectural significance within the Casco Antiguo – a designated World Heritage Site in Panama City. The hotel recently underwent full renovations, including meticulous work to preserve the façade and original structure. The finished property creates a sense of historic luxury that can only be experienced first-hand.

Night in Casco Antiguo at Central Hotel – Deluxe Jr. Suite

Day 2: Gamboa Rainforest Adventure Tours and Sloths

Ascend 280 feet from the forest floor through the dense undergrowth to the canopy on the aerial tram. At the top you can climb the observation tower and enjoy stunning views of Soberania National Park.

Next you will take a thrilling 20 minute boat ride through the heart of the Canal and enter the labyrinth of islands on Gatun Lake, where you might spot howler monkeys, three toed sloths, capuchin monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, turtles, caimans and many colourful butterflies. Your experienced naturalist guide will educate you about the amazing wildlife of this diverse region. Lunch will be included.

Night in Casco Antiguo at Central Hotel – Deluxe Jr. Suite

Day 3: Panama Railway & Historic Portobelo

You will be picked up at the hotel for a private transfer to Corozal station, where you will board the comfortable and relaxing train for a historic ride alongside the Panama Canal. This stunning railroad weaves through gorgeous protected rainforests and alongside Gatun Lake, once the largest man-made lake in the world. Explore the sleepy bayside town of Portobelo on a historic walking tour and see the colonial fortifications that still point their canons towards the bay. Then, take a tour of Gatun Locks and Panama Canal Expansion Visitor Center. Gatun Locks is the most impressive of the three sets of Panama Canal Locks. From the viewing platform, watch the large boats navigating through the impressive lock system.

Night in Casco Antiguo at Central Hotel – Deluxe Jr. Suite

Day 4: Panama City and Miraflores Locks

Today is your private historic walking tour of Old Panama City, the oldest Spanish settlement in the Pacific and once a bustling merchant center in the mid-17th century. You will also visit the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, an impressive feat of engineering. Watch the ships as they move through the system from an observation deck high above. See the “Causeway”, a group of three islands linked to the mainland by the breakwaters of the Panama Canal that feature fine cuisine, nightlife and shopping. Pick up beautiful handcrafted items including wood carvings, unique jewelry and mola applique fabrics created by the Kuna Yala Indians of the San Blas Islands.

Hotel Le Meridien in a Deluxe Ocean View Room

Day 5: Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

Depart bright and early from the Flamenco Marina and travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in one day. Admire the stunning Bay of Panama and pass under the famous Bridge of the Americas. At Miraflores Locks the ship will ascend 18 meters in two distinct steps and enter the freshwater of Miraflores Lake. After exiting the lake at Pedro Miguel Locks, you will travel through the Galliard Cut. This narrow channel was carved through the Continental Divide.

Next, journey through Gatun Lake and pass the Smithsonian Research Station at Barro Colorado. At the Gatun Locks the vessel will be lowered yet another 26 meters. When you arrive at Colon you will disembark at Pier 6 and travel back to Panama City.

Hotel Le Meridien in a Deluxe Ocean View Room

Day 6: Depart Panama

Today you will be picked up in the lobby of the hotel with plenty of time to check-in at the Tocumen International Airport for your scheduled departure flight.

This 6-Day Panama Canal Experience can be customized for your length of stay – 10-days, 12-days or even 14-days! Add-ons might include a journey to San Blas Islands, Bocas del Toro or the Pacific Beaches.