Panama… land of contrast

Panama… land of contrast
8 days
Portobelo
Anton
Panama City
Playa Blanca
PANAMA
Great for FAMILIES …!
In this trip you will experience…

A train ride that will take you back on time

Reviving the history of the fights against pirates at Portobelo

The encounter with the authentic and colorful Embera culture

The astonishment that the great Panama Canal keeps causing after
one century

Sun and fun in one of the most beautiful beach resorts of Central
America

The beauties and traditions of the Valle de Anton and Azuero

The excitement of deep sea fishing in the Pacific Ocean
Day 1: Arrival to Panama City
panama
Panama is famous for its breath-taking Panama Canal which serves
as the link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean via
the Caribbean Sea. Located in Central America, Panama is a
favorite among eco tourists who wants to hike in the rainforest,
snorkel or try deep sea fishing. Panama is fast becoming a favorite
holiday destination for its amazing natural treasures, cosmopolitan
lifestyle, and the wonderful diversity of eco activities and
adventure that only Panama has to offer.
After a warm welcome you will be assisted inside the Panama's
International airport for an expedite immigration process. Outside, a
friendly driver from Albee Adventures will pick you up and transfer
you to your hotel Bristol in Panama City.
Your Hotel…
Bristol Panama
For the discriminating guest
who seeks a bit more space when traveling, Bristol
Panama features a choice of three suites, all which
feature fine custom-designed fabrics and one-of-akind prints by local Panamanian artisans and a
welcoming color palette of deep brown, rich russet,
and tranquil cream. As with our guest rooms, our
suites have also been designed to provide an
indulgent and elegant oasis here in Panama and
include comfortable beds with fine Frette cotton
linens, Hungarian down-filled pillows, and luxurious
duvets.
3 nights at Bristol Panamá in a Junior Suite / Breakfast included
Day 2: Canal Railway, Portobello & Embera Village
You will experience…
Canal Railway
Undertake a train trip on the historical and
original railway course from Panama City to Colón. This 1-hour
travel leads you through the jungle and along the Panama
Canal. This course was finished in 1855. The French Panama
Canal company had acquired the railway line in 1880, as an
assistance to build the Canal. In 1904 the Americans bought
the Canal and the railway line and were operating it line until
1979. In 1998, Panama privatized the railway line and renewed
it completely. Since 2001, the course is again passable and a
unique attraction.
After the beautiful train trip, you will continue with your guide from Colón to the port of Portobelo.
You will experience…
Portobelo
This port was the gathering point of the
Peruvian treasures in the 15th century. The gold and silver
was shipped from here towards the metropolis of the empire,
and in addition, Portobelo was the center of control and
inspection of the goods, which arrived from Spain. The ruin
complex is built and set up in the middle of the tropical jungle
and covers a set of fortresses, castles and military bases.
Today, Portobelo is a sleepy city with a population of fewer
than 3,000. In 1980 the ruins of the Spanish colonial
fortifications, along with nearby Fort San Lorenzo, were
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After this historical excursion, you will continue to an Embera Indian Village on Rio Piedra. A fascinating
and dense jungle will accompany you on a short boat trip to the village. Upriver, you will step out of the
dugout canoes and enter the village of the Embera Indians.
You will experience…
Embera Community
one of seven indigenous tribes in
Panama. The people of the Embera tribe will welcome you at the
pier and gladly give you an idea on how they still live today. The
village's chief will give you a brief explication on the history of the
tribe, its traditions, cultures, believes and handicrafts. Then, a
traditional lunch of fish and plantains prepared by the Embera
women will be served to you. In the afternoon you will experience
a traditional Embera dance and have the opportunity to shop for
handicrafts. The sale of local products directly benefits the village
and helps to pay the school fees for the children. You can also get a
temporary Embera tattoo painted on your arm or leg.
Day 3: Canal Navigation and Casco Viejo
After the transfer from your hotel to Flamenco Resort and Marina, the partial transit starts with a motor
coach ride for 45 minute to the town of Gamboa where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located.
You will experience…
Partial Canal Transit
Once in Gamboa,
you will aboard the cruise ship to start the
water portion of the tour. You will enter the
canal at the north end of the Gaillard Cut,
where the Chagres River flows into the
canal.
The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut
because its curves resemble a snake) is one
of the main points of interest for visitors
because it was carved through the
Continental Divide and this section of the
Canal is full of history and geological value.
Your boat will travel the Cut's 13.7
kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel
Locks. As you transit the Cut you will be able
to appreciate the continuous maintenance
that this area requires, because it is very
susceptible to landslides. In this area you will
also be able to observe the work in process
for the Panama Canal expansion project.
Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the
new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. Next, your ship will enter Pedro Miguel Locks,
which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in
one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that
separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching
the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 16 meters in two distinct steps.
After the visit to the Canal you continue with your guide to Casco Viejo, Panama City’s colonial quarter.
You will experience…
Casco Viejo
At the Casco Viejo you feel set
back in time as you admire the lovely colonial
houses, the narrow roads and the impressive
churches. You will get a good idea about
Panama’s history by driving or walking through
the main attractions of this quarter.
Day 4: Playa Blanca
The Friendly driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Buenaventura. On the
way to your hotel JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort, enjoy the zip lining adventure and the great
views of that this activity offers.
You will experience…
Zip Lining / Canopy Tour (Valle de Anton)
The Canopy Adventure is an incredible
experience as you slide from one platform to the next flying through the canopy attached to a zip
line only. After a 30 minutes hike through the dense rainforest you start sliding down the cables
end enjoy the speed and the adrenaline.
Your Hotel…
JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort
Located in Cocle, Panama in the luxury community of
Buenaventura, JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort
offers challenging golf and a tranquil spa. Seek out
adventure with numerous water sports and off-site
activities from surfing to zip-lining. In the evening enjoy
fine wines and stellar cuisine. All guestrooms of our
Panama beach resort feature private gardens or
balconies.
4 nights at JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort
in a Pool View Room / Breakfast Included
Day 5: Cocle Culture & Traditions
You will experience…
Cocle Culture & Traditions Private Experience -
In morning a Panama Trails
representative will meet you at your hotel and take you up west to la Pintada where you will get to
know the local artisans who handy design the Panamanian hat, which is one of the most important
pieces of the traditional Panamanian Montuno. Here in la Pintada you will also visit the houses of
other local artisans and the little markets. Continuing your excursion you guide will take you to the
Local Church a town park where you will get the feeling of a Panamanian authentic town. After
visiting la Pintada your guide will take you to the traditional Tabaco & Habanos factory where you
will see the process of manufacturing the high class cigars. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant
of traditional cuisine.
Day 6: Badajoz Route and the Best of Azuero
You will experience…
Badajoz Route and the Best of Azuero
Private Experience - Today we will follow the
steps of Gonzalo de Badajoz, who was sent out by the
Spanish Crown in 1515 to conquer Central Panama.
Leaving the JW Marriott, we will drive on the
Panamerican highway in Western direction for
approximately half an hour until we arrive at El Caño. El
Caño is one of Panama’s most important archaeological
sites: a ceremonial and burial place of pre-Columbian
times. It is often considered Panama’s “El Dorado” due
to the rich gold ornaments and treasures that have been found in the park that was also featured in
National Geographic.
Our guide will then take us to Natá de Los Caballeros.
The town is the oldest surviving town in Panama,
having been founded by the Spanish on May 20,
1520. The historic village is home to the oldest
church still in use on the mainland of the American
Continent. Next stop is Aguadulce – the city of sugar
and salt. In this dry area the indigenous population
was already extracting salt from the sea long before
the Spanish arrived to the Americas. As we can see,
still today, the extraction of the salt is done in an
artisanal way.
We will then continue towards the Azuero Peninsula.
The Azuero Peninsula – except for the quickly
developing cities of Chitré and Las Tablas – feels
isolated from modern Panama, frozen in an idyllic past,
with lots of charm and natural beauty left We will get
an insight in Panama’s folklore by visiting two local
artisans dedicated to the production of devils masks
and traditional drums. In Panama’s folklore there are
different types of devils each with their own outfit,
masks and dances. Learn about the making of the
fearful masks and their meaning as well as about the
different types of drums used in traditional music.
The charming village of Parita which was named after the brave Cacique Paris who defeated the
Spanish conqueror Gonzalo de Badajoz and reclaimed all the gold the later had obtained so far. Our
guide will take us to restaurant Los Maizales located at the Cubitá Boutique Resort & Spa in Chitré
in order to enjoy a traditional Panamanian gourmet menu.
We will then continue to La Arena, a
traditional village where many typical
products of the Herrera Province are made.
Lunch will be served at Los Maizales
restaurant located at the Cubitá Boutique
Resort & Spa in Chitré, in order to enjoy a
traditional Panamanian gourmet menu, based
on locally grown organic ingredients. In the
afternoon we will continue towards the village
of Guararé. At the village our guide will tell us
how a traditional “Casa de Quincha” – a house
made from a sugarcane framework and mud –
is built and show us some ancient models of
this architecture. We will then visit a group of
ladies that have dedicated all their life to
handcraft the Pollera, the typical dress of the
Panamanian women, considered by many one
of the most beautiful costumes in the world.
After this cultural experience we will be transferred back to our beach hotel in Buenaventura.
Day 7: Deep Sea Fishing
You will experience…
Deep Sea Fishing
For the sports fisherman, we offer a 5 hour fishing trip onboard a Bertram
43 foot fishing boat. We will pick you up right from Buenaventura beach right in front of hotel
beach club! Catch fish such as Spanish Mackered, golden fish, tuna, bonito, and yellow fin tuna.
Includes boat with captain and bilingual fishing guide, drinks, snacks, all fishing equipment and bait
included.
Day 8: Departure
Farewell time… All good things must come to an end. You will leave with your luggage full of great
memories, and your body and mind revitalized. The Friendly driver from Albee Adventures will pick you
up at JW Marriott Buenaventura and transfer you to Panamá City to the Airport.
Contact us for a quotation of this trip. Final price will depend to the season and availability of the
premium rooms. A version of this trip with a rented car, instead of private transfer, is also possible. Our
Travel Designers will be delighted to assist you!
Email: [email protected] Or call us: 1-800-326-0202
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