VISIT THE MIRAFLORES LOCKS OF THE PANAMA CANAL

Includes 4 exhibits and an observation deck from which to see ships traverse the canal. Most visits last approximately 2.5 hours.

Website: http://www.pancanal.com

 

THE PANAMA CANAL MUSEUM

Located in Cathedral Plaza, in Casco Viejo. www.museodelcanal.com

 

THE CAUSEWAY

The Amador Causeway is a strip of man made land connecting islands to the mainland. On these islands there are lots of restaurants for fine dining and a marina for you to dock or repair your boat. At night you get a spectacular view of Panama City. The tides are said to fluctuate 18 feet so the docks are designed to compensate for this. Lots of pelicans patrol the area for fish close to the surface. Some people do shore fishing from anywhere along the rocky edge. A ferry departs from here to go to islands such as Taboga Island and others. Figali Convention Center is along the way. Events such as Miss. Universe and music concerts are held here. The road to the Causeway starts at the base of Ancon hill. This is also where you get a closer view of the ships in the Pacific Ocean waiting to enter the Panama Canal. The ships pass down the side of this strip when entering/ leaving the canal.

 

ADVENTURE ROAD TRIP: FROM PANAMA CITY TO BOQUETE

Amazing adventure road trip through the Panamanian countryside and experience Panama in a way few people do. Visit beautiful beaches and many small towns, and for adventure, go off-roading and hiking to hidden waterfalls. www.extremepanama.com

 

KUNA YALA CULTURE

Prepare yourself for the cultural experience of your life! Start with an early flight to El Porvenir in Kuna Yala, formerly known as San Blas. From here, a native Kuna will take you on a short boat ride to your hotel (Cabañas Ukuptupu) located on a private island the size of a basketball court and surrounded by two authentic Kuna communities. On this day you will have the opportunity to see and experience how the Kunas live and visit some of the most beautiful tropical islands you can imagine, with white sand and filled with palm trees. On these islands, you can relax, swim in the crystal clear waters, and go snorkeling. . www.extremepanama.com

 

CAVE EXPLORATION TOUR

A really special and unforgettable adventure tour. Start this journey with a scenic drive from Panama City to a small indigenous community on the shores of Lake Bayano where you will take a small boat and navigate to the entrance of the caves. This lake is quite big and the landscape is dramatic. Once inside the caves the real adventure begins, you will immediately feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins as you walk deep into this underground river and start appreciating the most spectacular rock formations created by the hand of time... a lot of time! www.extremepanama.com

 

EMBERIAN INDIAN VILLAGE

One of the most popular local tours begins just an tour from Panama city. Take a motorized canoe, the onle means of transportation in the jungle, up a scenic rainforest river, to an authentic Embera Indian Village. The village indians will share their native foods, perform a tribal dance, and offer authentic body paintings, while explaining their way of life, traditions and beliefs. www.anconexpeditions.com

 

CASCO VIEJO

The charming colonial district of San Felipe (also known as Casco Antiguo or Casco Viejo) extends out into the sea on the southwestern side of the city. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1997 and remains the oldest European settlement on the entire Pacific coast of South, Central, and North America. Its cobblestone streets are lined with historic Spanish colonial architecture and its quaint plazas with their parks and sidewalk cafes, are unmistakably European. Hundred year-old buildings sit side-by-side to bistros and open onto courtyards and green plazas. Throughout this area one finds historic sites, museums, restaurants, and bars. Sites to see include the 17th century Cathedral in addition to many other historic churches, the Interoceanic Canal Museum of Panama, the Presidential Palace, and the sea wall promenade built by the Spaniards four centuries ago.

 

MONKEY ISLAND TOUR

You will travel by boat in the Panama Canal to an island where at least four types of monkeys are observed cavorting in the rainforest.

This trip is a sure family hit. www.anconexpeditions.com

 

BARRO COLORADO

Barro Colorado Island is a living tropical laboratory run by The Snmithsonian Institute of Tropical Research. It hosts an amazing 380 birf species, 101 mammal species and 1316 plant species. Previously only research scientists were allowed on the island, but now tour operators are allowed to take tourist on day trips. Reservations for visits should be made in advance. http://www.stri.org

 

SAN BLAS YACHT TOURS

One of the best ways to experience the San Blas Islands is to tour by yacht. San Blas Sailing offers 2-14 day tours including exploration of reefs, 365 remote islands, traditional villages, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and discover the Kuna Indian culture. www.sanblassailing.com

 

ISLA IGUANA WILDLIFE REFUGE

One of the best places for diving and snorkeling is on Isla Iguana, a wildlife refuge near the town of Pedasi on the Azuero Peninsula. About three and half hours by car from Panama City.

 

COIBA ISLAND NATIONAL MARINE PARK

Coiba Island is the largest island in Central America: 80% of the park is oceanic and the area has the largest coral reef in the Western Pacific. It is considered one of the top choices in the world for “big fish”. Snorkeling is excellent.