Glimpse of Panama

Glimpse of Panama

69 Views
6 Days From

$1627

Glimpse of Panama

6 Days Starting and ending in Panama City, Panama

Visiting: Panama City, Soberania National Park

Tour operator:

Indus Travels

Tour code:

IndTur315

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 6

Physical rating:

Intermediate

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Sailing

From: $1627

NB: Prices correct on 16-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Panama with the "Glimpse of Panama" tour. Begin your journey in Panama City, exploring the historic ruins of Old Panama and the charming Casco Antiguo. Sail through the iconic Panama Canal, marveling at the engineering feat that connects two oceans. Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes of Soberania National Park, where you'll hike through verdant trails and cruise on Gatun Lake, spotting local wildlife like green iguanas and howler monkeys. Experience the rich traditions of the Embera indigenous village with music, dancing, and crafts. Enjoy superior accommodations and daily buffet breakfasts, with all transportation provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural wonder, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Highlights

  • Learn about the fascinating culture and heritage of Panama City

  • Sail through the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean

  • Hike through Soberania National Park and admire the lush vegetation and natural beauty

  • Visit the ruins of Old Panama and the famous Casco Antiguo

  • Explore Gatun Lake and observe local wildlife such as green iguanas and howler monkeys

  • Experience traditional Embera culture with music, dancing, and crafts in an indigenous village

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: - Panama City (Arrival)

Location: Panama City

Accommodation Name: hotel

Make your own way to the airport for your international flight to Panama City. Enjoy inflight meals and services.  Upon arrival in Panama City, you will be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel. 




Overnight in Panama City

Day 2: Panama City (B/-/-)

Location: Panama City

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, meet your guide in the morning and head to the ruins of Old Panama, and trace back the colonial roots of Panama City. We will climb the cathedral tower to take in the views of the city and visit the Old Panama City Museum to get a deeper understanding of this Central American nations history. Continue to the old city compound, the famous Casco Antiguo, and make your way down the picturesque narrow lanes. Visit landmarks such as the Flat Arch, The Cathedral, Las Bovedas and the French Plaza ,and learn about the ill-fated attempt of the French to construct a canal through the isthmus. All the while, listen to your guide describe the events that led to the establishment of the capital in its current location. Your tour concludes with a private transfer back to your accommodation



 
Overnight in Panama City

Day 3: Panama City (B/L/-)

Location: Panama City

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After that, head out to your tour which starts at Flamenco Marina. You will board the Pacific Queen and set sail towards the entrance of Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean. Take a moment to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama Citys splendorous skyline before you pass under the Bridge of the Americas. The Panama Canal partial transit tour begins with the Pacific Queen entering the Miraflores Locks where the vessel is raised 18 meters above sea level in two distinct steps. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Miraflores from Pedro Miguel Locks. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is the second set of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is raised 9 meters in one step. After exiting the Pedro Miguel Locks, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. You will then enter the south end of the Gailard Cut where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gailard 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. The Pacific Queen will travel the Cut's 13.7 kilometers on the way to Gamboa Dredging Division. 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. You will disembark at the Gamboa Dredging Division where you will board motor coaches for a 45- minute ride back to the Flamenco Marina.




Overnight in Panam City

Day 4: Panama City - Soberania National Park (B/-/-)

Location: Soberania National Park

Accommodation Name: Soberania National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early in the morning, after breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin your journey to the Soberania National Park. As you leave the Panama City limits, buildings will slowly be replaced by secondary and primary rainforest. You will pass the former Fort Clayton, Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks before entering the park. Here you will board a boat and head off on an adventure across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal passing by monumental cargo ships transiting the waterway. Along the way, keep your eyes out for green iguanas, ospreys, snail kites, frigate birds, and other wildlife local to the area. The boat will circle rainforest covered islands, allowing us to observe and search for the mantled howler monkey, white-faced capuchin, and Geoffroys tamarin. After the tour, we will hike one of the trails of the lush forest.




Overnight at the Soberania National Park

Day 5: Soberania National Park (B/-/-)

Location: Soberania National Park

Accommodation Name: Soberania National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After that, you will be picked up your hotel and transferred to El Corotu; on the shores of Madden Lake. Here we will board a motorized piragua (dugout canoe) and travel through dense jungle up the Chagres River to one of the Embera indigenous villages for the day experience. The boat journey takes you through the 320,000-acre Chagres National Park, which is the largest of the National Parks protecting the Panama Canal Watershed. Along the Chagres River, you may be able to spot the little blue and green heron, great egret, anhinga, neotropical cormorant and green kingfishers, and ospreys flying above. Upon our arrival at the Embera village, we will be welcomed with traditional dancing and music. You will learn about fascinating Embera traditions and their close relationship with nature. They are master artisans, famous for their woven baskets and masks, as well as their qualitative wooden carvings of cocobolo and intricate tagua. There will be handcrafts available for sale and you will have the chance to be painted with the traditional jagua, a natural dye the Embera use to adorn their bodies. After a traditional Embera lunch we will head back to your accommodation.




Overnight at the Soberania National Park

Day 6: Soberania National Park - Panama City - (Departure) (B/-/-)

Location: Panama City

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, at the arranged time, your guide will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to Panama City airport for your flight home.

What's Included

  • 5 Nights accommodation in a twin sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar

    Enjoy a comfortable stay with 5 nights of accommodation in superior hotels or similar on a twin sharing basis.

  • Daily buffet breakfast

    Start your day with a daily buffet breakfast included in the package.

  • 01 lunch as per itinerary

    One lunch is included as per the itinerary.

  • Arrival and departure airport transfers

    Convenient airport transfers are provided upon arrival and departure.

  • All Transportation in AC modern vehicles

    Travel comfortably in air-conditioned modern vehicles throughout the tour.

  • Services of English-speaking guide during the tours

    Benefit from the services of an English-speaking guide during the tours.

  • All sightseeing as per detailed itinerary

    All sightseeing activities mentioned in the detailed itinerary are included.

  • All entrance fees as per detailed itinerary

    Entrance fees for all attractions mentioned in the detailed itinerary are covered.

  • Partial Canal Transit tour

    Experience a partial transit tour of the Panama Canal.

  • All local applicable taxes

    All local applicable taxes are included in the package.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Items of personal nature, tips and gratuities

    Expenses of a personal nature, including tips and gratuities, are not included.

  • Visa fees if applicable

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included in the package.

  • Departure airport taxes (40 USD per person for Panama)

    Departure airport taxes of 40 USD per person for Panama are not included.

  • Entrance to the Rainforest Discovery Center

    Entrance fees to the Rainforest Discovery Center are not included.

  • All items not mentioned as included

    Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the package are excluded.

Mode of Transport

All transportation is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers and a motorized piragua for river travel.

Accommodation

Enjoy 5 nights of superior accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in Panama City and Soberania National Park, with daily buffet breakfast included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    All transportation is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers and a motorized piragua for river travel.

  • What type of accommodation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes 5 nights of superior accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in Panama City and Soberania National Park, with daily buffet breakfast included.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes daily buffet breakfast and one lunch as per the itinerary.

  • Will there be a guide during the tours?

    Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide are provided during the tours.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?

    Yes, all entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes activities such as visiting the ruins of Old Panama, exploring Casco Antiguo, a partial transit tour of the Panama Canal, hiking in Soberania National Park, and experiencing traditional Embera culture in an indigenous village.

  • Is there any wildlife observation included in the tour?

    Yes, you will have the opportunity to observe local wildlife such as green iguanas, howler monkeys, and various bird species during the tour.

  • What is the experience with the Embera indigenous village like?

    You will travel by motorized piragua through the Chagres River to an Embera village, where you will be welcomed with traditional dancing and music. You will learn about Embera traditions, see their crafts, and have the chance to be painted with traditional jagua dye.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?

    Yes, items of personal nature, tips and gratuities, visa fees if applicable, departure airport taxes (40 USD per person for Panama), and entrance to the Rainforest Discovery Center are not included.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.

  • If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?

    You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.

  • Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?

    In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.

Reviews of this operator

Joyce Elyse Baumbach  

The tour organized by Indus Travels ...

16-Dec-2022

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Indus Travel Reviews
Sirjirick Gibson (Google Reviewer)  

This is my fourth Indus...

20-Aug-2024

This is my fourth Indus trip coming up. I love the way the app works. I love the way the trips are organized and small groupings. I love the accommodations. I love the transportation it’s just top-notch service for individual traveler. I just completed my fourth trip with This and I have already signed up for my up-and-coming fifth trip with Indus travel. Once again, I have to say the service of this is absolutely top-notch service. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to travel and style and comfort. The organization of this is top-notch service from start to finish.. I have to say this sales management and associate team is absolutely amazing which basically allows me to continuously book my trips through end this. My travel life is to travel to as many countries as possible, and it will all be done through excellent job. I would like to give a special thanks to Rachel P. And Ravi., I have been involved with Rachel for the past five years and I will continue to travel within due to the fact that she makes this such a pleasant experience. Great job to her..

Neeraj Nauhwaar (Google Reviewer)  

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with...

07-Dec-2023

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with them visiting Cairo and a 03 Nights Cruise from Luxor to Aswan in May. All services were perfect since the time we arrived at the airport, we were met by a hospitable Indus Representative who helped us with the purchase of local SIM and currency exchange. He was always there in time to assist for transfers. The Amwaj Cruise which we took from Luxor to Aswan was a Gem. We had great guides and all sightseeing worked like a clockwork. We enjoyed visiting Karnak Temples, Temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and the boat ride to see Phillae Temple. Evening entertainment on cruise were great and engaging. In Cairo and Aswan, we had ample leisure time to explore on own, the Pyramids were impressive and visiting Khan e Khalili was fun. Overall and impressive and enjoyable tour, Thanks to Indus Travels!

Dhruv R (Google Reviewer)  

Recently went on a Rhine...

09-Jun-2023

Recently went on a Rhine River Cruise, a first for me. I must say the experience was exceptional, their tagline says. The group I was with were some of the most fun and interesting set of people I've ever traveled with. The ground transportation arrangements were top notch and comfortable. Variety in menu that we were provided with in the cruise was astounding. I was a bit worried if they'd have much options for me as I'm a vegetarian. But they not only had options, the taste was something I'd savor for foreseeable future. There's a reason Rhine cruises are popular owing to it's serene and picturesque route. Guided tours were very informative and gave us a bit of an insight of German culture. We had good amount of time to explore the towns on our own too. Strasbourg and Cochem were my favorite stops. Luckily the weather worked in our favour and it didn't rain the way it was predicted originally. No one from our group wanted the tour to end. If this trip was any indication, I can't wait to book my next trip with Indus Travels.

Dennis V (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I travelled...

02-Jul-2024

My wife and I travelled with Indus on the essentials Portugal Spain Switzerland and Italy tour last October and had the time of our lives. The tour was very well planned we visited a lot of the highlights the countries had to offer. The tour went very smoothly with knowledgeable guides and courteous drivers. We would highly recommend travelling with Indus.

Gloria Parra (Google Reviewer)  

Indus Travel runs a highly...

04-Mar-2024

Indus Travel runs a highly professional organization. From customer service to brochures, bookings, tour guides, etc. and the consideration for their customers is superb. This was the first time I had travelled with Indus Travels. We took the Taste of Portugal Tour. Group numbers are small, accommodation comfortable and food excellent. The expert guide who accompanied us was outstanding - passionate, informative, engaging, and entertaining. This company is obviously at the heart of the itinerary planning, and attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting a fun, relaxed, educational vacation with fine food - they will deliver! We will never forget this trip and we are already planning for another one to Wonders of Italy, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.

Olivia  

Best of Italy

16-Nov-2022

Indus Travels did an excellent job planning the trip to Italy. We were on Best of Italy in Oct 2022. The tour was 5 stars all the way. The hotel accommodations were comfortable and clean & guides were top-notch.

Indus Travel Reviews
DJWalter Capote (Google Reviewer)  

We were looking for a...

07-Oct-2023

We were looking for a customized, small group tour. We took a chance on Indus without knowing much about the company. We just returned from our trip to Greece and are more than highly please and satisfied with our experience. They planned an amazing itinerary, booked amazing hotels, hired knowledgeable tour guides and arranged high quality transportation services. Everyone went above and beyond to please us. We are already planning a trip for next year (2024) and will definitely use Indus to do so.

Carole Pollack (Google Reviewer)  

Glimpse of Egypt Quick paced tour...

11-Jul-2023

Glimpse of Egypt Quick paced tour taken after Egypt opened back up to tourists, particularly Americans. Went in November and weather was beautiful. Decent hotels and overnight Nile cruise. You will see a lot on this tour and be aware there are some early wake ups. Lots of walking but doable if you're in decent shape. Overall a fun tour with all the sites you have only seen in books!

Erik Folke (Google Reviewer)  

Indus has some very good...

24-May-2024

Indus has some very good tour itineraries at very competitive prices. I called with several specific questions about land only vs. air included, and they were immediately responsive, and within hours had the website description updated to assist anyone else who might have the same questions. I called again with specific questions about insurance, and the first person to answer the phone was completely knowledgeable based on past experience and gave me good advice. Four stars vs. five only because I just made the booking yesterday, and withhold one pending how this whole trip turns out two months from now.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024
$1627

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024
$1627

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 24, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Nov 07, 2024 - Nov 12, 2024
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Nov 14, 2024 - Nov 19, 2024
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Nov 21, 2024 - Nov 26, 2024
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Jan 16, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Jan 23, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Feb 06, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Feb 13, 2025 - Feb 18, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Feb 20, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Mar 13, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025
$1679

Thursday - Tuesday

Apr 24, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$1679

Thursday - Tuesday

May 08, 2025 - May 13, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

May 15, 2025 - May 20, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

May 22, 2025 - May 27, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

May 29, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 25, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$1732

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$1679

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
$1679

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025
$1784

Thursday - Tuesday

Nov 20, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025
$1784

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours