Day 1 – Sunday, February 18 Panama City, Panama – Tour Begins
Experience a land of contrasts. Remote rainforests, rich history, diverse wildlife and spectacular coastlines abound in Panama. Tonight we begin our program as we join together for our Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation. Then enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)
Day 2 – Monday, February 19 Panama City
This morning, experience a walking tour of the city including Casco Viejo, the Old Quarter of Panama City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can observe the various architectural styles that demonstrate the rich cultural heritage of the area. Visit the main square, Plaza de La Independencia; browse the vendors at the lovely Esteban Huertas Promenade and view the beautiful Panama Canal Museum. Casco Viejo is rich with history and our guide will walk us through this old city’s many restored buildings. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at leisure. (B)
Day 3 – Tuesday, February 20 Panama City – Portobelo – Gamboa
View two oceans in one day! Leave Panama City, located on the Pacific Ocean and travel to Portobelo where you can dive into the Caribbean Sea on a snorkeling trip and boat ride. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Portobelo, a sleepy town full of colonial history where you will feel transported in time. Here you will find five colonial fortresses where canons still point to the bay. Next, head to the small town of Gamboa located on the Charges River and near the Panama Canal. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Wednesday, February 21 Gamboa – Embera Village – Gamboa
Board dugout canoes and set off on an excursion up the Chagres River to an Emberá indigenous village. As the “Keepers of the Rainforest,” the Emberá people strive to preserve their heritage and take pride in sharing their traditional techniques of home building and handicrafts such as basket weaving and tagua nut carving. Join in their dances and partake in a traditional lunch. This afternoon we search for monkeys. On our tour, we’ll take a boat tour through a portion of the Gatun Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, created to form a major part of the Panama Canal*, into secret waterways to find hidden islands with Capuchin and howler monkeys jumping on the trees above. Tonight is free to relax and take in nature at our resort in the rainforest. (B, L) *Note – we will not be locking through the Panama Canal.
Day 5 – Thursday, February 22 Gamboa – Panama City – Anton Valley
We’ll start our morning with an Aerial Tram Tour ascending some 280 feet from the colorful forest floor. Then, arrive at Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to view the Panama Canal and learn about its past, present and future as you watch ships traverse the lock system. After lunch, drive a short distance on the famed Pan-American Highway before heading to Anton Valley, a community nestled inside the world’s second largest volcanic crater. Afterwards, check into our hotel at the base of the mountains that make up the crater. Tonight, live like a local and enjoy a home hosted meal. (B, L, D)
Day 6 – Friday, February 23 Anton Valley – Playa Bonita
Today we delve into history and biodiversity. This morning, visit a frog conservation center that protects critically endangered species, including the emblematic Panamanian Golden Frog, said to bring good luck to anyone who sees it. Then we explore a nonprofit orchid nursery which dedicates itself to conserving regional orchids. We follow that with a visit to the Butterfly Haven exhibit; stroll through the screened tropical displays that are home to over 250 live butterflies. Meet the locals at the handicraft market. Try your hand at negotiations (a local pastime) as you peruse items made by indigenous peoples, including the “mola” embroidery of the Kuna Yala. This afternoon, visit El Chorro Macho Waterfall. Embark on a moderate hike along the rainforest trails, crossing several bridges before arriving at the impressive waterfall. You can even take a swim in the natural pool. Our journey continues to Playa Bonita, just outside of Panama City. This evening, join together with our Amazing Journeys community as we welcome Shabbat together. After, we’ll join together for a Shabbat dinner. (B, D)
Day 7 – Saturday, February 24 Playa Bonita
Today is all yours to soak up the sun and ocean views from our beachfront property. After enjoying some fun and relaxation at our beautiful resort, we will gather together for our Amazing Journeys Farewell, followed by a group dinner. (B, D)
Day 8 – Sunday, February 25 Playa Bonita – Tour Ends
Our tour comes to a close today, leaving you with wonderful memories of your amazing journey to Panama. (B)
Your Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1, 2 Hotel Intercontinental Miramar, Panama City
Day 3, 4 Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Gamboa
Day 5 Los Mandarinos, Anton Valley
Day 6, 7 Westin Playa Bonita, Playa Bonita
Please Note:
1) Hotels listed above may change without notice.
2) The order of the tour may be changed
3) The highest elevation on this trip is 3888 feet
Rates
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A deposit of $575 is due with your reservation. Full payment is due December 1, 2017.
Rates are subject to change based on availability.
These rates are based on an all-inclusive, custom-designed package that differs from offerings seen in public advertising. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.
Roommate matching is available.
Pre-Tour Stay: For those who want to arrive prior to the start of the tour, we have a limited number of rooms held at our group hotel. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present nor will there be programming on these days.
We are not able to match roommates for extra night stays.
Panama City – Hotel Intercontinental Miramar (February 17)
Double – $100 per person
Single – $200
Rates include taxes and breakfast daily
All rooms where we provide roommate matches are non-smoking. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until November 14, 2017, there is a $75 penalty for cancellation. From November 15 – December 4, 2017, the cancellation penalty is $575. From December 5, 2017 – January 31, 2018 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total package price. From February 1, 2018 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase Travel Protection. Information will be sent with your trip confirmation.
Passport and Visa Requirements: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. Two blank passport pages must be available in your passport. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Panama for those from the US, Canada or UK. If you are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassy of Panama to see if a visa is necessary.
Taxes and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges and government fees are based on August 2017 rates and are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour. Tips for the local drive, guide, specialty guides, luggage porters and included meals are included in the cost of the tour.
Flights and Transfers: Airfare is not included with the tour cost. Transfers are not included at the start and the end of the tour. We recommend using a taxi to the hotel / airport for transportation. More details will be provided with the travel details provided several weeks prior to your departure. It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter which will contain specific flight parameters.
This tour is operated by Collette
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