8 Days
March 21, 2025
From: $4,599*
per person
AAA invites you to discover Panama in a unique small-group luxury adventure.
Sail on Gatun Lake and experience the locks transit. Marvel at the process of huge ships and freighters passing through the locks. Learn about America’s involvement with the Canal, from its construction to the vital role our military played in its protection. Immerse yourself in the history and culture, visiting two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Venture by dugout canoe to visit an Embera village learning the ways of one of Panama’s most unique indigenous groups. Enjoy the rainforest with its flora and fauna and catch a glimpse of native animal species such as tropical birds, frogs, and monkeys. Relax in your luxurious accommodations. An optional 4-day post-tour extension to Cartagena, Columbia is available.
*Rates are per person, land only, based on double occupancy. A $700 per person non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking. Final payment is due by November 18, 2024. When trip is guaranteed, ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. Travel Insurance Recommended. Rates, terms, conditions, and itinerary are subject to change without notice. Rates do not include airfare, air taxes. AAA member benefits are valid for passengers who book through AAA travel only. Benefits listed may be substituted/eliminated based on passenger participation. Benefits have no cash value. Other restrictions may apply. Passports are required for US Citizens and must be valid 6 months beyond return date of tour. Contact your AAA Travel Advisor for full details. The Auto Club Group is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the printing of this document. This tour requires average physical activity. Participants should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground.
DAILY ITINERARY:
Upon arrival you will have a group transfer to the hotel. Since its opening in 1874, this historic hotel has hosted many luminaries – from the French builders in the 1880’s to Theodore Roosevelt who oversaw the realization of its construction in the early 1900’s. Remainder of day is at your leisure.
Central Hotel Panama – 2 nights
A full day of guided exploration begins at the Miraflores Locks where you can marvel at the site of ships and freighters entering the Panama Canal, followed by a talk about the dramatic history of the Canal.
Then visit Memorial Hill, the only American cemetery in Latin America, and tour the historic Canal Administration Building; with impressive murals that tell the story of the Canal’s construction. Explore the Biodiversity Museum, learning about Panama’s role as a land bridge.
This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. (B, L, D)
Take a partial transit cruise on the Panama Canal setting sail towards the entrance of the Panama Canal to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s skyline before passing under the Bridge of the Americas. Experience how the locks work.
Transfer to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve with its river view rooms with a private balcony and hammock. (B, L)
Gamboa Rainforest Reserves Hotel – 3 nights
Join our expert naturalist for a guided boat excursion on Gatun Lake. Venturing close to many lush and uninhabited islands, you’ll learn about this unique eco-system; and may see some of the region’s indigenous species including exotic tropical birds, crocodiles, caimans, sloths, and families of capuchin, howler and white-face monkeys.
Back at Gamboa, you’ll visit the resort’s ecological exhibits with native orchids, colorful butterflies, and rare frogs. At the Sloth Sanctuary, you’ll learn about the work being done to protect this amazing reature. Evening at your leisure. (B)
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to the Gatun River where Emberá villagers will meet you with their dugout canoes in traditional garb, transporting you silently through the water, past natural fauna and native creatures. You will learn about their cultural traditions, food and language including their shamanic rites, dance, and music. (B, L, D)
Explore San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its history and the ruins of Colonial-era fortifications. Built in 1598, the fort was under constant attack by the pirates Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan.
Visit the Panama Canal Expansion Center where you’ll view the recently expanded Canal. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B, L)
The Westin Playa Bonita Hotel – 2 nights
Tour Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the colorful colonial architecture, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Interoceanic Canal Museum. Casco Viejo is a lively hub of gastronomy and nightlife. Our touring is enhanced with stops for tastings of local coffee, chocolate, and rum.
Tour through the archaeological ruins at Panama Viejo, the earliest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Farewell
Dinner. (B, L, D)
After breakfast, you’ll have a group transfer to the airport. (B)
AAA EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Full Day Panama City Tour
- Panama Canal Partial Transit
- Gatun Lake Expedition
- Meet the locals at Embera Village
- San Lorenzo Ruins
- Panama Viejo UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 2 nights Central Hotel Panama
- 3 nights Gamboa Rainforest Reserve Hotel
- 2 nights Westin Playa Bonita Hotel
- Services of a Local Guide
- Services of a AAA Tour Manager
- 13 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 3 dinners
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