Independent Panama with the Pacific Coast

Arrive in beautiful, colorful, and vibrant Panama City. Built in 1519 by Pedro Arias de Avila, a Spanish conquistador who made it his base for plundering Peru’s riches, Panama today remains one of the central hubs for commerce and trade in the Americas. Panama offers diverse natural wonders, a melting pot of cultures, and historical, as well as modern cityscapes.

After breakfast, your private city tour visits Casco Antiguo, the colonial area and oldest sector of modern Panama City, founded in 1673 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic district was built as a protected walled city after Panama City was burned down in a pirate attack in 1671. Here, see the restored colonial buildings, churches, and historical monuments. Next, visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal to witness this engineering genius in operation. During your guided tour, learn about the history of the canal and its construction, and observe transiting vessels navigating the locks from just a few feet away. (B)

Today, a special treat is in store when you board a vessel for a Panama Canal partial transit. Your boat will enter the canal at the Culebra Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal and where the canal was carved through the Continental Divide. Enter the Pedro Miguel Locks, where your vessel will be lowered approximately 30 feet into Miraflores Lake. Continue to the Miraflores Locks to be lowered almost 60 feet to the Pacific Ocean. Later, disembark your ship and head to Gamboa Rainforest Resort within Soberania National Park. Please note: The day of operation for the Panama Canal transit may vary based on seasonality, weather conditions, and availability. When the transit is not available as scheduled on day 3, it will be confirmed on an alternate day. (B,L)

Enjoy a free day to take advantage of the resort’s many activities. (B) INSIDER PICKS Take your experience higher with an aerial tram tour above the canopy, go fishing, birding, or visit the sloth sanctuary. Alternatively, simply relax by the pool or at the spa.