WONDERFUL PANAMA CITY & THE PANAMA CANAL - COPA AIRLINES STOPOVER
Copa Airlines Stopover - Wonderful Panama City and the Panama Canal
DAY 1 - Arrival to Panama City
On arrival to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, you will be met by your Ancon Expeditions of Panama driver outside Customs and transferred for approximately 30 minutes to your hotel in the modern banking district of Panama City.
Night at DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
DAY 2 - Full Day Panama City & the Panama Canal
This morning you start your city tour at the Panama Canal where you will visit the Panama Canal Visitors’ Center at Miraflores Locks where ships can be seen transiting the waterway. The 3 floor exhibit halls will provide information about the history, engineering and current events related to the Panama Canal.
Then drive through the former Panama Canal Zone managed by the United States from 1903 to 1999. Old military bases have been turned into residential neighborhoods, universities and one of the most important commerce hubs in the region combining airports, container ports and cargo railways that provide support to the Panama Canal operation.
Your next stop is the Biodiversity Museum, designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. As a Smithsonian
Affiliate museum, the Biodiversity Museum serves as a gateway to new information about the biodiversity and natural history of the Isthmus of Panama. Scientific experts from both the Smithsonian Institute and the University of Panama oversee the contents of the museum and aim at teaching visitors about eco-awareness, conservation and Panama’s extraordinary natural treasures in various unique exhibition galleries. Did you know that the Isthmus of Panama has more bird, mammal, reptile and plant species than the US and Canada together in just 75,990 Km2 (approx. 29,000 square miles)? In fact, 3 million years ago, the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama changed both the climate and the biodiversity in the planet and played a key role in the creation of the world we know today.
Continue to Casco Antiguo. In 1673, after the devastating pirate attack, Panama City was moved some 7.5 km west of its original location, to a small peninsula at the foot of Ancon hill, closer to the islands that were used as the port and near the mouth of a river that eventually became the entrance of the Panama Canal. The relocated town, known today as Casco Antiguo or the Historic District of Panama, not only had better access to fresh water but could be fortified. The military engineers, moreover, took advantage of the morphological conditions that complemented the wall surrounding the peninsula, all of which prevented direct naval approaches by an enemy. Several buildings within the District are identified as important for the country’s 17th-20th century heritage. Most outstanding are the churches, above all the metropolitan cathedral with its five aisles and timber roof; San Felipe Neri, San José, San Francisco and especially La Merced with its well-preserved colonial timber roof. The Presidential Palace originally built in the late 17th century and partially reconstructed in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, is a revealing example of the transformations that characterize the Historic District as a whole. The House of the Municipality, the National Theatre, the Ministry of Government and Justice and the Municipal Palace are outstanding buildings of a more recent period. Casco Antiguo is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch will take place at a local restaurant.
Drop off at your hotel by mid-afternoon.
Night at DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
(BL)
DAY 3 - Jungle Boat tour on Gatun Lake
Early in the morning you are picked up at the lobby of your hotel by an Ancon Expeditions of Panama Naturalist Guide for a 45-minute drive to the town of Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal. Here you board an expedition boat and depart on an adventure that will include a voyage across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal passing by gigantic cargo ships transiting the waterway, making contrast with the natural surroundings.
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to spot Green Iguana and Three-toed Sloth resting on tree branches, Crocodile, Osprey in the hunt for Peacock
Bass, Snail Kite and Keel-billed Toucan among other wildlife. Gatun Lake was formed to give way to the Panama Canal in 1914. With a surface of 423 square-kilometers, at the time of its creation was the largest man-made lake in the world. The flow of all the rivers within the Panama Canal Watershed is contained in Gatun Lake to provide water for the operation of the lock system. More than 52 million gallons of fresh water are used for every ship that transits through the Panama Canal from one ocean to another.
Your expedition boat will allow for close approximations to rainforest covered islands (former hill tops) in Gatun Lake to search for White-faced Capuchin, Mantled Howler Monkey, Central American spider monkey, and Geoffrey’s Tamarin.
After enjoying some snacks on the boat observing the large cargo ships in the background transiting the Panama Canal, return back to your hotel early afternoon.
Night at DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
(B, snacks)
DAY 4 - Depart Panama
This morning you will be picked up at your hotel lobby for a private transfer to Tocumen Airport approximately 3 hours prior to your flight departure. Return back home with loads of memories about Panama!
B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner) – meals included
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Panama City and its friendly staff member is waiting to greet you upon arrival with a freshly baked, chocolate chip cookie. The central location of this Panama City hotel makes it ideal for business travelers and leisure travelers who would like to explore the metropolitan area. Enjoy the fine Central American dining and excellent shopping centers situated within walking distance or by subway which is just a block from the hotel.
Each spacious guest room at our Panama City hotel features WiFi access (fees apply), 37-inch TV, mini-bar, and premium plush-top bed with five jumbo hypo-allergenic pillows.
Relax in the rooftop pool and whirlpool or exercise in the fully equipped gym.
The hotel counts with a complimentary baggage storage and (optional) laundry service.
City Café Restaurant serves freshly prepared regional cuisine and international favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Start your day right with our extensive DoubleTree Breakfast buffet. End it with cocktails in sophisticated surroundings at the Bar.
Address: Via Espana &, Avenida Federico Boyd, Panamá, Panama
Phone: +507 395-9100
Check in: 15:00 hrs
Check out: 12:00 hrs
4 days / 3 nights
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Enjoy the highlights of Panama City and the Panama Canal. Learn about the history of Panama City, visit the engineering marvel at the Panama Canal's visitor center at Miraflores Locks. Navigate through the Panama Canal waters on Gatun Lake on a small expedition boat to observe the wildlife and birds.
PRICE
Best available rate based (minimum 2 persons):
Price per person in double occupancy basis: US$540.00 + 7% tax
Single occupancy supplement fee: US$135.00 + 7% tax
INCLUDED 3 nights hotel accommodation, roundtrip airport transfers (Tocumen), transportation and meals (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch) as indicated in itinerary, park & related entrance fees, Naturalist guide fees & expenses.
NOT INCLUDED International airfare, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, gratuities and tips, extras at hotel.
DISCLAIMER Price and itinerary are correct at the time of publishing, however they are subject to change due to climate or local conditions, availability or factors beyond our control.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - Arrival to Panama City
On arrival to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, you will be met by your Ancon Expeditions of Panama driver outside Customs and transferred for approximately 30 minutes to your hotel in the modern banking district of Panama City.
Night at DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
DAY 2 - Full Day Panama City & the Panama Canal
This morning you start your city tour at the Panama Canal where you will visit the Panama Canal Visitors’ Center at Miraflores Locks where ships can be seen transiting the waterway. The 3 floor exhibit halls will provide information about the history, engineering and current events related to the Panama Canal. Then drive through the former Panama Canal Zone managed by the United States from 1903 to 1999. Old military bases have been turned into residential neighborhoods, universities and one of the most important commerce hubs in the region combining airports, container ports and cargo railways that provide support to the Panama Canal operation.
Your next stop is the Biodiversity Museum, designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. As a Smithsonian
Affiliate museum, the Biodiversity Museum serves as a gateway to new information about the biodiversity and natural history of the Isthmus of Panama. Scientific experts from both the Smithsonian Institute and the University of Panama oversee the contents of the museum and aim at teaching visitors about eco-awareness, conservation and Panama’s extraordinary natural treasures in various unique exhibition galleries. Did you know that the Isthmus of Panama has more bird, mammal, reptile and plant species than the US and Canada together in just 75,990 Km2 (approx. 29,000 square miles)? In fact, 3 million years ago, the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama changed both the climate and the biodiversity in the planet and played a key role in the creation of the world we know today. Continue to Casco Antiguo. In 1673, after the devastating pirate attack, Panama City was moved some 7.5 km west of its original location, to a small peninsula at the foot of Ancon hill, closer to the islands that were used as the port and near the mouth of a river that eventually became the entrance of the Panama Canal. The relocated town, known today as Casco Antiguo or the Historic District of Panama, not only had better access to fresh water but could be fortified. The military engineers, moreover, took advantage of the morphological conditions that complemented the wall surrounding the peninsula, all of which prevented direct naval approaches by an enemy. Several buildings within the District are identified as important for the country’s 17th-20th century heritage. Most outstanding are the churches, above all the metropolitan cathedral with its five aisles and timber roof; San Felipe Neri, San José, San Francisco and especially La Merced with its well-preserved colonial timber roof. The Presidential Palace originally built in the late 17th century and partially reconstructed in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, is a revealing example of the transformations that characterize the Historic District as a whole. The House of the Municipality, the National Theatre, the Ministry of Government and Justice and the Municipal Palace are outstanding buildings of a more recent period. Casco Antiguo is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch will take place at a local restaurant. Drop off at your hotel by mid-afternoon.
Night at DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
(BL)
DAY 3 - Jungle Boat tour on Gatun Lake
Early in the morning you are picked up at the lobby of your hotel by an Ancon Expeditions of Panama Naturalist Guide for a 45-minute drive to the town of Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal. Here you board an expedition boat and depart on an adventure that will include a voyage across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal passing by gigantic cargo ships transiting the waterway, making contrast with the natural surroundings. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to spot Green Iguana and Three-toed Sloth resting on tree branches, Crocodile, Osprey in the hunt for Peacock
Bass, Snail Kite and Keel-billed Toucan among other wildlife. Gatun Lake was formed to give way to the Panama Canal in 1914. With a surface of 423 square-kilometers, at the time of its creation was the largest man-made lake in the world. The flow of all the rivers within the Panama Canal Watershed is contained in Gatun Lake to provide water for the operation of the lock system. More than 52 million gallons of fresh water are used for every ship that transits through the Panama Canal from one ocean to another. Your expedition boat will allow for close approximations to rainforest covered islands (former hill tops) in Gatun Lake to search for White-faced Capuchin, Mantled Howler Monkey, Central American spider monkey, and Geoffrey’s Tamarin.
After enjoying some snacks on the boat observing the large cargo ships in the background transiting the Panama Canal, return back to your hotel early afternoon.
Night at DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
(B, snacks)
DAY 4 - Depart Panama
This morning you will be picked up at your hotel lobby for a private transfer to Tocumen Airport approximately 3 hours prior to your flight departure. Return back home with loads of memories about Panama!
B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner) – meals included
DETAILS
DEPARTURE DATES
Upon request available on any dates for 2+ persons (subject to availability)
WHAT TO BRING
- Binoculars
- Camera with extra batteries & film
- Flashlight with extra bulb & batteries
- Hat
- Day pack / dry sack
- Sandals
- Sneakers
- Water bottle
- Lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes
- Windbreaker
- Rain gear
- Bathing suit
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Money in small denominations
- Toiletries & personal medications
TIPPING
Ancon Expeditions is Panama’s top eco-tourism operator. Our Natural & Cultural History Guides are the country's finest. Due to frequently asked questions from our clients about suggested guide & staff gratuities, we would like to provide you with the following universal tipping guidelines:
- Naturalist guide: US$10.00-US$20.00 per person/day
- Transfer driver: US$2.00 per person
- Tour driver: US$5.00 per person/day
- Tour boat driver: US$5.00 per person/day
- Hotel bellman: US$1.00 per person per suitcase
- International airport bellmen (red caps): US$1.00 per piece of suitcase
HOTEL
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Panama City and its friendly staff member is waiting to greet you upon arrival with a freshly baked, chocolate chip cookie. The central location of this Panama City hotel makes it ideal for business travelers and leisure travelers who would like to explore the metropolitan area. Enjoy the fine Central American dining and excellent shopping centers situated within walking distance or by subway which is just a block from the hotel.
Each spacious guest room at our Panama City hotel features WiFi access (fees apply), 37-inch TV, mini-bar, and premium plush-top bed with five jumbo hypo-allergenic pillows.
Relax in the rooftop pool and whirlpool or exercise in the fully equipped gym.
The hotel counts with a complimentary baggage storage and (optional) laundry service.
City Café Restaurant serves freshly prepared regional cuisine and international favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Start your day right with our extensive DoubleTree Breakfast buffet. End it with cocktails in sophisticated surroundings at the Bar.
Address: Via Espana &, Avenida Federico Boyd, Panamá, Panama
Phone: +507 395-9100
Check in: 15:00 hrs
Check out: 12:00 hrs
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