Experience a unique piece of Costa Rican rural heritage just about an hour from Quepos on a scenic country drive by van. This guided nature, conservation, and cultural expedition takes you along the lush, jungle-shrouded slopes of the nearby Fila Chonta Mountains to the farm village of Santa Juana. You will enjoy exploring along the 1.5-mile user-friendly nature trail as your guide will share knowledge of this pristine sanctuary of flora and fauna where both the Rodeo and Paquita Rivers are born. You will continue to where you can swim beneath the pristine waterfalls that feed the Rodeo River.  You will have free time to fish for tilapia or explore the tropical gardens and waterfalls. You will visit the tiny farm village of Santa Juana, overlooking the panoramic coastline of the Pacific Ocean as you enjoy an authentic Campesino (country) lunch in a typical village rancho, co-hosted by members of the local community.   

Please note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible. The road is bumpy and winding and there are stairs involved. This tour includes a light breakfast and a buffet lunch.  There is an option for swimming so wear your bathing suit under your clothes. 

Travel through the beautiful countryside to Esquipulas Rainforest, a lovely private nature reserve located 50 minutes away from Quepos. The property is refreshed with crystal-water creeks, and surrounded by giant trees that you can only find in tropical jungles, a land with an amazing number of species of birds and butterflies. Your naturalist guide will lead you through the trails of the rainforest, sharing the guide’s vast knowledge of this fragile ecosystem. Enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful place, while you walk on easy trails. Search with your binoculars and discover between branches and leaves the secrets of the wildlife in this amazing forest. Be ready with your senses to hear the songs of the different species of birds and even see them! Be on the lookout for toucans, hummingbirds, and animals like monkeys and other small mammals. After this unforgettable encounter with nature, learn more about Costa Rica followed by an introduction to one of the most important crops in the local economy, coffee. You will observe the process of roasting it and partake in a tasting session. To get the best of your day in Quepos enjoy a hearty traditional Costa Rican casado lunch.

Please note: Bring suntan lotion, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, hat/ visor, and bug spray. Wear light clothing, long pants, and hiking shoes.

Please note: Bring suntan lotion, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, a hat/visor, and insect repellent. Wear light clothing, long pants and hiking shoes. Part of the fun of this experience is the interaction with a colorful local nature guide. As an example, the following in an abbreviated biography of one of our participating guides. Rudy Guzman has always had a passion for nature from his days as a boy scout. For over 40 years he has been a licenses nature tour guide traveling through many Costa Rican environments. With the help of 3 brothers, Norberto , Carlos and Cristian Bonilla, they created The  Esquipulas Rainforest Project to introduce visitors  to Costa Rican natural history and share great tasting coffee.

This tour will start when you board a coaster bus for a ride through downtown Quepos. Along the way your local guide will explain the history and culture of Costa Rica and show you the area built-up by the United Fruit Company within the “American Zone”. Your various stops in town include the Quepos Church, the local Fish Market and an African Palm Plantation, where you will learn about the importance of this plant in the Quepos area. Your next stop will be Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, an institution that was founded in 1999 for the purpose of educating people around the world about the ecological importance of the rainforest and to set-up programs to preserve the rainforest and its wildlife. Your visit will include a guided walk through the Wildlife Sanctuary where you will learn about the rescued animal program and see a few of the rescued animals. After your guided tour enjoy delicious Costa Rican fruits and free time to visit the Kids Saving the Rainforest souvenir shop before you make your way back to the Quepos pier and your waiting yacht. 

Please note:  The wildlife sanctuary is easy to navigate but due to a few steps and uneven terrain this will be difficult for guests using a wheelchair. 

A boat ride through the mangroves is like visiting another world.  The species of trees that grow in the mixed waters of the ocean and the river make a unique and very fragile ecosystem.  Most of these trees grow along the estuary, developing an aerial root system. As the tide goes down the roots become suspended in the air creating a perfect home for crabs and caimans. In the upper part of the forest you will see monkeys and a great variety of birds including herons, egrets, and spoonbills. The launch will take you to a private property for refreshments as your naturalist tour guide gives you more information about this amazing ecosystem. Your shaded boat will then take you deep into the mangroves, where you will try to spot all the incredible wildlife making their home there.  After a 2- hour boat ride you will arrive at the village where transportation will be waiting to drive you back to the ship.  An optional drop off in Quepos is also available, where you will find several restaurants and shops.

Please note: Wear light clothing, good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.  

This is an excursion for adrenaline lovers. You will be picked up at La Marina and go to the property where you will start your horseback riding tour. During the 30-minute drive to Londres - where the tour starts - your guide will give you an interesting briefing about the history of Quepos. Once you reach Londres you will set foot on a picturesque property that has bathrooms, stables, a corral and an open air waiting area. You will receive riding instructions, safety tips and practice time, before heading out to explore the rainforest. This tour will allow you to uncover the exotic secrets that lie within this secondary rainforest. The maximum altitude of this area is 1,900 feet. You will ride through the mountains without reaching the mountain top. Your horse ride lasts about 2.5 hours (round trip) and it will be highlighted by amazing valley views, verdant vegetation and numerous wildlife species such as birds and reptiles. At the end of the trail there is a beautiful waterfall where you will be able to rest for about 30 minutes. You can lie on the grass or take a swim or both! After the break, you will return by the same trail. Back to the stables; enjoy a refreshing beer and Costa Rican-style BBQ, just as a real cowboy would do! 

Please note:  Children riding alone must be at least 6 years old. Maximum weight for riders is 222 pounds.  Bring suntan lotion, sunglasses, a camera, a hat/ visor, insect repellent and bathing suit. Wear long pants and comfortable hiking shoes. Signed waiver is required. 

You will depart from Quepos on a 1-1/2 hour transfer by air-conditioned motor coach to the rural town of El Silencio passing by palm, teak, and melina plantations. After a short stop where you can often spot toucans and macaws, you will continue toward the town of Santo Domingo, where a group of qualified bilingual guides are waiting for you to start this 2-hour class I & II amazing river float. They will give you an orientation on the river and its natural environment, considered one of the cleanest rivers of Central America.  The scenery and wildlife along the Rio Savegre will give you an opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes, including some native African oil palm plantations, white ibis, cormorants, egrets, lizards,and herons.

Please note:  Wear light clothing, water shoes or rubber soled shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.  Bring a change of clothing and a towel as you will get wet.  Protection for your camera highly recommended.  Guests may be asked to paddle.  No alcohol will be allowed on this tour.  Guest must read, fill out and sign a waiver prior to departure of this tour. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. 

Costa Rica occupies a privileged spot in the heart of the Americas. While its territory of 19,652 square miles touches both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the country is surprisingly accessible - one can travel from coast to coast in just 4 hours by car and a large number of visitors come to Costa Rica to enjoy surfing because it offers different type of waves for beginners or for experts and most importantly because the ocean temperature is always warm and tropical. You will be picked up at the marina for the 30-minute ride to Manuel Antonio Beach.  You will be given a safety speech and a surfboard for 2 hours of surf lessons followed by tropical fruits snacks. You’ll be amazed by the waves in one of the most beautiful and best surfing spots on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica - perfect for beginners.

Please note: Wear your swimsuit. Bring sunblock, waterproof camera, towel, and extra dry clothes. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. 

Imagine yourself soaring high above the jungle floor as you fly through tree tops, amid some of the most beautiful flora and fauna in the Costa Rican rainforest! This canopy tour is an exciting adventure that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You will fly for a mile over the jungle canopy suspended on solid steel cables attached to a personal, high-tech, lightweight harness.  During your journey you'll stop and rest at 16 strategically located platforms and 12 cables where you are most likely see the surrounding wildlife. Many of these platforms are almost 100 feet high, nestled in the trunks and branches of trees that are centuries old. The staff of professionally trained guides will help you look for the abundant wildlife along the way; including Titi monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, poison dart frogs, iguanas, and toucans. The exhilaration of a zip line is unlike anything you have ever experienced.

Please note:  This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or guests who are afraid of heights. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. A waiver must be signed prior to the tour.  An optional drop off in Quepos is available, where you will find several restaurants and shops.

Experience a fun and informative tour of local cuisine, learn where the organic ingredients come from, how dishes are prepared, and how to recreate recipes at home.  Your first stop will be at the local farmers’ market in Quepos, where you will have the opportunity to browse the stands and pick some of the ingredients for your lunch with the guide’s assistance and depending on the menu designed for you. Once in the small town of Londres, at a private ranch and dining area, you will be greeted by the team. They will proceed to guide you through the garden to pick out some finishing flavors, colors and textures for your meal. Now, to the preparation guided by their expert local cooks. Participate in the kitchen and experience the process of making corn tortillas by hand, exotic “ceviches” with plantain, rice cooked the old-fashioned way, chicken in a hearty tomato sauce, “picadillos” and more. Once you sit down for your meal, not only will your appetite be satiated but also your curiosity for Costa Rican local flavors. Let your imagination soar on how to recreate at home with your own seasonal ingredients. There will be leisure time available for you to explore the ranch.

Please note: Wear light comfortable clothing.

Costa Rica enjoys 5% of the world`s biodiversity and one of the major reasons is the large number of avian species, making this country one of the most amazing places for ornithologists and birds lovers. If you want to be part of this spectacle of nature you have to visit Matapalo, located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The 30-minute drive from Puerto Jimenez to Matapalo travels through the mountain and creeks, you will see many different species of birds like toucans, hawks, trogons as well as other small, colorful species that live in the area. You may also find lizards, monkeys, insects and even snakes. 

Please note: Wear comfortable shoes, a hat or visor, sunscreen, insect repellent and bring a rain poncho, swimsuit and towel if you want to swim or get wet in the river. Wet landing is required please wear water shoes. Part of the fun of this experience is the interaction with a colorful local nature guide.  As an example, the following is an abbreviated biography of one of our participating guides, Randall Alberto Ruiz Arce, who has been a nature guide for 27 years. Growing up on the Osa Peninsula, Randall saw how the mining companies devastated the mountains and he decided he wanted to become a protector of the environment. He enjoys teaching about the natural beauty  and ways to protect the natural resources and Randall feels it is a privilege to share his knowledge of ecotourism to be a protector of the flora and fauna.

Experience the interesting cacao manufacturing process by visiting a traditional cacao plantation at Kobo Farm. Board your minivan for the 25-minute drive to this untouched and mystical area, where you will see the cacao forest, the flowers, and fruit. The history and culture of this tropical crop reaches back to the Mayas. You will learn about the origin of the cacao tree, the history, the first contact with Europeans, and the principal disease called monilia. You will take a guided walk where you will see different species of cacao fruit, take a break in this beautiful spot and taste fresh fruit from the "chocolate tree."   You will be shown the various steps of making good chocolate and have the opportunity to taste a wonderful chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and homemade banana bread from the farm in the middle of a tropical garden.

Please note:  Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking over both paved and dirt paths. Bring your hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and sunglasses. This is a wet landing so bring your sandals too. 

Costa Rica’s warm seas are home to one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in the world. The best place to observe these magnificent mammals is in the waters off the Osa Peninsula. You will board your boat and head for a place known by ¨National Geographic to be “the most biologically intense area on earth.” A place where large groups of dolphins swim in clear blue tropical waters putting on an amazing show!  As you cruise around the bay your tour will be enhanced by the informative commentary provided by a trained naturalist guide. You will learn about the biology, behavior and habits of the wildlife you will spot. You will have amazing photo opportunities and if weather permits you will have free time to swim in the serene waters of Punta Encanto (Enchanted Beach).  

Please note: This tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility or back problems as it involves an optional nature walk over a gravel surface and the boat ride might get bumpy.

Go across Golfo Dulce where life goes at a slow pace and through the humid mangroves with the squeaking sounds of the unique scarlet macaws that mingle in this area, the most common birds. Your kayak guides will be waiting with your kayaks and paddles ready for you to begin this fun experience! Paddle up the mangrove estuary with the rising tide until you can go no further and return with the falling tide, dragging your kayak across the sand spit and into the Golfo Dulce to cruise the shoreline, stopping to swim at the best beach.  Pods of bottle-nosed porpoises return daily along this coast on their way to the open Pacific, affording a great chance to view them.  

Please note: This tour is operated at high tide only. A waiver is required and there is a weight restriction of 235 lbs. Wear light clothes, hat or visor, sunscreen, and sun glasses. Wear your bathing suit under your clothes for those who want to swim at the beach and bring a towel.

The rainforest is filled with over 1,000 teak, mahogany, eucalyptus, and many of other trees, plants and fauna. Your hike will approximately and 1 ½ hours in significant to extreme heat and humidity and the level of difficulty is moderate to strenuous.  You will disembark your ship and take tenders to the beach where you will be met by certified bilingual guides. Isla Parida represents one of the world’s few remaining “undiscovered” places. Adventure off the beaten path to explore the wondrous ecology of the island, from beautiful flowers and rare vegetation to iguanas and rare birds. Along the way you’ll enjoy a viewpoint stop to see neighboring islands. 

Step aboard a time machine and travel back more than 600 years; to a Central America only few have had the privilege of experiencing. This will be a journey into the lives of the Emberá Indian Tribe, a proud people, who have been able to maintain their traditions and lifestyle as it was before the Spaniards colonized the region. Start out the expedition aboard an air-conditioned vehicle where a knowledgeable guide will give you an overview of Panama on the way to the jungles of the Central Region. Your host will prepare you for the cultural feast you are about to experience by sharing the history and customs of the Emberá Indians who are the keepers of the Rainforest and Chagres River. When you arrive at the Chagres National Park, you will board dugout canoes that will take you to the Emberá Village. These dugouts are sturdy and worthy craft critical in the conquering of the jungle and in establishing supply lifelines for both Indians and Spanish. After motoring up river, you will see the village emerge from the jungle. Keep your eyes open along the way, as the region offers abundant wildlife particularly active along the river’s edge. In the Village, the Chief will welcome you with traditional Emberá hospitality. A series of dances have been arranged to add to this cultural exchange. Feel free to wander the village, ask questions or interact with these quiet people. Please remember that we are guests in their home and a good measure of common sense and sensitivity towards their privacy is appreciated. The Embera men and woman are spectacular craftsmen who have produced some beautiful items, which will be available for purchase as souvenirs or keepsakes of this unique experience. 

Please note: Boarding and debarking of local canoes requires a minimum of dexterity and flexibility. The landing consists of a rudimentary “put in” that lacks handrails or proper steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing and insect repellent. You will have an Embera snack at the village.

 At Casco Viejo, UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, dating back to the 1670s, enjoy an evening walking “foodie” experience, starting at Bajareque Coffee House where you will learn all about the famous Geisha coffee, produced in the highest area of the country in the steep hills of one of the highest volcanoes in Central America, the Baru Volcano.  You will taste different samples of different coffee processes, and learn about the several tasting notes that each process develops on the fruit. Chocolate is a work of art at Tropical Chocolate, where you will learn about the elaboration process through a live presentation with an expert chocolatier, sample 5 different types of exquisite bombones con chocolate.  Continue through the narrow streets of Casco Viejo to “Pedro Mandinga.” The first craft distillery in Panama, their brand is inspired by Pedro Mandinga, a Panamanian, sociable, charismatic and full of character. Their rums are distilled from scratch from sugar cane cut by hand in a small farm in Chiriqui. The rum tasting will be accompanied by “ceviche” fish cooked in lemon seasoned with salt, onion, cilantro and the famous “aji chombo” to spice it up a little.  After the rum and ceviche tasting you will also sample 2 local Panamanian “picadas”: Pulled Pork Tostones with pickled onions and Sweet Corn Torrejitas (made with fresh cheese) followed by a rum dessert, Pedro Mandinga rum coconut flan. 

Please note:   Rum cocktails and a variety of beverages will be available to purchase.

Start this tour with a tasty walk by the chocolate factory where, through chocolate bars, you will learn about the identity, culture, history and traditions of the country. You will be told about the history and work in the factory, the ingredients of each bar and will be able to taste each type of chocolate and even help to create them. After this visit, you will walk to the Colonial Panama or Old Quarters, and visit “Paseo Esteban Huertas,” Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theater, the Simon Bolivar Plaza and many other touristic attractions of the colonial period. After the walking tour, stop in an exclusive venue that can´t be called a restaurant as you will be able to live a unique experience in there and not just a regular lunch! At this venue you will be part of "The Chef Table:" a culinary experience of a high level and a journey of smells and flavors. It is a unique gastronomic experience in Panama, an experience without printed menu, but very surprising, full of explosive and unexpected flavors, dishes with smell, flavors and history in a unique atmosphere. All products that you will taste are fully local, typical and fresh and your Chef will provide you all the information and story behind each one of the dishes. 

Please note: Wear light clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Bring sunscreen, camera and local currency (US Dollars)

In the midst of the 55,000-acre Soberania National Park, the Aerial Tram allows you to discover the secrets of the upper forest canopy deep within nature.  Board your motor coach for the 45-minute ride to the park.  The Tram will take you from the shadowy forest floor through the understory and into the sun-drenched canopy. Take in a birds-eye-view of a thousand hues of green, interspersed with the fluorescent exclamation points of flowering trees. You’ll even be able to see the Panama Canal from the Observation Platform.  Stop at the frog exhibit and proceed to the butterfly & orchid exhibitions to see and hear creatures in a natural setting. 

Please note:   Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring sunscreen, camera and insect repellent. Maximum weight to participate on this tour is 250 lbs.

This is a nature adventure of sight and sound, combined with the thrill of speeding through the Panama Canal next to the mighty ships transiting this man-made wonder! You will have a 45-minute drive to the speed boat. After an exhilarating 30-minute ride at high speed right through the heart of the Panama Canal, the boat will slow down and enter the labyrinth of jungle-covered islands of Lake Gatun. In this protected area the wildlife is plentiful, and you are likely to encounter capuchin monkeys, 3-toed sloths, howler monkeys, various kinds of toucans and other bird life as well as caimans, crocodiles, turtles and a wealth of butterflies. This is an exceptional place to experience the sights and sounds of the jungle up close.  The trained naturalist guides will ensure that you have an outstanding nature experience by identifying the wildlife as well as educating you about the area on this exceptional jungle and canal adventure.

Please note:  Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. This tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues. Wear light clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Bring sunscreen, camera and insect repellent.

Considered the 8th wonder of the world, the Panama Canal consists of a series of locks. The focus of this tour is designed to showcase the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific and to get an up close look at recent expansion. After boarding your motor coach for the 45-minute drive, you’ll make your way to the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center. In here take the opportunity to pause and view the gargantuan ships that make their way through the Panama Canal Museum and visit the four exhibition halls, organized by themes that constitute the heart of this center. Next, you will head to the nearby IMAX Theater to enjoy an informational, rich canal documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman. A small popcorn is included. After observing this amazing feat, you’ll travel to the New Panama Canal Locks (Agua Clara Visitor Center) where you’ll see the addition of a new traffic lane. This new lane created two new sets of locks, one on the Pacific and one on the Atlantic, which doubles the canal’s capacity and allows longer and wider vessels to transit.  Also included, lunch at Gatun Restaurant, located in the Agua Clara Visitor Center where you can taste the local flavors. At the end of your tour, you’ll return to port.

Please note:   Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring sunscreen, camera and insect repellent.

Your English speaking guide will pick you up and take you on a tour of Panama City and the Miraflores Locks. You will start the tour with a 30-minute drive to Miraflores to see the huge vessels passing through the Panama Canal. You will be able to see many ships getting lifted or lowered as you enjoy the view from a sheltered terrace and listen to the explanations of your guide. You will visit the Museum and Visitor Center at Miraflores which will give you a good lesson on the construction of the Canal – a masterpiece of engineering. You will also learn about the history of the canal and its significance for Panama and the entire world trade as well as on the current expansion project. You will continue with your guide to the Amador Causeway, a road that connects three Islands in the Pacific Ocean and offers magnificent views of the Canal on one side and of the skyline of Panama City on the other side. The tour will continue to Casco Viejo, Panama City’s colonial quarter. At Casco Viejo you will take a trip back in time as you admire the lovely colonial houses, the narrow roads and the impressive churches. You will get a good idea about Panama’s history by driving or walking through the main attractions of this quarter. 

Please note:   Wear comfortable shoes, bring your camera, sunscreen, and water. Vessel transit viewing at Miraflores Locks is likely but not guaranteed as transit times are variable and not made public. The order of sites visited may vary. 

Begin your journey into Panama’s Pre-Colombian history on this unique excursion.   You will board your motor coach for a 30-minute drive to the oldest city in Panama, a place that has become known as Panama Viejo, or "Old Panama," a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   On your 60-minute walking tour you can relax and take in the sights and sounds at this archaeological site and historic location while walking through different monuments. Your guide will tell the history behind the structures and lead you to the Old Panama Visitor's Center.  You will board your coach and drive to the Panama Reprosa Museum & Factory, where Panama's ancient civilizations, cultural traditions, and natural treasures come to life in gold and silver. See how the Pre-Hispanic masterpieces are made by the same method as the ancient goldsmiths. Following a video presentation, walk a catwalk to a casting demonstration and try your hand at the sand blasting process, a highly recommended experience! Next, return to modern panama for a lunch of tapas, or “boquitas,” at a local hotel. Enjoy the views of the Panama City bay while enjoying a variety of these mini mouthful masterpieces.  Next, drive to the UNESCO site of Colonial Panama or Old Quarters, and start your walking tour to see the “Paseo Esteban Huertas,” Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theater, the Simon Bolivar Plaza and many other touristic attractions of the colonial period.   After this wonderful day and activity, you will board the motor coach for a transfer back to the port.

Please note:   Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring sunscreen, camera and insect repellent.

Your tour will begin by taking you to the impressive Agua Clara Visitor Center located on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. With an unparalleled view, this place will be waiting for you and all those who want to enjoy a pleasant experience enriched with interesting facts, but especially by being part of the history of the route that unites the world. The center offers a breathtaking panoramic view that contrasts two particular scenarios that generate mixed feelings. On one side you will find the famous Gatun Lake, where cargo ships or other vessels transit every day, while on the other side, but from a different perspective, you will be amazed by seeing how the giants of the sea, called Neo-Panamamax vessels, go through the new set of locks. After the impressive viewpoint, pamper yourself and be captivated by all those things that the Agua Clara Visitor Center has to offer. At the projection room you can learn about the history and efforts of thousands of men and women that have marked the Canal's first century and, of course, plans in the near and distant future. Throughout your visit, peruse the walls and exhibits with interesting information that will amaze you. Walk through the ecological path, with a variety of plants and species that make the trail an adventure with great scenery and breathtaking views. Identify the different species gathered there that are indigenous to this area of the Canal watershed. At the end of this tour, you will be transferred to the International airport.

Please note: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a camera, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. This tour is available for guests with flights after 5 p.m.

Travel to Melia Panama Canal Resort and cruise through the jungle covered islands in Gatun Lake. Later, witness the mighty Agua Clara Locks in action. Board your air conditioned transportation for the 20-minute drive to the Melia Resort.  From the resort, board your tour boat for a 1.5-hour eco-cruise on Gatun Lake. Glide past lush rainforest to a secluded region of the lake and witness firsthand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you may see in their native surroundings. After exploring the lake, you will board your air-conditioned transportation for a tour of the Agua Clara Locks. Spend approximately 1 hour observing the locks in operation. Your guide will explain the engineering feat required to move ships over a continental divide that separates two oceans.

Please note: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and sunglasses. Life jackets will be provided.

You will head to the Agua Clara Expansion Center, where you will take a tour and see history being rewritten all over again at the Panama Canal with its expanded capacity to allow for more than double the traffic, with the third set of locks, larger and wider than the existing ones. The Panama Canal has played an integral part in history as it provides travel between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans without having to sail a greater distance and through perilous Cape Horn. After this tour you will head to Buena Vista. There you will board a small dugout, which will carry you up the Gatun River to discover a large, fascinating and dense jungle.  You will arrive at the Embera Quera, an indigenous community found on the banks of Gatun Lake, near the Panama Canal. The Embera tribe still lives in harmony with Mother Nature. They will welcome you at the pier and gladly give you an idea of how they still live today. The village chief will give you a brief explication on the history of the tribe, its traditions, cultures, beliefs and handicrafts. Then, a traditional lunch of fish and plantains prepared by the Embera women will be served to you. In the afternoon you will watch a traditional Embera dance and also have a chance to shop for colorful handicrafts. The sale of local products directly benefits the village and helps to pay the school fees for the children. You can also get a temporary Embera tattoo painted on your arm or leg, using an ink made from a local fruit.  At the end of this tour, you will be transferred to the airport.

Please note: This tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues.  Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.  

 

You will head to the Agua Clara Expansion Center, where you will take a tour and see history being rewritten all over again at the Panama Canal with its expanded capacity to allow for more than double the traffic, with the third set of locks, larger and wider than the existing ones. The Panama Canal has played an integral part in history as it provides travel between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans without having to sail a greater distance and through perilous Cape Horn. After this tour you will head to Buena Vista. There you will board a small dugout, which will carry you up the Gatun River to discover a large, fascinating and dense jungle.  You will arrive at the Embera Quera, an indigenous community found on the banks of Gatun Lake, near the Panama Canal. The Embera tribe still lives in harmony with Mother Nature. They will welcome you at the pier and gladly give you an idea of how they still live today. The village chief will give you a brief explication on the history of the tribe, its traditions, cultures, beliefs and handicrafts. Then, a traditional lunch of fish and plantains prepared by the Embera women will be served to you. In the afternoon you will watch a traditional Embera dance and also have a chance to shop for colorful handicrafts. The sale of local products directly benefits the village and helps to pay the school fees for the children. You can also get a temporary Embera tattoo painted on your arm or leg, using an ink made from a local fruit.  At the end of this tour, you will be transferred to the Windstar Hotel.

Please note: This tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues.  Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.  

 

During the building of the Canal by the United States, the plan arose to create a lake making the construction easier because lifting up the water level excavations did not have to be that profound. A large earthen wall was built in the Chagres and the villages of Chagres, Bohio, Frijoles and Barro Colorado were flooded when the water rose to form the Gatun Lake. Already in these early days the awareness existed of the importance of ecology in the Panama Canal, because it depends largely on rainwater for its operation. Therefore the watershed of the Panama Canal has always been well protected. This adventure will start with boarding your air-conditioned coach and transferring to the Melia Resort located in Colon City. Upon your arrival you will board your kayak, get your needed equipment and start this kayaking adventure on the Gatun Lake of the Panama Canal. After exploring the lake, you will also have the experience of walking through the rainforest and visiting the ecological trail that surrounds the lake and whole area. Your trained naturalist guides will ensure that you have an outstanding nature experience by not only pointing out the wildlife, but also educating you about the animals and their habitat.

Please note: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and sunglasses.