Panama Discovery

Our main tour is 8 days/7 nights, and features Panama City, the Panama Canal, historical hikes, rainforest, the Caribbean coastal islands of Bocas del Toro, optional white water rafting and a beautiful hike through the cloud forests of the Chiriqui Highlands.

Pre tour extension to San Blas and post tour extension for ocean to ocean Panama Canal transits available. *In December the extensions are reversed.

2008 Departure Dates: January 26-February 2, March 8-15, May 24-31, June 14-21, July 12-19, August 9-16, October 25-November 1, November 15-22, December 27-Jan 3’09 (and on request)

2008 Costs/valid through Nov 30, 2008

• Panama Discovery Main Tour: $1950 per person, double occupancy; + $400 single supplement
• Pre or Post-tour San Blas extension $575 per person, double; + $165 single supplement
• Post-tour Full transit of the Panama Canal $325.00 per person, double; + $65 single supplement
• Prices valid to Nov 30, 2008

Please add 5% mandated government service charge for these departure dates ($96 for Main Tour; $20 for single supplement; $29 for San Blas Extension; $17 for Panama Canal Transit)

Note: This is a fully escorted tour with specific departure dates. Private tours and trip extensions can be arranged on request. Latin American Escapes also specializes in designing custom itineraries.

OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR EXTENSION TO THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS

Pre-Tour Day 1:ARRIVE PANAMA. On arrival to Tocumen International Airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel in Panama City. HOTEL COUNTRY INN (NO MEALS)

Pre-Tour Day 2 & 3:PANAMA CITY - SAN BLAS ISLANDS, DOLPHIN ISLAND  Early this morning we are picked up at the lobby of our hotel and transferred to Albrook Airport. We depart by small plane to San Blas early this morning and arrive at Achutupu where a representative of Dolphin Island Lodge will meet us. Dolphin Island Lodge is located on Uaguitupu Island by itself, about 15 minutes away from the airstrip via dugout canoe. Owned and operated by a Kuna family the accommodations are basic but comfortable in traditional Kuna-style huts with cozy beds, private bathrooms and a hammock on the front porch. Family-style meals are served in the Bohio dining room overlooking the Caribbean. There is no hot water and electricity is available for a couple of hours every day provided by small generator. After settling in and having breakfast, our first excursion is to the neighboring village in the island of Achutupu providing us with an excellent opportunity to learn about the Kuna way of life and their traditional ceremonies. Visit the communal house of “Sahilas” (Kuna chiefs) where decisions in favor of the community are made, advice on all aspects of life is offered and the local laws are enforced. Learn about the construction of the typical Kuna house, the economy, the traditional “mola”, and the processing of sugar cane into the local drink. Return to the lodge to relax at one of the hammocks before having lunch. Later this afternoon we will go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean to see stunning marine life. Free time to enjoy this tropical paradise, or add additional explorations (snorkeling, etc) DOLPHIN ISLAND LODGE or DAD IBE LODGE (BLD)

NOTE: Women travelers to the San Blas Islands should wear one-piece swimsuits.

Pre-Tour day 4/arrival day of main tour: Breakfast at the Dolphin Lodge. Morning departure for return flight to Panama City. On arrival at the domestic airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel in Panama City. HOTEL COUNTRY INN

MAIN TOUR

Day 1: ARRIVE PANAMA CITY On arrival to Tocumen International Airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel in Panama City. Welcome cocktail and briefing by your naturalist guide. Overnight at Country Inn-Panama Canal. (NO MEALS)

Day 2:PANAMA CANAL JUNGLE BOAT EXPEDITION – MIRAFLORES LOCKS.  Early in the morning we are picked up by our Naturalist Guide and transferred to the town of Gamboa, at the Panama Canal, where we board a specially equipped expedition boat.   The voyage takes us across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal passing by gigantic cargo ships transiting the waterway and making contrast with the natural surroundings.  Along the way, we 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 species. The expedition boat will allow for close approximations to rainforest covered islands in Gatun Lake to search for White-faced capuchin, Howler monkey, Spider monkey and the endemic Red-napped tamarin.

We will have a picnic lunch on an island with extraordinary views of the Panama Canal and the natural surroundings. Early afternoon return to Gamboa and drive to the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center, where we’ll visit multiple exhibits of the canal and have the opportunity to view the operations of the Panama Canal. This evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Bay of Panama.   Night at the COUNTRY INN – PANAMA CANAL (BLD)

Day 3: THE TRANS-ISTHMIAN ROUTE.  This morning we travel by van across the Isthmus of Panama at its narrowest portion with only 80kms in length. We will stop at Las Cruces Trail in Soberania National Park and walk a small portion of the cobblestone trail that was used by the Spanish conquistadors to bring their cargo to and from the city of Panama. From there we continue to the port town of Portobelo famous for its trade fairs during the 17 th century and visit the old Customs building and the fortifications. Afterwards we travel west and cross the Panama Canal over the Gatun Locks and proceed to Fort San Lorenzo. Built at the mouth of the Chagres River to fortify and protect the river entrance to Las Cruces Trail, it was also used as the port of entry for the gold diggers on their way to California in the 1880s during the Gold Rush. We will be traveling along lush rainforest where we might have the opportunity to see more Monkeys, Sloths, Toucans and other wildlife. This afternoon we return to the city by train, on board the Panama Canal Railway train and reminisce on those adventurous travelers in search of fortune and fame. This 1 hour ride will take us alongside the eastern shores of the Panama Canal with spectacular views. Transfer to the hotel from the Corozal train station. Night at COUNTRY INN – PANAMA CANAL (BLD)

For those who chose the white water rafting expedition, the outfitter’s guide will pick us up from the airport in David for our approximate 1.5-hour drive to the river put-in. Our river experience will likely include Class III or IV sections of the Chiriqui River. Drive time to and from the river as well as the length and difficulty of the rafting will depend upon which section of the Rio Chiriqui is being run. A picnic lunch will be served on the riverbank. At the end of the day travel to Boquete to meet the rest of the group.  Night at HOTEL PANAMONTE (BLD)

Day 5: FINCA LERIDA – CONTINENTAL DIVIDE – BOCAS DEL TORO This morning we explore Finca Lerida, a privately owned preserve in Boquete, in the buffer zone of Baru Volcano National Park. At an elevation of 2,286 meters we have an opportunity to look for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, Three-wattled Bellbird, Black-faced Solitaire, Volcano Hummingbird, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher and Prong-billed Barbet in their cool habitat of orchids, bromeliads and wild avocados.

We will hike through lush vegetation and arrive at the Collin’s shade-grown coffee farm where lunch will be served. We return to the hotel and prepare for our drive to Almirante, Bocas del Toro. In route across the Continental Divide, we stop at Fortuna Dam and spectacular waterfalls. We will be crossing the Palo Seco protected territory that serves as buffer zone to La Amistad International Park. The transition from the cloud forests to the coral reefs of Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean Sea will be impressive. In Almirante we are met by our boat and transferred to Colon Island.

After check-in we will enjoy a tropical cocktail offered by the lodge’s manager. Afterwards we have ample time to enjoy the hammocks on the upstairs deck or mingle with the locals in the small friendly town. Night at the BOCAS INN (BLD)

Day 6: SALT CREEK VILLAGE- BASTIMENTOS MARINE NATIONAL PARK  We depart by boat from the Bocas Inn traversing the expanse of Bastimentos National Park, Panama’s first marine national park. We reach Salt Creek by navigating through clusters of Red Mangroves, which provide sea creatures with a protective area during their reproductive and development stages. Upon arrival we first enjoy a walk along Caiman trail. This trail takes us through several stages of lowland forest dynamics. Here, we will look for birds such as Red-throated Ant Tanager and Golden-collared Manakin (Cerritus sub sp.). Mammals such as Night Monkeys, White-faced Capuchins and Three-toed Sloths also live here. An older tract of rainforest has tall trees that provide life to birds such as the Three-wattled Bellbird and Green-breasted Mango. A nearby lagoon is home to Spectacled Cayman and Slider Turtle. On the ground we will look for the tiny endemic poison dart frog Dendrobates Pumilio. After the hike, we enjoy a visit to the indigenous community and a chance to purchase handicrafts such as painted woodcarvings and Ngobe handbags, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we will snorkel among mangroves and coral reefs, searching for numerous fish species, as well as dynamic and brightly colored sea fans, sponges and brittle starfish. Night at the BOCAS INN (BLD)

Day 7: BOCA DEL DRAGO-PANAMA CITY Today we will drive along the coast of Colon Island to Boca del Drago. Along the way we will search for monkeys, sloths, birds, turtles, caimans, and view the rainforest with some of its magnificent ancient trees. Once at Boca del Drago we can snorkel from the beach to the coral reef that is just a few meters from shore. Afterwards we return to the Bocas Inn for lunch and get ready for our return flight to Panama City. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our hotel with a stop on the way at the Balboa handicraft market for some last minute shopping. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Night at the HOTEL EXECUTIVE (BLD)

Day 8: DEPART PANAMA (OR POST-TOUR EXTENSION) Transfer to Tocumen International Airport approximately 3 hours prior to your flight’s departure. (NO MEALS)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

OPTIONAL PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT

Day 8: We are picked up early this morning at the hotel by a driver and bilingual guide for the drive to Balboa, Pier 17, on the Pacific side of the Canal, where we board our boat which will take us on the world famous journey through the Panama Canal. Cruise through Miraflores Locks, which will elevate our boat to 85 feet above sea level before arriving at the Gaillard Cut, the narrowest part of the Panama Canal. At Gatun Lake, one of the largest man made lakes in the world, we will be able to see the Barro Colorado Island Nature Monument. Following lunch served on board the boat, we arrive at the Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side of the Canal. Descend, in a three-step process, to arrive at Cristobal where a comfortable coach bus is waiting to transfer us back to Pier 17 in Balboa (about 1-1/2 hours). Our driver will be waiting to transfer us back to our Panama City hotel.

Please note: Actual timing of each transit is scheduled by the Panama Canal Commission 24 hours in advance. Occasionally, the Canal transfer is run in reverse, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. HOTEL EXECUTIVE (BLD)

NOTE: MAY AND DECMEBER DEPARTURES COINCIDE WITH A PARTIAL CANAL TRANSIT ONLY, AND COST IS $50 LESS PER PERSON.

Day 9:DEPART PANAMA  Transfer to Tocumen International Airport approximately 3 hours prior to your flight’s departure. (NO MEALS)

Post-tour extensions are also available to the Darien Province or Rio Chagres Lodge, located near the Panama Canal. Post-tour daytrips may also be arranged in and around Panama City.

INCLUDED: Lodging, all land, air water transportation within Panama, all airport/hotel transfers on scheduled arrival and departure dates, meals as specified in the itinerary, entrance fees, guides’ services and expenses except in the San Blas, and on the Panama Canal Transit (guides provided through the sub-contracted hotel / companies providing the services, and services of an in-bound land operator for airline re-confirmations and tour operations.

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, airport departure taxes (currently $20 per person), tourist card (currently $5 per person), cost of pre or post-tour extension, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.), gratuities.

Trip Notes:

• Latin American Escapes, Inc. offers special contract airline rates to Latin America from most cities in the US, as well as special airpass rates for tickets with-in Latin America. Please ask for a quote based on your trip itinerary.
• Weight restrictions apply to luggage in both commercial and chartered flights within Panama. A maximum of 25 lbs. per person of checked baggage is allowed. Arrangements can be made at the Panama City hotel or to store luggage that will not be needed. Excess baggage charges assessed by commercial carriers are the responsibility of the passenger.
• Rafting-- Minimum age restrictions will apply and depend upon the River Class and Section being run. Participants are expected to listen and follow instructions given both before and during the river outing. Some river sections are tougher than others and require an honest assessment of participants’ physical fitness level and capabilities. Rafting participants should bring rubber-soled shoes with good grip (diving booties not recommended), sunscreen, shorts, T-shirt, baseball cap, croakies or similar elastic band for glasses, dry bag, complete change of clothes and a towel.

To confirm reservations:

A deposit of $300 per person is required to confirm reservations. In addition, the following payment procedures apply:

Payment for airline tickets is due at the time tickets are issued, but no later than time of final payment.

Last Minute Bookings: Last minute reservations (less than 30 days before departure) will be accepted, subject to availability, if payment has been received, and documents can be delivered. Any special communication costs and delivery charges will be at the client's expense.

Revision Fee: Revision fees will apply once the initial deposit has been received. Charges will vary based on itinerary, and extent of changes, with a minimum charge of $50. Changes requested after documents have been issued (generally with-in 30 days) will incur a minimum $100 change fee, plus additional services requested.

International bookings: We gladly accept bookings from passengers outside the US. However, an additional surcharge of $50 per booking is applied to cover additional shipping charges.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS--At the time we receive written notification that you must cancel your trip, money will be returned less the following cancellation fees:

Note:  A change in travel dates is considered a cancellation

Trip Documents: Trip documents will be forwarded approximately 3 weeks prior to travel, and once all payments and completed application forms have been received.

Risk and Responsibility

In arranging these trips, Latin American Escapes, Inc. acts only as the agents for the owners, contractors and suppliers actually providing tour services for these trips with whom Latin American Escapes, Inc. has no legal connection or joint ownership. These local tour operators attempt to conduct these trips as described in the preceding itineraries. However, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, itineraries may vary from what is described. Participants are responsible for extra costs due to travel delay or itinerary changes for reasons beyond our control and assume all risks, whether identified in advance or unforeseen, as described under Limitation of Liability, and Trip Member Responsibility, located in our Terms and Conditions, which all travelers agree to sign. Traveler's insurance is not included, but is offered, and is strongly recommended. CST # 2023695-40.