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Explore the colors and natural beauty of Panama – a land between the seas.
Panama Canal
This incredible engineering feat is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Experience the country’s most popular tourist attraction aboard the Pacific Queen on a partial transit cruise.
Begin at the Gaillard Cut, which was carved through the Continental Divide. From the construction of Gaillard Cut, which is commonly referred to as Culebra Cut since it curves like a snake, the Gatun Lake was created. The Chagres River was dammed for the Gatun Lake to be formed and thus provide electricity for two locks.
During the transit, you’ll pass these two locks, the Pedro Miguel (lowered nine meters in one step) and Miraflores (lowered 18 meters in two steps).
You’ll also see the Centennial Bridge and the Bridge of the Americas, the only roads crossing the Panama Canal.
Rainforest
Explore the vast biodiversity in Panama while staying at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Take a guided nature walk through the resort’s jungle forest and gardens for a chance to spot unique bird life as well as various flora and fauna.
Set off for an excursion to an Emberá indigenous village. Board dugout canoes for a scenic ride up the Chagres River to a settlement of Emberá, the “Keepers of the Rainforest.” The Emberá strive to preserve their heritage and love to share their traditional techniques of home building and handicrafts, such as basket weaving and tagua nut carvings, with visitors.
Anton Valley
Head up the mountains to Anton Valley, a community nestled inside the second-largest volcanic crater in the world.
Stay at the Los Mandarinos Hotel, a boutique hotel and spa that has spacious rooms with mountain, garden, or courtyard views. This family-owned resort also owns an orange grove, where you can stroll the grounds and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Visit a non-profit orchid nursery that dedicates itself to cultivating and conserving local and regional orchids. The orchid is the country’s national flower, also known as the Flower of the Holy Spirit
Continue to the El Nispero Zoo, home of a large selection of endemic animals as well as some that are not found in any zoo outside Panama. There is also a conservation program for the critically endangered Panamanian Golden Frog, said to bring good luck to anyone who sees it.
Beaches
After exploring the rainforests and mountains, check off Panama’s beautiful white sand beaches from your list when you visit the community of Buenaventura!
Bask in luxury and relaxation, opt for water adventures, or play a round of golf at the JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort.
Enjoy fine dining and stellar wines at the resort from its sustainable farming program that works with the local community to provide the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Panama City & Old Quarter
Tour the cosmopolitan Panama City. See the Panama Viejo Visitors’ Center and Cathedral Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the ruins of the oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific, destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.
Visit the Mercado de Mariscos, a seafood market, and try fresh Panamanian ceviche! Continue to Casco Antiguo, the Old Quarter – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walk its cobblestoned streets that showcase the Plaza de la Independencia, the Presidential Palace, the National Theater, and restored colonial churches and monuments.
To learn more about Panama, contact your local travel professional or call major tour operator Collette at 800.340.5158 and visit www.gocollette.com.
February 22, 2023
