We’re Getting Married
Brendan
&
Cordelia
January 27, 2024 • Panamá, Provincia De Panamá
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Featuring Panama
Welcome to Xplore Panama, our aim is that you take back home memorable experiences in iconic sceneries, make new discoveries, have fun and break away from your daily routines, be immersed in different cultures and gain broader understanding of the world. Our team of experts have combined a wide variety of soft adventures specially designed for explorers, learners, people who love to find new things: pathfinders, seekers, pioneers.
Day 1 – 25 JAN: Full day expeditions. Option 1
The Emblematic Panama Canal
The Panama Canal Administration Building
The Panama Canal Administration Building was inaugurated on July 15, 1914 as a landmark for Panamanian history. This veritable legacy from the past is an important part of the Panama Canal history.
Chief Engineer George W. Goethals set his sights on the construction of a permanent building to physically centralize administrative activities in 1912. The Panamanian nation cherishes the Administration Building as an enduring symbol of their pride, commitment, and history; it is beautiful structure worth visiting during your stay in Panama.
Gatun Lake and Panama Canal Expedition
Surrounded by the exuberant rain forest, the Gatun Lake was at some point the largest artificial lake of the world.
Fed by the Chagres River this 415 sq. kilometer lake, makes the Panama Canal operation possible. While navigating the lake, the upper part of chopped and petrified trees can still be seen in the water. The scenery is amazing, the contrast between the water, the rainforest, and the fauna: tropical birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and a vast number of exotic animals. The jungle sounds will be your orchestra while traversing the Gatun Lake through the Panama Canal, to hidden islands where, should conditions be favorable, you will see families of capuchin, howler, and white-face monkeys.
Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal
2:00PM – Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal
Your guide will take you on a private tour of the Miraflores Visitor Center. Here you will learn about the history, biodiversity, the operation of the canal and its importance for international commerce. *Museum exhibitions are currently not available.
The Panama Canal is one of the two most strategic waterways in the world, the other being the Suez Canal. Constructed in 1914, it joined two oceans changing international trade forever. The 50-mile long pathway shortens the voyage between the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea about 8,000 nautical miles (15,000 km). Between 13,000 and 14,000 ships use the Panama Canal every year from more than 1,700 port towns in over 160 countries.
Watch a ship pass through the Miraflores locks and gain a deeper understanding of this engineering marvel through an IMAX film that describes the Panama Canal’s operation. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the documentary clearly explains the complexities and challenges of the canal, past and present. Through extraordinary shots from the air, historical re-creations and up-close views of various ships passing through the canal, you will discover just how ingenious the locks are.
4:30PM – Transfer to your hotel.
*Dinner not included.
A Journey to the Enchanted Pearl Islands
Countless pearls had been found on these islands, hence their name.
Countless pearls had been found on these islands, hence their name. Today, you may not find pearls, but you will surely discover secluded paradisiacal beaches, witness amazing flora and fauna, and learn about intriguing events that took place around this enchanted archipelago.
Sea turtles can be seen on the beaches, endemic birds and animals can be found in the forest, and the island’s waters are a breeding ground for whales. Your boat: 45-foot TODOMAR or similar.
INCLUDES: Captain, sailor, fuel, snacks, lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, beer and house wine, complete snorkeling and professional fishing equipment, dinghy.
Transfer to Hotel in Panama City *Dinner not included
Day 2 & 3 – 26 & 27 JAN: Half day expeditions.
The Origin of Panama
Panama la vieja, biomuseum, casco antiguo.
Panama La Vieja
Located in the middle of skyscrapers, Panama La Vieja is a charming place that still conserves it ́s mystical flavor.
Built on an indigenous village it was the first city founded by Spain in the Pacific Coast back in 1519. As you walk surrounded by an exotic and magnificent greenery, you will immerse yourself into history in every corner.
This picturesque UNESCO world heritage site will transport to the link between cultures. The Cathedral Tower, the King ́s Bridge, the Convent, private homes and other important ruins still remain as a witness for the expansion project of the Spaniard monarchy to conquer these territories.
Museum of Biodiversity
The isthmus of Panama has a gigantic impact on the world biodiversity. Located at Amador ́s Causeway the Biomuseum was designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. It ́s design tells the story of how Panama rose from the sea.
In its eight galleries the Biomuseum has a permanent exhibition, Panama: Bridge of Life showing Biodiversity and its relevance for the world, in Panarama you will live an audiovisual experience on a journey through Panama ́s diverse ecosystems, the tectonic forces of plates are shown while you enter the Building the Bridge gallery. Worlds Collide exhibits the closure of the isthmus which shows huge animal stampedes representing the megafauna that began a unique journey from two different continents. In the human path you will find the story of the first human settlements in Panama.
The Biomuseum is a journey to the origin of Panama in an interactive and unique creative displays
Amador Causeway
Head into Causeway Amador, where best top activities and attractions of Panama City are found. This is a road that unites Panama City to the islands of Naos, Perico and Flamenco.
The contrast between the old and the new city is a fascinating scenery.
The lively atmosphere, the great views across the bay will take you to a colorful ride from a differ point of view.
Head into Causeway Amador, where best top activities and attractions of Panama City are found. This is a road that unites Panama City to the islands of Naos, Perico and Flamenco.
The contrast between the old and the new city is a fascinating scenery.
The lively atmosphere, the great views across the bay will take you to a colorful ride from a differ point of view.
Stroll the streets of Casco Antiguo
Casco Antiguo is a colorful, charming historical centre thoughtfully settled on a reef to protect the city from pirate invasions. It ́s location made impossible for ships to anchor or get close by.
Through history, the isthmus of Panama has become of great relevance for the commercial world trade and in the Casco Antiguo some important agreements took place, for instance the negotiation for the construction of the now famous Panama Canal was signed at this historical centre between the USA and Panama, during the Theodore Roosevelt presidency. This document is one of the most important not only for the construction itself, buy of what politically implies for the commercial world. Our host will add some interesting details about the story of the treaty.
Transfer back to your hotel in Panama City.
*Lunch not included
Option 2
The Fascinating Embera Village
Amaze yourself as you explore this fabulous tropical rainforest and its rich flora and fauna. You will navigate the Gatun River on board a Piragua (typical local canoe) towards the village, captained by an Embera.
The Embera are a riverine people of Panama, historically building their houses along banks of rivers. Learn how they cook the typical Embera lunch that you will enjoy (included).
Live an experience to embrace this culture.
Transfer back to your hotel in Panama City.
*Dinner not included
What to Bring
The Essentials:
• Passport
• Travel Insurance
• Health insurance information
• Credit/debit cards
• Cash (US Dollars)
• Personal medication
The Wearables:
• Sneakers or lightweight shoes, comfortable for walking short distances
• Short-sleeve and/or T-Shirts
• Bathing suits
• Light raincoat
• Sunglasses (optional: neck strap)
• White-brimmed hat or cap
• Extra clothes
The Portables:
• Binoculars
• Sun block & lip balm (waterproof + SPF50 or higher)
• Insect Repellent
• Small backpack/Daypack (preferably waterproof)
• Camera / video camera
• Appliance chargers & adaptors if necessary (plugs in Panama are US-style A&B, 2 flat pins, 110V
• Journal
Experiences brief description
Wilderness, History and the Emblematic Panama Canal.
Day 1, Jan 25.- Breakfast (not included).
- Panama Canal Administration Building.
- Gatun Lake and Panama Canal Expedition.
- Lunch at Gamboa Rain Forest Resort.
- Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal.
- Dinner (not included).
- Overnight at Panama City Hotel (not included).
Pearl Islands.
Day 1, Jan 25.- Breakfast (not included).
- Transfers Hotel – Marina – Hotel.
- Sailing to Las Perlas Islands.
- Lunch and Snacks.
- Dinner (not included).
- Overnight at Panama City Hotel (not included).
The Origin of Panama.
Day 2 & 3, Jan 26 & 27.- Breakfast (not included).
- Visit to Panama la Vieja.
- Amador ́s Causeway and Visit to Biomuseum.
- Historical and Cultural Private Tour around Casco Antiguo.
- Lunch and Dinner (not included).
- Overnight at Panama City Hotel (not included).
The fascinating Embera Culture.
Day 2 & 3, Jan 26 & 27.- Breakfast (not included).
- Private Transfers.
- Gatun River Navigation.
- Embera Village, Lunch.
- Dinner (not included).
- Overnight at Panama City Hotel (not included).