In a nutshell

A grand tour exploring the nature, culture and history of Panama and its canal: the rainforest and Gatún Lake, viewed from our catamaran, will treat us to unspoilt nature, whilst our visit to the Embera Indian village will take us back through time and tribal cultures, before we finish with a look at the history and technology of the complex lock system at Agua Clara Locks Observation Center. An experience not to be missed!

Main stops

Canal’s rainforest: exceptional biodiversity
Catamaran cruise over Gatún Lake
Embera Indian village: tribal dance and handmade artefacts
Agua Clara Locks Observation Center

The programme

We will leave the port on a comfortable coach and head to the Marina on Gatún Lake. During the journey, which takes 45 minutes, we will pass through the lush rainforest of the Panama Canal, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. It is home to over 100 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians. The rainforest is also very important for the national economy and the entire canal area, both from a tourism and nature perspective. We will have the chance to take amazing photos of these vast green spaces.
When we reach the Marina, we will board a catamaran for a short cruise lasting one hour, and our guide will explain the forest’s ecosystem and indicate the main points of interest. If we are lucky, we may even spot monkeys, toucans and sloths.
Gatún Lake is a large artificial lake used to provide water to operate the Panama canal’s locks, and it is crossed by ships as they pass through the isthmus. It was created between 1907 and 1913 along with a dam of the same name and contains more than 100 islands with a huge variety of flora and fauna.
Before we leave, we have another important stop to make: a visit to the village of the Embera Indians, a tribe that lives in perfect harmony with the natural environment in the heart of the rainforest. We will listen to their traditional songs and watch a tribal dance accompanied by the sound of their handmade instruments. The Embera Indians are very welcoming and friendly and boast exceptional botanical knowledge. We will be amazed by the skill of the artisans that create baskets woven from natural fibres, delightful figurines engraved in wood and other original objects that we can buy.
After the visit to the village and the catamaran cruise, we will travel by coach to Agua Clara Locks Observation Center, where we will stop for around 1 hour to see the lock system in operation and listen to our guide explaining the mechanisms used to move ships across the isthmus that separates the two oceans. The Agua Clara Locks are the newest set of locks situated on the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. This new Locks give you a new perspective of the Panama Canal, showing you the past, present and future of the same. After you learn as much as possible of the Panama Canal and how it works nowadays, you will also have an IN-FIELD experience of the Expansion project that took place at that same site. A detailed explanation of an expert from the design to the construction and operation of the biggest engineer project worldwide will amaze you.
After witnessing the locks in action, board your transportation for the drive to the ship.

Good to know

This excursion includes a walk in the Embera Indian village.
We recommend wearing light clothing and comfortable shoes.