EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Experience the wonders of the Panama Canal on this spectacular partial canal transit. Arriving in Panama City, you will disembark the ship and take a short transfer by coach to the La Playita dock where you will board a spacious ferry and begin your unforgettable tour of the Panama Canal. The first lock you will pass through is the Miraflores Locks, where your ship will be raised the first 56 feet and enter Miraflores Lake. From here, you will transit through the Pedro Miguel Locks, where you will be raised the second 28 feet and enter Gatun Lake, once the largest man-made lake in the world. Crossing the Continental Divide at this point, you will continue to Gaillard Cut. The Gaillard (or Culebra) Cut, was the most challenging section of the canal to build. As you pass through the Cut, you'll see the continuing excavation that keeps this passage open to marine traffic. Enjoy a buffet lunch aboard the ferry before your fascinating tour of the Canal ends in the small village of Gamboa. While not large, Gamboa is home to the headquarters of the Panama Canal dredging division and some of the largest floating cranes in the world. After leaving your ferry, board a waiting motorcoach for the just over 1-hour drive back to the ship at Amador. Each tour participant will receive a certificate that commemorates their crossing of the Canal.

This completely unique tour could easily be the highlight of your trip. Just imagine traveling down the tracks of the first transcontinental railroad in a beautifully restored and richly adorned railcar, while viewing what is widely considered to be the 8th wonder of the world; the Panama Canal, as well as spectacular Gatun Lake and the extraordinarily beautiful flora and fauna of the surrounding countryside. Adding to all of that, the unrivaled experience of traveling from one ocean to another, crossing the amazing continent of the Americas in just over one hour!

The Panama Railroad was the brainchild of a group of New York Financiers who wanted to create an easy passage for the increasing gold rush traffic. The railroad took five years and eight million dollars to build and was completed in 1855. During its first 12 years of operation, the train carried over 750 million dollars' worth of gold and silver and collected one-quarter of one percent of each shipment as duty. The railroad was rebuilt in 1909 during the construction of the Panama Canal, and without it, the canal could not have been built. Your journey will begin with a short coach transfer from the pier in Amador to the Pacific side railroad station where you will board the train for your approximately 75-minute rail journey. As you travel through the lush tropical rainforest, there is a good chance you'll sight some Howler monkeys, colorful toucans or other exotic wildlife. Crossing the Continental Divide, you'll find yourself on the Atlantic side, where you will disembark the train.

Following your time at locks, you will re-board your coach and transfer back to the pier in Amador.

This completely unique tour could easily be the highlight of your trip. Just imagine traveling down the tracks of the first transcontinental railroad in a comfortable domed railcar, while viewing what is widely considered to be the 8th wonder of the world; the Panama Canal, as well as spectacular Gatun Lake and the extraordinarily beautiful flora and fauna of the surrounding countryside. Adding to all of that, the unrivaled experience of traveling from one ocean to another, crossing the amazing continent of the Americas in just over one hour!

The Panama Railroad was the brainchild of a group of New York Financiers who wanted to create an easy passage for the increasing gold rush traffic. The railroad took five years and eight million dollars to build and was completed in 1855. During its first 12 years of operation, the train carried over 750 million dollars' worth of gold and silver and collected one-quarter of one percent of each shipment as duty. The railroad was rebuilt in 1909 during the construction of the Panama Canal, and without it, the canal could not have been built.

Your journey will begin with a short coach transfer from the pier in Amador to the Pacific side railroad station where you will board the train for your approximately 75-minute rail journey. As you travel through the lush tropical rainforest, your location from high atop your glass-domed car will give you an outstanding panoramic view of the passing scenery and there is a good chance you'll sight some Howler monkeys, colorful toucans or other exotic wildlife. Crossing the Continental Divide, you'll find yourself on the Atlantic side, where you will disembark the train.

From here, it's a short coach transfer to Aqua Clara or the Expansion Locks. It will truly seem as if the mammoth ships passing through the locks are a mere arm's length away. Following your time at the Locks, you will re-board your coach and transfer back to the pier in Amador.

Hop aboard the hemisphere's first transcontinental railroad and see the Panama Canal from the comfort of a deluxe 1938 vintage dome car. During your journey you'll travel across the isthmus and see Gatun Lake. Then, visit Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) for an up close look at this engineering marvel.

You'll board your transportation for a short drive to Colon and board this unique train. Reminiscent of the golden age of railway travel, the passenger cars feature luxurious wood paneling, tables, carpeted floors, air conditioning, large windows and open-air viewing decks.

You’ll ride in a restored executive dome car which has an upper deck with full-length observation windows and booth seating, as well as two restrooms and a bar.

Then, you'll leave the Colon station on an approximately one-hour train ride to the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, passing Gatun Lake and the dense rainforest. During your railroad journey, your guide will provide commentary on the railroad, history and the canal, as you enjoy a light snack and beverage. Upon arrival in Panama City, you'll transfer to the Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) where you'll have the opportunity for a close up view.

This interesting tour showcases both the technology and the ecology of the Panama Canal. Commence your excursion with a 30-minute coach transfer from the pier in Amador to the Miraflores Locks, the first set of locks from the Pacific side of the Canal and probably the most visited due to their proximity to Panama City. From here, move to the viewing platform where you can observe first-hand the Canal in action.

visit the nearby IMAX Theater to enjoy an informational rich canal documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman. Through the magic of 3D and IMAX cameras, audiences everywhere can take an incredible trip through one of the seven wonders of the modern world in PANAMA CANAL 3D - A LAND DIVIDED - A WORLD UNITED. The documentary takes you through the locks and mechanical operations of the canal.

Continuing, enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive to the small town of Gamboa and the lovely Gamboa Rainforest Resort. After a brief comfort stop, you will walk to the nearby wharf where you will board your sightseeing boat for an eco-cruise on Gatun Lake. This great ecological cruise takes you on a journey inside the Panama Canal and you may find yourself cruising next to cargo ships that cross the Canal every day. As you travel through these waters, your experienced guide will explain the complexity of the flora and fauna of the Canal Zone and the surprising importance of it to the operation of the Canal. Your tour also takes you to Monkey Island where it is very common to see monkeys playing in the trees.

After a relaxing, yet thoroughly informative experience exploring the environs of Gatun Lake and the Canal, you will return to the dock in Gamboa and then re-join your coach for the return to Amador.

Hop aboard the hemisphere's first transcontinental railroad and see the Panama Canal from the comfort of a deluxe 1938 vintage car. During your journey you'll travel across the isthmus and see Gatun Lake. Then, visit Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) for an up close look at this engineering marvel.

You'll board your transportation for a short drive to Colon and board this unique train. Reminiscent of the golden age of railway travel, the passenger cars feature luxurious wood paneling, tables, carpeted floors, air conditioning, large windows and open-air viewing decks. You'll ride in a restored executive rail car with booth seating on one side and rows of two seats with small tables on the other. Your car has a restroom and shares a small open-air observation deck with the dome car and glass dome viewing area.

You'll leave the Colon station on an approximately one-hour train ride to the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, passing Gatun Lake and the dense rainforest. During your railroad journey, your guide will provide commentary on the railroad, history and the canal, as you enjoy a light snack and beverage. Upon arrival in Panama City, you'll transfer to the Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) where you'll have the opportunity for a close up view.

Discover beautiful Gatun Lake and keep your eye out for the plentiful wildlife here. Meet the Embera tribe who still live in traditional villages within Panama's rainforest, in harmony with nature. Visit Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) for an up-close view. You'll take a 45-minute drive through the rainforest on your way to the Jungle Eco Marina l on Gatun Lake. Upon arrival, board your 24-foot motor launch for your one-hour ride, during which your guide will explain the rainforest ecosystem and point out sights of interest. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, sloths, and exotic birds. The lake was formed as a result of the damming of the Chagres River during the construction of the Panama Canal. Step back in time and visit the Embera tribe who still live in traditional villages within Panama's rainforest, in harmony with nature. Witness their traditional song and dance along with music performed on handmade instruments. The Embera are very talented craftsmen and have produced some beautiful items which are available for purchase as souvenirs. Continue to Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks), on the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal for approximately one hour to observe them and learn how they work. Your guide will explain the engineering feat required to move ships over a continental divide that separates two oceans. After viewing the locks, board your transportation for the return your ship.

Experience the full wonder of crossing the Panama Canal by ferry boat on this daylong adventure. You'll travel by ship's tender to the Gatun Yacht Club to board your transportation for the narrated drive through the isthmus to the small village of Gamboa. Here, you'll board your ferry for your canal transit through two sets of locks.

You'll cross the Gaillard Cut and enter the Pedro Miguel Locks, which will lower your vessel 28 feet on its way to the Pacific. Your boat will settle on Miraflores Lake and then you'll sail over to the Miraflores Locks. Enjoy a light lunch during your scenic cruise of the lake and locks. Your canal experience ends at the port of Balboa where you'll board your transportation back to the ship.

Experience nature at its finest on this eco-cruise of Gatun Lake, surrounded by lush rainforest and teaming with wildlife. You'll also visit Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) to learn about the engineering feat of the Panama Canal. Board your transportation for a drive to the banks of the canal where you'll board your tour boat for your eco-cruise adventure out on Gatun Lake. The lake was formed as a result of the damming of the Chagres River during the construction of the Panama Canal.

Glide past lush rainforest to a secluded region of the lake and witness first-hand the natural beauty 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. This sampling of wildlife, is part of a much larger population that live and breed in the rainforest. Your naturalist guide will point out any wildlife and also share details about the animals and their habitat with you.

Next, continue to Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) - the newest set of locks situated on the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. Here you'll spend approximately one hour observing the locks and listening to your guide explain the engineering feat required to move ships over a continental divide that separates two oceans. After, board your transportation for the drive back to your ship.

This is a great tour for those that appreciate nature, are adventurous and physically fit. You'll go kayaking on Gatun Lake, surrounded by a lush rainforest, teaming with wildlife. The lake was formed as a result of the damming of the Chagres River during the construction of the Panama Canal. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the inhabitants of the jungle including exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas and crocodiles.

You’ll also visit Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks), the newest and biggest set of locks in use today where you can observe and learn about the operation of the Panama Canal.

Unwind and enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the Gatun Lake. The lake was formed as a result of the damming of the Chagres River during the construction of the Panama Canal. Wild life abounds in this area, including various species of monkeys, sloths, anteaters, iguanas and exotic birds.

You and your interpretive guide will slowly cruise the back channels, island and bays that make up this unique ecosystem where you'll discover many of the wildlife residents of the area in their natural habitat. Cameras are a must, as this is considered a premier location for viewing monkeys in the wild. National Geographic, the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet all have filmed documentaries on these islands.

Visit the Bio Diversity Museum and learn about the origin of the Isthmus of Panama and its incredible impact on the planets biodiversity and discover the ingenuity of the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks Visitors Center.

The Bio Diversity Museum, designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry was conceived to tell a story about the origin of the Isthmus of Panama and its incredible impact on the planet's biodiversity. The galleries were conceived by Bruce Mau, founder of the Institute without Boundaries and the scientific content was developed by a group of scientists from the Smithsonian Institute and the University of Panama.

Leaving the museum, enjoy a scenic drive over the palm-lined Amador Causeway with fantastic views of the downtown skyline. This causeway was built with excavated material during the construction of the Panama Canal, it took 18 million yards of solid rock. Originally part of a military base, this is now a popular recreational area with shops, restaurants and a marina attracting locals and visitors alike.

You’ll also visit the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center which offers exhibits about the canal operations with interactive modules, video presentations and models of the Panama Canal. Hopefully you’ll also have an opportunity to see a vessel transit the Miraflores Locks’ chambers.