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Panama, Panama, Panama
Greetings from Panama! My name is Marina Ehrman and I have been a professional tour guide and promoter for Panama Tourism and Travel Company since 2005. I love what I do and am proud to share what my country has to offer. It is filled with endless leisure and commercial attractions, friendly happy people who open their doors to all visitors. Panama is a country of incomparable natural beauty with a variety of tourist attractions, beautiful beaches in the Pacific and Caribbean. The tropical climate year round with its diversified flora, fauna and indigenous groups make it one of the most important of Ecotourism in Latin America. I invite you to know our country’s history, culture and also enjoy the cuisine, folklore and traditions that only a place in the world can provide………Panama! Contact me and I’ll organize your visit and will be happy to welcome you in Panama. For more information on Panama, follow my Facebook page and my blog. Visit www.panamatourismtravel.com

Visit Taboga Island


Located just off the west coast of Panama City, only one hour by ferry, Taboga Island is one of Panama's most frequently visited tourist destinations. Founded in the XVI Century by Spaniard Sancho Clavija, the island's original name was "Aboga", which means "an abundance of fish". The island became a very important location, as it was frequently used as a loading and unloading port, in particular for the North American and English fleets which used the island as a base for their operations. Taboga Island itself is surrounded by several other islands, including Isla Taboguilla, Isla Urava, and Isla El Morro.

Clean and quiet, Taboga Island contains a network of well maintained paths, many of which are lined with colorful orchids in a variety of colors; this is most evident on the main path which runs parallel along the beach front. Small eateries and grocery stores line the main path, where you can purchase soft drinks and a variety of food dishes. The roads are narrow, and were not designed to accommodate automobiles; there are very few vehicles on the island

Aside from the network of trails that crisscross along the water's edge, there are two trails of importance on the island for hikers.

The primary trail, known as Cerro de las Tres Cruces, takes you all the way to the top of Taboga Island where you'll find an observation area (mirador) offering panoramic views of Taboga Island, the neighboring islands, and on a clear day Panama City, El Amador and the Bridge of the Americas. As well, you'll see numerous species of sea birds gliding and resting along the southern side (coastal region) of the island where the Taboga Island Wildlife Refuge is located; between the months of December - July this area serves as a safe refuge for reproduction purposes. The hike to the top can last approximately 1 - 1.5 hour(s) depending on your physical condition and interest in the local flora and fauna. Virtually the entire trail is uphill with some small sections that flatten out momentarily. The trail is more like a road, wide enough for vehicle traffic and well maintained.

There is very little if any canopy cover along the trail and depending on the time of year you make the journey the vegetation can be somewhat sparse. The southern portion of the island is much more sparse than the northern part, all of which is clearly visible from the observation area. Blue Morpho butterflies, small lizards and a host of different bird species can all be observed while hiking up the trail.

The second trail, which is also part of the Refuge, is a much shorter trail and leads to the southern section of the island. It is much narrower than the Cerro de las Tres Cruces trail and has unfortunately become the chosen area on the island to dispose of garbage. The trail itself is lined with tons of trash ranging from ovens, refrigerators, stoves, bicycles, etc. It surprising that a trail within the boundaries of a Wildlife Refuge could be utilized for such purposes. Unless you want to witness the garbage for yourself it makes more sense to spend your time on the Cerro de las Tres Cruces trail.

Both trails begin just a short 10-15 hike from town where the cement trail ends and the dirt road begins. Just follow the main trail out of town until they fork. Turn right for the Cerro de las Tres Cruces trail and left for the garbage trail.

Some of the island's interesting attractions are the Church of San Pedro, Museum, and altar honoring the Christ of Buga, which contains a small garden exhibiting a profusion of flowers in different colors and species. On the back side of the island lies the Taboga Island Wildlife Reserve, containing various species of sea birds that use the island as a refuge for their reproduction during the months of December-July.
Kayaking, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving can be enjoyed.







Ecological Tour Package 10 Days 9 Nights in Panama



Day : 1 - Arrival to Panama City :

Upon arrival to Panama a representative from Panama Tourism & Travel will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your city hotel for your firs night in Panama.



Day : 2 - Bocas del Toro :

In the early morning you will be transferred from your hotel to the local airport in Panama City for your flight to Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airstrip in Bocas Town and transferred to the Playa Tortuga Hotel.



Day : 3 - Tour to Bocatorito Lagoon, Cayo Coral and Zapatilla Cays :

Today’s tour starts at the Bocas del Toro pier with a short boat ride to Laguna Bocatorito. In this bay, also called dolphin bay, the probability to spot dolphins is about 95%. You will spend some time watching them jump and play around your boat. You then continue to the Coral Keys to practice some snorkeling and to enjoy the colorful Bocas del Toro underwater world. At the Coral Keys there is a restaurant where you can have lunch if you want to (not included in the tour!). You will then continue to Red Frog Beach. It received its name thanks to the abundance of tiny red frogs that can be found at that beach. Enjoy the afternoon looking for the red frogs or relaxing at this clean white beach. In the late afternoon you will be taken back to Bocas del Toro.


Day : 4 – Embera Indian Village  :

In the morning you will be transferred to the Bocas Del Toro airport for your flight back to Panama City. There, your English speaking guide will pick you up and take you on a private tour to the Embera Indian Community


Day : 5 – Guna Yala Island  :

In the early morning you will be transferred from your hotel to the local airport in Panama City for your flight to Guna Yala and you will be transfer to the Uaguinega cabins


Day : 6 – Guna Yala Tour options  :

  • Visit to the Achutupu, Mamitupu y Aligandí indigenous communities to observe their culture, lifestyles and traditions resides getting to know their local government style 

  • Tour to the Cainora or Soskandup beaches  both have white sand and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

  • Birds and wild flowers nature tours in the Guna Yala This tour includes a thorough exchange with nature, you will see a variety of birds from different regions who have immigrated to our country, many of them endangered. The flora in Kuna Yala is one of the most important attractions, there are lots of wildflowers and herbs of all kinds. Many of these plants are used today by the Kuna to cure various diseases
  • River tour



Day : 7 – Monkey Island and Chagres River :

In the morning you will be transferred to the Bocas Del Toro airport for your flight back to Panama City. There, your English speaking guide will pick you up and take you on a private tour to

 

Day : 8 – Anton Valley:
Visit to La Pintada, A Pre-Colombian Mysterious Petroglyph, Trekking and climbing to El Macho, A beautiful natural Waterfal, Visit to the Nispero Gardens and Zoo (Home of the rare "golden frog" and exotic birds, Visit to "La Casa de Lourdes", where the garden views are spectacular and the food  outstanding, Bathing on Hot Springs & Waterfalls, Visit to the Artisan Market, where attractive indian crafts are noticeably cheaper than in the city, Canopy Tour


 

Day : 9  – Aerial Tram  :

Discover the secrets of the upper rainforest canopy with a ride on the Resort aerial tram. The tram takes you from the shodowy rainforest floor through the under story, and into the sundrenched canopy. There you can enjoy a birds eye view of a thousand hues of green interspersed with the fluorescent exclamation points of flowering trees.

Link: http://panamatourismtravel.blogspot.com/2012/01/aerial-tram-tour.html

 

Day : 10 - Departure to Panama City :

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Tocumen Airport for your international flight back home.


Included

  • Meet & Greet at the Airport
  • 5 Nights s at the Country Inn & Suites Amador in Standard Room
  • 2 Nights at Playa Tortuga Hotel in Standard Room
  • 2 Nights at Uaginega Hotel
  • Tour to Bocatorito, Coral Cay & Red Frog Beach
  • Roundtrip flight Bocas del Toro Island in economy class
  • Roundtrip flight Guna Yala Island in economy class
  • Food (complete breakfast, lunch and dinner where you can taste from a variety of seafood such as fresh local fish, shrimp, king crabs and if you dont liked seafood also you can choose Chicken, steak or vegetarian dishes.(bottle of water at lunch and dinner). In Guna Yala
  • Ground transfers on A/C motor coaches
  • All taxes and service charges
  • Avaliable two (2) daily tours, mentioned in Guna Yala
  • Entrance Fee to Nisper Zoo
  • Canopy Tour Entrance Fee
          
Not Included

  • Airport Departure Tax (US$ 20.00 per person )
  • Tourist Card (US$ 5.00 for certain nationalities)
  • Optional tours
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Beverages
  • All extras in the hotels
  • Voluntary tips & gratuities
  • Taxes in Guna Yala ( US $ $12.00 per adult )

Price $ 1940.00 per person  Reserve Now
















Bocas del Toro Package 5 Days / 4 Nights

Day : 1 - Arrival to Panama City :

Upon arrival to Panama a representative from Panama Tourism & Travel will pick  you up at the airport and transfer you to your city hotel for your firs night in Panama.

Day : 2 - Bocas del Toro :

In the early morning you will be transferred from your hotel to the local airport in Panama City for your flight to Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airstrip in Bocas Town and transferred by car to the Playa Tortuga Hotel.

Day : 3 - Tour to Bocatorito Lagoon, Cayo Coral and Zapatilla Cays :

Today’s tour starts at the Bocas del Toro pier with a short boat ride to Laguna Bocatorito. In this bay, also called dolphin bay, the probability to spot dolphins is about 95%. You will spend some time watching them jump and play around your boat. You then continue to the Coral Keys to practice some snorkeling and to enjoy the colorful Bocas del Toro underwater world. At the Coral Keys there is a restaurant where you can have lunch if you want to (not included in the tour!). You will then continue to Red Frog Beach. It received its name thanks to the abundance of tiny red frogs that can be found at that beach. Enjoy the afternoon looking for the red frogs or relaxing at this clean white beach. In the late afternoon you will be taken back to Bocas del Toro.

Day : 4 - Panama City Tour :

In the morning you will be transferred to the Bocas Del Toro airport for your flight back to Panama City. There, your English speaking guide will pick you up and take you on a private tour to see the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Visitor Center

After the visit to the Canal you will continue with your guide to the Historical Casco Antiguo

Day : 5 - Departure to Panama City :

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Tocumen Airport for your international flight back home.


Included
  • Meet & Greet at the Airport
  • 2 Nts at the Country Inn & Suites Amador in Standard Room
  • 2 Nts at Playa Tortuga Hotel in Standard Room
  • Tour to Bocatorito, Coral Cay & Red Frog Beach
  • Half Day Panama City Tour & Miraflores Locks
  • Roundtrip flight Bocas del Toro Island in economy class
  • Ground transfers on A/C motor coaches
  • All taxes and service charges
Not Included
  • Airport Departure Tax (US$ 20.00 per person - usually included in airfare)
  • Tourist Card (US$ 5.00 for certain nationalities)
  • Optional tours
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Beverages
  • All extras in the hotels
  • Voluntary tips & gratuities

Price $ 895.00 per person

Gunas Handcraft

Mola Art, also called Guna Mola, is an amazing creation by the women of the Guna tribe from Central America. Living directly on the Guna Yala Islands of Panama, these women create some of the most gorgeous pieces of art imaginable. Using a special appliqué process called “reverse appliqué” the women take numerous layers of cloth, each of varying color. These layers are then stitched together loosely while the top layers are fine-tipped cut with special scissors. The cut edges are then folded back at which time they are stitched to the bottom layer.

The word Mola translates into “blouse”. Although Mola Art was originally artwork done on women’s blouses as a means of adding beautiful color and design, today you will find Mola Art done on more than just blouses and in many cases, used as an actual form of art that is framed and proudly displayed. The wonderful aspect of the Mola pieces is that they are all so unique and vibrant. Women have the freedom to create beautiful designs of nature, which today, has become an increasingly popular type of apparel worn in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Most pieces consist of some type of motif constructed on several layers. As the designs are made, the cutting process exposes the underlying colors. While it mightsound simple, once you have seen Mola art, you can see that this is truly a developed skill. This method of cutting instead of drawing is one aspect that makes each design unique. Once the piece is complete, the panels are then used to create both front and back pieces for the blouse. This way, the Guna Indian women looked beautiful both coming and going.

The nice aspect of Mola art is that so many different designs could be used. For instance, common motifs would include flowers, fish, crab, parrots, fish, squirrel, monkey, dolphin, and much more. Typically, you find the chosen design representing nature and things that are a part of the women’s everyday life. However, what is so stunning is that regardless of the design, the colors are gorgeous – bright and vivid. The detailing is what makes the Mola art so interesting, each design meticulously designed to impress. In fact, no matter how many blouses or other art forms are made, there are never two designs exactly alike.
Other things commonly seen in the Mola art is anything to do with medicine, politics, dreams, fantasy, legends, imaginations, and literally anything that the woman experiences or observes. Because of this, you see women using the things around them, as well as things important in their life, both pleasure and work. Then, these designs are constructed into magnificent geometric and abstract motifs. Since each woman envisions the completed piece in her own mind, they are all so amazing and different. Therefore, even if 10 women created monkey motifs, each would ultimately be unique.

The most important thing is that the Mola art should be beautiful, appearing realistic, and three-dimensional. The woman will take her design of choice, adding her own personality or feelings into the creation. For that reason, if she were happy one day and made a bird motif but sad the next day, again making a bird motif, each design would be different.

Because Mola art could easily be viewed along with a fine painting, there are many masterpieces hanging in museums as actual art. The stitches are perfect, making the completed pieces spectacular. Keep in mind that each of the Mola art pieces measure 16 x 13 inches, meaning whether the design were an elephant, flower, or something mythological, the size would be the same. Although difficult to find in most countries, getting your hands on a Mola blouse or piece of artwork is a lifetime treasure

Coiba Island


Located in the province of Veraguas, the Coiba National Park was established in 1991 to protect the tropical forests and marine environment and its beaches of spectacular natural beauty. The magnitude of the park goes from Isla Coiba to its 38 smaller islands and it is considered one of the largest marine ecosystems of the world. It is paradise island for nature and marine life lovers.

One will be able to engage in many different types of activities in this park, like admiring spectacular animals like the huge humpback whale, the orca, the spotted dolphin, whale shark, tiger shark, sting rays and turtles that come to the warm sand to lay their eggs. One will also be able to admire more than 100 different types of birds that live in the area and some that can only be seen here like the “colaespina de Coiba (Cranioleuca dissita)” and also land animals that will only be seen here like the “ñeque” and howler monkey.
For those who love to dive deep into the waters and admire coral reefs, you will be fascinated with this reef that is the second largest coral reef in the Pacific Ocean. If you want to enjoy sport fishing this is also the perfect place, since you will be able to find all sorts of fantastic fish like the marlin, “dorado” and the yellow fin tuna. And if you only wish to lie down and relax and enjoy the sun and the warm sand, you will also be able to do it, since these white sand beaches are privileged. 

 

Visit the Pearl Island


The Pearl Islands are a group of 100 or more islands (many tiny and uninhabited) lying about 30 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama in the Gulf of Panama.

The most notable island is Contadora Island , known for its resorts. Contadora was said to be used by the Spanish conquistadors as a stop for taking inventory of booty prior to returning to Spain, hence the name (contador means counter or bookkeeper in Spanish). Contadora is a resort island, with many homes owned by wealthy Panamanians. There is a large hotel and other cabins available. Most of the resort workers live on nearby Isla Saboga. In 1979, the Shah of Iran briefly took exile on Isla Contadora.

The largest island, at about 30 square miles, is Isla del Rey ("Island of the King"), its name probably a religious reference rather than a reference to a secular king. Isla del Rey has several towns, most notably San Miguel. It is easily larger than the other Pearl Islands combined, and is the second largest island in Panama, after Coiba.

Other islands are Bolano, Buena Vista, Cana, Casaya, Chepra, Chitre, Cocos, Espiritu Santo, Galera, Gallo, Gilbraleon, Lampon, Marin, Mina, Mogo Mogo o Pajaro, Pacheca, Pachequille, Pedro Gonzalez, Puerco, San Jose, Senora, Vivenda, Vivienda and Viveros.

The lonely island of Galera is beautiful beyond description, with its heavy facade of very tall coconut palm trees and a beautiful white sandy beach. However it is a very perilous area to navigate a boat in. There are very strong currents, combined with shallows and jagged reefs surrounding the island. Unless one is familiar with the marine topography of Galera it is best to keep a distance when navigating it.
 

 

Embera Craft: Tagua

Tour Suggested
Embera Indian Community


The tagua nut has a strong resemblance to animal ivory, making it a wonderful resource for creating all types of beautiful things. For many years, the tagua nut was used primarily for making buttons but with new technology and more affordable materials such as plastics, a decline began. Even so, the tagua nut still has value in the making of other things to include chess set pieces, jewelry, handles for canes, dice, figurines, etc. 

The positive aspect of the tagua nut is that just one tree produces enough ivory to equal that of a female elephant trunk, meaning by choosing tagua, innocent animals are spared. Because of this, today we see the tagua nut again becoming very popular as more and more people are fighting to protect endangered species used for ivory. The only downfall is that these nuts, which grow in the rainforests of Panama, Ecuador, and a few other places around the world, are all harvested by hand to ensure the trees are not harmed. As you can imagine, the process is labor intensive. However, it does create needed jobs in these areas of the world!

The other benefit of using the tagua nut from Panama is that the rainforest is being protected as a sustainable income for the people. By growing these trees and keeping them harvested, forests are not degrading into poor quality land. That means the rainforest can remain a beautiful part of our world while the local tribesmen have income that helps when caring for their families.

The tagua tree is more like a palm tree that will grow upwards of 30 feet tall. Thriving on the damp areas of the rainforest, you will actually find different species of the tagua palm. As the tagua nut grows, it develops into protected clusters, each consisting of several egg-sized nuts. When the nuts are young, they are very tender, almost jelly like. Inside the young nuts is a special type of liquid that the people living in the rainforest love to drink. Additionally, many of the animals eat the tagua nut as a part of their regular diet. Then, as the tagua nut matures, it becomes extremely hard and durable, thus becoming a perfect choice for magnificent creations.
Tagua nut carvings from Panama have been such a great source of income for the forest people, giving them back self-sufficiency and pride. Many of these people are no longer able to live a full tribal life simply because of the demise of the rainforest so this type of harvesting allows them to retain their sense of self and history. Today, we sadly see many highways and modern buildings being built right through rainforests, causing this natural resource to erode. The good news is that many organizations have been formed to protect this type of land, with great success.

Once the tagua nuts are picked from the ground, the artisans carve them into amazing pieces. Interestingly, these carvings are so detailed and perfect, that many have become prized collections throughout the world. You will find that many of the tagua nut carvings from Panama depict the nature of the rainforest to include monkeys, birds, and various other animals. In fact, the carvings are typically considered an artistic expression for these tribal men, giving them the opportunity to incorporate their feelings, dreams, and aspirations into the designs.

In addition to figurines, the tagua nut is also commonly used for making everyday eating and cooking utensils. Some of the spirit sticks were used for ceremonies by the rainforest shamans (witch doctors) as well





Embera Baskets

Tour suggested


Emberá basket is a one-of-kind piece and is the result of many hours of labor as well as an expression of the artist's own individual talent and artistic vision. The basket is also a repository of cultural information. Basket designs often incorporate religious symbols or representations of cultural artifacts or the artist's natural environment.
A Emberá basket starts with harvesting the basket materials. Decorative baskets are made from two types of plant fiber although utilitarian baskets may utilize other plant fibers as well. For the decorative coil baskets made to sell to the outside market Wounaan and Emberá women harvest their materials from the chunga or black palm (astrocaryum slandleyanum) and the nahuala or "panama hat" plant (carludovica palmata).
 
Material harvesting often requires a long and sometimes dangerous trek into the rainforest. Many areas surrounding indigenous villages have been deforested by commercial logging operations making materials scarce. To make harvesting expeditions even more arduous harvesters are often attacked by roving delinquents. Civil unrest in Colombia is spilling over the border into the Darien province of Panamá making life difficult for the indigenous residents of the area.
 
Many villagers have even migrated to Panama City fleeing violence in the Darien. Ill-suited for city life and urban jobs, women migrants depend on the sale of baskets to support their families but are increasingly finding it difficult to obtain the raw materials to continue their work. They often have to travel back to their villages to buy materials to bring to the city. Scarcity of raw materials is becoming a serious problem as more and more women make and sell baskets. Fortunately, reforestation projects of chunga and nahuala are starting as the economic importance of these trees is recognized.






Processing the Materials

Once the palm fibers have been obtained they must be processed. First they are dried and bleached in the sun and split to the appropriate thickness. The chunga fiber used for the sewing material is then colored with natural plant dyes. Decorative baskets require fibers of many colors and the Wounaan and Emberá artisans are continually developing new and vibrant colors from rainforest plants. Some women have gardens of dye plants while others must search in the forest for leaves, roots, bark and other materials to color the palm fibers. Urban women usually buy fibers that have already been processed back in the Darién villages and are ready to be made into baskets. Fiber processing is time consuming and requires a great deal of skill and knowledge as well as access to a variety of dye plants and space to carry out the procedures

Dyeing the chunga fibers involves complex recipes to obtain the desired colors. Black requires boiling fibers with shavings of cocobolo wood, then burying them in mud for several days. The mud from mangrove wetlands is said to give the best results. Yuquilla root (tumeric) provides shades of yellow and gold. The "pucham" (Arrabidaea chica) leaf is a common and useful dye material since it combines with other substances to produce a variety of colors. The dried leaves of pucham with ashes produce a rust brown; used alone it gives a soft violet-pink shade. The "solimon" plant ( probably a Justicia species) is also used in various combinations to produce colors such as blue, green, purple and gray. Teak leaves give rust with slight cooking and a purple brown with more cooking. Another common dye material is the fruit of the "jagua" tree (Genipa americana) which is used for traditional body painting and provides a blue-black color. The bark of "jobo" (Spondias) has been discovered to produce a pleasing tan.

 
Emberá women utilize many different plants and recipes to produce the colors and shades of their decorative basketry. It seems that there is no color that can't be found with natural plant dyes although occasionally store-bought dyes might be used for an elusive but necessary shade in a particular basket's design. Store bought dyes are the exception rather than the rule however as the artisans realize that collectors value natural plants dyes over commercial dyes. They are actively researching new plant dyes to add more shades and colors to their palette.



 
Sewing the Basket

Although Wounaan and Embera women know a variety of basket making techniques, they are best known for their elegant and artistic coiled baskets. Coiling is defined by Virginia Harvey in The Techniques of Basketry as:
the technique of stitching over a foundation and attaching rows of work together as the stitching progresses to form the basketry structure. The two elements used are the foundation, or core, and the sewing material. The foundation forms the base over which the stitching is done, and the stability of this element holds the shape of the work. Successive wraps over the foundation are made with the sewing material which fastens back into or around one or more of the foundations or catches into the stitches of the former row to hold the work together.
In Emberá basketry the fibers of the nahuala plant are used for the foundation while strands of the finer chunga palm are used as the sewing material. A basket begins at the bottom with the artisan forming a spiral shape with the nahuala and chunga fibers. Baskets often have complex bottoms and the artisan might put her "signature" design there, perhaps a turtle or butterfly, that will identify the basket as her work. Some baskets have such beautiful bases that they are best displayed upside-down or hanging on a wall so that this part of them can be appreciated.
As the artisan adds rows to the basket she must pay careful attention to the shape and emerging design of her work. Since the actual form of the basket is a spiral, achieving a symmetrical shape is quite difficult and the mark of a skilled basket maker. The maker must also keep track of the various strands of colored chunga fiber as she counts stitches and chooses the appropriate colors at the appropriate times so that her design develops according to the pattern she has in her head.
The finest baskets incorporate a foundation of very thin nahuala with slender strands of chunga sewn very tightly around the nahuala. Other baskets, although still attractive, use fibers of larger diameter. If a woman needs money she might make a quick basket of coarser weave to sell immediately while a finer basket in progress waits until she has more time to complete it.
 
Emberá basket makers employ two types of coil stitching. In the "diente peinado" stitch the chunga strands are sewn to the top two foundation coils in such a manner that the surface of the basket has a smooth, silky finish. In the "escalera" weave the coils have an attractive corrugated surface with each coil appearing well defined. Both stitches require patience and skill with the finest baskets crafted from the thinnest materials. Basket borders, the finishing touch, are evolving from simple horizontal lines of one or two colors to complex patterns that complement the main design of the work. Most baskets are made in some variation of a vase shape but plate baskets and wall plaques are also made using the same coil techniques

 





 

Aerial Tram Tour with Ecologic Exhibits

Avaliable : From Tuesday to Sunday


  • 7:30am, 9:15 a.m and 10:30 a.m.
  • 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Get the forest’s different perspective, take a close look from above! You can be eye to eye with the birds and animals of the rainforest while sitting comfortably in the seat of our Swiss-engineered aerial tram system. Gliding smoothly through the tree tops, you will experience firsthand the sounds and peace of the deep tropical rainforest.

One of the tour guides will accompany you to describe the flora and fauna that you will see. The 1.2-kilometer ride culminates at a hill top where you have the opportunity to visit the Observation Tower. After walking up the spiral ramp, you will discover a panoramic view of the.


  • Chagres River
  • Panama Canal
  • Embera Indigenous Village
  • Town of Gamboa

All surrounded by lush mountainous rainforest.

LOCATION :

The aerial tram is located in 100 hectares in the Gamboa Rainforest . Here one finds an exuberant flora and fauna typical of Panama's neo-tropical forests. Flora includes species such as the Guarumo (Trumpet tree), Manglillo, Mangavé, Higo de Montaña, Espavé (Wild Cashew), Balsa, and others. This impressive plant diversity is the food source for all kinds of indigenous animals including these mammals: Coatimundi, Peccary, Howler Monkey, Squirrels, Capybara, and Sloth. Beautiful birds such as Toucans, Trogons, Parrots, and Momots are also plentiful. Reptiles and amphibians found in the Panamanian forests include: Caimans, Iguanas, and dozens of species of frogs. At the bottom of the evolutionary scale is the world of the insects, many of which are beautifully colored such as butterflies, dragonflies, cicadas, and others.

ROUTE:

The aerial tram travels 1.2 kms. thorough the canopy of the forest in 72 minutes, not including time spent at the lookout. Its speed is no greater than 1 m/s. so you can enjoy the most.

CAPACITY:

There are 18 gondolas with a total capacity for 86 passengers, including interpretative guides. Two of these gondolas hold 3 passengers + the guide, with space for a wheelchair. The other gondolas hold five persons + the guide

LOOKOUT:

This is a square, steel and wood structure with a concrete base. The tower is 30 mts. high and 9 mts. wide, including an access ramp that spirals around the tower. The lookout is located at the top of the tower and offers a 360-degree, panoramic view of the Panama Canal, the Chagres River, and the surrounding tropical rain forest.


Recommendations: comfortable clothes, binoculars, water.















Colon Province

Tour suggested
Colon Free Zone
Portobelo Tour




The Caribbean province of Colon has seen some colorful history. First came the Spanish, harried by scavenging pirates. Then in the 19th century came the gold rush 49ers from the east coast of the United States , willing to face the rigors of walking through Panama 's humid jungles to seek riches in California . A historic railroad the first ever to cross a continent was built to speed them on their way. Then, at the beginning of the 20th century, came the great days of the construction of the Panama Canal .
The good news for the visitor is that not only are there fascinating reminders of these different ages to visit, but the setting is spectacular: turquoise waters, palm-fringed bays, tropical flowers and forested hills. And as well as seeing the sights, you can scuba dive or snorkel, or spend a day or two relaxing on the island of Isla Grande .
There are two Spanish forts to visit: one at Portobelo and the other, Fort San Lorenzo , within the former United States army base of Fort Sherman . The easiest to get to is Portobelo, just 35 minutes drive east of the main Colon-Panama road, and a little over two hours from Panama City . The Spanish sent gold and silver from their South American colonies to Portobelo to await ships back to Europe . But attackers such as Sr. Francis Drake, Henry Morgan and Edward Vernon broke through their defenses too many times, and the Spanish were choosing other, safer routes by the end of the 17th century. Portobelo has been nothing but a small fishing village with some interesting ruins ever since.
Scattered around Portobelo there are several different sets of ruins, some in surprisingly good condition, complete with cannons pointing out to see, stone walls, etc. The first set is visible from the main road, on the left side, as you enter this beautiful bay that cuts deep inland. As well, on the right side up on the hill, there are other small ruins. A second set of ruins is in the middle of the village itself. The customs house has recently been restored and contains exhibitions on the area's history. Across from the first set of ruins, on the other side of the bay, is another set of ruins. There are actually three different forts straddling the hillside, with the two upper sections offering terrific views of the bay and town of Portobelo . There is stone trail that leads from the lowest fort, which resides along the water's edge, to the middle one, which is rather close and can be see from the lower section. It's an easy, short walk. To visit the third and highest fort, you'll have to hike along a wide, steep trail. The upper fort has no views of the lower sections, but has stunning views of Portobelo and surrounding areas. Visiting this last set of ruins across the bay is well worth the trip.

Colon Free Zone :
Nearly all world routes pass the Colon Free Zone located as it is at the Atlantic gateway to the Panama Canal with access to both the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Wholesalers and retailers travel to this Free Zone because here they are able to buy all consumer products either by the container load or in smaller quantities, because Free Zone importers specialize in bringing in container loads of goods, and breaking them down for resale.
Historically the Zone has staked its ground on importing goods duty-free from around the world and selling them to tariff-bound Latin America . With that business basis no longer relevant as Latin tariff barriers have fallen, the Zone has had to reshape and expand its business according to the ground rules now prevalent worldwide: globalization of trade, speed and efficiency of transit, and competitive prices
Gatun Locks:
The biggest locks in the Panama Canal , Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side of the canal does the work of two set of locks on the Pacific side:the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks.
That makes Gatún Locks absolutely massive and a very impressive sight, a little less than a mile (more than 1.5 kilometers ) from end to end. A couple of observation platforms give an excellent view of the locks, the Caribbean entrance to the canal, and Lago Gatún. There is also a small scale model of the entire canal. Nearby is the well maintained town of Gatun . A visit will give a taste of what life in the old Canal Zone looked like

Langosta Beach :

Of course you must know this by now, the Atlantic coast of Panama has no tides, so the beaches in Colón are safe, with white sand. The best beaches in the whole country are in Colón, the most famous being Playa La Angosta, on Sundays, people come all the way from Panama City in busloads to swim at this popular beach
Railroad:
Yes, only in Panama can you go from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast - in about one hour and find yourself in an idyllic Caribbean setting. Colón lies less than an hour by road from Panama City , or by the luxurious Historical Panama Canal Railway. This is an amazing trip. The train leaves the terminal in Corozal at 7.15 a .m. and arrives in Colon at 8:15 a.m.. It returns from Colon at 5:15 p.m., arriving in Panama City at 6:15 p.m. The views of Gatun Lake , the Panama Canal , and the rainforests are beautiful. The train is a beautifully restored locomotive complete with a splendid observation car. On the trip, which lasts about one hour fifteen minutes, a complimentary snack box is served.
Isla Grande:
A small island about an hours drive from Colón, is a must visit, even if you dont go to the Island itself, just the drive up to Isla Grande is worth it. The Island itself is about 5 minutes boat ride from the small village of La Guayra . Lush verdant landscape, crystal clear waters, and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere, friendly locals make Isla Grande Panama 's most popular island vacation spot. Isla Grande offers the visitor snorkeling, diving, surfing, jet-ski, boatrides, banana boats, and relaxation. Numerous inexpensive cabins, as well as larger, more expensive hotels cater to all. The islands waterfront restaurants and bars make for a peaceful and worthwhile visit.
drink specialties, art and photography exhibits, and other family-friendly entertainment.

The Customs House has been restored and is a good place to see some of the history. Portobelo is also famous for it's Black Chris

Portobelo:

The quaint town of Portobelo lies 20 miles northeast of Colón (about an hour's drive from Colon ) and was connected by a stone highway "El Camino Real" with Old Panama. Later on, it was accessible only by boat from Colon . It is situated in a splendid harbor which was discovered and named by Christopher Columbus when, in 1502, his vessels sought shelter in the "Portobelo" meaning " Beautiful Port " from a great storm. The town was founded in 1597 and was given the name of San Felipe de Portobelo in honor of King Phillip II of Spain . From its commercial demise when the isthmus became independent from Spain in 1821, until a few years ago, Portobelo, the Spanish Main ’s richest treasure port, mouldered, a roadless fishing village with an annual flicker of life for the Black Christ celebration. Now, approached by an excellent highway, the Spanish Main , albeit time-weary, is there for all to capture single-handed.
Portobelo is one of the oldest Spanish settlements on the Caribbean coast and at one point was the center of the Spanish Main . It was through Portobelo that almost all of Spain 's plunder was accounted for before being shipped back to Spain . The bay was heavily guarded by forts on both sides and was host to one of the largest annual fairs in the Americas at the time.
Portobelo was the port of entry and of exit for all of South America . The exchange of merchandise took place annually at Portobelo in the form of a fair which lasted from 30 to 60 days. During this time, this sleepy little place was a beehive of activity. Transactions frequently totaled from 10 to 12 million gold pesos. These fairs took place once each year until 1738 when, as a result of continual attacks by pirates, Spain was forced to abandon the Isthmian route for the longer but more secure one around Cape Horn . The frequent pirate attacks forced the Spaniards to adopt a convoy system. Each year two fleets of 40 to 70 ships sailed from Spain , one bound for Veracruz , the other for Portobelo. The arrival of the fleet signaled the opening of the great fair.
It was also fair game for the English pirates, like Drake and Morgan. Much of the old settlement has been overrun by the local village but there are still some good ruins and examples of the Spanish fortifications.
Portobelo suffered its first attack in 1596, even before it was officially founded, at the hands of Sir Frances Drake who died of fever before he could capture it and was secretly buried at sea off the entrance to the harbor. In 1668, Sir Henry Morgan attacked the town from the land and launched a surprise attack on Fort Santiago el Principe. He then attacked the remaining Spanish garrison, using monks and nuns to place scaling ladders against its walls. The city was at the mercy of Morgan's men who launched upon an orgy of looting, debauchery and torture. Portobelo lived through this reign of terror however. Other buccaneers and pirates who attacked Portobelo were Englishmen William Parker in 1601 and Edward Vernon in 1739.
The most interesting and historic ruins are also the ones most accessible to the visitor. The forts of Santiago and San Geronimo are each but a 5-minute walk from the pier. The forts are a neat place to explore. Cannons still point out to sea, although the munitions depots are now empty and the only permanent inhabitants of the fort are countless crabs. The forts are not massive, and there isn't a lot to see, but it's interesting to look out over the bay and realize that Sir Francis Drake, the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe, died in Portobelo and lies buried under the silt in the sea nearby.
Even closer is the "Customs House", built in 1630, the remains of the church of La Merced, and the church of San Felipe, the last building to be built by the Spaniards. It was inaugurated in 1814. Its most carefully guarded and priceless relic is a beautifully carved statue of Jesus of Nazareth which, because of the dark wood from which it is made, is known as the "Black Christ"
Every year on the 21st of October, Portobelo relives a day of its glorious past in a celebration in honor of the Black Christ. The city is filled with people in a candlelight procession. The statue of the Black Christ is brought out of the church on a platform borne by 80 men and is carried through the streets of the city. It is followed by hundreds of pilgrims carrying candles who march behind it until it is once again restored to its resting place.
Every two years, the Festival of Diablos and Congos brings a burst of color and drama to Portobelo. Tourists and locals alike are drawn to the San Jerónimo Fort and other smaller sites in Portobelo to see the Congos, Diablos, musicians, and singers who have come from many towns and the provincial capital of Colón. The artists and performers bring their best skills and talents to the masks, the costumes, the dances, and the music that enliven the Festival. It is a spectacle not to be missed. Other complementary activities that share in the celebration of the area’s long and proud Afro-colonial heritage include a crafts fair, a farmers’ market featuring regional food and

Fort San Lorenzo

The fort at San Lorenzo was first built during the late 16th century (the actual year varies). King Philip II of Spain ordered a fortress to be built to overlook the mouth of the Rio Chagres which was heavily used by commerce and slaves ships. This entry was also the easiest route for marauding pirates and buccaneers looking for booty, and the location of the fort provided an excellent view of any approaching ships. Unfortunately, this first fort was made of wood and and began to deteriorate in the humid and rainy climate of Panama 's six-month long rainy seasons. Between the rotting wood and the attacks by pirates, it began to deteriorate and eventually fell, helped along by the pirate and slaver, Francis Drake, who set fire to it in 1596.
The fort was eventually rebuilt but in 1671, it was captured by Joseph Bradley who was under orders from Henry Morgan, the infamous pirate. There were approximately 350 people stationed at the fort and in the battle, all but 30 died, with no officers being left alive. Bradley lost approximately 100 of his own men with many injured. Morgan arrived less than a week later and soon afterwards, Bradley died of his own wounds.
Morgan did not destroy the fort at this time but instead continued with his plans to destroy Panama Viejo ("Old Panama") by returning to the Pacific side. During this time, Portobelo (also spelled as Porto Bello), another important trading and treasure port, had also been attacked by pirates, including Morgan, and Spaniards alike, both whom had been waging a deadly battle for control due to it's important location on the coast. Another fort was established there by the Spaniards and some of the ruins remain standing today as they do at Fort San Lorenzo .
For weeks, Morgan raped and looted Panama , leaving nothing by stone ruins, and when his appetite was finally sated, he returned to Fort San Lorenzo where he and his men rested and regrouped. However, he also made the decision during this time to sail for Jamaica so when leaving, he set fire to what remained of the fort and burnt it to the ground. A year later, Morgan returned to England where he spent three years and after making friends with royalty, was appointed Acting Governor for the Duke of Albermarle and Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica, along with a number of other important offices. The Duke arrived in 1687 take over the governorship and Morgan died the next year in Port Royal .
The fort was rebuilt by the Spaniards in a slightly higher location, an odd-shaped cliff, this time using masonry. But records for the following years are sketchy, probably due to lack of any major battles at the site, so little information is known. But in March 1740, a British Admiral, Sir Edward Vernon, acting under orders from Britain to capture Portobelo and Fort San Lorenzo , bombarded the fort with his ship's cannons until the Spaniards gave up. After plundering the buildings and taking what they found, Vernon 's men set fire to one of the buildings, destroyed the "castle" then sailed away for Portobelo.
In 1761, the fort was repaired and fortified but never again attacked by pirates. It gradually lost its importance as the years went by but in the first decades of the 19th century, after Panama gained its' independence from Spain but became the property of Colombia, it was once again in use but this time as a prison. When the 49ers poured into Panama with dreams of gold lying on the ground in California , it became a main traveling point for crossing the isthmus to Panama , where the 49ers needed to catch the ships to California . But it once again fell into obscurity when the Panama Railroad was completed and the travel routes changed.
It is what's left of the 1761 fort that is standing today, having been a part of history for over 400 years. When touching the stone walls of the fort and climbing through the ruins, one's imagination can only wonder if during these 400 years, other hands touched the exact same spots or tread through the same pathways or admired the same view. Standing at the farthest point to get a clear view of the Rio Chagres, you can close your eyes and know that you have a connection to history by just being there.

Ecotourist’s Paradise

The 12000-hectare San Lorenzo Protected Area (SLPA), located at the northwestern entrance to the Panama Canal, is currently part of the Mesoamerican corridor of protected areas extending from Guatemala to the Colombian border.
The SLPA contains two forts built for similar protective functions: Fort San Lorenzo at the mouth of the Chagres River, first initiated by the Spanish in 1597 to protect the "Camino de las Cruces," the gold route over the isthmus; and Fort Sherman, started in 1911 to protect the northern entrance to the Panama Canal, the 20th century's "royal corridor" through Panama.
Both forts successfully fulfilled their military objectives, and Fort Sherman simultaneously protected the area's natural resources during the 20th century. SLPA's setting is at a major crossroads, historicaly connected with the Spanish conquest, the legacy of fortune seekers and the Chagres River including pirates and shipwrecks, the building of the Panama railroad, the efforts of France and the United States on the Panama Canal, and early agricultural activities.
The San Lorenzo Protected Area (SLPA) contains 3 ecological life zones, 12 vegetation types, and at least 500 species of higher plants. Nearly 590 species of vertebrates have been identified within the SLPA, including 36 species of amphibians, 35 reptiles, 435 birds, 81 mammals; moreover, the Chagres watershed and SLPA streams contain 42 species of freshwater fish.
Much of the fauna and flora of the SLPA are easily seen from roadsides and trails. The SLPA also has a variety of attractive scenery and is readily accessible by car. The picturesque historical and cultural attractions of the SLPA highlight Panama as the crossroads between two continents and two oceans.
The legacy of Spanish gold and Fort San Lorenzo, pirates, shipwrecks, the first “intercontinental railroad,” the French attempt at a the sea-level canal, and the building of the Panama Canal, Gatún Locks, and Fort Sherman, are all interwoven into the history of the SLPA.
Tourists will find both terrestrial and aquatic activities, including hiking along roads or trails, wildlife photography, bird watching, canoeing on the Chagres , kayaking, and fresh or saltwater fishing. The Caribbean shore, particularly west of Fort Sherman , offers quiet beaches, swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
The sandy coves and wooded ridges bordering the Caribbean shore provide glimpses of passing vessels and views of the city of Colón across Limón Bay . Along the Gatún Locks- Sherman Road , the principal thoroughfare of the SLPA, wetland forests (mangrove, Pterocarpus, and cativo swamps) and typical flora (mangrove ferns, large trees, and heliconias) are readily visible from vehicles.
Monkeys, sloths, and anteaters are often seen, as are several species of birds, lizards, and butterflies, including the iridescent blue morpho (Morpho peleides). At Fort Sherman , viewing the architecture of the residences, administration buildings, and World War I batteries provides insights into military life during the 20th century.
Hikers venturing along gravel roads and trails into the interior encounter panoramas from rugged highpoints and occasional views of waterfalls, small caves, and some of the more timid fauna of the SLPA. A short distance away, the Panama Canal and Gatún Locks, traversed by ships from all over the World, add to a memorable experience
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