Independent Panama ( ILP1)

6 days from Panama City to Panama City

2025 Tour Details 2026 Tour Details » 2024 Tour Details »

This Independence by Globus vacation begins in Panama City. Here, on the isthmus linking Central and South America, you’ll explore the colonial-style architecture of Casco Antiguo and hear the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise in the waters of the Panama Canal to follow in the historic wake of some 14,000 ships that traverse the engineering marvel each year. Venture into Gamboa Rainforest Resort in the heart of Soberania National Park. Cruise up the Chagres River in a dugout canoe to visit an Emberá Indian Village where ancient dances, mystical ceremonies, and medicinal plants are a way of life. Take some well-deserved I-time in Gamboa to fish, birdwatch, or kick back at the pool or spa. Aaaahh, Panama!

To know more about the visas for this vacation, click here

GET A QUOTE

Notes:

Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary. Local guide service is provied in Panama City.

The day of operation for the Panama Canal Partial Transit may vary based on seasonality, weather conditions, and availability. When the transit is not available as scheduled on day 3, it will be confirmed on an alternate day.

 Meals & Itinerary

 Meals

Buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches

 Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE IN PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
• Arrive in beautiful, colorful, and vibrant Panama City. Built in 1519 by Pedro Arias de Avila, a Spanish conquistador who made it his base for plundering Peru’s riches, Panama today remains one of the central hubs for commerce and trade in the Americas. Panama offers diverse natural wonders, a melting pot of cultures and historical as well as modern cityscapes.

Day 2

PANAMA CITY
• After breakfast, your private city tour visits Casco Antiguo, the colonial area and oldest sector of modern Panama City, founded in 1673 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic district was built as a protected walled city after Panama City was burned down in a pirate attack in 1671. Here, see the restored colonial buildings, churches, and historical monuments.
• Next, visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal to witness this engineering genius in operation. During your guided tour, learn about the history of the canal and its construction, and observe transiting vessels navigating the locks from just a few feet away.


Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3

PANAMA CITY–GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT
• Today, a special treat is in store when you board a vessel for a Panama Canal partial transit. Your boat will enter the canal at the Gailard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal and where the canal was carved through the Continental Divide. Enter the Pedro Miguel Locks, where your vessel will be lowered approximately 30 feet into Miraflores Lake. Continue to the Miraflores Locks to be lowered almost 60 feet to the Pacific Ocean.

Please note: the day of operation for the Panama Canal transit may vary based on seasonality, weather conditions, and availability. When the transit is not available as scheduled on day 3, it will be confirmed on an alternate day.

• Disembark your ship and head to Gamboa Rainforest Resort within Soberania National Park.


Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch

Day 4

GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT
• Enjoy a free day to take advantage of the resort’s many activities.


Breakfast Breakfast


TODAY’S I-TIME TIPS
Perhaps take an aerial tram tour above the canopy, go fishing, birding or visit the sloth sanctuary. Alternatively, simply relax by the pool or at the spa.

Day 5

GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT
• An enchanting journey takes you deep into the dense jungles of the Chagres, where the Emberá Indians have lived for centuries. The adventure begins with a river cruise up the Chagres in dugout canoes, the Emberá traditional hand-carved boats.
• Upon arrival at the Indian village, you will be taken back in time as you are immersed in ancient Emberá cultural dances and music that have not changed much since Columbus arrived in the 1500s. The Emberás will give you a glimpse into their mystical rituals and amazing knowledge of medicinal plants and other natural remedies. The Indians will invite you to explore the area’s abundant variety of birds and wildlife during a trek that takes you through the untouched jungle and past sparkling waterfalls.
• Top off your visit with a typical lunch in the village.


Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch

Day 6

GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.


Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

ROBERT TAYLOR

Escorting tours for more than 10 years

" I have worked as a guide for over 8 years and my focus is on historical and ecological tours in Panama. I love guiding new people as they experience Panama for the first time. I am fluent in Spanish and English and particularly skilled at tours involving Panama's colonial history, the Panama Canal, Miraflores, and Gatun Locks, as well as the Chagres River and Embera villages."

Tour Director -  ROBERT TAYLOR

 Accommodations

PANAMA CITY

LE MERIDIEN PANAMA

Hotel as shown or similar
Deluxe
  Free Wifi

GAMBOA

GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT

Hotel as shown or similar
Moderate Deluxe
  Free Wifi

 Optional Excursions

Contact your Travel Consultant for more information.
Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)



* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus).
#pf-content img.mediumImage { display: inline-block !important; width: auto !important; }