We know the importance to take advantage of time during your vacations, which is why we offer you a wide list of options for you to combine your train and the canal looks experience with the culture and nature of our beautiful country.

Combinations

Panama Canal Railway, Agua Clara Locks

Undertake a train trip on the historical and original railway course from Panama City to Colón. This 1-hour travel leads you through the jungle and along the Panama Canal. This course was finished in 1855. The French Panama Canal company had acquired the railway line in 1880, as an assistance to build the Canal. In 1904 the Americans bought the Canal and the railway line and were operating it line until 1979. In 1998, Panama privatized the railway line and renewed it completely. Since 2001, the course is again passable and a unique attraction. 

After the beautiful train trip, you will continue with your guide from Colón to the impressive Agua Clara Visitor Center located on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. The Agua Clara Visitor Center is a place where the Panama Canal has made it clear that both its legacy and its grandeur will continue to bear fruit for the world. With an unparalleled view, this place is waiting for you and all those who want to enjoy a pleasant experience enriched with interesting facts, but especially by being part of the history of the route that unites the world. The center offers a breathtaking panoramic view that contrasts two particular scenarios that generate mixed feelings. 

On one side, you will find the famous Gatun Lake, where cargo ships or other vessels transit every day, while on the other side, but from a different perspective, you will be amazed by the view of the expansion works. Beyond its surprising technology or colossal machinery, you will be astonished by the work of thousands of people, who with discipline and determination head towards the same goal to make Panama stronger and Panamá worthy of admiration. After the impressive viewpoint, pamper yourself and be captivated by all those things that the Agua Clara visitor center has to offer. At the projection room you can learn about the history and efforts of thousands of men and women that have marked the Canal's first century and, of course, plans in the near and distant future. Throughout your visit, watch for the walls and exhibits with interesting information that will amaze you. Walk through the ecological path, with a variety of plants and species that makes the trail an adventure with great scenery and breathtaking views; identify the different species gathered thereindigenous of the area of the Canal watershed.

Portobelo: The tour continues towards Portobelo, one of the Spanish Empire's most important ports. This port was the gathering point of the Peruvian treasures in the 15th century. These were shipped there towards the metropolis of the empire, and in addition, it was the centre of control and inspection of the goods, which arrived from Spain. The ruin complex is built and set up in the middle of the tropical jungle and covers a set of fortress, castles and military bases. Typical Panamenian lunch will be served at a local restaurant, after lunch you will be driven back to your hotel in Panama City.  

Gatun Lake: Continue towards the town of Gamboa, located on a sharp bend of the Chagres River. Then, travel on small boats northbound on the canal for 25 minutes where you might come close to some of the big ships that transit the canal daily. Slowly you will motor along the forested banks of Gatun Lake, a protected area. Look for wildlife such as Capuchin Monkeys, 3-toed sloth, Howler Monkeys, various kinds of Toucans and other bird life. This is a place to observe the raw regenerative power of the forest as it struggles to claim what was once wild. To complete the tour, a delicious lunch will be served at Los Lagartos restaurant overlooking the Chagres River. After lunch, you will be transferred back to your Panama City hotel.   

Embera: The tour will continue up north towards Buena Vista. There you will step into small boats, which will carry you up the Gatún River. A fascinating and dense jungle will accompany you on your boat trip until you arrive at Embera Quera, one of seven indigenous tribes in Panama. The people of the Emberá tribe will welcome you at the pier and gladly give you an idea on how they still live today. The villages chief will give you a brief explication on the history of the tribe, its traditions, cultures, believes and handicrafts. Then, a traditional lunch of fish and plantains prepared by the Embera women will be served to you. In the afternoon, you will experience a traditional Embera dance and have the opportunity to shop for handicrafts. The sale of local products directly benefits the village and helps to pay the school fees for the children. You can also get a temporary Embera tattoo painted on your arm or leg.  

San Lorenzo: Continue to the San Lorenzo Fort, located at the entrance of the Chagres River close to Colon. It was through this river where the notorious pirate Henry Morgan arrived to the Old Panama, to burn and loot the city. To get to San Lorenzo, it is necessary to cross the Gatun Locks and be into Sherman Fort, a former military base, surrounded by a rich jungle with a wide diversity of species. It is a special place for bird watching. To complete the tour, a delicious lunch will be served at Los Lagartos restaurant overlooking the Chagres River. After lunch, you will be transferred back to your Panama City hotel.

Backstage at Miraflores Locks: A professional representative from the Panama Canal Authority will take you on an exclusive tour through the 4 exhibition rooms of the Miraflores Visitor Center, to discover its operational details up close. With the use of hearing aids, you will be provided with detailed explanations on how this engineering marvel functions. Also you will enjoy a private visit to the movie theater, where you will be guided through the history of the Panama Canal from its beginnings to the present, with an interesting movie about it. As part of this private visit, you will have access to areas where regular customers usually are not allowed to enter, such as canal platforms and control cabins where you can take a picture for a memorable moment.

Transportation from and to Panama City Hotel, English speaking guide & entrance fees.

Full day

Comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, insect repellent.  

Lunch.