Independent Panama

Independent Panama

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Independent Panama

6 Days Starting in Panama City, Panama and ending in Gamboa, Panama

Visiting: Panama City, Gamboa, South America

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

ILP1-2025

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Discover the vibrant culture and natural wonders of Panama on the Independent Panama tour. Begin your journey in the colorful Panama City, exploring the historic Casco Antiguo and witnessing the engineering marvel of the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal. Experience a partial transit of the canal, navigating through the Gailard Cut and Pedro Miguel Locks. Stay at the luxurious Le Meridien Panama and the serene Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Venture into the heart of the jungle with a river cruise to the Emberá Indian village, where you'll immerse in ancient cultural dances, music, and learn about traditional medicinal plants. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature, providing an unforgettable Panamanian adventure.

Highlights

  • Arrive in beautiful, colorful, and vibrant Panama City.

  • Visit Casco Antiguo, the colonial area and oldest sector of modern Panama City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Witness the engineering genius of the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal.

  • Board a vessel for a Panama Canal partial transit, entering the canal at the Gailard Cut.

  • Stay at Gamboa Rainforest Resort within Soberania National Park.

  • Take a river cruise up the Chagres in dugout canoes to visit the Emberá Indian village.

  • Immerse in ancient Emberá cultural dances and music, and learn about their medicinal plants and natural remedies.

Places You'll See

Le Meridien Panama

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Le Meridien Panama

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Panama City,Panama

Location: Panama City

Accommodation Name: Le Meridien 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

Location: Panama City

Accommodation Name: Le Meridien Panama

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. (B)

Day 3: Panama City,Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Location: Panama City

Accommodation Name: Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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. (B,L)

Day 4: Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Location: Gamboa

Accommodation Name: Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT • Enjoy a free day to take advantage of the resort’s many activities. (B)TODAY’S I-TIME TIPSPerhaps 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

Location: Gamboa

Accommodation Name: Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. (B,L)

Day 6: Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Location: Gamboa

Accommodation Name: Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORTYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Panama City at Le Meridien Panama and in Gamboa at Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches.

  • Private City Tour

    Private city tour of Casco Antiguo, the colonial area and oldest sector of modern Panama City, and visit to the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal.

  • Panama Canal Partial Transit

    Board a vessel for a Panama Canal partial transit, including entry at the Gailard Cut and passage through the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks.

  • Emberá Indian Village Visit

    River cruise up the Chagres in dugout canoes to visit the Emberá Indian village, including cultural dances, music, and a typical lunch.

  • Transportation

    Transportation includes a private city tour in Panama City and a river cruise up the Chagres in traditional hand-carved canoes.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Panama are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches

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.

Accommodation

In Panama City, stay at the luxurious Le Meridien Panama, and in Gamboa, enjoy the serene Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes a private city tour in Panama City and a river cruise up the Chagres in traditional hand-carved canoes.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes a private city tour in Panama City and a river cruise up the Chagres in traditional hand-carved canoes.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    In Panama City, you will stay at the luxurious Le Meridien Panama, and in Gamboa, you will enjoy the serene Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes a buffet breakfast daily and 2 lunches.

  • What activities are included in the private city tour of Panama City?

    The private city tour includes a visit to Casco Antiguo, the colonial area and oldest sector of modern Panama City, and a visit to the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal.

  • What can I expect during the Panama Canal partial transit?

    During the Panama Canal partial transit, you will board a vessel that enters the canal at the Gailard Cut, passes through the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks, and navigates through the canal's engineering marvels.

  • What will I experience during the visit to the Emberá Indian village?

    You will take a river cruise up the Chagres in dugout canoes to visit the Emberá Indian village, where you will be immersed in ancient cultural dances and music, learn about their medicinal plants and natural remedies, and enjoy a typical lunch.

  • Are international flights included in the tour package?

    No, international flights to and from Panama are not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Are personal expenses covered in the tour package?

    No, personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Are gratuities included in the tour package?

    No, gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • What happens if the Panama Canal Partial Transit is not available on the scheduled day?

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

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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