There are loads of nice issues to do in Panama City with out leaving city, however typically seeing the good locations means venturing out somewhat bit. And that’s the place my suggestions for excursions enter into your trip.
Whether you’re geeking out on the Panama Canal (significantly, it’s means cooler than you suppose), going full-on nature explorer whereas monkey-spotting on Monkey Island, or chilling with the Emberá individuals deep within the rainforest, this place is bucket-list gold.
Short on time in Panama City? See my One Day Panama City Itinerary
Panama Canal Tour
Ah, the Panama Canal – the place water, metal, and pure human dedication come collectively to drag off one of many coolest engineering feats on the planet. Fun reality: the French kicked issues off again in 1881, however when issues acquired messy (as in, large challenges and setbacks), the U.S. stepped in and at last wrapped it up by 1914.
What’s wild is the way it utterly modified the sport for international commerce, shaving critical time without work delivery routes between the Atlantic and Pacific. Seeing it up shut? Trust me, it hits in another way once you’re proper there watching large ships glide by means of prefer it’s no large deal.
On our go to, we booked a Panama Canal and City Tour with Viator and went to the Miraflores Lock, considered one of three main locks that hold this large operation working easily. We acquired up shiny and early, hopped on a tour van with six different {couples}, and headed straight to the locks as a result of — timing is every little thing — a ship was about to cross by means of.
When we acquired there we headed up the escalators and out the door to the statement heart. (Pro tip: dash up these stairs to seize a main viewing spot!) Watching a large vessel get lifted by means of the locks was like watching the world’s largest bathtub drain, however one way or the other much more spectacular.
Once you’ve had your fill of canal motion, head inside for a 3D IMAX film on how this unimaginable feat of engineering saves ships weeks of crusing round South America. It’s arduous to not be blown away by the truth that ships shell out anyplace from $100K to $500K (typically much more) to make the 8-hour journey by means of the canal—however that’s nonetheless cheaper than 20 further days at sea.
>> Book the Tour I Took: Panama Canal and City Tour
PS: This tour takes you on a short metropolis tour too, however if you wish to discover extra see my Self-Guided Walking Tour of Casco Viejo.
Monkey Island Tour
If you’re in search of an unforgettable option to expertise Panama’s pure magnificence, historical past, and wildlife all in someday, the Monkey Island Tour and Rainforest Walk is the right mixture of wildlife recognizing, jungle trekking, and attractive native flavors!
Leaving shiny and early from Panama City, this journey kicked off with a lodge pickup that acquired us out into nature earlier than town had even had its morning espresso.
First up, we cruised alongside the well-known Panama Canal and glided throughout Gatun Lake—a large 166-square-mile man-made lake surrounded by dense rainforest. As you sail by means of, it’s a must to hold your eyes peeled for wildlife: monkeys swinging from branches, colourful birds darting overhead, and possibly even a crocodile chilling by the shore.
With somewhat luck, you’ll spot all three monkey species that decision the realm house—white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, and playful spider monkeys. We did! With that stated, the guides know precisely the place to seek out them and can level out wildlife you’d most likely miss by yourself.
After the boat cruise, it was time to stretch our legs on a beginner-friendly rainforest stroll, the place the information took us deeper into the luxurious jungle. Along the way in which, we discovered in regards to the native ecosystem and caught a glimpse of some tropical creatures like sloths, iguanas, and unique birds. One of my favourite components was simply listening to the howler monkeys within the timber do their factor.
To wrap issues up, we had a hearty breakfast full of conventional Panamanian dishes— suppose Carimañolas (like an empanada) and hojaldres (fried dough).
With so many unforgettable moments packed into someday, we headed again to Panama City with a full stomach, a number of reminiscences, and a narrative value telling.
>> Book the Tour I Took: Monkey Island Tour and Rainforest Walk
Note: One factor that actually stood out about this tour firm was their dedication to conservation. Unlike another excursions, they don’t permit feeding the monkeys, which helps hold the wildlife wild and wholesome. If you like exploring nature whereas respecting it, this tour is an ideal match.
Indigenous Emberá Village Tour
If you’re in search of a tour in Panama City that’s extra than simply snapping footage from a bus window, taking the Emberá village tour provides an actual journey. This one checked all of the bins for me: wild nature, genuine tradition, and sure, a wholesome dose of mud. Here’s why you’ll love each minute of it (slippery trails included).
First, a fast historical past lesson: The Emberá tribe initially come from Colombia, the place there are about 200,000 of them. However, a few of them moved to Panama and settled within the rainforest there. Now, there are about 30,000 of them in Panama. The Emberá tradition is all about their connection to nature, the place they imagine that every little thing within the rainforest has a spirit. They’re additionally tremendous gifted artisans and like to make music and dance.
Now, the journey itself. It began straightforward sufficient with a pit cease at a neighborhood fruit stand to seize goodies for lunch. After that, we had a one-hour journey to the Chagres River, the place our picket canoe was ready for us. Then there was a peaceable 25-minute canoe journey in waters surrounded by forest.
The actual enjoyable begins after the boat journey. There’s a hike to a waterfall, and whereas it’s often a 20-minute trek, a part of the path was washed out, so we lucked out with a 10-minute scramble as a substitute. Pro tip: I like to recommend carrying water sneakers or something with strong tread as a result of the trail can get slippery. But it’s nicely value it once you get to the waterfall. Some individuals swam, others (like me) simply took a seat on a rock to observe.
After the waterfall zen second, we headed to the village. We had been greeted by what appeared like the entire village taking part in music and conventional dancing. It wasn’t lengthy earlier than everybody within the tour group acquired invited to affix in. One of the cutest little ladies got here up and grabbed my hand to drag me to the makeshift dance ground. It was lovely!
We spent about two hours there, strolling by means of the village, consuming a conventional fish lunch and absorbing the tradition.
>> Book the Tour I Took: Rainforest, waterfall and Embera Village
PS: There are many different nice Panama City tour choices. I like to recommend checking Viator or Get Your Guide who’re each respected corporations to e book by means of.
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