Continental Bridge
Cultural Crossings in Panama
February 21 – 29, 2004
INTRODUCTION
Panama has an incredible variety of attractions. It boasts exotic
tropical rainforests, cool gorgeous mountain refuges, Caribbean-style
beaches, seven living Indian cultures, a pretty Miami-style capital
city, historic venues (Columbus and Balboa both came to Panama), adventure
tours, diving, rafting, kayaking—not to mention one of the world's
engineering marvels: The Panama Canal.
There are many good reasons to visit Panama.
The country is safe, with a first-world (not third-world) infrastructure
of roads, medical care, communications, and business services. It is
tourist friendly, with English spoken as a second language. It is just
a short plane ride away, with seven major U.S. cities offering direct
daily flights.
Panama is one of the best places in the world
for ecotourism today, positioned as a narrow land bridge connecting
two continents and several diverse and pristine rainforest preserves.
It is an affordable exotic destination, with great beauty but not a
hefty price. It has world-class adventure with river running, whitewater
rafting, kayaking, canyoning, trekking, rappelling, surfing, deep-sea
fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. It has a wide selection of beaches,
with a long twisting coast and hundreds of islands on both the Atlantic
and Pacific Oceans.
Discover the best of what Panama has to
offer! During this incredible adventure you’ll explore the beautiful,
white sand beaches of San Blas, the secrets of the rainforest jungles
in Chagres National Park with the Emberá Indians, and the greatest
engineering tribute to man—the Panama Canal.
ITINERARY
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Arrival in Panama City
Arrange your international flight to arrive in Panama City, the capital
of Panama by 6pm today if possible. Call to inquire about discounted
airfare! You will be met at the airport and transferred to our downtown
hotel. Tonight Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at our hotel with a
brief orientation about the week ahead as well as introductions all
around. Overnight at Hotel Las Huacas. (Dinner
Included)
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Portobelo / Isla Grande
This morning travel to a wonderful resort on the paradise island called:
Isla Grande. On the way, board a boat that will take us across Portobelo
Bay to Fort San Fernando, where we tour the old ruins and hike to the
upper battery, which offers an incredible view of the Caribbean Sea
and nearby islands. Take the boat back across the bay and continue on
to Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site of Spanish ruins dating back
to 1601. At the town of La Giara, board a second boat that will take
us to the green mountains and gorgeous beaches of Isla Grande. Overnight
at Bananas Village Resort. (All Meals)
Monday, February 23, 2004
Isla Grande
After breakfast, head towards Isla Mammey by boat. Here we are just
a short swim from shore to the surrounding fringe reef, containing many
coral formations of caverns and passageways. Enjoy snorkeling and viewing
schools of many different varieties of fish. In late morning, return
to Isla Grande for a classic Caribbean lunch. The remainder of the day
is free at the resort. (All Meals)
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Chagres River / Whitewater Adventure
This morning we head back to the mainland and proceed to Chagres National
Park by motorcoach, then travel up the Chagres River to our base camp
at the Emberá Indian Village. After a brief visit in this unique
community, set off upriver in a dugout canoe through several rapids.
Your return trip downriver will be by river tube. Return to the Emberá
community to enjoy a typical native lunch of fresh fish and plaintains.
Overnight in a very traditional “Choza” Indian hut. (All
Meals)
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Jungle Challenge
After breakfast, take a 45-minute dug-out canoe to the trailhead,
where we embark on a challenging trek through the jungle growth along
a narrow trail with many steep inclines and treacherous descents. We
will face the falls of Iguana Creek, rappelling slippery rock faces
and swimming through a cool pool at the base of the falls. After completing
this jungle challenge, transfer to the Emberá community of Parara
Puru, where you can change clothes, relax and have lunch. In the afternoon,
return to Panama City. (Breakfast /
Lunch)
Thursday, February 26, 2004
San Blas Islands
Early this morning take a short flight from Panama City to the San
Blas Islands. Upon arrival at the airstrip in Playon Chico, journey
by boat towards the unpopulated island of Sapibenga in the middle of
this tropical paradise. This beautiful island has a lovely beach for
swimming and sunbathing, with hammocks hung between palm trees. After
checking into your beachfront, thatched roof hut, visit a nearby populated
island and learn more about the mysterious culture of the Kuna Indians.
Overnight at the Sapibenega Lodge. (All
Meals)
Friday, February 27, 2004
San Blas Islands
After a leisurely breakfast, boat to a nearby unpopulated island for
some snorkeling and beach fun, including nude sunbathing if you wish.
This afternoon we head back to our island lodge for lunch and a free
evening. (All Meals)
Saturday, February 28, 2004
Panama City / Farewell Dinner
Early this morning fly back to Panama City and take a city sightseeing
tour. Begin with a walking tour of Panama Viejo (the Old City), which
was destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan (for whom Morgan’s Rum was
named) in 1671. Explore the narrow streets, plazas and public parks
of the Colonial area of Casco Viejo. After seeing the commercial and
banking center of modern Panama City, tour the country’s famous
Canal, learning about its operation and fascinating history. Watch as
massive ships traverse the Miraflores Lock. This evening Toto Tours
hosts a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the conclusion of our cultural
crossings in Panama, followed by an evening enjoying the city’s
nightlife. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Sunday, February 29, 2004
Departure
The tour officially ends after breakfast. Arrange your return flight
home for any convenient time today. Toto Tours has arranged one group
transfer from our hotel to the airport. (Breakfast)
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