Panama Pilgrims
Thanksgiving with the Kuna Indians
November 22– 30, 2008
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY
One of the first history lessons that American schoolchildren learn
is that the first Thanksgiving occurred in 1621. European settlers
at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, held an elaborate feast to celebrate
a successful harvest after a difficult first year, and their peace
treaty with the local Wampanoag Indian tribe. While Thanksgiving in
our culture conjures up specific visions of Pilgrims and Native Americans,
mankind has always celebrated bountiful harvests throughout the ages,
although customs vary greatly from one culture to the next. In the
spirit of diversity, Toto Tours invites you to experience a different
kind of Thanksgiving in Panama, celebrating our shared humanity with
one of its indigenous peoples—the Kuna Indians.
Panama is a destination with an incredible variety
of attractions. It boasts exotic tropical rainforests, gorgeous mountain refuges,
Caribbean-style beaches, seven living Indian cultures, a modern, 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
greatest 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 several major U.S. cities offering direct daily flights.
Panama is one of the best places in the world for
eco-tourism today, positioned as a narrow land bridge connecting two continents
and several diverse and pristine rainforest preserves. It is an exotic destination
whose great beauty comes without a hefty pricetag. 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.
Sample a bountiful portion of some of the best
that Panama has to offer during this special Thanksgiving tour! Unforgettable
highlights include discovery of vibrant Panama City, exploration of the engineering
marvel that is the Panama Canal, a continent-crossing train ride along the canal,
adventures in the jungles of the Soberania National park, peaceful relaxation at
some of the most idyllic deserted islands in the San Blas chain, culminating
with a delightful Thanksgiving Feast among the Kuna Indians. You will certainly
be thankful you came!
ITINERARY
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Arrival in Panama City
Arrange your international flight to arrive in Panama City, the capital
of Panama, by 6pm today if possible. We provide one group transfer
to our downtown hotel, timed to accommodate the greatest number of
arriving passengers. We can schedule an optional private transfer if
you cannot connect with the group transfer. Tonight Toto Tours hosts
a Welcome Dinner at Tinajas Restaurant with a show of national dances.
Overnight
in
Panama
City. (Dinner
Included)
Note: The order of tour activities on any given
day might be rearranged to better suit current circumstances and
take advantage of serendipitous sightseeing opportunities.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Old Panama / The Canal
After breakfast, depart for a tour of the major sights of Panama City,
including the Panama Canal. Begin with a walking tour of Panama Viejo
(Old Panama) destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. Explore
the narrow streets, plazas and public parks of Casco Viejo, the Colonial
area. The tour continues to the commercial and banking area of the
modern city. Afterwards, travel to the country’s engineering
marvel—the Panama Canal to learn about its operation and history.
With luck we will get to watch vessels as they transit through the
Miraflores Locks. (Breakfast)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Canal Train / Portobelo
Journey across the isthmus today via the Panama Canal Railroad. This
elegant train ride runs along the Panama Canal to its terminus in Colon.
Continue by motorcoach to Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Portobelo was given the name “Puerto
Bello” (Beautiful Port) by Christopher Columbus in 1502 because of its
gorgeous
natural
harbor. When
the
Spanish
Empire
was
at
its
height,
Portobelo
was
a
bustling
crossroads full of riches. It was here that Spanish galleons picked
up gold and treasures from their colonies to take back to Spain. This
activity attracted pirates and buccaneers, who swarmed around the port
and forced the Spanish conquerors to build forts for protection.
Sense the adventure and intrigue of the age
of pirates and conquistadors as we tour the forts and newly restored customs
building, in addition
to the local church which houses the famous “Black Christ.” We
enjoy lunch together before returning to Panama City in the late afternoon. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Gatun Lake / Rainforest Walk
After breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to our rainforest home for
the next two nights: the Gamboa Resort. Upon arrival, we drop our bags
and depart from the marina on a cruise across Gatun Lake, seeing different
islands along the way. At one point, we stop for a short trek through
the rainforest to the historical remains of an old Radio Station that
was important for Americans during World War II. It is a chance to
appreciate the natural beauty of the area, its flora and fauna, combined
with a fascinating bit of history.
We return across the lake and check into our rooms.
Enjoy a buffet lunch at the resort. The remainder of the afternoon and evening
is free to take advantage of the resort’s many amenities and tours of local
interest. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Free Day
Today is completely free, without any planned activities, but that
won’t mean that you will have nothing to do. Our resort has many
optional activities that could fill up several days. Take a morning
walk along the Chagres River, or kayak on the Panama Canal. Take a
boat over to Monkey Island, a natural habitat for the White-Faced Capucin
and Howler Monkeys; ride an aerial tram through the treetops of the
rainforest or enjoy a noctural safari. (Breakfast)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving on the San Blas Islands
Early this morning, we check out of the resort and transfer to the
Panama City Airport. Take a short flight from Panama City to the San
Blas Islands. Upon arrival at the airstrip in Achutupu, we journey
by boat towards a little private island 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, have lunch, followed by a boat
tour among the nearby islands. Returning to our resort, enjoy a typical
Kuna feast for Thanksgiving, with a special performance of Kuna music
and dances. (All Meals)
Friday, November 28, 2008
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. Those who wish can take optional tours offered by the resort. (All
Meals)
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Return to Panama City / Farewell Dinner
Early this morning fly back to Panama City. Upon arrival, check into
our hotel and enjoy free time for sightseeing or souvenir shopping.
This evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner at Eurasia Restaurant
to celebrate the conclusion of our Thanksgiving holiday in Panama. (Breakfast
/ Farewell Dinner)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Departure
The tour officially ends after breakfast. Arrange your return flight
home for any convenient time today. Toto Tours provides one group transfer
from our hotel to the airport, timed to accommodate the greatest number
of departing participants. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)
Panama City: Crowne
Plaza Hotel
Soberania National Park: Gamboa
Rainforest Resort
San Blas Islands: Dolphin
Uaguinega Lodge
PREPARING FOR THE TOUR
Entry Requirements: U.S. and Canadian citizens only
need a valid passport and a tourist card. The tourist card costs $5
and is usually sold to you by your airline when you check in. You can
purchase your card on your arrival in Panama from the immigration authorities.
Immunizations: No immunizations are required, but
it is wise to have your tetanus booster up to date.
Exit Requirements: All tourists must pay a departure
tax of $20 at the airport.
WHAT TO BRING
This tour occurs at the end of Panama’s rainy season, so there
still remains the possibility of a brief rain shower daily. Being close
to the Equator, Panama’s average daily temperatures remain remarkably
constant throughout the year, between 70 and 90 degrees in the lowlands
areas where we will be traveling. Pack accordingly, but try to limit
yourself to two small suitcases. Electric current is variable from
place to place within the country, either 110 volts, same as in the
U.S., with standard plugs and outlets or 220 volts similar to Europe.
Pack all medications in a carry-on bag and leave expensive jewelry
home!
Suggested Packing List:
____ One dressy, casual outfit for Welcome, Farewell and Thanksgiving
Dinners.
____ T-shirts (6 - 7).
____ Shorts (4 - 5 pairs).
____ Sneakers and beach sandals.
____ Long-sleeved shirts (2 - 3) for evenings / sun protection.
____ Lightweight long pants (1 - 2 pair).
____ Lightweight poncho for rain.
____ Jacket or sweatshirt for cool nights.
____ Swimsuits / beach towel / sun hat.
____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses.
____ Moist towelettes.
____ Ziploc plastic bags. Small for documents & large for
wet items.
____ Day-pack or fanny pack.
____ Plastic water bottle or canteen.
____ Anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.
____ Insect repellent / anti-itch ointment.
____ Binoculars / Camera / Batteries.
____ Flashlight or headlamp for lodges.
____ A good book for the plane or beach.
MONEY MATTERS
Panama uses the US dollar as its currency. The official name for it
is the Balboa, but it is exactly the same bill. Panamanian coins are
of the same value, size and metal as US coins; both are used. In most
of Central America, US dollars are the only currency exchanged. In
Panama City, however, you can exchange currencies from almost anywhere
in the world at a casa de cambio due to the city’s large international
offshore banking industry.
Taxes and Tipping: You can tip some small change,
or around 10% of the bill if you’re feeling affluent, in fancier
restaurants; in small cafes and more casual places, tipping is not
necessary. Haggling over prices is not the general custom in Panama.
We will present a collective tip to both our guide and driver at the
conclusion of their services.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link
above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the form,
then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. You
also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or MasterCard.
The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure (by September
9, 2008). Tour registration is not complete until we have received
both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form
of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($500 maximum can be charged
per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto Tours,
1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto
Tours, Ltd.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent
to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole
or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness,
medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard
liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline
any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become
necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum
of 10 participants. Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation
or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets
purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even
encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified
by certain traits. They are:
- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate
the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations
as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad
weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take
for granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Cross over the borders of everything you ever imagined about Panama,
and join us for a unique Thanksgiving cultural experience in a tropical
paradise. If you have any questions, please call us toll-free at: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $2,895 double occupancy
Private Room: $700 extra, if available.
(Paying a single supplement is not required. Toto Tours can match you
with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room.)
Deposit: $500 (Due at time of registration
for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance: $2,395 double / $3,095
single
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)
Remaining Balance Due: September
9, 2008
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)
Included: Eight nights accommodations; all
ground transfers within Panama; round-trip flight to/from San Blas
Islands, fully guided and escorted tour; all guided excursions except
those listed as “optional”; meals and accommodations as
listed in the itinerary.
Not Included: Round-trip air transportation
to/from Panama City, Panama; meals and other items not specifically
covered in the itinerary; Panama departure tax ($20, paid at the airport
upon departure); insurance; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; bottled
water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a
personal nature. Tips to drivers / guides are not included.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with AIG Travel Guard to
cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow
the link below or call us for more information.
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