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ECOTURISM IN PANAMA
Eco-Canal(Gatun Lake and Miraflores Locks)
Lenght: 7 hours
FARES
We take you from your hotel to start our tour at Miraflores Locks to watch the Panama Canal Commission Audiovisual and see how big vessels transit the locks of the Canal. Then we will move on to the Gatun Lake where we will board a small vessel to sail alongside the big ships transiting the Canal. We will stop at Monkey Island to watch in close proximity the Topical rain forest that supports the functioning of the Panama Canal. We then will return to the hotel.
This is an outdoor activity in the tropics, light clothes, long pants, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen and very comfortable shoes or boots are suggested. Binoculars are highly recommended.
Pipeline Road (Soberania National Park)
Lenght: 6 hours
FARES
This day is for nature lovers, especially for those who enjoy birdwatching at its best. Pipeline road is within Soberania National Park and this lush park belongs to the Panama Canal Watershed.
These protected forest shelters 385 bird species, which were counted in 24 hours, in the 1985 Christmas Bird Count organized by the Panama Audubon Society. This figure established a new Guinness record. Actually, Pipeline Road is also subject of different scientific research from several institutions, including studies of plants, insects, reptiles, mammals and much more.
Our naturalist tour guide will expose you the secrets of this tropical rainforest while you walk along Pipeline Road. We will have picnic lunch on the field. On the way back, stop at Miraflores Locks to watch the Panama Canal Commission Audiovisual and see how big vessels transit the locks of the Canal. This tour requires an early departure for having the best.
The return to the hotel will be at 3:00 p.m. approximately.
This is an outdoor activity in the tropics, light clothes, long pants, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen and very comfortable shoes or boots are suggested. Binoculars are highly recommended.
The Metropolitan Natural Park
Lenght: 3 hours
FARES
The Metropolitan Park is the closest natural reserve to Panama City. Only 15 minutes away from the core of the commercial activity of Panama, lies 260 hectares of protected tropical rainforest, that has been subject for researches and studies for several prestigious institutions.
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has assembled a crane in this park to study the biological activity that takes place in the canopy of the forest. In this way, the scientists analyze the behavior and migration activity of plants and animals at different heights of the forest.
This tour is excellent for those who have limited time, as it is a very rich experience. Our naturalist tour guide will expose you to the best of the Neotropical rainforest. Watch how life systems interact among each other. Birdlife is also unique in this area. The tour requires slow walking for 2 hours.
This is an outdoor activity in the tropics, light clothes, long pants, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen and very comfortable shoes or boots are suggested. Binoculars are highly recommended as well.
Tropical Rainforest
Lenght: 8 hours
FARES
On both land sites of the Panama Canal there are two portions of important rainforest, that supplies all the water for the best function of the Inter-oceanic way. Among them, is located the Soberania National Park, where are remarkable trails and interesting areas for scientific research.
During the first hours in the morning, we will be at the canopy tower, to observe the different birds and mammals species that inhabit the canopy. In this moment, the wildlife activity is very high.
Then, we can observe while hiking through El Charco trail or part of the Pipeline Road, a great variety of plants and animals in their natural habitat. Afterwards, we will return to the city for a delicious lunch.
As this is an outdoor activity, light clothes, long pants, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen, and very comfortable shoes or boots to walk are suggested. Binoculars are highly recommended.
The Canopy Tower at the Panama Canal
Lenght: 4 hours
FARES
Among the Panama Canal, there is one of the most remarkable natural reserves of Panama: Soberania National Park. This protected area is part of the basin of Gatun Lake, with the amount of water needed for the dairy transit of the ships through this Inter-oceanic way. Although the protection of this forests was born originally to the maintenance of the Canal function, it has brought protection to one of the richest ecosystems of the world.
Actually, Soberania National Park offers you the Canopy Tower. At the beginning, this was used as a radar base for the American Air Force. It has been arranged in such a manner that gives to nature lovers the opportunity to observe local and migratory bird species.
On the top of Semaforo Hill, the tower permits the visitors watch the wildlife from a different view, nearer and over the canopy of the forest, exposing the fauna that regularly is difficult to see from the bottom of the forest for their behavior. From this place, also, you can see Gillard Cut, the stretch part of the Panama Canal, that actually is being widen.
Viajes Primera Clase offers a half-day expedition to the Canopy Tower of the Rainforest. Departure will be early in the morning, because of the greater activity in this time. Enjoy an American breakfast while looking the magnificence of nature. Explore the natural trails around the area, and watch the exhibitions about natural environments. The specialized nature guide will share information with visitors.
This is an outdoor activity, light clothes, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen are suggested. Binoculars are highly recommended. Do not forget your camera and a lot of films.
El Valle - Indian Market
Recommended on Sundays
Lenght: 8 hours
FARES
El Valle the Anton is one of the most colorful areas of the Panamanian inner towns. Located two hours away from the Capital City, in the province of Cocle and at 600 meters above sea level we find this unique town. Geologists have concluded that El Valle is the crater of an inactive volcano, probably the largest of Central America. The pleasant weather in the area invites the visitor to experience its attractions.
On Sundays, the tour will take you to the Indian market where local artisans and Indians living around it bring their handicrafts, plants and vegetables products to sell them. There, you can find fine and wonderful hand-made woodcarvings, soapstone sculptures, seashells souvenirs, leather goodies and much more. Then, visit the Chorro del Macho, a waterfall that is within a nature-protected private area.
Later, visit the Indian petroglyphs, where ancient inhabitants left their messages, still a mystery for our modern culture. Also, admire the India Dormida Mountain. Its name is due to it resemblance to a sleeping Indian woman. Finally, visit El Nispero, a Zoo where people takes care of some of the endemic species after they were found injured in the forest. This zoo also has a unique collection of orchids. Here, you will admire the golden frogs and the squared trees, both endangered species.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Return to Panama late in the afternoon.
Optional: At El Valle you can have the Canopy Tour, that consists on a steel cable system that runs through the canopy of the forest, above Chorro del Macho (waterfall). There, using special harnesses you go on the forest. This activity will have an additional cost of US$ 45.00 to be paid directly at the ticket window over there
This is an outdoor activity in the tropics, light clothes, swimming suit, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen and very comfortable shoes are suggested.
Copyright © 2005 Gray Line Panama / Viajes 1ra. Clase Todos los derechos reservados
E-mail: tours@grayline-panama.com (Back to Top)
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Copyright © 2005 by Gray Line Worldwide. All rights reserved.
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