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HISTORICAL TOURS
Historic tour to Portobelo
Lenght: 7 hours
FARES
When the Spanish colonies were at its prime and the conquest of the Inca Empire was accomplished, the Spaniards set their eyes in strategic sites of Panama to transfer their cargos from coast to coast.
Portobelo was the end of the Royal Road (Camino Real), path between the oceans that started in the Old Panama City. There, the Old Spanish galleons unloaded their treasures to be transferred across the Isthmus, to be finally loaded to the vessels waiting in Portobelo, to be after all, transferred to the Old World.
This activity became very attractive to Pirates and Buccaneers, forcing the Spanish conquerors to build forts for protection and customs. Nevertheless, all this was strategically planned, Sir Francis Drake, a British Buccaneer, who sacked and destroyed Portobelo where he was later killed in a battle. Still its body remains in a lead coffin in the bottom of the ocean in Portobelo Bay.
In the 20th Century, Portobelo has been known as the site of the procession of the Black Christ, held every October. This activity attracts thousands of pilgrims from Panama and other countries. This day you will have an appointment with History.
Leaving from Panama early in the morning, head to the Atlantic coast following a portion of the old (Camino Real). Once in Portobelo, our tour guide will take you to the Black Christ Church, the historic Customs House, and the forts of the area. He will provide, as well, plenty information. Enjoy a Caribbean style seafood lunch in a restaurant, overlooking the Bay of Portobelo. Return to Panama City in the afternoon.
As this is an outdoor activity in the tropics, light clothes, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen and very comfortable shoes are suggested. Do not forget your camera and lot of film.
Historic Panama Canal Tour
Lenght: 3 hours
FARES
Although, there are no written records before Colonial times, the natives used the Isthmus of Panama for commercial purposes. However, when colonial period began, it was the Spanish King Charles I, who first envisioned the possibility of a route that could join the Caribbean and the South Ocean (The Pacific Ocean).
Three centuries later, in 1880, a French group leaded by Ferdinand de Lesseps started the construction of a sea level canal. After 20 years of courage, financial problems and diseases defeated them. In1903, the Panamanian and American Governments signed up a treaty to restart the construction and this unique human deed became a reality.
Finally, 10 years later M/S ANCON was the first ship that transited the Panama Canal. Close to the end of the Century, there is no doubt that the Panama Canal, this engineering marvel, is essential for the world commerce and progress.
This half-day tour is specially focused on the historic aspects of the Panama Canal. After leaving the hotel, head to Colonial zone or "Casco Viejo", where the French settled their headquarters for the construction of the Canal. The Frenchman Plaza, herein located, there has a 180-degree view from the Bridge of the Americas (Pacific door of the Canal) to the Modern City and to the Old Panama.
Also, admire the monument in honor to those French who played an important role in their attempt. Then, walk to the New Panama Canal Interoceanic museum. On the way, admire the National Theater, the ancient San Francisco Church and some other historical buildings.
Once at the Museum, observe the collection of pieces and documents related to the Panama Canal construction, including the Torrijos-Carter treaty and see how they have contributed to its construction and development. Finally the tour heads to Miraflores Locks to see the operation of the Panama Canal itself and make this experience even richer.
Comfortable light clothes, hat sunscreen are suggested. Do not forget you camera and lot of films.
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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