Essence of Panama

Depart the USA on your flight to Panama City. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a Mayflower Cruises & Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. Flights should arrive by 4:00pm. The afternoon is at leisure to become acquainted with your new surroundings. This evening, join your Tour Manager for an orientation meeting at the hotel.

Depart the hotel with your local guide for a panoramic and walking tour of this historic city. Enjoy a stroll through Casco Antiguo – the oldest section of Panama City and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notice the architecture – from crumbling façades of days gone by to beautifully restored buildings in the classic style. See the locals as they go about their everyday life from selling crafts on street corners, to shopkeepers running their businesses. This little area is filled with cultural diversity! Continuing on, visit the Miraflores Lock Visitor Center.

View a 3D IMAX movie on the history and construction of the canal and visit the mini-museum, depicting the struggles that were encountered. From the balcony, you have a chance to see the operation of the lock, as you overlook this amazing architectural masterpiece. After the excursion, return to the hotel with free time until the included dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: B, D

Today may well be a highlight of your trip! Depart for the Gamboa area and embark a ship to begin the partial transit of the Panama Canal, narrated by a local expert. Cruise through the Gaillard Cut, cross under the Centennial Bridge and transit the Pedro Miguel Locks. Enjoy lunch onboard while experiencing the operation of the lock as you descend 30-feet in one step and reach Miraflores Lake. Enter the Miraflores Locks in the Pacific Ocean where you are lowered 60-feet in a two-step process. Sail on the Pacific Ocean, pass under the Bridge of the Americas and disembark at Amador Causeway in the Panama Bay. After an exciting day in the Panama Canal, return to the hotel by coach for an afternoon and evening at leisure. Meals: B, L

Leaving Panama City, journey by coach through Panama’s countryside. For the next two days, enjoy the authentic Panamanian countryside, rich in tradition, culture and folklore. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before a late afternoon arrival at the hotel. Meals: B, L

Today is an immersion into local life as you visit the province of Los Santos. Meet a professional designer of ‘cutarras’ – traditional sandals of Panama, mostly worn by men, handmade by local artisans. At another stop, see how they make the ‘Pollera’ – typical costume of Panama worn by women. Admire the artistry, skill and dedication demonstrated by these proud craftsmen. During the included lunch, it’s ‘hands on’ as you assist the chef with the preparation, and dine on your creation! Return to the hotel for some free time before an included dinner and folklore show. Meals: B, L, D

Today’s adventure is a visit to Finca Pamel, a local farm offering a variety of experiences. Begin with a walk around the farm to see the fruits growing in season, and perhaps you’ll try milking a cow! At the farm house, discover Pre-Columbian Art and learn how to make clay dishes. Take your creation home with you as a souvenir of your visit to the Panamanian countryside. The learning of local culture continues as you are taught how to make “Torrejitas de Maiz” (corn tortillas), a traditional food in this local province of Los Santos. During the included lunch, dine on the famous “Sancocho en Lena” (a hearty dish cooked over a wood fire) while witnessing a dance presentation of ‘El Diablico Sucio’, another custom deeply rooted in Panamanian folklore. A highlight of the day may be the presentation of the Carnival Queen. The designer of the spectacular dress worn by the Queen explains how the dress can take up to four years to create. Her makeup artist also talks about how the Queen is prepared for the events of this 4-day celebration. Witness the dance of the Queen accompanied by the Murga – a type of music consisting of carnival-style rhythms and orchestra-style ensembles. After an enriching day in the country, continue by motorcoach to Playa Bonita where your final two nights are spent at an all-inclusive resort. Upon arrival at the hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax on the beach or by the pool. Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a full day at leisure, discovering all the amenities of the resort, or, join an optional excursion to the Embera Indigenous Village. Mix and mingle with these happy people, living in the rainforest, with no ‘modern conveniences’. See some of their cultural dances and explore the area’s abundant variety of birds and wildlife during a trek through the untouched jungle and past sparkling waterfalls. Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Panama as you return to the Tocumen International Airport for your flight home. Meal: B