Ocean to Ocean Self-Drive

During this self-drive you will enjoy the best of the provinces of Panama, Colon and Cocle. All destina-tions are within a short driving distance to make sure you will have plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of nature and the attractions at the different towns and hotels.

Day 1 Arrival in Panama City :
Upon arrival to Panama a representative of Panama Trails will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your city hotel for your first night in Panama.

Panama City is the capital and largest city in the country. It is home to a diverse blend of cultures and an enormous historical sector in the Old City. The lively and vibrant banking district on the other hand is very modern and often compared to Miami. Panama City is a thrilling location you will surely enjoy during your visit to this gorgeous country.

Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, standard room, breakfast included.

Day 2 Half Day Panama City tour & Miraflores Locks :
In the morning, your English speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a private tour to Panama City and the Miraflores Locks. You will start the tour with a 30 minutes drive to Miraflores to see the huge vessels passing the Panama Canal. The busiest hours are between 09:00 and 11:00, so you will be able to see many ships getting lifted or lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps. You will enjoy the view on the Locks from a sheltered terrace and listen to the explanations of your guide. To complete the visit of the Canal you will visit the Museum and Visitor Center at Miraflores which gives you a good idea on the construction of the Canal – a masterpiece of engineering. You will also learn about the history of the canal and its significance for Panama and the entire world trade as well as on the current expansion project.

After the visit to the Canal you will continue with your guide to the Amador Causeway, a road that connects three Islands in the Pacific Ocean and offers magnificent views on the Canal on one side and on the skyline of Panama City on the other side. The tour continues to the Casco Viejo, Panama City’s colonial quarter. At the Casco Viejo you feel set back in time as you admire the lovely colonial houses, the narrow roads and the impressive churches. While visiting the highlights of this colonial district – the Cathedral, the golden Altar, French Plaza and the Huertas Passway – you will sure get an idea on Panama’s long and interesting history.

This tour includes transportation, English speaking guide and all entrance fees. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes and don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, your camera and a bottle of water.

Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, standard room, breakfast included.

Day 3 Panama City - Colón :
Free morning to spend in Panama City. At a time indicated by you, your rental car – a Toyota Yaris Automatic with mandatory insurances and unlimited mileage – will be delivered to your hotel and after a short explanation about driving in Panama you are free to explore the country on your own.

From Panama City on the Pacific Ocean you will enjoy a short drive (approx. 1.5h) towards Colon, the main port and entrance to the Panama Canal on the Caribbean side. Colon is also the home of the largest free trade zone of the western hemisphere – a paradise for shopping. Five minutes from Colon you will find your hotel for the next two nights – the Melia Panama Canal, situated directly at the shore of Lake Gatun.

Overnight at the Melia Panama Canal, deluxe room, breakfast included.

Day 4 Lake Gatún - Colón - Portobelo :
Enjoy a free day at the area. You can either take a tour on Lake Gatun – your hotel will gladly help you with the arrangements – or explore the region on your own. Portobelo, an approximately 50 minute’s drive from Colon, is a small bay side town offering various historical sites that have been declared world heritage by the UNESCO. Portobelo was the shipping point to Spain for all the treasures of the Inca Empire and the favorite target of pirates such as Sir Francis Drake. You will find the ruins of four Spanish forts, the restored customhouse and the local church with its famous “Black Christ”. As an addition to this historical excursion you might have time for some shopping at the free trade zone or to visit the impressive Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal and see the huge vessels being lifted to the level of Lake Gatun.

Overnight at the Melia Panama Canal, deluxe room, breakfast included.

Day 5 Colon - Gamboa :
Today is just a short drive from Colon to Gamboa (approx. 2 hours). Depending on your preferences you can either spend a free morning in Colon or enjoy the afternoon in Gamboa. The small village of Gamboa has been built during the construction of the Panama Canal and has only one way in and out. Your hotel for the next two nights – the Gamboa Rainforest Resort – is located directly at the shore of Lake Gatun and the Chagres River. From the marina you will enjoy spectacular views of giant ships crossing the Panama Canal, the rooms and restaurants offer a calm view over the Chagres River. On a guided night walk – inscription at the reception of the hotel – you can learn about the birds and mammals living in this rainforest.

Overnight at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, deluxe Chagres river view, breakfast included.

Day 6 Gamboa :
Free day to spend in Gamboa. Take one of the various tours offered by the hotel, visit the closest by National Park Soberania with its famous pipeline road (bird watching) or simply relax at the Swimming Pool of the comfortable resort.

Overnight at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, deluxe Chagres river view, breakfast included.

Day 7 Gamboa – El Valle :
Enjoy the free morning in Gamboa. A 2.5 hour’s drive takes you over the famous Bridge of the Americas, along the pacific coastline to San Carlos. Shortly after the small town you will see the sign to El Valle. Turn right and follow the curvy road for approximately 25 kilometers uphill to the small and picturesque town set in the midst of an extinct volcanic crater. Here you stay for two nights at the charming family run guest house Park Eden with lush garden setting.

Overnight at the Park Eden Bed & Breakfast, standard room, breakfast included.

Day 8 El Valle :
A free day to explore the El Valle area with its fresh and agreeable climate. There are hiking, horse riding, biking and bird watching opportunities and plenty of flowering plants bloom in its "eternal spring" micro-climate. There are small scales local amusements including the colorful handicrafts and fruits market, some natural thermal water, mud baths, petroglyphs and a waterfall plus the delights of must visit gourmet restaurant "La Casa de Lourdes".

Overnight at the Park Eden Bed & Breakfast, standard room, breakfast included.

Day 9 El Valle – Sheraton Bijao Resort :
In the morning, drive down to the Panamerican Highway and follow it further southwest. After approximately a one hour’s drive you will see the signs for Sheraton Bijao Resort, your all-inclusive beach resort for a few relaxing days. A representative of the rental car company will meet you at the hotel to return the rental car.

Overnight at the Sheraton Bijao Resort, Premium Room, all-inclusive.

Days 10 - 11 Playa Blanca
Free day to spend at the Sheraton Bijao Resort. Participate in some of the many activities offered by the hotel or simply relax at the beach.

Overnight at the Sheraton Bijao Resort, Premium Room, all-inclusive.

Day 12 Sheraton Bijao Resort – Panama City - Departure :
You will be picked up at the Sheraton Bijao Resort and transferred directly to Panama’s international airport for your flight home.End of Services

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