Panama Canal Wildlife Tour

Panama Canal Wildlife Tour:

Panama has justifiably been dominating our headlines due to the celebration of the centenary of the Panama Canal which took place on 15^th August 2014 – if you want to be a part of the hype take a look at our new Panama Canal Wildlife Tour. The Panama Canal is a busy, industrial passage for cargo ships, which might leave one wondering where the ‘wildlife’ element of this tour fits in... However, it is the digging of the canal and the building of the artificial lakes which have ironically created a prospering habitat for wildlife. So trust us, and take in both the impressive Panama Canal surrounded by abundant wildlife.

This holiday was first experienced by journalist, Claire Boobbyer, who came back with such rave reviews we wanted to share her adventure.

In summary the trip entails:

Day 1:

 Arrive in Panama City, transfer to your hotel – the stylish and welcoming Bristol Hotel situated in the capital’s financial district near to great restaurants, bars and shops.

Day 2:

Take a Panama Canal partial transit which involves a short drive to the Port of Balboa, where you will cross a series of locks by boat before entering the Guillard Cut – where the Chagres River flows into the canal. In the afternoon tour the city of Panama; start in Old Pamana, wander through the upmarket residential neighbourhood to finish in Casco Viejo (colonial Panama).

Day 3:

Drive to Canopy Tower – a most unusual yet striking accommodation set on top of Semaphore Hill in the heart of Soberanía National Park. Here you have the chance to get involved in some serious birding and nature trips. Stay at Canopy Tower.

Day 4:

Walk the Pipeline road – built during World War II as a precaution to transport fuel from one ocean to the other in case the Panama Canal was attacked; fortunately the pipeline never had to be used and has opened up spectacular bird and wildlife spotting opportunities. There are up to 525 species of bird living in the surrounding area. Then in the afternoon, board an expedition boat to cruise the largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Gatún. A guide is on hand to help identify the wildlife you encounter, be prepared to sight three-toed sloths, crocodiles, ospreys, snail kites and keel-billed toucans. Stay at Canopy Tower.

Day 5 & 6:

Days at leisure. Enjoy the views looking down over the forest canopy from atop the old radar station at Canopy Tower and the wide variety of activities on offer.

Day 7:

Transfer to International airport to fly home.

Day 8:

Arrive home (UK). 

If this takes your fancy, speak to one of our experts on 020 8747 8315.