Panama City is the most cosmopolitan capital in Central America and is a worldwide trade hub and financial center with a mix of cultures, customs, and lifestyles. Your hotel is the Westin Playa Bonita, an idyllic retreat on the golden sands of Playa Bonita Beach. The Pacific Ocean and lush, tropical rainforests are only steps away from its doors.
Explore Panama’s indigenous villages with a trip on the river in "piragua", traditional Embera hand-carved boats. You’ll be welcomed with the ancient traditional Embera dance and music that these people have performed for hundreds of years among the area’s abundant variety of birds, wildlife and pristine landscape. The Embera women are known as one of the finest manufacturers of baskets made from palm fibers stained with dyes from nature. Your hosts offer a traditional meal of fresh fish with banana and you will have the opportunity to buy some of their original
artwork and handicrafts.
The Panama Canal, known as the 8th Wonder of the World, is a 50-mile (80 kms) ship channel that joins the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is a key conduit for international maritime trade and one of the greatest works of engineering in history. The Miraflores Locks are one of three sets of locks, which work as water lifts, raising and lowering ships from sea level up to the Gatun Lake water level. While visiting the locks, you will also enjoy the IMAX building of the Panama Canal, with a unique 45-minute film narrated by Morgan Freeman which highlights the past, present, and future of one of the most magnificent projects of all times, The Panama Canal.
After your visit to the Canal, the next stop will be “Casco Viejo”, the Old Quarter, founded in 1673. This is one of the most attractive Spanish colonial destinations of the Americas and its historical district remains intact, with wide streets, colonial architecture and Caribbean style that invite participants to learn about the history and culture of Panama. This will be a great opportunity to shop for souvenirs such as different handcrafts made by the indigenous communities, souvenirs of cocobolo wood, and the famous Panama hat. After time for shopping and exploring you’ll have dinner at Lazotea, a roof top restaurant offering a wonderful dining experience with the best views of Panama.
This morning transfer to the airport to make connections to home cities.