Costa Rica - Panama with Canal Transit and San Blas

See the highlights that make Panama the new hot destination. You will spend two nights on the San Blas Islands where the Kuna Indians will show you their authentic culture and beautiful mola textiles. Relax on the pristine beaches and enjoy a once-of-a-lifetime visit to paradise. Back on the mainland, you will have a history tour of Panama City; a partial transit of the Panama Canal; and a typical Panamanian dinner and folk dance show.

Enjoy a once-of-a-lifetime visit to paradise during your two days on the San Blas Islands. The Kuna Indians will show you their authentic culture and beautiful mola textiles. Relax on the pristine beaches and enjoy snorkeling in the coral reefs.

Day 1: You should arrive by noon at Tocumen International Airport. You will be transferred to your hotel in Panama City. You will have a tour of Miraflores Locks Visitors Center to orient you to your canal transit on the next day.

Day 2: Today is your partial Panama Canal transit. On your 4-5 hour transit, you will pass through the Miraflores and the Pedro Miguel Locks, the Gaillard Cut and enter Lake Gatun. You will first travel to the town of Gamboa by motorcoach.

Your transit on a small 250-passenger ship (the Pacific Queen) provides the opportunity to appreciate the enormity of the locks and the process of the filling of the chambers. This is difficult to see when transiting the canal on a large cruise ship which is the width of the chamber. Also, unlike a cruise ship, on the Pacific Queen you are guaranteed to transit the canal during the day. On the ship there will be a breakfast and lunch buffet.

In the evening at Las Tinajas Restaurant you will have a typical Panamanian dinner and see a folk dance show, featuring the beautiful hand-stitched pollera dresses, which can take two years to sew, and cost up to $2000.

Day 3: Today you will go to one of the world’s more exotic places, the San Blas Islands located off of Panama’s Caribbean Coast. First, you fly (one hour) from Panama City to a coastal village and then transfer (10 minutes) on a motorized dugout canoe to the rustic but charming Dolphin Lodge. The lodge is on an island near a village where you will see Kuna homes and their hand-made molas -- colorful reverse-applique textiles sought after by collectors worldwide. You will be able to watch the women as they sew and embroider their work and purchase items at good prices. You can learn about Kuna culture from the villagers and have a wonderful opportunity for some outstanding photography.

Day 4: San Blas is also known for its laid back lifestyle, tropical sand beaches, palm trees and endless horizons. Relax on the beach or in a hammock or go snorkeling at one of the island reefs. You can rent snorkel gear at the Dolphin Lodge.

Day 5: In the morning you will fly back to Panama City. You will be met at the domestic airport by your guide who will take you on a Panama City tour. First, you will visit colonial Casco Antiguo where you have lunch at Casa Blanca Restaurant and visit the San Jose church to see its gold altar and walk around Plaza Francia. Next, you visit the 16th century ruins and the new museum in Old Panama (Panama La Vieja). On your drive through Panama City, your guide will point out many interesting sights.

On your free evening, you can have dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants with fresh seafood, typical Panamanian or international cuisine. Afterwards, you can enjoy a nightclub or a casino in the city center.

Day 6: You will be transferred to Toucumen International Airport for your return flight.

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COST for Land Tour: $1595 per person in double; $1795 for single occupancy. All-inclusive price includes 5 nights hotels and tax; 12 meals (5B,4L,3D); all fees for included activities in the itinerary; airport porter tips; ground and airport transfers, and guide services. The price does NOT include airfare, passport fees, tips or airport departure tax.

Contact us for a complete tour description and registration information.

COSTA RICA TOURS, LTD Specialists in Costa Rica & Panama info@costaricatoursltd.com www.costaricatoursltd.com (704) 541- 8680 We can arrange private tours on your preferred dates throughout the year.