Gatun Lake and Locks Cruise & Embera Indians

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Travel through the rainforest on a 75 minute drive to Gamboa Hotel. The Panama Canal rainforests are some of the most accessible green zones in the world. With over 50,000 acres of pristine rainforest, this natural gem hosts an incredible 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians. The canal requires a vast rainforest watershed to feed water to its lock system, which uses millions of gallons each day. Since the rainforests are so important to the national economy, the Canal Zone has had to actively preserve its natural resources, providing pristine green areas and excellent photo opportunities.

After your trip arrive at Gatun Lake and board your catamaran boat. During the one hour cruise your guide explains the rainforest ecosystem and points out sights of interest. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, and sloths.

Gatun Lake or "Lago Gatún" is a large artificial lake situated in the Republic of Panama; it forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships during their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. The lake was created between 1907 and 1913 by the building of the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. The geography of the area was ideal for the creation of a large lake.

After your guided tour of the lake, discover paradise in its purest form encountering the Embera Indians. The Embera are a unique and beautiful people. This tribe still lives in harmony with their natural surroundings in the rainforest. Witness traditional song and dance along with music performed on handmade instruments. The Embera possess an amazing botanical knowledge, and they are a warm and friendly people. After meeting the Embera and witnessing their performances, you will have the opportunity to purchase native handcrafts.

Leave the Embera village and continue to Agua Clara Visitor Center of the Panama Canal (New Locks observation area). Spend approximately 60 minutes observing the locks in operation. Your guide explains the engineering feat required to move ships over a continental divide that separates two oceans.
This new Locks gives you a new perspective of the Panama Canal, showing you the past, present and future of the Panama Canal. After you learn as much as possible from the Panama Canal and how it works nowadays, you will also have an IN-FIELD experience of the Panama Canal Expansion. A detailed explanation of an expert from the design to the construction and operation of the biggest engineer project worldwide will amaze you. After witnessing the locks in action, board your transportation for the drive to the ship.

Special Notes:

Sequence may vary. Wildlife sightings, while common, are not guaranteed. A light snack is provided. The Embera people wear minimal clothing; women do not cover their breastsThere are up to 40 steps each way to access the Indian village. Steps are handmade of logs. Ship sightings in the locks are not guaranteed.

The Panama Canal Authority assigns specific time slots for the transit of a vessel through the locks. The ship will anchor in a designated area and will wait for instructions. Once clearance is transmitted to the ship, procedures begin to bring ship's tour passengers ashore. Therefore, tour departure times may vary and will be announced onboard. The return time of the ship to Colon or Cristobal may also be delayed due to transit through the locks. We recommend that you are prepared for any potential of delay in the ship's arrival to Colon or Cristobal and plan accordingly by bringing any needed medication or essential items on tour.

Depending on the voyage and itinerary guests will be dropped off in either Colon or Cristobal.

Child Price:

12 & under reduced