Bonnetts Abroad

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Arrive

Situated at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal is the port of Cristobal (Spanish for Christopher), your stopping off point for Colon (Spanish for Columbus). The city, founded in 1850 by the Americans working on the Panama railroad, is today Panama's second largest. Colón underwent a massive redevelopment programme for the new millennium and is now a fantastic place to shop, as well as a great base for exploring the rest of Panama. Take an enchanting journey into the lush rainforest to San Lorenzo Fort and walk in the footsteps of the adventurous buccaneer – Captain Morgan. Experience the ecology and get a closer look at the wildlife on and around the amazing Gatun Lake. Then go further into the dense jungle and meet the Choco Indians. Living as they have done for centuries, in houses built on stilts along the banks of the Chagres River, you will get a glimpse of their mystical rituals and their amazing knowledge of medicinal plants and natural remedies. You can learn more about the rich diversity of flora and fauna at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and don't miss the impressive Gatun locks in action on the wondrous Panama Canal.

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Panama City Highlights

Take a drive from coast to coast along the roadway, which links the Atlantic to the Pacific and on to the fascinating city of Old Panama. The city played a crucial role in expeditions and has established its vocation as a commercial maritime city. Panama also became a terminal for the only route between the two oceans and a vital communication link between Spain and its colonies in the Pacific.

Visit the ruins of Old Panama, founded in 1519, where you will be given a guided tour, before continuing to the Casco Antiguo or Colonial City. The Casco Antiguo was founded in 1673 as a replacement for the previous capital, which was destroyed two years earlier during Captain Henry Morgan's attack. Since that time, the Casco Antiguo has been regarded as the second city of Panama. See the Cathedral Plaza and walk the historic Las Bovedas, a walkway that contains the history of the French Canal engraved in its walls.

You will be offered some light refreshments prior to your return drive to Colon.

Duration: 5.5 Hours