What you will do
We will pick you up at your hotel in Panama City early in the morning for a drive across the Isthmus of Panama to the Caribbean province of Colon. You will be traveling through lush forest and arrive at the Fort of San Lorenzo at the mouth of the Chagres river. Fort Lorenzo was first built during the late 16th century. King Philip II of Spain ordered a fortress to be built to protect the mouth of the Rio Chagres, which was heavily used by commerce and slave ships. This entry was also the easiest route for pirates and buccaneers looking for gold, and the location of the fort provided an extraordinary view of any approaching ships. It is one of the most complete forts built in Panama and is filled with stories of pirates and buccaneers that sailed the water for centuries. Its view of the Chagres River and the Caribbean Ocean together is a natural show that you should appreciate.
After this, we will have a Caribbean lunch (not included in the price) at Shelter Bay Marina (a former U.S. Army base), after lunch will be going to the Agua Clara visitor center which offers stunning panoramic views of the Panama Canal expansion, including the three-chambered Agua Clara Locks. From the covered decks visitors can view Lago Gatún as well as the original Gatún Locks; the visitor center also offers a theater with videos in English and Spanish, a cafe and gift shop. With no on-site museum, the main focus here is mainly about getting a good look at the Panama Canal expansion. You will have some time to also hike a short rainforest trail which is home to sloths, howler monkeys and toucans.
Prices:
1-2 Adults Private Tour (USD 330)
3 Adults Private Tour (USD 495)
4 Adults Private Tour (USD 510)
5 Adults Private Tour (USD 600)
6 Adults Private Tour (USD 615)
7 Adults Private Tour (USD 705)
8 Adults Private Tour (USD 720)
9 Adults Private Tour (USD 735)
*Select children’s rates, activities and additional services during the booking process.
Rate per person
- ~8 hours door to door
What is included, optional, or not included
- All transportations
- Water bottles, you can also buy your Panama Jugs during the booking process, a great souvenir & must-have!
- No charge for children under 5, ages 5-12 pay only half price!
- Entrance to the Agua Clara Visitors Center
- Lunch stop
- We can't guarantee the passage of ships through the locks or huge ships but we will do our best
- Drinks and meals at the restaurant
- We can arrange your transportation outside of Panama City, select the corresponding add-on option during the booking process
What we love
- One of the best historical sites in Panama and still little visited
- All in one, the Panama Canal, gigantic cargo ships and an untouched exotic rainforest
- A family-friendly experience
Things to know
Guest Requirements
- Kids ages 2 and up can attend
- The activity level for this experience is Light
- The skill level for this experience is Beginner
What to bring
- Sandals or sport shoes
- Outdoors clothing
