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Gatún Lake Boat Tour & Rainforest Hike

Travel along the scenic Gamboa Road to the Soberania National Park for a walk along the Pipeline Road, Plantation Road or El Charco Trail, all of which are fantastic for viewing the unique ecology of the canal watershed.

The flora and fauna is rich and varied and as well as hundreds of species of bird it is also possible to see sloth, capuchin and howler monkeys, agouti and white-nosed coatis to name a few.

The forest itself is pristine and you will see many different types of trees and plants such as wild cashew, rubber trees, tropical palms, epiphytes, orchids and fichus.

After the hike you are taken to Gatún Lake to observe other diverse ecosystems by boat. You travel part of the Panama Canal and discover that it is a haven for wildlife and tropical forest, and much more than just a waterway which container ships pass through. Keep an eye out for spectacled caiman, green iguana, freshwater turtles, monkeys, sloth and various water birds.

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who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Corina

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Other experiences in Panama City

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

  • Emberá Indian Village
    Embera Indians, Panama

    Emberá Indian Village

    Emberá Indian Village

    This tour goes up into the hills outside Panama City to the Chagres River where you transfer with your guide onto an open-top Emberá motorised canoe. You zip along the clear river waters by boat through beautiful scenery to visit the small indigenous community of Emberá Indians in the Chagres National Park.

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  • Panama City & Canal Tour
    Cruise ship on the Panama Canal

    Panama City & Canal Tour

    Panama City & Canal Tour

    The tour of Panama City takes in the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal, Panama Viejo and Casco Antiguo. The tour begins with a visit to the impressive Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal.

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  • Portobello & San Lorenzo Forts
    Portobello Fort, Panama

    Portobello & San Lorenzo Forts

    Portobello & San Lorenzo Forts

    After crossing the canal over one of the lock gates you continue to Fort San Lorenzo, which was constructed by the Spaniards in 16th century to defend against the constant threat of pirates seeking to interrupt the transporting of Inca gold. The fort is very isolated and accessed via a bumpy road, but the drive is worth it with stunning views out across the Caribbean Sea and the mouth of the Chagres River.

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  • The Discovery Catamaran
    The Discovery (Catamaran)

    The Discovery Catamaran

    The Discovery Catamaran

    The Discovery is owned and operated by Panama Marine Adventures (PMA) and is a 33-metre purpose built catamaran capable of travelling up to a speed of 18 knots.

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Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.