Attractions and Activities Close By
Panama Canal - Miraflores Visitors Center
Located on the East side of Miraflores Locks is the Miraflores Visitors Center, the perfect place to observe Canal operations. This newly inaugurated facility has large balconies, where tourists can see the opening and closing of the locks miter gates as ships begin or finish their voyage through one of the Canal's three sets of locks. Four exhibition halls, organized by themes, constitute the heart of the Miraflores Visitors Center. The exhibitions are dedicated to the history of the Canal, the importance of water as a source of life, the Canal's operation, and its crucial role in world trade. Historical objects of Canal operations, interactive modules, video presentations, and models of the Panama Canal are exhibited in the Center. Some of the exhibits replicate the feeling of being inside a navigation simulator or in one of the lock culverts. Nature lovers will enjoy watching displays of the different species of flora and fauna that inhabit the Canal's watershed, and learning about the role of water in Canal operations and its preservation.
The Amador Causeway
At the southern entrance of the Panama Canal is the Amador Causeway. This beautiful and picturesque causeway, lined with tropical palm trees, and with magnificent views of the Canal and the Panama City skyline, was built from excavated material during Canal construction. It took 18 million yards of solid rock extracted from the famous Culebra or Gaillard Cut of the Panama Canal to build this Causeway. The Causeway was formerly part of a military base, which has been transformed into a flourishing tourist attraction. Great restaurants, hotels, shopping arcades, marinas and a convention center provide an infrastructure that is attracting ever-increasing tourism. The causeway is also the home of the Marine Exhibition Center of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), where visitors can see and touch exotic species of Panama's Caribbean and Pacific marine life, and learn about marine-coastal environments. An excellent paved pathway, the full length of the Causeway, is an irresistible temptation to anyone desiring a leisure walk, jogging, biking, skating or roller-blading. The causeway is also popular with locals and tourists who want to enjoy a swim in the Pacific Ocean; or simply relax with fabulous scenic views.
Panama Canal Railway
The Panama Canal Railway is a fully renovated transportation system that runs parallel to the Canal, essentially following the original path of the world's first trans-continental railroad. Today, the railroad is primarily dedicated to moving containerized cargo between Pacific and Atlantic ports. Tourist trains provide daily service, offering fantastic views of the Canal, rainforests and the natural beauty of flora, fauna and rugged terrain. The journey takes less than one hour, in modern air-conditioned coaches, with open-air viewing platforms, which are great for taking pictures.
Portobelo
Portobelo is a former Spanish fortress, located on the Caribbean coast in the province of Colon. During the days of the Spanish conquerors, Portobelo was an important transshipment point for the movement of gold, silver and gems originating from Peru and Mexico. It is the burial place of Sir Frances Drake, whose lead coffin is supposed to be buried somewhere in the bay.
Gamboa Aerial Tram
Discover the secrets of the upper rainforest canopy by riding on the Gamboa Rainforest aerial tram. This thrilling experience provides you with close-up views of unique species of Panama's flora, as well as all kinds of native mammals including coatimundi, peccary, howler monkey, squirrels, capybara, sloths, and beautiful birds such as toucans, trogons, and parrots, which are also plentiful. All while sitting comfortably in the seat of their Swiss-engineered aerial tram system. Gliding smoothly through the tree tops, you will experience firsthand the sounds and peace of the deep tropical rainforest. One of the Gamboa tour operators will accompany you to describe the flora and fauna that you will see. The 1.2 kilometer ride culminates at a hill top where you have the opportunity to visit the Observation Tower. After walking the spiral ramp upwards, you will find a panoramic view of the Chagres River, Panama Canal, the Emberra indigenous village, Gamboa town all surrounded by lush mountainous rainforest.
Embera Indians
Panama City is surrounded by lush rain forests. The Chagres River flows through this rain forest on it's way to Gatun Lake which eventually feeds the chambers for the Panama Canal locks system. Along the banks of the Chagres River live families of the Emberá Indians. The Embera Indians live today much as they did when the discoverer of the Pacific Ocean, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, first set foot in Panama. The Emberá are best known for their beautiful hand woven baskets and fine wood carvings
Monkey Island
Take a boat tour through the Panama Canal into secret waterways to find hidden islands that are the favorites of monkeys. Cappuccino monkeys and howler monkeys can be seen leaping in the trees above. Occasionally, they become curious of visitors and venture down to take a closer look. This tour provides a unique opportunity for viewing wild monkeys in their natural habitat, but as closely as you would in a zoo. Other animals you can spot in this tour include lazy sloths sleeping in trees, stoic aligators and turtles that are native to the lake. The boat ride to and from the island passes through the Panama Canal, giving you the chance to spot huge container ships during their passage across the world.
Fishing
Fishermen are always impressed by the plentitud and variety of fish in Gatun lake. This lake is home to species such as peacock bass, tarpon and snook, and many others. Since these fish are so plentiful, there are no limits nor restrictions. You can hire a fishing guide who will take you and your party on a private guided tour of the lake and show you the best spots. Surrounded by the peace and tranquility of lush tropical forests, this is a great tour for friends, families, or individuals to enjoy the bounties of nature that Lake Gatun offers.
Golf and Casino
At the Decameron Resort you can enjoy their world class 18 hole golf course under a beautiful blue sky. The Manta Raya Golf Club is located right next to Royal Decameron by the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean 5km from Playa Blanca Resort. Planned by internationally renowned designer Randall Thomson in association with the American Golf Course Design firm, Manta Raya Golf Club meets the demands of both the serious golfer and the weekend warrior. The luscious greens and natural surroundings create a fantastic setting for your golfing experience. Also at the Decameron Hotel is the country's hottest Fiesta Casino. An ideal spot to spend some leisure time after a refreshing day at the beach. There are 93 slot machines and 7 tables (Black Jack, Roulette, Baccarat). The casino also has a cozy bar where visitors can relax and have very much deserved fun.
EL Valle - Anton Valley
Explore nearby "El Valle", one of the most famous sites in Panama, 1 hour away, including nature hikes for the amateur or serious hiker and a Zip Line through the rainforest and waterfalls. It is located inside an inactive volcano crater where you can enjoy a cool weather and light rain all year round. A lot of trekking is done in this beautiful green-colored destination. Trekking consists on covering long distances by foot to connect with nature in all of its forms. Besides trekking there are many other activities and attractions you can enjoy while you visit The Valley, of which, we include: El Nispero zoo (famous for the Golden Frog), hot springs with mud masks, Crafts and Souvenirs Market, The Valley Museum, La Pintada Petroglyphs, Las Mozas and El Macho trickles, archeology sites, and amongst its festivals or cultural celebrations we can enjoy the Cristo de Esquipulas celebration, the Corpus Christi, national parties and the Torito Guapo Festival. There is also El Gaital Peak, which hosts a wide range of animals and plants in its 335 hectares of protected land, 3,000 meters over sea level. Also, the National Wild-Life Authority (ANAM) facilities are located here. One of the most mysterious places this destination has is La India Dormida, where the hills of The Anton Valley form the silhouette of a young indian woman that, according to local legend, fell madly in love with a Spaniard and cried her misfortune until nature took her as its own, while other legends say that the sun turned her into part of the hill to save her from a love that was not returned to her from an arrogant indian warrior of her tribe. You be the judge.
San Blas Islands & Kuna Indians
San Blas is an experience of its own class. From the beginning to the end, your are in the rustic lifestyle of the Kuna Indians. Their culture is a peculiar one and their Kuna guides and representatives will describe and show you the minutest details as you experience life in their Island village. Enjoy eating freshly caught seafood from the Atlantic coast. Daily tours to snorkeling grounds and nearby islands are included in their tours. The Kuna Indians are best known for their brightly colored molas.
