Afro-Panamanian Historical Discovery

  Panama

Bocas del Toro,  Panama City

Description: Experience the contrasts of Panama on this trip with visits to: Portobelo and nearby towns founded by escaped slaves; an Afro-Antillean Caribbean island paradise at Bocas; and then the mountains of Cocle, where the Africans, known as "cimarones," settled after escaping from the Spaniards in the 1600s.

Day 1: Arrival to Panama
Arrive at Panama International Airport, where you will be met by an EcoCircuitos representative and transferred to your hotel in Panama City. Lodging will be at a hotel in the city.

Day 2:Panama City & Canal Tour
After breakfast your English-speaking guide will pick you up at the hotel for a guided visit of the city. Today's tour includes a drive through "Panama Viejo," the original city founded by the Spanish and later sacked by the pirate Henry Morgan. Afterwards, visit "Casco Antiguo" the Spanish colonial city built in 1673 with a mixture of architectural styles, including the French and American colonial styles. You will also visit the Afro-Antillean Museum located in the city. Then on to the Miraflores where we observe the operation of the Panama Canal as giant cargo ships move through the locks. There will be time for shopping for Panamanian arts and crafts and imported goods. Lunch will be on the on the Fort Amador Causeway at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. Night at your Panama City hotel (BL)

Day 3: Portobelo Tour
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Portobelo served as a Spanish fortress and Caribbean port. Products as spices, gold and silver coming from Peru and other Spanish colonies crossed the isthmus on the "Royal Path" to Portobelo, where the treasure awaited ships going to Spain. The valuable goods were stored in the Portobelo Customs House because of this the town was attacked by pirates on various occasions; the best-known attack was by Henry Morgan. We will visit the ruins of the colonial port, the customs house and the Portobelo church, where the famous Black Christ statue rests. Lunch will be at a local restaurant or similar. Overnight at your Panama City hotel.
(BL)**Optional: Transcontinental train ride to Colon City in the morning.

Day 4: Bocas del Toro and the Caribbean Coast
Transfer to the local airport for your flight to Bocas del Toro. Bocas is located on a beautiful island and you will have the opportunity to explore the area at your leisure. Overnight at Bocas del Toro. (B)

Day 5: Bocas del Toro
After breakfast you will have a tour of the nearby island to enjoy the spectacular beaches and snorkeling. Free afternoon for town exploration and optional mountain bike or motorcycle tours are available. Overnight at Bocas del Toro. (B)

Day 6: Posada del Cerro La Vieja / Cocle
Depart to Panama City and then you will travel to the mountains located in the Cocle Province where you will stay in the charming lodge, La Posada del Cerro La Vieja. Cocle was one of the first areas where Afro Antilleans settled in Panama in the 1600s and mixed with the local Indians. Their strong, hardworking and honest progeny continue to farm and work in the sugar cane industry. They are now known as "Cimarones," (BLD)

Day 7:Posada del Cerro La Vieja / Cocle to Panama City
Hike and enjoy nature at the hotel's new spa facilities. Today you will have the day free for relaxation and exploration at your leisure. (BLD)

Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the international airport approximately two hours before your scheduled departure time. (B)

Highlights: Learn about the amazing Panamanian history of pirates and conquistdors and then travel to the Caribbean side of the country to visit the famous black Christ in Portobelo. Afterwards travel to Bocas del Toro to experience tropical transparent waters of this unique archipelago. This week long program allows you to travel with historical guides to some of the most distinct areas of the country.

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Panama Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Post Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

EcoCircuitos Panama's Mission Statement: EcoCircuitos is Tour Operator committed to the development of ecotourism and the preservation of the environment. Our philosophy is to approach each destination carefully, considering the impact that tours will have on the flora and fauna of the area. Guides are chosen, based not only on their knowledge of a region, but also on their ability to respect the environment and share their knowledge with visitors in an engaging and enjoyable manner. We specialize in hiking, bird watching, educational, cultural tours, volunteer vacations and nature tours for small groups, individuals and couples.

Year Founded: 1999