History of Panama Tour
- Visit the Panama Canal!
- Tour Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City
- Explore the Panama Canal Museum
- Drive over the Bridge of the Americas
- Take in the views from Ancon Hill
- Tour the historical colonial town of Portobelo
- Ride the historic Panama Canal Railway train
- Visit the expansion site of the Panama canal at the Gatun locks
- Head into the Chagres National Park to visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Fort San Lorenzo
- Visit the historic US Fort Sherman
- Explore Panama’s indigenous history on the San Blas Islands
- Enjoy a snorkel and boat tour
Explore the politics, history, and modern day marvel of the diverse and historical country of Panama
Panama’s geographic location has made it an important hub over history – resulting in a unique, multicultural and diverse country
Student trip itineraries are completely customizable for your group, desires, and needs.
Day 1 - Welcome to Panama
After arrival, we will be touring Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City. The city was built in 1519 and was the first European metropolis to constructed in America’s Pacific coast. After Pedro Arias Davila built it, the place became a major trading ground (and attraction for pirates!). Observe the various architectural styles (Spanish, French, & Italian) that demonstrates the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Day 2 - Panama Canal!
Drive over the Bridge of the Americas. Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center, which introduces and teaches about the Panama Canal. Watch mammoth ocean liners maneuver the narrow waterways. Learn about the construction of the ‘8th Wonder of the World’, built by the Americans and opened in 1914. Hill visit on our way home.
Day 3 - Portobelo
Portobelo is a sleepy town full of colonial history where you will feel transported in time. Named by Christopher Colombus in 1502, here we will find and learn about five colonial fortresses where cannons still point to the bay. Explore the history and enjoy the beautiful green landscapes along the coast.
Day 4 - Historic Train, Fort, & Canal Tour
Depart for Colon on the historic Panama Canal Railway (the one-hour journey takes you through unspoiled rain forests, alongside the Canal’s massive locks and atop a scenic causeway over Gatun Lake). Our first stop is at the Gatun locks expansion site to witness history in the making from the brand new visitor center. Head into the Chagres National Park to visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Fort San Lorenzo. Visit the historic US Fort Sherman.
Days 5 - 6 - San Blas Islands
The islands are the best place to explore the rich culture of Panama’s indigenous people, the Kuna. Members of the tribe are stationed on many of the tiny tropical islands – we will meet with the local community on the island for the day. Additionally while here we will have the opportunity to visit the famous Assudub Bipi (Dog Island) and enjoy a snorkeling excursion.
Day 7 - Homeward Bound
Begin our travel home after an amazing trip to Panama together
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AirfareRoundtrip group airfare to Panama
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BusPrivate coach bus as needed for duration of tour
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BoatBoat to and between the San Blas Islands
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TrainRide the historic Panama Canal Railway
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AccomodationCentrally located, student-friendly hotels & hostels
Three meals a day included in tour. Meals at locally owned and run restaurants serving authentic cuisine sufficient for all appetites.
Explored by Columbus in 1502 and by Balboa in 1513, Panama was the principal shipping point to and from South and Central America in colonial day
Places You’ll Visit
Panama Canal
Panama Canal!
Ancon Hill
Take in views of the canal from atop Ancon Hill.
Casco Viejo
The city was built in 1519 and was the first European metropolis to constructed in America’s Pacific coast.
Portobelo
Named by Christophe Colombus in 1502, here we will find and learn about five colonial fortresses where cannons still point to the bay.
Panama Canal Railway
The one-hour journey takes you through unspoiled rain forests, alongside the Canal’s massive locks and atop a scenic causeway over Gatun Lake
Gatun locks
Expansion site of the canal to witness history in the making from the brand new visitor center
Chagres National Park
Visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Fort San Lorenzo
Fort Sherman
San Blas Islands
The islands are the best place to explore the rich culture of Panama’s indigenous people, the Kuna
