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Panama

Grit and Glory: Exposing the Panama Canal

Program No. 9901RJ
Learn the story of the Panama Canal as you journey through this feat of engineering, get close-up views of the new locks and visit historic sites during explorations along the canal!

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Protecting the Environment

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At a Glance

The Spanish thought about it. The French drew plans for it. In the end, though, it took a revolution, technology, money, determination and grit to complete the Panama Canal. On this unique journey, traverse the canal by boat and learn about the epic struggle to carve a nautical shortcut from one ocean to another. Learn about the canal’s construction and its impact on world history, commerce and medicine.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking and standing for up to 90 minutes at a time in hot, humid weather. Getting on/off a boat, ascending/descending steps, no wheelchair access.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn about the history of the Panama Canal during exclusive boat transit.
  • Witness the workings of the busy Miraflores and Gatun Locks and the Alajuela Dam.
  • Admire the eclectic architecture of Casco Viejo — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — during a walking exploration of its cobblestone streets.

General Notes

The group size for this popular program is limited to 52 to make our exclusive Panama Canal Transit possible.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Patricio Roca
Patricio Roca is a Panamanian expedition leader with expertise in environmental education and sustainability. Before beginning his career leading groups in 2000, he was an operations specialist in the U.S. Army. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and majored in elementary education at the National University of Panama. Patricio regularly volunteers to help with environmental projects such as tropical reforestation and beach clean-ups. In his free time, he enjoys adventure activities such as trekking, rappelling, and swimming.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Patricio Roca
Patricio Roca View biography
Patricio Roca is a Panamanian expedition leader with expertise in environmental education and sustainability. Before beginning his career leading groups in 2000, he was an operations specialist in the U.S. Army. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and majored in elementary education at the National University of Panama. Patricio regularly volunteers to help with environmental projects such as tropical reforestation and beach clean-ups. In his free time, he enjoys adventure activities such as trekking, rappelling, and swimming.
Profile Image of Edwin Miranda
Edwin Miranda View biography
Edwin Miranda left Panama as a teen and lived in the U.S. until completing university. Once back, he worked as an administrative civilian on military bases in the Canal Zone, and trained and worked as a birding leader at the Canopy Tower. For close to twenty years, he was part of the operational staff in the Panama Canal’s ship lock processes. Edwin now works for the Canal as an expert and instructor, providing technical and historical education to visitors on land and aboard transiting ships.
Profile Image of  Jaime Robleto
Jaime Robleto View biography
Jaime Robleto is an authority on all things regarding the Panama Canal. For almost twenty years, he worked for the Canal Authority, educating students and international visitors. This included boarding cruise ships to narrate the transit and provide historical and technical facts. He has collaborated with the Universidad de Panama on curriculum updates for their bachelor’s degree in historical and cultural tourism. Jaime has a sociology degree from the Universidad Santa Maria la Antigua and studied tourism through the Panamanian Tourism Bureau.
Profile Image of Alexis Guevara
Alexis Guevara View biography
Alexis “Alex” Guevara is a certified Panamanian expedition leader and a birding enthusiast. After training in environmental stewardship and accounting at the Instituto Profesional Técnico de Metetí, he earned a scholarship to study natural resources and technology at Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon. There he received his first formal training in ornithology and became hooked on birds. In addition to leading educational groups throughout Panama and Costa Rica, Alex has worked as a resident naturalist at eco-lodges and as a consultant on environmental impact studies.
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Meals
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Vegetarian, Low Salt, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025
  • Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025
  • Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
  • Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024
  • Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024
  • Oct 21, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024
  • Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024
  • Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 21, 2024
  • Jan 10, 2025 - Jan 15, 2025
  • Jan 17, 2025 - Jan 22, 2025
  • Jan 24, 2025 - Jan 29, 2025
  • Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 12, 2025
  • Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 19, 2025
  • Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 12, 2025
  • Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 19, 2025
  • Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025
  • May 09, 2025 - May 14, 2025
  • Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
  • Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
  • Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
  • Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
  • Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025
  • Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Panama City
Resort located within the Camino de Cruces National Park, just 3.5 miles from the Panama Canal's Pedro Miguel Locks and about 1 mile from the Centennial Bridge.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Panama City
Resort located within the Camino de Cruces National Park, just 3.5 miles from the Panama Canal's Pedro Miguel Locks and about 1 mile from the Centennial Bridge.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Panama City
Resort located within the Camino de Cruces National Park, just 3.5 miles from the Panama Canal's Pedro Miguel Locks and about 1 mile from the Centennial Bridge.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.
3 nights
Panama City
Modern hotel located at Fort Amador, on the boardwalk overlooking the entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
1 night
Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is strategically located on the banks of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, near the Soberania National Park. The lush surroundings and quiet neighborhood are a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, just 30 minutes away.
1 night
Panama City
Modern hotel located approximately 2 miles from downtown Panama City.





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