Panama & Pre-Columbian treasures

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of one day to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre and visit the Gehry Museum of Biodiversity, not forgetting the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 - Panama City

Check-in at the hotel Hilton Panama. Official check-in time is 3 pm.

A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk from late afternoon to welcome and answer any questions you may have.

Dinner included.

Day 2 - Panama City/Fuerte Amador

Meet your fellow travellers for breakfast.

Check-out.

You will depart this morning for a sightseeing tour of Panama City. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).

Discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. You will get the chance to explore on your own this neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo with its colonial style government buildings, old churches and grand plazas. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.

You will then proceed to the restaurant for lunch.

After lunch, your tour will continue to the Old Panama Ruins, first European city built in the Pacific coast of the Americas, and end at the Biomuseo, also called the Gehry’s Museum in honour of its world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The building is designed to recall the creation of the isthmus of Panama which linked two continents and changed the planet’s biodiversity forever. The event that would change natural history for both continents occurred around three million years ago. Species from both continents mingled as northern animals went south and southern animals went north. The Biomuseo’s 4,000 square metres describe the country’s rich biodiversity.

You will then be transferred to the port of Fuerte Amador to embark aboard your ship.

Your hotel:

The Hilton Panama is steps from the ocean front walkway, and two blocks from the Financial District. Guest rooms offer views of the Panama Bay and the Pacific Ocean. They feature contemporary design and modern amenities including Wi-Fi access and a HDTV. You will find at your disposal a fitness centre, a spa and a top roof pool.

Your programme includes:

• 1-night accommodation in Bay View room at the hotel Hilton Panama (or similar).
• Meals as mentioned in the programme.
• Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
• Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
• Services of a local English-speaking guide.
• Tips for the driver and local guide.

Your programme does not include:

• Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
• Personal expenses.
• Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

• A private transfer from the airport to the hotel can be organized at a supplement. It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 15 days prior to the beginning of your cruise, in order to secure the proper meet and greet service at the airport.
• Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement.
• An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability.
• Please, contact your travel agent for further detail.

Contact of your hotel:

Hilton Hotel

Balboa Avenida & Aquilino de la Guardia

Panama City, PANAMA

Telephone: + 507 280 8000

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. 

This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on-board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.

From the pier, you will be transferred to the airport for the one-hour flight to Quito. At a breath-taking 2,850 metres above sea level (9,348 feet), Quito is the world’s second highest capital city. Comfortably nestled in the Andes, it is only 25 kilometres south of the Equator.

Upon arrival, head to the Northern Quito where you will switch from your coach to an electric trolley. As you head towards the city centre “like the locals”, you will be delighted by the welcome received at the various stops along the way. Your visitors will include a mime delivering roses, an Andean folk music group, and traditionally-dressed indigenous women with local snacks and refreshments.

Disembark near to the famous Plaza Grande where the imposing Presidential Palace welcomes you. Pass by the Cathedral before visit to La Compañía, a Jesuit temple dubbed by many as the most beautiful church in Latin America, due to its awe-inspiring gold-leaf interior and painted ceiling. Finally visit the Ecuador’s oldest church, the San Francisco Monastery, here soak up the beautiful splendour of one of the largest and best-preserved historical centres in Latin America. Time to shop Genuine Panama hats at Homero Ortega showroom.

After lunch, drive to El Panecillo, the landmark hill rising at the southern edge of the historic centre. Gaze at the statue of Quito’s “Winged Virgin”, visible from almost anywhere in the city, and enjoy the beautiful vista of colonial Quito laid out before you. Then, re-board your coach and transfer back to the airport for your return flight to Guayaquil.

This programme includes:

• Round-trip flight: Guayaquil/Quito/Guayaquil.
• Transfers, visits, activities and entrance fees as per programme.
• Lunch including 1 bottled water, 1 soft drink or 1 beer and tea or coffee.
• Local English-speaking guide.
• PONANT tour leader.

This programme does not include:

• Personal expenses.
• Gratuities to guide and driver.
• Meals, drinks and all services not mentioned in the programme.
• This is a walking tour at an altitude of 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) and involves climbing stairs. Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Appropriate dress is recommended when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Take a sweater even if the day is warm and sunny. Sun protection (SPF 40). Wear comfortable walking shoes. Please take note of the high altitude: before booking this tour, you might want to consult with your physician.