Panama Tropical Adventure

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Panama tour is fully guided and includes most meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan
Capuchin Monkeys
Embera
Tour Map

Tour Year:

20262027

Panama Canal All-Inclusive Cruise Deals

Our Caravan Panama Canal tour offers affordable, all-inclusive discount Panama Canal cruises that include a Gatun Lake cruise and a Chagres River jungle cruise. Both are fully guided daytime boat tours.

See the Panama Canal Locks In Action

You’ll also enjoy a guided visit to Miraflores Locks where you will have a chance to witness how the giant 6-foot-thick steel gates of Miraflores Locks operate to let through cargo vessels, pleasure craft, and cruise ships.

Caravan’s Panama Canal cruise deals are a great way to see the sights and experience the wonder of the Panama Canal but also this beautiful Central American country. These cruises are also excellent Panama vacations that provide the opportunity of a lifetime for all age groups.

You won’t find any better discount Panama Canal cruises than with Caravan. Despite the budget travel tour price, Caravan’s all-inclusive Panama vacation packages include all items on the itinerary. You’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations, delectable meals, and the absolute best tour guides as you cruise through this world-famous waterway and explore the manmade and natural wonders of Panama.

Enjoy Discount Panama Canal Cruises with Caravan!
Call 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826)

Gatun Lake Cruise

Prior to your guided Gatun Lake Cruise, you will first visit the Canal Museum at the Miraflores Visitor Center. The Canal Museum includes a 3D film that explores the history of the Panama Canal, plus various exhibition halls. There are also observation decks on all three levels of the museum that allow you to witness ships from around the world passing through the locks.

Our Caravan Gatun Lake cruise is a guided tour of this large man-made lake, which was created when the Gatun Dam was built across the Chagres River. The Gatun Lake dam and the filling of this artificial lake took nearly 6 years (from 1907 to 1913) and now, ships must travel a total of 21 miles (33km) to make it across the canal.

During your discount Panama Canal cruise, you’ll notice that the many islands in the lake were once hilltops. Tour operators introduce you to the hilltop islands and describe the wild animals native to the area such as the four different species of monkeys in Panama.

Chagres River Cruise

Caravan’s third Panama Canal cruise is a guided riverboat tour through tropical rainforests as we make our way up the Chagres River to check out an authentic Embera Indian village. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the Embera inhabitants and appreciate their hand-woven baskets, tagua nut carvings and jewelry, plus the exotic cocobolo tree.

The Embera are the indigenous people of eastern Panama. Their thatched-roof homes (mostly built on stilts) line the banks of the Chagres River and the Embera people still live much the same way they have lived for hundreds of years.

All three of these exciting discount Panama Canal cruises are included in the one low price offered by Caravan Tours.

All-Inclusive Panama Canal Day Cruises

Caravan offers one of the best discount Panama Canal cruises on the market. There are no additional costs or hidden fees and for one low all-inclusive price, your Panama Canal tour includes:

  • All Transportation within Panama (by land or water)
  • Airport shuttles pick up and drop off at the Panama Tocumen Airport
  • All itinerary hotel accommodations and meals
  • Plus, all gratuities for hotel workers, restaurant staff and local guides

With Caravan Tours, there is no need to carry spare change, except to purchase souvenirs to take home!

About Caravan Tours

Caravan Tours began offering all-inclusive, fully guided tours in 1952 and after 70 years, we are still a family-run tour company.

We now offer guided tours throughout the USA and Canada, plus Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Whether you prefer to travel in the summer or winter, you’ll always find the best tour deals at Caravan.

Our peak season for discount Panama Canal Cruises runs from December on through to April, with limited Panama Canal cruise deals from May through to November. Because of their great value, these bargain Panama Canal cruise deals book up fast so be sure to book your Panama Canal tour well in advance.

To Book a Caravan Tour of Panama, call toll-free at 1-800-227-2826

Embera Village
Keel-billed Toucan
Bird Watching Cruise

Caret DownCaret Up Red2026 Hotels

2026 Hotels

Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.

Westin Panama

Days 1, 2 • Panama City

Westin Panama

Westin Panama

The elegant Westin Panama is ideally situated in Costa del Este neighborhood. Your hotel includes a fitness center, spa and outdoor pool. Your room includes an iron, hairdryer, safe, wi-fi and coffeemaker.

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Days 3, 4 • Gamboa

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is located in Soberania National Park, in the heart of Panama's rainforest. The resort is just north of the Continental Divide, on the banks of the Chagres River, near where it flows into Lake Gatun and the Panama Canal. Guest rooms feature a hammock and patio furniture on a private balcony with park and river views. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a mini-bar, in-room safe, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, coffeemaker, and satellite television. All rooms are non-smoking. Resort amenities include a large outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, beautiful gardens, and walking and jogging trails. Fitness equipment, a hot tub, thermal bath and sauna are available at the full service spa. For a fee, the spa offers massage, a beauty salon, body and facial treatments. Guided fishing in the Panama Canal is also available for a fee. Free internet access.

Westin Playa Bonita Resort

Days 5, 6 • Playa Bonita

Westin Playa Bonita Resort

Westin Playa Bonita Resort

The Westin Playa Bonita Resort is a spectacular beach resort located on Panama's Pacific coast. From the grand lobby you have sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Resort amenities include a private beach, multiple outdoor pools, swim-up bar, lounges, fitness center, beauty salon, and spa with massage services. The spacious guest rooms are air-conditioned and have cable TV. Free internet access.

InterContinental Miramar Panama

Day 7 • Panama City

InterContinental Miramar Panama

InterContinental Miramar Panama

The modern InterContinental Miramar hotel is located in Panama City in the middle of Panama Bay. Panoramic water and city views abound. A short stroll from the hotel takes you to the scenic walkway on Panama Bay . The InterContinental Miramar has tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a beauty salon, and fitness center with massage, sauna, Jacuzzi, and Turkish bath. All rooms are air-conditioned, and feature cable TV, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and a coffee maker. Free internet access.

Caret DownCaret Up RedAirport Transfers

Airport Transfers

Arrival Transfers

Transfer on your own from the Panama City Tocumen Airport (PTY) to your hotel, the Westin Costa del Este (La Rotunda Ave, Costa del Este) in Panama City. Once you exit customs and baggage claim, proceed to the official taxi stand. The driving time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost will range from $30-$40 US Dollars. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.

Departure Transfers

Caravan includes a departure transfer from the Intercontinental Miramar hotel in Panama City to Tocumen Panama International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama arriving at 5:30 am, 8:00 am and 11:00 am. on the day the tour ends. If you wish to leave at another time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Taxi fares from your hotel to Tocumen Airport cost about $30-$40 USD. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

Caret DownCaret Up RedPassports & Visas

Passports & Visas

Panama requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws. See Travel Tips for more details.

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Weather & Clothing

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

Panama City
TempRain
Jan87/751.6
Feb89/750.6
Mar91/750.6
Apr91/753.4
May87/757.9
Jun86/757.5
Jul87/757.3
Aug86/757.8
Sep86/757.1
Oct84/7510.3
Nov86/758.9
Dec87/755.3

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Panama City
temp87/7589/7591/7591/7587/7586/7587/7586/7586/7584/7586/7587/75
rainfall1.60.60.63.47.97.57.37.87.110.38.95.3

Clothing Tips

This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required. See Travel Tips for more details.

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Travel Tips & FAQs

These are only the first 14 Travel Tips. Read all 62 Travel Tips

Preparing for the Tropics

It is recommended to bring at least one pair of quick-dry pants and one quick-dry shirt. The quick-dry pants that zip at the knee to convert into shorts are particularly popular. Be sure to also bring a sweater or jacket for the cooler night temperatures. Caravan does not make product endorsements, but many feel that Avon Skin So Soft oil (not cream), or Avon's Expedition anti-mosquito spray is effective protection against mosquito bites in the jungle. Caravan does not endorse any vitamin, but please note that Central American pharmacies sell 500 milligram Vitamin B-1 tablets, a non-prescription vitamin, as "anti-mosquito" pills. Many people take Vitamin B-1 pills and eat garlic for about two weeks prior to and during their visits to the jungle because they believe that the smell of Vitamin B-1 and garlic repels mosquitoes. If you believe this may be of value, consult your doctor for further information on Vitamin B-1 and garlic. Many also avoid eating bananas in the rainforest, as it is believed that this smell attracts mosquitoes. Also, it is wise to wear light-weight quick-dry long-sleeved pants and shirts in these tropical areas.

Are meals included?

Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.

My Tour Price Includes

Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation.

My Tour Price Does Not Include

Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides.

Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour

Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation.

A Well-Paced Itinerary

A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation.

Size of Tour Group

Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers.

Fully Guided Tours Since 1952

Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations.

Many Tours Sell Out Each Year

The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available.

Family Trips

Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old.

Forms of Payment

Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

Caravan’s Travel Protection

Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage.

Children on Tour

Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks.

International Travel with Minors

If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

Read All 62 Travel TipsClick Here for All 62 Travel Tips

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Customer Reviews

These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 250 Customer Reviews

"I thought the pace of the tour was excellent."

C. S., Manitoba, Canada

"The tour was at the perfect pace. I am 64 years old and found the tour to be just the right amount of activity and downtime."

L. S., Briarwood, New York

"The trip of Panama will be forever remembered in my heart. I enjoyed myself from arrival to departure."

L. W., Shirley Ragland, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"My anticipation for seeing Panama and learning about the history of the country was met and went beyond all expectations."

M. K., Morehead, Kentucky

"I had an amazing time on this trip. I came in with no expectations, but it truly showcased Panama—an underrated country rich in culture, food, and natural beauty."

T. M. C., St Albans, West Virginia

"All activities were interesting and accessible to all."

J. S., Ontario, Canada

"Hotels were excellent!! Really enjoyed the Westin Playa Bonita and Gamboa!!!The rainforest was fascinating. My sister and I really enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend this tour!!"

L. T., Spanish Fork, Utah

Read All 250 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 250 Customer Reviews

Caret DownCaret Up RedWhy Travel with Caravan?

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence Since 1952

You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

Caravan's Proud History

In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.

Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).

NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA