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Enjoying The Peace and Calm of the Panama Sloth Sanctuary
The Panama Sloth Sanctuary, located in Gamboa, Panama, remains an essential part of any animal lover’s trip to this country. Located in the heart of the Gamboa Rainforest, visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with endangered sloths as they remain carefully preserved in their natural habitat.
Visit a travel destination where locals have dedicated their lives to not just preserving these beautiful animals, but also educating visitors about sloths and their importance to Panama’s ecosystems. This is one of the few locations in the world where you can get close to sloths, enjoying these animals in an ethical and eco-friendly environment that ensures they are safe and well-appreciated.
See For Yourself The Sloths of Panama
Nature and wildlife lovers should consider this stop as a must-visit destination during their trip to Panama. Sloths continue to represent rainforests and their incredible biodiversity, acting as the face of these carefully preserved environments. Not only are sloths incredibly adorable, but their slow pace of life can inspire you to slow down and appreciate the little things that make life so special.
In Panama, sloths live freely but also in conservation sites that closely protect their habitat and ensure they are never harmed. Typically, Brown-throated, Three-toed, and Hoffman’s Two-toed sloths can be found throughout the country, but many sanctuaries act as a home to rare and endangered species such as the Pygmy Three-toed Sloth.
Visiting Panama’s slot sanctuary in Gamboa helps you enjoy these animals without ever disturbing their way of life. It is the ultimate form of eco-tourism, where you directly support organizations that are dedicated to preserving endangered animals, working to educate tourists, and also preserving a species that could otherwise become extinct. Wild sloths are possible to view in the wild; however, they are often hiding deep within the rainforests, avoiding human interaction.
Here, you can view sloths closely, getting a glimpse of their beauty without the help of binoculars. The guides here are dedicated to ensuring a safe and respectful viewing experience, with endless knowledge about the animals and the environment they live in.
Learn directly from conservation specialists on why these animals have grown to be endangered, but also why they are so unique and beautiful. Experiences are considered to be “hands-on,” offering a spectacular travel experience that will surely make lifelong memories. For those who have never seen a sloth in real life, the experience is considered to be one-of-a-kind. Learn what makes these animals so special, but also see their slower pace of life for yourself!
The Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
Of course, the Gamboa Slot Sanctuary offers more than just viewing sloths. It offers what the organization calls “living labs,” allowing visitors to view and experience habitats of butterflies and frogs. Learn about what makes Panama’s ecosystem so important, and why it remains an important place for endangered wildlife. Take a tour of the facilities and learn about the species that are unique to Panama, including amphibians and orchids that can’t be seen anywhere else!
The guides at this travel destination make this experience all the more immersive and rewarding, offering important insight about the animals that call this preserve their home. Learn from their scientific research and take home knowledge about nature conservation and wildlife with hands-on travel experiences!
Kids will be delighted by this experience, as it makes for a memorable travel experience that can inspire further learning.
Simple Travel Tips For Enjoying The Gamboa Rainforest Preserve
This is a popular travel destination for visitors all year-round, and visitors should try to plan ahead when booking their tour. Consider visiting earlier in the day for the best experience, before crowds arrive. The weather is known to be hot and humid, susceptible to rain, and as such, visitors should bring comfortable clothing for both hot and rainy environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to experience the wildlife of Panama? Find answers to common questions regarding the sloths and other wildlife found at the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve.
What Time of Year is The Best Time to Visit Panama’s Sloth Sanctuary?
The sloth sanctuary is open all year long, and visitors are welcome between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.
How Long is The Sloth Sanctuary Tour?
Visitors should plan to spend two or three hours at the Gamboa rainforest sanctuary. The tours themselves are short, with demonstrations and educational seminars hosted by the conservationists, willing to answer any questions you may have. Visiting the sloth sanctuary is a great complement to a boat tour.
Is Visiting Panama’s Slot Sanctuary Worth It?
Yes, absolutely!
The sloth sanctuary is a unique chance to get closer to sloths without disturbing their way of life. These organizations play an important role in preserving wildlife of all kinds throughout Panama. They need your support to continue their efforts!
How Do You Get To The Panama Sloth Sanctuary?
Many guided tour options provide travel and accommodation to Panama’s sloth sanctuary and so much more. Many transportation companies offer shuttle buses, but there are options for visiting via boat tour at Gatun Lake, or by Aerial Tram. Many hotels and resorts also offer travel services to well-known destinations, including the sloth sanctuary.
Is The Panama Sloth Sanctuary Accessible?
Visitors should be of good general ability for walking, especially outdoors. The tour is considered to be accessible to guests of all ages and mobility.
Consider bringing along comfortable shoes that are suitable for plenty of outdoor walking. Bring comfortable and light clothing, but also sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and insect repellent.
Have Caravan Guide The Way Throughout Panama
This is just one of the many things to do in the incredible country of Panama. Between nature reserve, boat tours, and watersports, it can be incredibly difficult to plan a trip that includes it all! Look to Caravan to provide a fully-guided tour of Panama that includes a visit to Panama’s sloth sanctuary. Look to the travel professionals at Caravan to facilitate a trip that includes the best destinations, ensuring you and your loved ones never miss an important detail.
Guided tours of Panama offered on behalf of Caravan are unique in that you never have to worry about travel or accommodations. We take care of the details of planning your trip to Panama so that you can focus on enjoying the trip! Our inclusive offerings include many of the top sights of Panama, including wildlife experiences that will impress nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Have Caravan lead the way and look to those who know the very best travel destinations across the country. Our guides offer endless insight into your travel destination, helping you experience the very best this stunning country has to offer!
Read to get started?
Book today by calling 1 (312)-321-9800, or 1-800-CARAVAN to speak directly with a travel agent. Many of our tours book up quickly, so reach out today and plan your next dream vacation to Panama now! Learn more about Caravan’s all-inclusive tours of Panama and experience the beauty and nature found within Panama.
2026 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.
Days 1, 2 • Panama City
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.
Days 3, 4 • Gamboa
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.
Days 5, 6 • Playa Bonita
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.
Day 7 • Panama City
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.
Airport 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.
Passports & 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.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Panama City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 87/75 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 89/75 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 91/75 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 91/75 | 3.4 |
| May | 87/75 | 7.9 |
| Jun | 86/75 | 7.5 |
| Jul | 87/75 | 7.3 |
| Aug | 86/75 | 7.8 |
| Sep | 86/75 | 7.1 |
| Oct | 84/75 | 10.3 |
| Nov | 86/75 | 8.9 |
| Dec | 87/75 | 5.3 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama City | ||||||||||||
| temp | 87/75 | 89/75 | 91/75 | 91/75 | 87/75 | 86/75 | 87/75 | 86/75 | 86/75 | 84/75 | 86/75 | 87/75 |
| rainfall | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 3.4 | 7.9 | 7.5 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 7.1 | 10.3 | 8.9 | 5.3 |
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.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 14 Travel Tips. Read all 61 Travel Tips 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. 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. The cost is $129. 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. 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.Preparing for the Tropics
Are meals included?
My Tour Price Includes
My Tour Price Does Not Include
Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Size of Tour Group
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Family Trips
Forms of Payment
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Children on Tour
International Travel with Minors
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 244 Customer Reviews "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!!" "I question the government of Panama that requires safety vests while in the boat which if overturned would have crocks close by." "We loved the tour. Very informative. We felt like the pace of activities was just right. We saw and did a lot the first few days. The last couple days gave us time to relax and recharge. I wish I had better educated myself on Panama in general as well as the Panama Canal prior to the tour. Not a negative with respect to our tour guide or Caravan; just advice for future travelers. There is so much to do, see, and learn it is hard to take it all in during 7 days. Highly recommend Caravan Tours. Great value. Really good way to get to know the various destinations." "I think it was a great tour it lived up to being a tropical tour and I liked learning about the history of Panama." "The hotels we stayed at were well above the average you find on other tours, if not substantially above average." "Loved the variety between history (i.e. Panama Canal, early Panama City, etc.), the opportunity to take boat tours of the Canal and Gatun Lake and ships and wildlife. The local guide at Gamboa was wondeful. The resort pools were beautifully maintained. The food delicious. The drives not so long. The Kuna market was a bit of a disappointment for me, but others may have found it good." "Tour was a very relaxing tour, not rushed at all, yet we saw so much."
Read All 244 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 244 Customer Reviews
Why 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.
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).
