Towering locks that safeguarded the travel of millions, stone ruins paying homage to the past, colorful buildings around every city corner – there is much to see throughout Panama City and its surrounding wonders. After your Colombian river cruise along the Magdalena River, you have the perfect opportunity to explore it all for yourself on our optional 3-night post-cruise land package. Enjoy a glimpse of the highlights you will experience during your AmaWaterways journey in this iconic city.



The City and Its Fascinating History

Framed by the Pacific Ocean and the man-made Panama Canal, the striking capital of the country shines like a jewel against the azure waters. Founded in 1519, Panama City proved to be a vital stop on a variety of trade routes to the Americas – and with the creation of the Panama Canal, this is still true today. The original Panama City is known as Panama Vieja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1671, the fearsome pirate captain Henry Morgan set fire to the city. Rising from the ashes two years later, the new city became known as Casco Viejo. Though no longer inhabited, the ruins of Panama Vieja still stand as a testament to the city’s resilience and original heritage.

During your 3-night land package, you will enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful city, exploring aspects of the old city in Panama Vieja before visiting the Museum of Biodiversity. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, this fascinating museum showcases the exceptional diversity of the region’s ecosystems, displaying stories from the first humans who settled here to the tectonic forces at play in the area. Through the day’s extraordinary excursion, you can appreciate the unique stories that come together to create the Panama City you see today.

The Canal That Changed Trade Forever

When Panama is mentioned, one of the first things that comes to mind is its legendary canal. After many attempts to create an aquatic avenue between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans for trade, the world-changing canal was completed in 1914. In total, this massive construction project took 10 years to complete, costing around $375 million USD (about $11.8 billion USD by today’s standards) and the lives of over 25,000 workers.

After intense negotiations, the control of the canal was given to Panama in 1977, with the stipulation that the canal remained permanently neutral. To this day, the Panama Canal is one of the country’s leading sources of revenue.

Watching sea-faring ships sail along this famous waterway is truly a sight to behold. For vessels arriving from the Atlantic Ocean, they pass through the three chambers of the Agua Clara Locks, which lift the ships to the artificial freshwater Gatún Lake. From there, ships continue along the Gatún River into the Chagres River and, after approximately 8 to 10 total hours of cruising, begin their journey on the Pacific Ocean.

During your AmaWaterways excursion, you will take in the majesty of this man-made canal from the Caribbean side and dive further into its history up close in the Panama Canal Administration Building. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Gatún Lake, drinking in the view before visiting Agua Clara and seeing the locks located there.

Meeting the Emberá People

Mostly residing along the Chocó department in western Colombia as well as Panama, the Emberá are an indigenous people who historically live alongside rivers in this region. Traditionally, the Emberá people have a strong tie to nature with a deep respect for the rivers and forests they call home.

On the third day of your land package in this beautiful destination, you will start your day at Gatún Lake before you visit an Emberá village along this shore. Learn more about their unique culture and savor a traditional lunch while you are there.

Enjoy all these highlights and more during this vibrant land package – an exciting conclusion to your immersive Colombian river cruise journey!

What’s Included in Your Optional Panama City Land Package

• 3 nights in a world-class 4- or 5-star hotel
• Guided excursions such as a city tour, a Panama Canal tour and a visit to an Emberá village
• Convenient transfers between your hotel and river cruise ship
• Daily breakfast at the hotel

Contact your travel advisor to find out more about how you can add our Panama City land package to your Magic of Colombia or Wonders of Colombia itinerary!