The Canal Zone
The Canal Zone is a collective term for all of the places lying within a 5-mile radius on either side of the Panama Canal. One portion is bound by the Pacific Ocean and the other by the Atlantic Ocean, which makes the zone more exciting. The Canal Zone is a tropical rainforest area with numerous wetlands, hills, and rivers.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is the world famous symbol of the Republic of Panama, and as such, has become a top priority for all visitors. You can take a trip on the canal, which takes about eight hours, and see the two perspectives of the canal. On the Pacific side, you can see enormous vessels set sail from Miraflores Locks and navigate through tall gates all the way to Lake Gatun, which is the mid-point of the canal. Here, you can see the exotic Soberania National Park, which is home to a vast variety of tropical wildlife.
On the Atlantic Side, you can marvel in the ruins of old Spanish forts in Portobelo and San Lorenzo, listening to tales of pirates and lost treasures. The ancient town of Portobelo once hid the famous Inca gold, which was keenly sought after and looted by the pirates. The statue of the Black Christ is also found in a nearby church.
Gamboa
Gamboa is a small town situated on the banks of the Chagres River and lies in the Canal Zone. A short 30-minute drive from the capital, Gamboa is the perfect destination for a complete rainforest experience. It is surrounded by dense green forests and wetlands and is home to rich tropical flora and fauna.
Gamboa’s tropical forests, flora, and fauna offer a wholesome package for a nature getaway. Throughout the stay, you will be one with nature, amidst the whispers of the dense forests, chirping of colorful tropic birds, and music of the flowing rivers. The best way to explore the place is by taking out your camera, binoculars, and of course, water bottles, and going out on nature walks and boat rides. It is always better to have a local guide along to help you understand the forests and its inhabitants.
For a unique and diverse experience, here are some of the top things to do in Gamboa:
Monkey Island
One of the must-visit places within the Gamboa rainforest is Monkey Island in Gatun Lake. As the name obviously implies, you will find plenty of monkeys here, including four unique species: Grey-bellied night monkey, White-faced Capuchin monkey, Mantled Howler monkey, and Tamarin monkey. No matter what, do not be tempted to feed the monkeys, else you will find an army of them asking you for more! Apart from monkeys, the island is also home to other wildlife, such as three-toed sloths, green iguanas, and crocodiles, so keep your eyes peeled!
Adding to this, the journey to Gatun Lake itself is very memorable as it includes sailing along the Panama Canal, sharing the waters with huge vessels and containers. You can also see the expansion of the canal and spot submarines if you are lucky enough.
Soberania National Park
Gamboa has several national parks that were built mainly for the conservation of native flora and fauna. Among these, the Soberania National Park is the biggest and is home to more than five hundred species of bird and a hundred species of mammal. The park covers a massive 55,fifty-five thousand acres and the Chagres river runs through it. This park offers the best deal to sight rich tropical wildlife and walk amidst the dense greenery.
Embera Village Visit
Head deep into the rainforests for an exciting and one-of-a-kind experience of Panama’s native culture by paying a visit to the Embera community.
The Chagres National Park was built to offer protection to the Embera community, which is one of the seven indigenous tribes native to Panama. After a boat ride across the Panama Canal and Lake Alajuela, you will find the Emberas waiting to welcome you to Puerto Corotu. The village is small and has a population of one hundred. Once you enter the village, a group of women would dance around you to the beats of the drums played by the men. This is their traditional way of welcoming guests. A quick tour around the village will show you everything there is about the culture, lifestyle, and traditions of the Emberas. You can also enjoy a meal prepared by the hosts and purchase their handicrafts. All of their products are purely organic, including the colors which are natural dyes. A single basket might take three months to complete and the work is so good, it can even hold water!
Kayaking In The Chagres River
Go kayaking along the peace and quiet of the waterways, explore the wildlife, and listen to the sounds of the rainforest. A refreshing experience, you will find yourself in a world entirely different from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you are lucky, you can also spot colorful birds, turtles, sloths or other members of the local fauna. This is also a great opportunity to get your cameras out and start clicking.
Night Boat Safari
If you aren’t too scared, then grab your torches and head into a night safari along the Chagres River and try your luck at spotting nocturnal animals. You might find pairs of eyes shining back at you as you wave you torch around. Sightings of capybaras, caimans, and fishing bats are possible. For all lovers of adventure, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is a must.
Aerial Tram Tour
Ride above the thick canopy of Gamboa’s rainforests for a thrilling aerial tram tour. You will stop at an observation tower, from which beautiful panoramic frames of the Chagres River, Soberania National Park, and Embera villages can be seen. A local guide will travel along and explain the mysteries of the rainforest as you soar above.
Food and Stay
Panamanian cuisine is a mixture of Spanish, African, and Native American cuisines. The majority of the dishes include large portions of tropical fruits and vegetables that are organically farmed without artificial enhancements, giving you a pure, authentic taste. Being a coastal area, you can find a diverse seafood diet.
There are no proper restaurants in Gamboa so you would have to eat in your resort or go to other resorts if you want a change of place.
The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is the most recommended and chosen stay as it is very close to the rainforests and offers scenic views. All of the places to visit are easily accessible through walks or short drives. The resort provides Wi-Fi and pool facilities, among other amenities.
What’s Nearby?
