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Chagres River

Chagres River: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Panama City: Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour

1. From Panama City: Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour

Spend half a day exploring the Panama Canal while learning about its history and creation. See the famed Miraflores Locks in action and take a scenic boat ride on the Chagres River. Get picked up at your hotel or other location in Panama City, and journey to the Panama Canal Visitors Center for a detailed explanation about how the canal and famous Miraflores Locks work. Visit the museum to learn more about this important water passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Drive by Miraflores Lake and the Pedro Miguel Locks as you make your way to the Chagres River. Climb aboard for a scenic boat trip across artificial Gatun Lake. Marvel at the surrounding landscape of the biggest and most important lake in the Panama Canal. Watch as large ships pass through the canal to get a sense of the magnitude of this masterpiece of engineering. Arrive at a group of islands to see different species of animals and monkeys. Return to Panama City and get dropped off at your hotel.

6-Hour Panama Canal Ship Cruise

2. 6-Hour Panama Canal Ship Cruise

Experience the Panama Canal in the most authentic way, by crossing it on board a ship. This 6-hour tour from Panama City will take you to the world famous Miraflores Locks, where you can watch huge ocean-going vessels transiting the canal just a few feet away. Your partial Panama Canal transit starts with a coach ride to Gamboa, where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located. On arrival, board the cruise ship and enter the canal at the north end of Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut, also known as Culebra Cut due to its serpent-like curve, was carved through the Continental Divide, making it one of the canal’s most popular attractions. Travel for 8.2 miles (13.7 kilometers) on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. As you transit the Cut you will observe the continuous maintenance that the area requires, and the work in progress for the Panama Canal expansion project. View the new Centennial Bridge before you enter Pedro Miguel Locks. Here your vessel will be lowered 29.5 feet (9 meters) in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks. At Miraflores Locks the vessel will be lowered another 52.5 feet (16 meters) in 2 distinct steps. Once at the Pacific Ocean, sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina to disembark. On the way to Flamenco, pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City's spectacular skyline.

From Panama City: Monkey Islands Tour on Gatun Lake

3. From Panama City: Monkey Islands Tour on Gatun Lake

Travel to the Gamboa Marina in an air-conditioned tour vehicle with a guide and the rest of the tour group, before a transfer to a riverboat for a ride on the Chagres River, one of Panama's largest rivers, and head for Monkey Island. Observe the different species of monkeys that live on the island, from white-face monkeys, howler monkeys, and Geoffrey´s tamarinds, while taking some time to snap photos, and learn interesting facts and information about the different species from a knowledgeable guide. Return to the marina and to Panama City, and end the tour with drop-off at the hotel.

Panama: 6-Hour Panama Canal Southbound Cruise & Lunch

4. Panama: 6-Hour Panama Canal Southbound Cruise & Lunch

Travel southbound through the Panama Canal during this 6-hour tour from Panama City. With your local guide, board a bus for a 45-minute journey to Gamboa, home of the Panama Canal Dredging Division. Meet your vessel, the Pacific Queen, for a trip through the Gailard cut, the Pedro Miguel Locks, and the Miraflores Locks. Admire scenic views of the Centennial Bridge, the Chagres River, and the Bridge of the Americas. Eat a complimentary lunch on board during your journey. Disembark at the Flamenco Marina in Panama City. - Journey southbound through the Panama Canal - Travel on a small vessel to see the workings of the locks up close - Navigate through the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks - Box Lunch is provided onboard the boat.

From Panama City: Chagres Rainforest and Embera Village Tour

5. From Panama City: Chagres Rainforest and Embera Village Tour

Explore Chagres National Park on a day trip from Panama City. Enjoy a traditional canoe ride on the Chagres River and hike to a preserved waterfall for a swim. Have lunch in an indigenous Embera village and find out about their culture. The day begins with a transfer by car from your hotel or residence in Panama City to the Chagres National Park, one of the most important forest and water reserves in Panama. Enjoy a traditional canoe ride on the Chagres River, followed by a half-hour walk through the jungle, walking on mud, water and slippery rocks to a beautiful and pristine waterfall that’s hidden from civilization. Take a refreshing some free time at the waterfall to swim, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Then, walk back to the canoe and continue to visit a real Embera indigenous community that will welcome you to enjoy lunch, traditional music, and dances in a hut. Afterward, learn about the culture and way of life of this tribe via a conversation with the chief or one of the leaders before returning to Panama City.

Panama: Guided Northbound Panama Canal Cruise with Box Lunch

6. Panama: Guided Northbound Panama Canal Cruise with Box Lunch

Experience a relaxing northbound cruise on the Panama Canal aboard the glorious Pacific Queen. Enjoy a complimentary lunch while admiring the breathtaking landscape passing slowly by you.  Pass through the Culebra Cut, the Pedro Miguel Locks, and the engineering marvel of the Miraflores Locks. Learn how the locks are controlled to allow ships to pass through, while tucking into your lunch. Feel the waves beneath your feet as you admire scenic views of the Puente Centenario, the Chagres River, and the brilliant Bridge of the Americas, connecting North and South America. Wave goodbye to the Pacific Queen but hold onto the memories, as you disembark at Gamboa before returning to Panama City.

Monkey Island and Indian Village Tour

7. Monkey Island and Indian Village Tour

Leave the city behind in the morning and head to the Chagres River where you will board a boat for a 2-hour tour of Lake Gatun (once the largest manmade lake in the world) and the Panama Canal. Explore the ins and outs of the nearby bays, search for wildlife, and visit the famous Monkey Island, home of the amazing white-faced monkeys. Also, keep an eye out for turtles, crocodiles, caiman, tons of bird life, and all kinds of other surprises. Return towards Gamboa, pass the dock, and head upstream to the Indian village. Unlike most Indian village tours, this one is authentic. Learn about the local culture, history, and crafts. Then, hike along a short trail to see the plants that grow in this area and how the locals use them (practical, artist, or medical uses) and see dance that is part of their custom. After visiting the village, return to Panama City and stop along the way for lunch and arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Panama City: Embera Indigenous Village Experience

8. Panama City: Embera Indigenous Village Experience

Following pickup from your hotel, you will travel to Alajuela Lake where you will board a piragua, a traditional indigenous canoe. From there you will head to the Mono Waterfall where you can swim and refresh yourself. Following that, head to Tusipono Embera, a small traditional village located on the bank of the Chagres River in the middle of the rainforest. There the Emberas will show you their traditions, including their way of dressing and how they elaborate their handcrafts. They will then perform their traditional dances and music, before you are provided with some time to interact directly with them. You'll finally enjoy a local lunch as prepared by the Embera community, before being returned to your tour starting point.

Guided Embera Indian Village Tour

9. Guided Embera Indian Village Tour

On this guided tour of an Embera Indian Village, get a glimpse into the lives of people most tourists of Panama City will never experience. You will begin your day with complimentary pick-up at your Panama City hotel. Your bilingual guide will outline the day to you as you travel north towards Lake Alajuela. Upon arrival you will step aboard traditional dugout canoes, which will carry you up the Rio Chagres. As you travel up the river you will take in the fascinating sights of the dense jungle that surrounds you. Upriver, you will disembark and enjoy a short hike to a beautiful waterfall in the midst of the rainforest. Miles away from civilization, take in this breathtaking tropical paradise. Here you are encouraged to take a swim in the refreshing waters just beneath the waterfall. After your dip, you will be taken to visit the village of the Embera Indians. The Embera Indians are one of seven indigenous tribes in Panama. The welcoming people of the Embera tribe will welcome you at the pier and gladly give you a glimpse into the traditional lives they still lead today. You will also be visited by the village chief, who will be happy to provide you a brief explanation on the history of the tribe, its traditions, culture, beliefs and way of life. A traditional lunch of fish and plantains will be prepared for your enjoyment by the Embera women. In the afternoon you will be treated to a traditional dance and have the opportunity to purchase some of the tribe’s handicrafts. The sale of these local products directly benefits the village and helps to pay the school fees for the village’s children. If you are feeling particularly daring, one of the villagers will be happy to paint a temporary Embera tattoo on your arm or leg. Authentic and socially conscious, this tour is a must-do for any travelers looking to explore the road-less-travelled in Panama.

Panama: Panama Canal Tour through Two Locks with Lunch

10. Panama: Panama Canal Tour through Two Locks with Lunch

Experience the wonder of the magnificent man-made maritime passageway of the Panama Canal with this attraction ticket. Enjoy watching the ship as it is lowered at two separate locks. Have a delicious lunch and some refreshing soft drinks.  Disembark from Isla Flamenco in Panama city and take in sweeping views of the city as make your way to the canal at the north end of the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres river flows into the canal. Admire the serpentine curvature of the Gaillard Cut which was carved through the continental divide. Uncover the history and geological value of this region as your boat travels along a 13.7 kilometer route to the Pedro Miguel locks. Pass through verdant landscapes of rolling hills and forests as you drift along. Appreciate the continuous work that is required to maintain this passage. Observe the Panama Canal expansion project, an engineering feat that is set to double the capacity of the canal. View the Bridge of the Americas which crosses over the canal. Enter the Pedro Miguel locks where the ship is lowered 9 meters and released into Miraflores lake. Venture across Miraflores lake to the Miraflores locks where the ship is lowered 16 meters in two distinct steps. Continue sailing to the small town of Gamboa. Disembark in Gamboa and board a bus back to Isla Flamenco.

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What people are saying about Chagres River

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 425 reviews

A great tour. I never thought that the Canal itself would have been one of the most interesting parts of our visit to Panama. Cruising past the huge freighters in the canal proper, and visiting and feeding the monkeys in the surrounding islands was memorable. Then going up to the museum and finding out all the energy it took to construct this brilliant piece of engineering was absolutely worth the trip. Highly recommended.

It was a fun boat ride with a fabulous tour complete with a special guy named Luis, who they had for the three of us who spoke English. Very detailed and interesting tour of the fort, including crawling through the tunnels. Also the beach it was relaxing things with wonderful lounge, chairs, and shade and you could get delightful massages and drinks. Very reasonable price. Also a nice lunch - would recommend.

Pickup was on time, first of a few stops. Most folks were ready. Arrival at boat well organized. Many people, limited viewing area at front of upper deck for crowd Colour. Coded wrist bracelets for coffee and early lunch. Guides provided English/Spanish/German translation, well done. Return to El Granjega hotel was good Recommend taking a smaller craft. Hop on/off day prior to see IMAX, very helpful.

This was a very easy and pleasant experience. They pick you up and drop off right at your hotel. Great tour guides tell you about Panama and nature. Saw so many monkeys!

Our guide Ariel was excellent and the visit itself was great with the tribe.