San Lorenzo & The Canal Expansion

Begin your day with an early pick-up from your hotel and a scenic transfer across the Isthmus of Panama to the Caribbean coast, where you’ll explore the historic and ecologically rich San Lorenzo National Park.

This 9,653-acre protected area forms part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor and is known for its lush tropical vegetation, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views of untouched Caribbean beaches. At its heart lies the legendary Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Perched on a cliff overlooking the mouth of the Chagres River, this 17th-century fortress once guarded one of the most strategic river mouths in the Americas—used extensively by merchant vessels and slave ships during the colonial era. The fort stands today as a striking example of Spanish military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries.

On the return trip, we’ll make a stop at the Gatun Visitors Center, where you’ll witness the scale and significance of the Panama Canal Expansion—one of the largest infrastructure projects of the 21st century. Completed in 2016, this ambitious project added a third set of locks, known as the Neo-Panamax locks, allowing much larger cargo ships to transit the canal and transforming global maritime trade.
After a day of history, nature, and engineering marvels, you’ll return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Optional Add-On: Begin your day with a scenic journey aboard the historic transcontinental railway from Panama City to Colón—an unforgettable ride through lush rainforest and along the Panama Canal.