Early in the morning we are picked up at the lobby of our hotel by an Ancon Expeditions of Panama Naturalist Guide for a 45 minute drive to the town of Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal.

Here we board an expedition boat and depart on an adventure that will include a voyage across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal passing by gigantic cargo ships transiting the waterway, making contrast with the natural surroundings.  Along the way, we will have the opportunity to spot Green iguana and Three-toed sloth resting on tree branches, Crocodile, Osprey in the hunt for Peacock bass, Snail kite and Keel-billed toucan among other wildlife.

Gatun Lake was formed to give way to the Panama Canal in 1914. With a surface of 423 square-kilometers, at the time of its creation was the largest man-made lake in the world.

The flow of all the rivers within the Panama Canal Watershed is contained in Gatun Lake to provide water for the operation of the lock system. More than 52 million gallons of fresh water are used for every ship that transits through the Panama Canal from one ocean to another.

Our expedition boat will allow for close approximations to rainforest covered islands (former hill tops) in Gatun Lake to search for White-faced capuchin, Mantled howler monkey, Central American spider monkey, and Geoffrey’s tamarin. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on a small island with extraordinary views of the Panama Canal and the natural surroundings. Early in the afternoon we return to Gamboa for the drive back to Panama City.

WHAT TO BRING: Binoculars, camera, cap or hat, sunscreen lotion, insect repellant, light clothing, light raincoat, tennis shoes or sandals.

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