Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 269-9415;
www.anconexpeditions.com
)
The highly recommended Ancon Expeditions of-
fers regularly scheduled canal transits. It's a good idea to book in advance as this is one
of the company's most popular offerings.
Panama Canal Fishing
FISHING
( 6678-2653, 315-1905;
www.panamacanalfishing.com
;
all inclusive day trips from US$445)
If
you have dreamed of reeling in the big one in the Canal Zone, the signature tour is fish-
ing for peacock bass in Lago Gatún and the Río Chagres. Introduced by an American
looking to boost his pastime, this species is now considered a plague. By fishing, you do
a great favor to the lake.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Canal Zone
The Canal Zone is home to a number of impressive attractions, especially if you're into
wildlife-watching, hiking and bird-watching. On a day trip from Panama City, you could
visit the Miraflores Locks and finish at the Parque Nacional Soberanía and the Panama
Rainforest Discovery Center. With prior arrangements, you could also take an organized
tour of Isla Barro Colorado, one of the world's most famous tropical research stations, or
visit an Emberá or Wounaan village on the shores of the Río Chagres. If you want to
spend the night in the area, it's worth staying at either the Canopy Tower or the Gamboa
Rainforest Resort.
All of the attractions in the Canal Zone are located along the highway that runs from
Panama City to Gamboa, the small town where the Río Chagres enters Lago Gatún. They
can be reached by taking the Gamboa bus, which departs frequently from Albrook bus
terminal (US$0.85).
Summit Botanical Gardens & Zoo
Located 10km past the Miraflores Locks,
Summit Botanical Gardens & Zoo
(
232-4854; adult/child US$1/free; 9am-5pm)
was established in 1923 to introduce tropical
plants from around the world. Around 15,000 plant species line marked trails and paths.
The small zoo onsite was originally setup to help GIs identify animals while serving in
tropical rainforests. In recent years, upkeep of the park has declined. Under the jurisdic-
tion of the Panama City municipality, Summit depends on city funding and organization,
thus improvements are often slow to implement.
