An Intimate Perspective of the Chagres River

HIGHLIGHTS: CHAGRES RIVER•SAN LORENZO FORT

By special concession this experience grants you the privilege of exclusivity. Sailing the Chagres River on board a Catamaran, one of the most important route for the world, is a fascinating journey. Along this river the treasures of several nations have been transported from precious metals to manufactured goods. Known as the ancient Las Cruces Trail is nowadays one of the most important integral part of the Panama Canal.

Experience Map

Experience Overview

1. Pick up from Panama City

AM pick up from hotel for a ground transportation to board the Catamaran Xplore at the Chagres River, time will be confirmed 24-hour prior departure.

2. Sailing the Chagres River

A silent witness to Spaniard pursuit of gold, a key point of Pirate stories and the easiest way to transship between oceans (Atlantic and Pacific) gives the Chagres River a great significance for the world trade. The Chagres watershed supplies 80% of the water to operate the Panama Canal. Enjoy a water-level view through the luxuriant rainforest home to a vast diversity of wildlife while you sail the ancient and the new world trade route.

3. Exploring the Caribbean Sea

Located at the mouth of the Chagres River is the Caribbean Sea, the encounter between those is a magnificent opportunity. The color of the water all of the sudden transforms into a turquoise sea. Enjoy activities to get the most of this iconic site.

4. San Lorenzo Fort Discovery

Join the journey to discover one of the most iconic fortresses in the Caribbean Sea. San Lorenzo Fort was built during the 1500 to protect Panama from pirates and enemies. It is one of the most strategic places for the development of Latin America history.

5. Monkey’s Trail Exploration

Explore the wilderness first-hand, enjoy an e-bike or bus ride along the Monkey’s trail. A path for encountering with nature and biodiversity.  Howling monkeys will lead your trail as you marvel with the spectacular untouched surroundings.

6. Ground transportation to Panama City

The journey will end at Panama City with a ground transportation to your hotel.

Experience Brief Description

1. Pick up from Panama City

The experience begins with a guided pick up from your hotel in Panama City.

2. Sailing the Chagres River

Colorful flowers floating on the surface, the reflection of trees and the sky on the water, the tunes of nature everywhere, blue butterflies brightening the mangroves, fish jumping, crocodiles mysteriously appearing, welcoming howling monkeys, multicolored birds, a luxuriant rainforest encompassing, spontaneous moments, a symphony of meaningful encounters are the privileges of drenching into the essence of the Chagres River.

Our nimble catamaran will grant a smooth, exclusive sailing along the ancient Las Cruces Trail -the path followed by pirates, buccaneers, conquerors and traders to carry treasures, gold, silver, jewels and manufactured goods- is equipped with exploration devices such as kayaks, paddleboards, dinghy, to get the most of the Chagres river exploration.

3. Exploring the Caribbean Sea

The Caribbean Sea a natural wonderland. The aquamarine shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea will welcome explorers in a colorful journey with marine creatures and coral reef formations. The mixture between white sand and the living sounds of the rainforest is the perfect scenery to play and enjoy with curated flexible activities for everyone: a secluded beach, kayaking, or just relaxing on board. 

4. San Lorenzo Fort Discovery

Set on a cliff at the Caribbean Sea, overlooking the entrance of a harbor San Lorenzo Fort is a silent witness of Panama’s Pirates and enemies. Located at the mouth of the Chagres River it was built to protect the terminus of Las Cruces Trail, the ancient trail that connected the Pacific Port of Panama, the Caribbean Sea, the Chagres River with other ports in Panama and mostly transcontinental journeys.

Storybook legends are inspired in this site. Buccaneers, pirates, stolen Spanish treasures, where the true Captain Henry Morgan and Joseph Bradley stories took place. A fortification recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its relevance as an essential link to the understanding of the history of the Americas.

Panama was part of the legendary Spanish treasure trail, tons and tons of gold and silver obtained from conquered territories were gathered in Panama City.  The buildings that remain today are the third rebuild attempt after forts were destroyed by Henry Morgan and Joseph Bradley.

Relieve history while you walk through the fortress, and spot the enemies strategies to destroy Panama. The architecture of San Lorenzo Fort is an ancient vital masterpiece for defending treasures from pirates and buccaneers.

5. Monkey’s Trail Exploration

Head into the wilderness on an e-bike or a bus ride along the tropical rainforest. Connect with the sounds of nature, marvel with the incredible wildlife. Get immersed in this natural wonderland looking for howling monkeys and sloths.

Spark discovery the name of Panama comes from an indigenous word which means abundance of trees, fish, birds and butterflies. Find a living laboratory along Monkey’s trail. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is near to this site and was settled here because of its magnificent nature, isolated forests are home to fantastic creatures. Nature trails will lead you to discover an amazing biodiversity.

6. Transfer back to Panama City

From Acqua Xplore our bus will pick you up to return to Panama City.

About Experience Highlights

San Lorenzo Fort

Set on a cliff overlooking the mouth of the Chagres River, San Lorenzo fortress was constructed between 1598 and 1601 for the main purpose of protecting the Spanish treasures and ships which exited the Chagres river in order to sail back to Europe. In 1670 Pirate Joseph Bradley took the fortress with the help of a plan crafted by famous Pirate Henry Morgan. One year later Morgan entered into the river in order to reach the First City of Panama. San Lorenzo’s fortress is a silent witness to how Panama was key for the colonization of Latin America and the legendary stories of conquerors and pirates. 

Monkey’s Trail

Immerse into a fantastic tropical rainforest and witness its exuberant wildlife.  Howler monkeys will let you know if it is going to start raining, you will listen to their warning miles away! Great place for bird watching. This exciting trail will take you from San Lorenzo fort to Shelter Bay Marina on an amazing e-bike or bus ride. Connect through the wonders of nature.      

Chagres River

The ancient fluvial route of Las Cruces Trail. Since the discovery of Cristopher Columbus back in 1501, the Chagres River became a strategic waterway for “Las Cruces Trail”. A silent witness to Spaniard pursuit of gold, a key point of Pirate stories and the easiest way to tranship between South America and Europe. A rich in wildlife, culture and birdwatching.

The Chagres River is the main source of water of the Gatun Lake which makes possible for the Panama Canal to operate. This river is a silent witness to how Panama played a key role in the colonization of Latin America.

Catamaran Xplore

The Catamaran Xplore Lagoon 400 is designed for sailing in open sea as well as near the coast. It can comfortably accommodate 8 guests, distributed in 4 cabins with private bathrooms. For day trips we recommend 16 guests on board.

The catamaran is elegantly and functionally decorated to make the most of your experience at sea, fully air-conditioned, complies all safety regulations, equipped with snorkeling and kayaks. Our passionate and qualified crew will take care of every detail to make a fabulous experience on board.

What else is included in this experience?

Included:

•All ground/water transportation
•Guided, English or Spanish
•Equipment on board (safety vests, fishing gear)
•Snacks, soft beverages and beer on board the Xplore Catamaran
•Lunch on board Xplore Catamaran
•Flexible optional activities: Kayaks, wildlife observation, paddleboard, e-bikes

Flexible optional activities are available in all Xplore Experiences, you can choose the one of your preference eg. Kayak or wildlife observation.

 Not Included:

•Not specified services
•Gratuities, laundry or valet services, gifts and additional items
•ITBMS taxes 7%
•Alcoholic beverages

Important Note:
Itinerary and activities are subject to change without previous notice.

What to bring

The Essentials:

•Passport
•Travel Insurance
•Health insurance information
•Credit/debit cards
•Cash (US Dollars)
•Personal medication

The Wearables:

•Lightweight walking shoes and/or sandals (for your safety while you are on board you will be barefoot)
•Bathing suit
•Short-sleeve and/or T-Shirts
•Light raincoat
•Sunglasses (optional: neck strap)
•White-brimmed hat or cap
•Extra clothes

The Portables:

•Binoculars
•Prescription snorkeling mask or specialized equipment
•Sun block & lip balm (waterproof + SPF50 or higher)
•Insect repellent
•Small backpack/daypack (preferably waterproof)
•Camera/video camera
•Extra memory cards and batteries
•Appliance chargers & adaptors if necessary (plugs in Panama are US-style A&B, 2 flat pins, 110V)
•Journal

Suggested Additional Services Upon Request:
Overnight on board the Catamaran Xplore, San Blas Archipelago, The Origin of the Pirates, Pirates of Portobelo