NCM Excursions

Thursday, May 1, 2025

The Panama Canal: A historic and engineering marvel

15:30 – 18:00 (approximately)

Cost: $85 per person USD
Includes coach transportation, licensed guide, Miraflores Locks and Imax Theatre entrance fee, water and snacks

The Panama Canal, known as the 8th Wonder of the World, is a 50-mile (80 kms) ship channel that joins the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Panama Canal shortcut greatly reduces the time for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, enabling them to avoid the lengthy, hazardous route around the southernmost tip of South America. It is a key conduit for international maritime trade and one of the greatest works of engineering in history. The Miraflores Locks is one of three sets of locks, which work as water lifts, raising and lowering ships from sea level up to the Gatun Lake water level.

The visit includes the Imax Theater located at the Miraflores Locks, where guests will watch a short documentary that explains the history and functioning of the Canal; and Miraflores visitor center from which guests may have the opportunity to see ships going through the lock.

From Cocoa to Cane Tour

15:30 – 18:00 (approximately)

Cost: $140 per person USD
Includes coach transportation, licensed guide, bottled water, artisanal chocolate and rum tasting

Considered the most cosmopolitan capital in Central America, Panama offers a gastronomic experience due to its cultural history. It has also been designated by UNESCO among its “Creative Cities in Gastronomy” – a network formed to promote innovation and creativity for new urban, sustainable, and inclusive strategies.

Old Town is the perfect spot to indulge your senses while strolling through its narrow streets full of history with new and antique buildings. Old Town opens to its visitors the opportunity of going back in time, and reminiscing key moments of Panama’s history.

During this walking tour, guests will stop at an artisanal chocolate laboratory where guests will activate senses while learning about the production of artisanal chocolate. The experience is complete with the creation of an individual custom chocolate bar.

Following the chocolate visit, guests will make their way to a rum bar with the opportunity to taste different artisanal rums with touches of flavours such as raspadura, molasses, coffee, and more.

Paths of History: Exploring the Old Town

15:30 – 18:00 (approximately)

Cost: $75 per person USD
Includes coach transportation, licensed guide, MOLA Museum Entrance, an audio device to ensure ease of hearing, bottled water and snacks

Experience the historical, charming, and vibrant neighborhood of Casco Antiguo. Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo, or the “old quarter”, is Panama City’s historic district. Considered a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, the district dates back to 1673, and features vibrant plazas and picturesque brick-paved streets surrounded by colourful buildings.

During the walking tour, guests will encounter some religious history at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City located in the main square, Plaza Mayor, as well as the Church of San Jose, famous for its amazing golden altar. Guests will also be taken to the Plaza de Francia, a beautiful plaza that pays homage to the French role in the construction of the Panama Canal. The plaza is also home to Las Bóvedas, a monument that was once used as a defence against pirate attacks. The tour will conclude with a visit to Paseo Esteban Huertas, where guests will have pristine views of the city skyline and bay.

The walking tour includes a visit to the MOLA Museum, a tribute to Panamian culture and art. In its five galleries, guests will learn about the history and evolution of the ancient art of creating molas, a fundamental piece of the traditional dress for women in the Guna community, one of the seven indigenous groups of Panama.