TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Panama Canal Cruise & Panama: A Continent Divided, Oceans United 2020 Small Groups: 20-24 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 22) Overseas Adventure Travel ® Small Ships, Smaller Groups, Undiscovered Ports 1 Overseas Adventure Travel ® 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
Dear Traveler,
For centuries, history's most intrepid explorers have gazed upon the horizon in search of life- changing discoveries. We invite to you to join their ranks—and seek out unforgettable experiences aboard our 16- to 210-passenger small ships, in groups of 20-25 travelers (with an average of 22).
In the following pages, you'll find detailed information on this special Small Ship Adventure. We know that you have numerous options available to you as you make your travel plans, but only O.A.T. offers you the most immersive, authentic travel experience. Plus, with the lowest prices in small ship travel, and FREE or low-cost Single Supplements on all of our trips, you won't find a better value—guaranteed.
We believe that travel is about immersion—and our small groups and smaller ships are key to making travel dreams a reality. Aboard a member of our award-winning small ship fleet—recently ranked #2 on Travel + Leisure's Top 10 "World's Best" Small Ship Ocean Cruise Lines for 2018—you'll embark on an active exploration of your dream destination with like-minded American travelers who share your passion for discovery.
With your small ship's easy access to intimate, off-the-beaten-path destinations, you'll explore the highlights and hidden gems of each port of call—all while gaining even richer insights from the people who know your destination best. We're the only small ship company to provide local Trip Leaders, who are trained and eager to share their insider's take with you and your small group. So whether you travel solo or with a friend or spouse, you'll always have a dedicated expert by your side to make sure you feel engaged and secure. These enthusiastic residents are one of the main reasons our travelers cite for why they make their world discoveries with us.
Plus, you now have the freedom to personalize your adventure with O.A.T. For example, you can customize your air experience, start your trip early or stay longer with our optional pre- and post-trip extensions, or choose to "break away" on your own to arrive early and refreshed before your trip begins.
We hope you enjoy the information inside—our Adventure Specialists are available at 1-800- 955-1925 to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Warm regards,
Alan E. Lewis Harriet R. Lewis Chairman Vice Chairman Overseas Adventure Travel
P.S. Visit us online to find our ever-growing collection of videos and films about our adventures—from independent films featuring the destinations you'll visit to itinerary highlights, Trip Leaders, trip extensions, and more. Go to www.oattravel.com and enjoy the show! 2
1073 POD PMA-LET.indd 1 5/31/12 4:11 PM WHAT’S INSIDE
TRIP SUMMARY
It’s Included ...... 4
Departure Dates and Prices ...... 5
Deck Plans ...... 6
Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 8
DETAILED DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY ...... 9
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP...... 31
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements ...... 33
Health ...... 35
Money Matters ...... 39
Preparing for Your Trip ...... 42
Packing ...... 45
Climate ...... 52
Aboard Your Ship ...... 55
About Your Destinations ...... 57
Demographics & History ...... 62
Resources ...... 70
MAP ...... 75
3 Explore on land & aboard our privately chartered 24-passenger M/S Discovery
Small Groups: 20-24 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 22)
$ 12 days from 3595 Includes international airfare Travel from only $300 a day
12 days from $ 2995 Without international airfare
Single Supplement: $545
Maximize Your To get a richer view of the Included Features on this adventure, Discoveries & Value watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.oattravel.com/pma2020
Optional extensions: Chiriqui Highlands, Panama 3 nights pre-trip from $795 Travel from only $265 per night Colonial Cartagena, Colombia: The Emerald of the Caribbean 3 nights post-trip from $895 Travel from only $299 per night Colombia: Bogotá & Medellín 6 nights post-trip from $1995 Travel from only $333 per night
M/S Discovery, the Panama Canal Panama Canal Cruise & Panama: A Continent Divided, Oceans United
4 Panama Canal Cruise & FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE From spending more time in a favorite city to upgrading your Panama: A Continent Divided, air itinerary, our Adventure Specialists are here to discuss your Oceans United personalization options at 1-800-955-1925. Visit www.oattravel.com/personalize-pma2020 for details. 2020 Dates & Prices To calculate your trip price with airfare, add deck price to air add-ons below.
CABIN CATEGORY J A N U A R Y F E B R U A R Y M A R C HA PRIL MAY JUNE JULY
M ain Deck A $ 4095 $ 4195 $ 3895 $ 3695 $ 3295 $ 3095 $2995 (Cabins with picture window)
Air Add-Ons JANUARY -JULY M i a m i , O r lando, Tampa $600 Ba ltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Newark, San Francisco, Washington, DC $700 At lanta, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, Seattle $ 800 M i n n e a p o lis $900
Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details. PMA2020
Ship & Cruise Direction PACIFIC TO CARIBBEAN (NORTHBOUND) CARIBBEAN TO PACIFIC (SOUTHBOUND) DEPARTURE SHIP DEPARTURE SHIP 1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25; 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/25; 3/3, 1 /7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28; 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/28; 3/6, M /S Discovery M /S Discovery 3/10, 3/17; 4/3, 4/10, 4/17; 5/1, 5/29; 6/26; 7/3 3/13, 3/20, 3/31; 4/7, 4/14; 5/4; 6/1, 6/29; 7/6
Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.
For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/pma2020pricing
RESERVE EARLY & SAVE SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL LIMITED LOW-COST SINGLE with our Good Buy Plan SUPPLEMENT AVAILABLE New travelers you refer will The earlier you pay by check or instantly save $100, and you’ll $545 on your main trip & FREE on all electronic funds transfer, earn increasing rewards— extensions. If sold out, be sure to call the more you SAVE! up to a FREE trip! us about our Roommate Matching Program. For details, visit For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd www.oattravel.com/va
Publication Date 9/19/19
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/pma2020
5 M/S Discovery Small Ship
Small Ship Adventures aboard the privately chartered, 24-passenger M/S Discovery
Once the exclusive province of large ocean liners, transiting the Panama Canal is a travel milestone. Experience this historic engineering marvel aboard the comfortable and intimate M/S Discovery—our privately chartered catamaran designed to carry just one group of no more than 24 travelers, with our own local Trip Leader. With all outside cabins with private baths and convivial common areas, your time onboard will be carefree and relaxing. While your group cruises from one captivating destination to the next, our friendly, English-speaking crew will attend to your needs with dedication and care.
Shipboard Features • Restaurant with single, open seating: Savor regionally- • Outdoor common areas: Relish canal views from your seat inspired dishes or American favorites during all buffets on the Sun and Observation Decks. and table-service meals. • English-speaking crew: Enjoy dedicated attention from • Comfortable lounge: Relax with old friends and new, our international staff throughout your voyage. Plus, all and participate in onboard discussions. shipboard announcements are made in English for your convenience. • Complimentary beverages: Enjoy house beer and house wine— as well as soft drinks—at any time of day while onboard. • Zodiac crafts & kayaks: Embark on up-close explorations of the canal and surrounding landscape with these onboard crafts.
6 M/S DISCOVERY
Registry: Republic of Panama Length: 108 ft. Beam: 32 ft. Draft: 6 ft. Bridge Captain’s Number of Cabins: 12 Sun and Cabin Observation and Cabin Size: 116 sq. ft. Deck Crew Mess Passenger Capacity: 24 Built: 2004 Upper Deck Crew/Nationality: 9 crew/ international
Gourmet Gallery Passenger Decks: 3 Group Size: 24 travelers, Lounge Restaurant Library maximum, with 1 Trip Leader Stairs, no elevator
Coffee Wine Bar
Mid Deck
Purser’s Office
Excursion Tender 1
Kayaks
ForeDeck
Excursion Store Store Tender 2 Store
Main Deck
CABIN FEATURES
• Each of the ship’s 12 cabins is 110 sq. ft.
• All outside-facing with panoramic windows for expansive canal views
• Eight cabins have full-size beds, four have twin beds
• P rivate bath with shower, hair dryer, and toiletries
Double bed cabin on the M/S Discovery
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com
7 Define Your Ideal Length of Stay: Arrive Early, Stay Later & More
Air Options: More Than 50% of Our Travelers Customize Their Flights
Panama City, Panama Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/pma2020
8
Panama Canal Cruise & Panama: A Continent Divided, Oceans United 2020 12-Day Small Ship Adventure
EXTEND YOUR TRIP PRE-TRIP Chiriqui Highlands, Panama POST-TRIPS Colonial Cartagena, Colombia: The Emerald of the Caribbean OR Colombia: Bogotá & Medellín
Your Day-to-Day Itinerary
9 OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Overseas Adventure Travel, founded in 1978, is America’s leading adventure travel company. The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, and others have recommended O.A.T. trips. But our most impressive reviews come from our customers: Thousands of travelers have joined our trips, and 95% of them say they’d gladly travel with us again, and recommend us to their friends.
A WORD ABOUT ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Overseas Adventure Travel offers American travelers a 4-star experience at a 3-star price aboard our SULYDWHO\RZQHGDQGFKDUWHUHGͬHHW2QWKLV6PDOO6KLS$GYHQWXUH\RX̞OOHQMR\RIIWKHEHDWHQSDWK discoveries in a group of 20-24 (with an average of 22), a convivial experience onboard the SDVVHQJHU06 Discovery, and more travel choices. Plus, we are the only small ship company with expert, local Trip Experience Leaders who accompany you throughout your journey, enhancing your exploration with the kind of insight and passion that only a local can provide.
As with any type of travel experience, it’s important to remember that sometimes, due to weather, sea conditions, or local circumstances, ports of call, activities, and accommodations could differ from what is described in our trip itinerary. The order of the included features in this itinerary may also change. Your Trip Experience Leader will advise you of any changes that may occur while on tour. As some of these changes are just part of the nature of traveling, it’s good to remember that a certain degree of ͬH[LELOLW\FDQXOWLPDWHO\HQULFK\RXUWUDYHOH[SHULHQFH
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» International airfare, airport transfers, » 6HUYLFHVRIRXUORFDO7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHU government taxes, fees, and airline fuel with your group of 20-24 travelers (average surcharges, unless you choose to make your of 22) throughout your adventure own air arrangements » Gratuities for local guides and » Accommodations for 3 nights in Panama motorcoach drivers City, 3 nights in Chitre, 2 nights in Clayton, » All port charges and 3 nights aboard our privately chartered » Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per small ship person, including tips » 26 meals: Daily breakfasts, 7 lunches, » 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward and 8 dinners your next trip » 15 guided tours and cultural experiences
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
10 WHAT THIS TRIP IS LIKE
GROUP SIZE CLIMATE » This adventure has a group size of 20-24 » Daytime temperatures range from 85-90°F, travelers (average of 22) with a local Trip and high levels of humidity are common Experience Leader exclusive to O.A.T. during cruising season » March and April are the warmest months PACING » GD\VZLWKQLJKWVDERDUGWKH06 Discovery, two 2-night hotel stays, one 3-night hotel stay, and a single-night stay
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS » Walk 2 miles unassisted and participate in 2 hours of physical activities each day, including several sets of stairs » Not accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters » Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them » Agility and balance are required for boarding dugout canoes and kayaks » We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience
TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION » Uneven walking surfaces, including rain forest, unpaved paths, hills, and stairs » Travel by 24-passenger catamaran, 25- to 45-seat coach, school bus, motorized dugout canoe, and kayak » The Discovery does not have an elevator onboard
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
11 Panama Canal Cruise & Panama: A Continent Divided, Oceans United 2020
With its spectacular rain forests, legendary canal, and lively urban centers, Panama offers a unique blend of treasures both natural and cosmopolitan. Your 12-day journey through this unforgettable country will bring LWVIDVFLQDWLQJFRQWUDVWVYLEUDQWFXOWXUHVDQGKLVWRULFVLJQLͫFDQFHWROLIH On our Panama Canal Small Ship Adventure, you’ll take three nights to complete a transit of this man-made marvel aboard our privately chartered, 24-passenger catamaran, the M/S Discovery. As you cruise the Panama Canal, the epic tale of its construction will unfold before you—and you’ll see how this massive, modern project has impacted everyday life and the surrounding landscape. While on land, you’ll visit a local village, where Panama’s indigenous people will introduce you to their enchanting traditions; embark on a tour of Azuero and Panama City to discover the myriad excitements of the country’s metropolitan hubs. Throughout your journey, you’ll also have opportunities to witness some of Central America’s plethora of animal species—from baby crocodiles peeking out of the woodlands of Gatun Lake, to two-toed sloths making homes in the trees of San Lorenzo National Park. As you immerse yourself in the bustling activity of the Canal Zone, the cultural richness of its people, and the quiet beauty of the coasts, you’ll discover that Panama is not just the site of an engineering marvel—but a captivating and dynamic country all its own. And whenever you’d like, you have the freedom to explore more of Panama on your own: Break off from the group for independent discoveries—like delving into the process of making Panama’s popular coffee types at the Bajareque Coffee House in Panama City—during your free time.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
12 EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Chiriqui Highlands, Panama 3 NIGHTS PRE-TRIP ,PPHUVH\RXUVHOILQWKHQDWXUDOVSOHQGRURIWKH&KLULTXL+LJKODQGVZKHUH$WODQWLFDQG3DFLͫFZLQGVPLQJOH to create a year-round spring-like climate, mountains tower over volcanic soils, and bajareque (mists) embrace lush rain forests. From agricultural traditions to timeless native customs, experience the charms of this unspoiled paradise.
Colonial Cartagena, Colombia: The Emerald of the Caribbean 3 NIGHTS POST-TRIP On a small Caribbean peninsula, discover Cartagena, Colombia, a city with a rich history and ODQJXRURXVFKDUP)LQG6SDQLVK,QGLDQDQG$IULFDQLQͬXHQFHVLQ&DUWDJHQD̞VFRORUIXODUFKLWHFWXUHDQG percussion-heavy music, and enjoy gentle tradewinds that waft salt air from the nearby beaches.
Colombia: Bogotá & Medellín 6 NIGHTS POST-TRIP Experience Colombia’s colonial past and vibrant future in two contrasting cities. You begin your adventure in Bogotá—the urban, cultural soul of the country. Explore this capital in the clouds, uncovering Bogotá’s pulsing PDUNHWVDQGJUDIͫWLHGVWUHHWV7KHQWUDYHOWR0HGHOO¯QWRZLWQHVVDFLW\LQWKHPLGVWRIDQHFRQRPLFDQG cultural rebirth. Learn about Colombia’s decades of turbulence, and meet the resilient Colombianos who are forging a bright path for this rich and welcoming country.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
13 DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 Depart U.S. • Panama City, Panama • Take a Reprosa Workshop Tour 6HHKRZ Panamanian artisans make gold pieces to • Destination: Panama City create Panama’s famous Huacas—then try • Accommodations: Central Hotel or similar for yourself! Morning/Afternoon:'HSDUWIURPWKH86 • How to get there: Around a 2-minute walk WRGD\DQGͬ\WR3DQDPD&LW\3DQDPD̞VFDSLWDO IURPWKHKRWHODERXW86'IRUDWD[LULGH and largest city. Or, join fellow travelers who • Hours: 9am-2pm, Monday-Friday. took our optional pre-trip extension, Chiriqui • Cost:$ERXW86'SHUSHUVRQ Highlands, Panama. Your Trip Experience Leader or a member of our local staff will meet you at • Treat yourself to a live show at Danilo’s Jazz the airport and help you transfer to your hotel. Club: Watch Panama’s Grammy-winning jazz musician Danilo perform at his club. Dinner: On your own tonight. Your Trip • How to get there: Around a 5-minute walk Experience Leader will be happy to suggest a IURPWKHKRWHODERXW86'IRUDWD[LULGH local restaurant. • Hours: 8:30pm, Wednesday-Friday; show Evening: At leisure. You might relax at your is around 2 hours long. KRWHODIWHU\RXUORQJͬLJKWRUGLVFRYHU • Cost:$ERXW86'SHUSHUVRQ some of the many bars and cafes throughout Panama City. Day 2 Explore Panama City • Destination: Panama City Freedom To Explore: During your two days in • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Panama City, you have the freedom to discover its unique balance of historic sites and modern • Accommodations: Central Hotel or similar architecture on your own during your free time. Breakfast: From 6:30am-8:30am, enjoy a Below are a few recommended options for buffet-style breakfast at your hotel, with independent explorations: American and Panamanian options available.
• Experience the local coffee varieties during a Morning: At 8:30am, gather with your fellow tasting at the Bajareque Coffee House: Delve WUDYHOHUVDW\RXUKRWHOIRUDZHOFRPHEULHͫQJ into the process involved in making Panama’s with your Trip Experience Leader. You’ll popular coffee types, including Elida, El introduce yourself and review your itinerary in %XUURDQG/XLWR6WDWHV more detail (including any changes that may • How to get there: Around a 3-minute walk need to occur). Your Trip Experience Leader IURPWKHKRWHODERXW86'IRUDWD[LULGH will also discuss logistics, review safety and • Hours: 9am-4pm, daily. emergency procedures, and answer questions • Cost:7DVWLQJLVDERXW86'SHUSHUVRQ you may have. Around 10am, you’ll board a bus for a 45-minute ride to Panama Viejo (Old Panama). Discover its cultural touchstones as you stroll through the ruins here—majestic stone VWUXFWXUHVVHWDPRQJHPHUDOGͫHOGVDQGDQ abundance of towering native trees. Around
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
14 11am, arrive at Central Avenue for a guided DQG6SDLQ:UDSXS\RXUWRXUDWWKH3DVHR ZDONGXULQJZKLFK\RX̞OOOHDUQDERXWWKLV̡ͫUVW Esteban Huertas promenade, where you’ll take FLW\EXLOWLQWKH3DFLͫF̢DQGYLVLWWKHPXVHXP in sweeping views of the bay draped in sunset, on site. The museum, created to emphasize and perhaps peruse local artisans’ booths set up 3DQDPD̞VUROHDVD̡EULGJHEHWZHHQFXOWXUHV̢ along the walkway. is full of artifacts left behind by ancient settlers Dinner: Your walking tour will conclude of the land, and also features an impressive around 6:45pm, and dinner is on your own this diorama of what the city may have looked like evening. Your Trip Experience Leader will point hundreds of years ago. out a variety of options during your walking From around 11:30am-12:15pm, enjoy free tour, including, perhaps, some tapas spots time for independent discovery of Old Panama. featuring traditional Panamanian plates. You may choose to spend it at the museum. Evening: The remainder of the evening is free. Or, perhaps return to the ruins to ascend the Return to your hotel and rest up for tomorrow’s cathedral tower to take in the sprawling views discoveries, discover Panama City’s cafes and of the city from its top. shops at your leisure, perhaps visit the Pedro Lunch: At 12:15pm, you’ll reunite with your Mandinga rum bar for a taste of Panama’s group and depart to Panama City’s Casco Viejo homemade libations, or take an evening stroll (Old Quarter), where you’ll enjoy an included, on the beach. sit down Welcome Lunch at a local restaurant that serves traditional Central American cuisine Day 3 El Chorillo • Panama/U.S. relations from 1pm-2pm. discussion • Chitre Afternoon: Enjoy free time in the Old Quarter, • Destination: Chitre which is conveniently where your hotel is • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner located. Take some time to relax or ask your • Accommodations: Hotel Cubita or similar Trip Experience Leader for suggestions based Activity Note: This afternoon, your bus ride on your interests. Perhaps you’ll take a short to Chitre will be about two hours long. Your drive to the Biomuseo, a biodiversity-focused Trip Experience Leader may use this time to museum that traces the evolution of Panama’s engage you in a discussion about country life impressive array of plant and animal species. in Panama. The museum, built in 2014, is a marvel just to look at: made up of colorful geometric shapes, Breakfast: From 6:30am-8am, enjoy a the building was designed by Frank Gehry, a buffet-style breakfast at your hotel, with world-famous American architect. Or, maybe American and Panamanian options available. you’ll get a head start learning about Panama’s legendary waterway at the Panama Canal Morning: Around 8am, depart your hotel and Museum, just steps from the hotel. board a coaster bus for a 15-minute ride into the town of El Chorillo. Upon arrival, engage Around 4:30pm, reunite with your Trip in a frank and controversial discussion with a Experience Leader for a guided walking tour ORFDODERXWWKH86LQYDVLRQRI3DQDPDDQGWKH of the Old Quarter. Continue to discover sites ERPELQJRI1RULHJDLQ 7KLVZDVWKH86̞V like Cathedral Plaza—the Old Quarter’s largest attempt to overthrow dictator Manuel Noriega, plaza and the site of celebrations after the who surrendered in 1990. You’ll hear poignant country won its independence from Colombia
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
15 ͫUVWKDQGWHVWLPRQ\DQGGLVFXVVZKHWKHUWKHVH American or Panamanian cuisine that includes HYHQWVKDGDSRVLWLYHRUQHJDWLYHLQͬXHQFHRQ a beverage, hot entrée, and dessert. You and the country. your fellow travelers can discuss all you’ve witnessed thus far. Around 9:30am, you’ll depart for a walking tour of El Chorillo. You’ll pass the housing projects Evening: After dinner, the evening is yours in the area and hear from your Trip Experience to make your own discoveries. Perhaps you’ll Leader and local guide about the importance relax at your hotel, or head into town to enjoy a RIWKHJUDIͫWWLFUHDWHGRQLQYDVLRQGD\$URXQG late-night Panamanian snack or cocktail. 10am, you’ll arrive back at your hotel and Freedom To Explore: During your two days on enjoy an hour of free time. Then, you’ll board the Azuero Peninsula, you have the freedom a bus for an hour-and-a-half ride to a local to discover this sun-soaked paradise on your restaurant en route to Chitre. own during your free time. Below are a couple Lunch: Around 12:45, take a break from of recommended options for independent transferring and enjoy an included lunch at an explorations: open-air Panamanian restaurant. • 6WHSEDFNLQWLPHDWWKHFabio Rodriguez Afternoon: After lunch, continue your transfer Museum: Explore well-preserved pottery and to Chitre. This ride is about another two hours ancient replicas of huacas (sacred objects)— long, and your Trip Experience Leader may many of which date back to 5000 BC. use this time to engage you in a discussion • How to get there: Between 2-2.5 miles about country life in Panama. You’ll arrive IURPWKHKRWHODERXW86'IRUDWD[LULGH around 4:15pm. • Hours: DPSP7XHVGD\6XQGD\ One of Panama’s oldest communities, Chitre • Cost:$ERXW86'SHUSHUVRQ is a charming modern city with vestiges of its • Discover the cultural traditions of Panama colonial past—most vividly seen in its ornate, at the Museo de la Nacionalidad: Explore UHGWLOHG6SDQLVKKRXVHV&KLWUHKDVDOVREHHQ this historic house and catch a glimpse of FDOOHG̡WKHJDWHZD\WRWKH$]XHUR3HQLQVXOD̢ Panama’s fascinating past. a less-touristed area of Panama known for its • How to get there: Over 4 miles from the colonial traditions, festivals, and handcrafts. KRWHODERXW86'IRUDWD[LULGH Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel • Hours: DPSP7XHVGD\6DWXUGD\ and enjoy an orientation walk of your • Cost:$ERXW86'SHUSHUVRQ accommodations. You’ll have the remainder of your afternoon free to relax or explore Chitre. Day 4 Guarare • Home-Hosted Lunch • Feel free to ask your Trip Experience Leader for Pollera making demonstration free time suggestions based on your interests, • Destination: Guarare whether you’d like to arrange a taxi ride to go • Included Meals: Breakfast out for a drink, witness unique Panamanian • Accommodations: Hotel Cubita or similar architecture, or see live music. Breakfast: From 6:30am-9:30am, have a Dinner: At 6:45pm, you’ll gather at your hotel buffet-style breakfast at your hotel with both for a 15-minute discussion about tomorrow’s familiar and Panamanian options available. activities with your Trip Experience Leader. Then, enjoy a sit-down dinner at your hotel of
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
16 Morning: Around 9:30am, you’ll depart for you’ll witness the bright colors of the pollera a local open-air produce market, arriving attire come to life during a traditional dance around 9:45am. Peruse the colorful stands performance given by the students of Academia and engage (and perhaps barter) with locals Folklorica Bustamante. as you seek out ripe fruits and vegetables Depart around 4pm for your hotel and arrive for your Home-Hosted Lunch. Your Trip around 4:45pm. Experience Leader will explain how to select the best produce. Dinner: On your own.
Around 10:15am, you’ll pay a visit to a local Evening: You’ll have the remainder of your artisan and gain insight into the importance of evening to do as you please. handmade goods to this region.
Lunch: Around 12pm, you’ll arrive in Guarare Day 5 Chitre • Mask-making at the home of a local to savor a Home-Hosted demonstration • Clayton Lunch, where you’ll learn to cook an authentic • Destination: Clayton recipe from scratch using the produce your • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner group helped to select at the market. Your • Accommodations: Holiday Inn at the Panama Trip Experience Leader will help facilitate a Canal or similar discussion with your host about everyday life in Panama. Lunch will end around 1:45pm. Breakfast: From 7am-8am, enjoy a buffet-style breakfast at your hotel, with American and Afternoon: Immediately after lunch, witness Panamanian options available. a polleraPDNLQJGHPRQVWUDWLRQ6RIDURXW from Panama City, many residents of the Morning: You’ll depart from your hotel at 8am Panamanian countryside make their living by and take a half-hour bus ride to visit a local honing their craft and creating local businesses, artisan for a mask-making demonstration. often operated out of their houses and Hand crafted from papier-maché, promoted through word of mouth. painted in vibrant hues, and adorned with embellishments, these masks are a colorful :KLOHLQLWLDOO\EURXJKWRYHUE\WKH6SDQLVK part of Panama’s folklore and have been used the lavish, embroidered pollera dress has for centuries in parades and carnivals in Los been adapted and embraced as the national 6DQWRVDQGEH\RQG'DWLQJEDFNWRDWLPHZKHQ costume of Panama. Typically, polleras are missionaries were trying to teach indigenous white with a full, two-tier skirt, and are tribes about the devil, these masks were used hand-embroidered with exquisite details to convey meaning, even while language that can increase the value of the garment was a barrier. Typically, wearers don these from hundreds to thousands of dollars. They HODERUDWHO\SDLQWHG̡GLUW\GHYLO̢PDVNVZLWK can take two to three years to make, with 20 multicolored garments and perform traditional or more artisans working on a single dress. dances, the intricate steps of which vary from You’ll witness a demonstration of how these town to town. traditional pieces are made and learn about the time-honored family traditions embedded Lunch: On your way to your next destination, in each stitch. Afterwards, you’ll travel 15 you’ll enjoy an included lunch around noon at a minutes by motorcoach to a children’s folkloric UHVWDXUDQWIDPRXVIRULWVͬDYRUIXOORFDOIRRG presentation. Upon arrival around 4:45pm,
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
17 Afternoon: After lunch, you’ll continue the Lunch: Around noon, you’ll gather with the journey to your hotel in Clayton. After check-in Embera tribe to savor a traditional lunch around 3:30pm, enjoy a free afternoon. You together. may choose to take a historical walking tour of Afternoon: After you dine, the community &OD\WRQRUWRXUWKH0LUDͬRUHV/RFNV will perform traditional dances. You’ll have Dinner: Included at your hotel tonight around free time to peruse local crafts, walk the 7pm. A buffet-style meal of familiar or grounds, or perhaps swim in the river. In the Panamanian cuisine will be available. center of the village is a small crafts market for visitors, featuring wood carvings, jewelry, Evening: This evening is yours to make and meticulously woven bowls. Each stand independent discoveries in Clayton. generally represents the crafts made by a VSHFLͫFIDPLO\ZLWKLQWKHWULEH$V\RXPDNH Day 6 Clayton • Embera village visit your way through the market, see what you • Destination: Clayton can discover about these artisan crafts created • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner hand-in-hand with familial pride and tradition.
• Accommodations: Holiday Inn at the Panama Around 2pm, you’ll gather with your group to Canal or similar take a motorboat back to the pier and board Activity Note: This morning you’ll take a 1.5 a coach bus back to your hotel. You’ll arrive hour transfer to Corotu pier by bus. Then you’ll back in Clayton around 3pm, when you’ll visit an indigenous village by dugout canoe. have the rest of the afternoon to do as you Agility and balance are required for embarking SOHDVH6SHDNWR\RXU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHU and disembarking the canoe, and you may get about embarking on a historic walking tour sprayed during your ride. RI&OD\WRQRUWDNLQJDVWUROOWKURXJK6XPPLW Municipal Park. Breakfast: From 7am-8am, enjoy a buffet-style breakfast at your hotel, with American and Dinner: Included tonight at a local Panamanian Panamanian options available. restaurant at 7pm.
Morning: This morning at 8am, you’ll board Evening: The evening is yours to make your a bus for a 1.5-hour drive to Corotu pier. own discoveries. Return to your hotel to relax or From here, you’ll depart for the Embera ask your Trip Experience Leader for appealing Drua village by dugout canoe, a mode of local late night suggestions. transportation. As one of Panama’s seven Freedom To Explore: During your two days indigenous tribes, this tight-knit community in Clayton, you have the freedom to discover of only around 100 people embraces their this quaint neighborhood on your own during traditional way of life and practices age-old your free time. Below are a few recommended customs passed down through generations. options for independent explorations: Your visit begins around 10am at their on-site school—supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation—where you’ll meet with the principal and a teacher. You’ll then gather with the Embera tribe for an introduction to their culture and community, at which point you can ask any questions you may have.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
18 • Explore Panama’s stunning natural beauty Morning: This morning at 7am, you’ll board at the Summit Municipal Park: Operating a bus for a 45-minute transfer to the Panama since 1923, Clayton’s popular natural reserve Rain Forest Discovery Center. This lush features a botanical garden with more than ecosystem houses a breadth of wildlife both 200 animals inhabiting it. along its riverbanks and myriad trails, including • How to get there: Between 7-7.5 miles ten percent of all existing bird species, colorful IURPWKHKRWHODERXW86'IRUDKRWHO EXWWHUͬLHVDQGRWKHULQVHFWVPRQNH\VVORWKV WD[LULGHRUDERXW86'IRUD Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 19 Morning: This morning around 7:45pm, depart GHFDGHVDVDUHWUHDWIRUFDQDOEXLOGHUV̜ͫUVW to Metropolitan Park, the only wildlife refuge French and then American. Here you’ll have in Clayton. Take a walking tour of the park and time to either kayak in the bay or disembark to keep an eye out for rare bird species, which this explore the island, a mostly pedestrian haven, area is known for. You’ll depart back to your with your Trip Experience Leader. You’ll board hotel around 10pm. your ship again between 6pm and 6:30pm. Lunch: On your own. Around Your Trip Dinner: At 6:30pm, you and your fellow Experience Leader will provide at least three travelers will be invited to the dining room VXJJHVWLRQVLQWKHPDULQDVR\RXFDQͫQG for dinner. As with all the dinners during your something in line with your preferences. cruise, you are free to sit at whichever table you please. You’ll be offered a choice of appetizer, Afternoon: This afternoon around 2:30pm, soup, entrée, and dessert—including regional \RX̞OOERDUGWKH06Discovery at the marina. options and American favorites (half-portions This 24-passenger catamaran will be your are available upon request). While the dress home throughout your three-night Panama code at mealtimes is always relaxed and smart Canal cruise. The ship is staffed by a friendly, casual, some travelers opt to wear a day dress English-speaking crew who will be eager to or slacks to the Captain’s Welcome Dinner. welcome you aboard and show you to your room. Each of the ship’s cabins features Evening: After dinner, you’re free to relax on DSRUWKROHRUEDOFRQ\ͬDWVFUHHQ79 board the Discovery. Maybe you’ll climb up to air-conditioning, and its own private bath. the top deck to enjoy night-time views of the canal or enjoy a drink at the bar in the lobby. The lounge is equipped with cozy chairs and is perfect for relaxing with friends old and new. A WRSVLGH6XQ'HFNIHDWXUHVDPSOHGHFNFKDLUVIRU Day 9 Panama Canal cruise • Explore admiring the scenery. Gatun Lake • Destination: Panama Canal Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 20 Frenchman Ferdinand de Lesseps, builder of nearly a century later, this section of the canal WKH6XH]&DQDOPDGHWKHͫUVWDWWHPSW7KH requires continuous maintenance due to its enormity of the effort proved too great, and susceptibility to landslides. the project languished until 1902, when Teddy Lunch:6HUYHGLQWKHVKLS̞VGLQLQJURRPDURXQG Roosevelt brought the idea to life. SP6LPLODUWRGLQQHUVPRVWRI\RXU In 1913—a full year ahead of schedule and lunches onboard will be seated and include a nearly $23 million under budget—the Panama soup or salad, entrée, and dessert. &DQDOZDVFRPSOHWHG,WRIͫFLDOO\RSHQHGRQ Afternoon: Around 3pm, experience the August 15, 1914, and a dream became a reality. highlight of the day’s cruise when the Discovery A journalist who witnessed its opening wrote, is raised 85 feet above sea level to Gatun Lake. ̡7KLVFDQDOLVERWKDͫUVWDQGDODVW̧PDQ This man-made lake was created during the will never again build with such scope, such construction of the canal by damming the LPDJLQDWLRQ̢1RZPRUHWKDQVKLSVDGD\ Chagres River, which supplies the Gatun Locks or more than 14,000 annually, traverse its with more than 52 million gallons of fresh 50-mile length—eliminating a 9,000-mile trip water per ship that passes through. around the tip of Cape Horn. You’ll have the option to tour the peaceful lake Begin your own transit by cruising beneath the by Zodiac and glimpse the variety of wildlife soaring Bridge of the Americas, which connects that lives here. Glance up at the clusters of the two land masses that were separated by the trees, and you just might see spider monkeys canal’s construction, to join today’s convoy and howler monkeys swinging from one limb to of ships from around the world for your canal the next, two- and three-toed sloths lounging passage. As you cruise, you’ll take in the full on branches, or Caracara birds perched at the spectrum of everyday life on the canal’s banks, edges of the wood. Don’t forget to look down, from the bustling activity at the commercial though—crocodiles and turtles may just be port of Balboa to crocodiles lounging in the sun. there to greet you. Revel in the impressive array Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 21 Day 10 Panama Canal cruise • Gatun Morning: Disembark the Discovery this Locks • Captain’s Farewell Dinner PRUQLQJDURXQG DPDQGVHWRIIIRU6DQ Lorenzo National Park, situated to the west • Destination: Panama Canal of Gatun Locks. You’ll take a nature walk, • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner enjoying opportunities to spot several hundred • $FFRPPRGDWLRQV 06Discovery bird species, from pied puffbirds to toucans. Breakfast:6HUYHGDW DPLQWKHGLQLQJURRP 2QHRIPDQ\SURWHFWHGDUHDVLQ3DQDPD6DQ Lorenzo National Park is a verdant wonderland Morning: Around 9:45am, you’ll visit the Agua RIGLYHUVHͬRUDDQGIDXQDDQGDOVRIHDWXUHV Clara Visitor Center to get a unique panoramic D81(6&2:RUOG+HULWDJH6LWHQHDUE\ WKH glimpse of the Panama Canal. This observatory VSUDZOLQJUXLQVRI6DQ/RUHQ]R)RUWRULJLQDOO\ not only provides great views of the canal built in the late 1600s to protect the town of in action, but also details the history of its Chagres. From the highest point of the fort construction. You’ll return to the ship shortly complex, you can catch spectacular views of before lunch. glittering Gatun Lake. Lunch:6HUYHGDWQRRQLQWKHGLQLQJURRP You’ll depart the park around 10:30am for a Afternoon: Around 2:30pm, you’ll continue one-hour motorcoach trip back to Panama City. your transit of the canal through the Gatun Around 11:30am, your discoveries continue with Locks, the largest of the canal’s locks. Your ship a visit to the Panama Canal Administration will begin its descent back to sea level here; the Building, inaugurated exactly one month whole process takes about two hours. before the canal itself. This cornerstone of Dinner: Join your group in the dining room Panamanian history was built to centralize around 6:30pm for your Captain’s Farewell administrative activity in the country. After our Dinner. This celebratory meal features more visit, we’ll depart for the Old Quarter. elaborate dishes and a convivial atmosphere—a Lunch: On your own in the Old Quarter. Your ͫWWLQJVHWWLQJIRU\RXDQG\RXUIHOORZWUDYHOHUV Trip Experience Leader will provide three to reminisce about all you’ve witnessed. different restaurant suggestions within walking Evening: After dinner, feel free to climb up to distance. the top deck to enjoy night-time views of the Afternoon: You’ll check into your hotel in canal or enjoy a drink at the bar in the lobby. Panama City around 2:45pm and you’ll have the remainder of the afternoon to do some Day 11 Panama Canal cruise • San last-minute exploring. Feel free to check in Lorenzo National Park • Disembark ship • with your Trip Experience Leader or the front Panama City GHVNDWWKHKRWHOWRͫQGRXWZKDW\RXPD\ZDQW • Destination: Panama City to do before you go home. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Dinner: At 6:30pm, depart on foot to a local • Accommodations: Las Americas Golden restaurant which serves local and international Tower or similar cuisine. A beverage, entrée, and dessert are Breakfast:6HUYHGLQWKHGLQLQJURRPDW DP included. Take this opportunity to reminisce Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 22 about all you’ve experienced with your fellow travelers and your Trip Experience Leader at this Farewell Dinner. Evening: Dinner will end around 8:15pm, at which point you may return to your hotel or take in the sights of Panama City one more time. Day 12 Panama City • Return to U.S. • Included Meals: Breakfast Breakfast: From 6:30am-10:30am, enjoy a buffet-style breakfast at your hotel, with American and Panamanian options available. Morning: After breakfast this morning, say adios to Panama and transfer to the airport to ERDUG\RXUͬLJKWKRPHWRWKH867UDYHOHUV taking one of our post-trip extensions, Colonial Cartagena, Colombia: The Emerald of the Caribbean or &RORPELD %RJRW£ 0HGHOO¯Q, will ͬ\WR&DUWDJHQDRU%RJRW£WKLVPRUQLQJ Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 23 PRE-TRIP Chiriqui Highlands, Panama INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE » Airfare from Panama City to Chiriqui » 6HUYLFHVRIRXUORFDO7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHU » Accommodations for 3 nights » Gratuities for local guides and » 5 meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner motorcoach drivers » Guided tours: Boquete • Cerro Punta » All transfers PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY ,PPHUVH\RXUVHOILQWKHQDWXUDOVSOHQGRURIWKH&KLULTXL+LJKODQGVZKHUH$WODQWLFDQG3DFLͫFZLQGVPLQJOH to create a year-round spring-like climate, mountains tower over volcanic soils, and bajareque (mists) embrace lush rain forests. From agricultural traditions to timeless native customs, experience the charms of this unspoiled paradise. Day 1 Depart U.S. • Panama City, Panama After checking into your hotel late this afternoon, the evening is yours to relax or • Accommodations: Central Hotel or similar explore at leisure before an included dinner 'HSDUWWKH86WRGD\IRU3DQDPD&LW\ Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 24 Day 4 Boquete • David • Fly to Panama City • Included Meals: Breakfast • Accommodations: Las Americas Golden Tower or similar Depart to El Explorador Gardens, an HQYLURQPHQWDOFHQWHUZLWKͫYHDFUHVRIQDWXUH trails, for a walking tour. Take in the hundreds of different plant varieties, glimpse the origins of your morning cup of coffee as you pass coffee SODQWDWLRQVDQGREVHUYHͫJXULQHVPDGHRXWRI recycled materials along the way. After checking out of your hotel, depart for David, where you’ll enjoy lunch on your RZQEHIRUHͬ\LQJWR3DQDPD&LW\WREHJLQ your Panama Canal Cruise & Panama: A Continent Divided, Oceans United6PDOO6KLS$GYHQWXUH Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 25 POST-TRIP Colonial Cartagena, Colombia: The Emerald of the Caribbean INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE » Airfare from Panama City to Cartagena » 6HUYLFHVRIRXUORFDO7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHU » Accommodations for 3 nights » Gratuities for local guides and » 5 meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner motorcoach drivers » Guided tours: Cartagena » All transfers POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY On a small Caribbean peninsula, discover Cartagena, Colombia, a city with a rich history and ODQJXRURXVFKDUP)LQG6SDQLVK,QGLDQDQG$IULFDQLQͬXHQFHVLQ&DUWDJHQD̞VFRORUIXODUFKLWHFWXUHDQG percussion-heavy music, and enjoy gentle tradewinds that waft salt air from the nearby beaches. Day 1 Panama City • Fly to Today, this booming city is enjoying a Cartagena, Colombia UHQDLVVDQFH7UDYHOHUVFDQͫQGZDUPEUHH]HV sandy beaches, a vibrant history, and colonial • Included Meals: Dinner FKDUPWRXFKHGZLWK&DULEEHDQͬDLU Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 26 waters with their circular nets. After a lunch on your own, you’ll head back to your hotel for an afternoon siesta—opting perhaps to relax on the beach. Join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner this evening. Day 4 Cartagena • Return to U.S. • Included Meals: Breakfast After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for \RXUͬLJKWKRPH Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 27 POST-TRIP &RORPELD %RJRW£ 0HGHOO¯Q INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE » $LUIDUHIURP4XLWRWR%RJRW£DQG » *XLGHGWRXUV %RJRW£̦*XDWDSH̦0HGHOO¯Q IURP%RJRW£WR0HGHOO¯Q » 6HUYLFHVRIRXUORFDO7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHU » Accommodations for 6 nights » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and » 13 meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, luggage porters and 3 dinners » All transfers POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY Experience Colombia’s colonial past and vibrant future in two contrasting cities. You begin your adventure in Bogotá—the urban, cultural soul of the country. Explore this capital in the clouds, uncovering Bogotá’s pulsing PDUNHWVDQGJUDIͫWLHGVWUHHWV7KHQWUDYHOWR0HGHOO¯QWRZLWQHVVDFLW\LQWKHPLGVWRIDQHFRQRPLFDQG cultural rebirth. Learn about Colombia’s decades of turbulence, and meet the resilient Colombianos who are forging a bright path for this rich and welcoming country. Day 1 Fly to Bogotá, Colombia Day 2 Bogotá • Included Meals: Dinner • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: Hotel de la Opera • Accommodations: Hotel de la Opera or similar or similar After concluding your Panama Canal Cruise After breakfast this morning, set off on a & Panama: A Continent Divided, Oceans walking tour of the largest city in Colombia. United 6PDOO6KLS$GYHQWXUH\RX̞OOͬ\WR 2ULJLQDOO\DVHWWOHPHQWNQRZQDV%DFDW£E\WKH %RJRW£̜&RORPELD̞VHQHUJHWLFFDSLWDOFLW\ indigenous people who inhabited this area on You’ll check in to your hotel, and then embark the high plains of the Andes, the site became on a brief orientation walk to acquaint yourself DIXOOͬHGJHG6SDQLVKFRORQLDORXWSRVWE\ with the area. Then, return to the hotel for an %RJRW£UHPDLQHGXQGHUWKHFRQWURORIWKH included dinner. Viceroyalty of Peru until 1717, when it became the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Granada, a vast stretch of land encompassing the modern countries of Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, and 9HQH]XHOD6LQFHWKHQWKHFLW\KDVVHUYHG continuously as a political and social center; today this bustling capital city has a population of more than eight million people. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 28 7RGD\\RX̞OOOHDUQDERXW%RJRW£̞VKLVWRU\ Day 4 Fly to Medellín • Botero and culture as you explore the city’s streets museum visit and plazas, ending at the famous Gold • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Museum (Museo del Oro 6SUHDGRXWRYHU • Accommodations: Hotel Du Parc Royal de WKUHHͬRRUVWKLVIDVFLQDWLQJPXVHXP Medellin or similar contains more than 55,000 pieces of gold from pre-Hispanic Colombia. Next, try 2XUWUDYHOLQ&RORPELDFRQWLQXHVZLWKDͬLJKW your hand at tejo, Colombia’s explosive IURP%RJRW£WR0HGHOO¯QWKLVPRUQLQJ$VZH national sport. Tejo combines lawn bowls explore the city, we’ll see how it is undergoing ZLWKJXQSRZGHUWRDFRQͬDJUDQWHIIHFW an economic and cultural rebirth. When we and Colombianos’ passion for the sport is arrive, we’ll ascend the Antioquia Mountains mirrored in its volatility. via the Metrocable (an aerial tram) for panoramic views. Next, we visit Plaza de Botero Day 3 Bogotá • Optional Local Market & LQFHQWUDO0HGHOO¯Q7KHSOD]DKDVDQRSHQDLU Salt Cathedral tour FROOHFWLRQRIVFXOSWXUHVE\0HGHOO¯QERUQ )HUQDQGR%RWHURZKRVHH[DJJHUDWHGͫJXUHV • Included Meals: Breakfast have been shown in the world’s greatest • Accommodations: Hotel de la Opera museums and galleries. or similar We’ll then gain a richer understanding of 6SHQGWKHGD\LQ%RJRW£H[SORULQJWKHFLW\DW Colombia’s recent history during a lively your leisure. discussion with a local expert on some Or, join our optional tour to a local market controversial topics. We’ll learn about the DQG6DOW&DWKHGUDOLQ=LSDTXLU£̜DQDUHD &RORPELDQJRYHUQPHQW̞VOHQJWK\FRQͬLFWZLWK ORFDWHGLQWKHPRXQWDLQVQRUWKRI%RJRW£ guerrillas and the role that drug cartels played )LUVW\RX̞OOYLVLWDORFDOPDUNHWLQ%RJRW£ in the country in the late 20th century. Then continue to the cathedral, which is built This evening, we check into our hotel and take into the tunnels of a salt mine, stretching a brief Orientation Walk. Dinner tonight is more than 600 feet underground, with statues on your own. and ornaments carved out of the mine’s rock walls. The complex features an entryway lined Day 5 Medellín • Guatape ZLWKVPDOOFKDSHOVWKDWGHSLFWWKH6WDWLRQV of the Cross, and is considered a highlight • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch of Colombian architecture. More than just • Accommodations: Hotel Du Parc Royal de a monument, this site is an active Roman Medellin or similar Catholic church, drawing up to 3,000 visitors 7KLVPRUQLQJKHDGHDVWRXWRI0HGHOO¯QWR WRLWV6XQGD\VHUYLFHV)ROORZLQJ\RXUWRXURI Guatape, hailed as “the most colorful town in the cathedral, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant &RORPELD̢$ORQJWKHZD\\RX̞OOVWRSDWAlto that features dishes cooked using salt from the de las Arepas, where you’ll sample arepas, or =LSDTXLU£PLQHDVZHOODVajiaco, a traditional traditional thick corn tortillas. Colombian soup of chicken, potatoes, and corn. Afterwards, return to the hotel. Dinner is on This afternoon, take a walking tour of Guatape, your own this evening. stopping along the way to admire the brightly colored homes that line the streets. Each house has its own unique zócalo, beautifully crafted Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 29 tile placards. After lunch at a local restaurant, RI0HGHOO¯Q̞VWUDQVIRUPDWLRQ OPTIONAL TOUR Local Market & Salt Cathedral (Day 3 $95 per person) 9HQWXUHLQWRWKHPRXQWDLQVQRUWKRI%RJRW£WR GLVFRYHUWKH6DOW&DWKHGUDORI=LSDTXLU£ZKLFK is built into the tunnels of a salt mine. First, stop at a local market. Then, continue to the cathedral, where you’ll witness statues and ornaments that are carved into the mine’s rock walls. The site is considered a highlight of Colombian architecture, and serves as an active Roman Catholic church, drawing up to YLVLWRUVWRLWV6XQGD\VHUYLFHV)ROORZLQJ your tour of the cathedral, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant that features dishes cooked using VDOWIURPWKH=LSDTXLU£PLQH Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 30 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP: With the planning of any adventure comes the need to research and ask \`P^_TZY^BPɪ]PSP]P_ZSPW[4Y_SPQZWWZbTYR[LRP^dZ`ɪWWʭYOTYQZ]- XL_TZY_SL_Z`]_]LaPWP]^SLaPQZ`YOXZ^_MPYPʭNTLWL^_SPdɪaP[]P[L]PO for this adventure, on subjects ranging from passports to weather, and currency to recommended reading. BPɪaPTYNW`OPO_SPZʯNTLW?]LaPW3LYOMZZV_SL_dZ`ɪWW]PNPTaPbSPYdZ` reserve your departure of this trip, which outlines everything you’ll need to know before and during your adventure. What’s more, our Adventure Specialists will be ready and eager to address any additional questions you may have. With all of our resources available to you, enjoy peace of mind … and look forward to the incredible discoveries that await. 31 CONTENTS TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS...... 33 HEALTH ...... 35 MONEY MATTERS ...... 39 Top Tips Local Currency Tipping Guidelines PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP ...... 42 PACKING ...... 45 CLIMATE...... 52 ABOARD YOUR SHIP...... 55 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION ...... 57 Culture & Points to Know Shopping DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY ...... 62 RESOURCES ...... 70 32 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Your Passport • Must be in good condition • Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S. • Must have the required number of blank pages (details below) • The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport Recommended Blank Pages 3OHDVHFRQͫUPWKDW\RXUSDVVSRUWKDVHQRXJKEODQNSDJHVIRUWKLVDGYHQWXUH • Main trip only: If you are taking only the main trip, you will require 2 blank passport pages. • Pre-trip extension Chiriqui Highlands: No additional pages needed. • Post-trip to Colonial Cartagena: You will need 1 more page, for a total of 3 blank pages. • Post-trip to Bogota & Medellin, Colombia: You will need 1 more page, for a total of 3 blank pages. • Both the pre- and post-trip extensions: You will need a total of 3 blank passport pages. No Visas Required Travelers with a U.S. passport do not need any visas for this adventure, including the optional trip extensions. Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org. 33 Traveling With a Minor? Some governments may require certain documentation for minors to enter and depart the country or to obtain a visa (if applicable). For further detail on the required documentation, please contact your local embassy or consulate. Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals. If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available ZRUOGZLGH$VDQDOWHUQDWLYH\RXFRXOGORDGWKHVHGRFXPHQWVRQWRDͬDVKGULYHLQVWHDGZKLFK can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip. Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents. Hotel Letter for Minors Colombia in particular is very strict about traveling with minors if you are not their parent. Not only will you need documentation to enter the country, but also a permission letter from a parent for hotel stays. If you will be traveling with a minor who is not your child—such as a grandchild, niece/nephew, or ward—you must contact both us (so we can document your relationship to the minor in question) and the embassy of Colombia (to be advised on exactly what documents are need). 34 HEALTH Is This Adventure Right for You? Please review the information below prior to departing on this adventure. We reserve the right for our Trip Experience Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers. GROUP SIZE • This adventure has a group size of 20-24 travelers (average of 22) with a local Trip Experience Leader exclusive to O.A.T. PACING • 12 days, with 3 nights aboard the M/S Discovery, two 2-night hotel stays, one 3-night hotel stay, and a single-night stay PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Walk 2 miles unassisted and participate in 2 hours of physical activities each day, including several sets of stairs • Not accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters • Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them • Agility and balance are required for boarding dugout canoes and kayaks • We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • Uneven walking surfaces, including rain forest, unpaved paths, hills, and stairs • Travel by 24-passenger catamaran, 25- to 45-seat coach, school bus, motorized dugout canoe, and kayak • The Discovery does not have an elevator onboard CLIMATE • Daytime temperatures range from 85-90°F, and high levels of humidity are common during cruising season • March and April are the warmest months 35 Steps to Take Before Your Trip Before you leave on this adventure, we recommend the following: • Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can contact them online at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636. • Have a medical checkup with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip. • Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. • Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less urgent) Yellow Fever Recommended (Not Required) At the time of writing there were no required vaccines for this adventure, however the CDC suggests that travelers to Panama and Colombia (post-trip extension) get a yellow fever vaccine. Because this is not required by the government, the choice is ultimately up to you. Please ask your doctor about the yellow fever vaccination. Although the CDC suggests it, your doctor is your best resource as he/she can make a recommendation tailored to your personal medical history. The CDC also recommends that all travelers be up to date on their routine vaccinations and on basic travel vaccines like Hepatitis A and Typhoid, but these are suggestions only. This could change in future so we encourage you to check with the CDC yourself before meeting with your doctor. TIP: No matter what you and your doctor decide, we recommend bringing some sort of documentation about the yellow fever vaccination with you. If you did get the vaccine, you should have your Yellow Fever Card with you. If you did not get the vaccine we suggest you bring with you a letter from your doctor saying why. If there is a last-minute change to entry policies before you leave, having one of these documents with you could make all the difference. Medication Suggestions • An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness • Prescription pain medication in the unlikely event of an injury in a remote location • Dramamine (motion sickness) Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy. • Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas. • Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications. 36 We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws & 6SHFLDO&LUFXPVWDQFHV̢ LI\RXGRQ̞WVHHDQ\PHGLFDWLRQVVSHFLͫFDOO\PHQWLRQHGWKHQ\RXFDQ presume major U.S. brands should be OK). Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips • Start your trip well-rested. • Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane. • Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule. • Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during– \RXUͬLJKW • 'ULQNSOHQW\RIZDWHUDQGRUIUXLWMXLFHZKLOHͬ\LQJ • Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane. • After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap. • 'RQ̞WSXVK\RXUVHOIWRVHHDORWRQ\RXUͫUVWGD\ • 7U\WRVWD\DZDNH\RXUͫUVWGD\XQWLODIWHUGLQQHU Allergies If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814, and we will FRPPXQLFDWHWKHPWRRXUUHJLRQDORIͫFH(YHU\HIIRUWZLOOEHPDGHWRDFFRPPRGDWH\RX Water • Tap water is safe to drink in Panama, but if you prefer bottled water, it is readily available. • Water from the tap on the ship is not safe to drink from, so it is recommended that you drink the complimentary bottled water provided on the ship. There is also a water tank on board ͫOOHGZLWKGULQNDEOHZDWHULQWKHOREE\DUHDIRU\RXUXVH • If you are taking the optional post-trip extension, drink bottled water only. Food • We’ve carefully chosen the restaurants for your group meals. 37 • Be very careful with food sold from vendors on the street, and with uncooked fruit and other foods. • Fruit that you peel yourself is usually safe—avoid lettuce and other unpeeled produce. • Common illnesses like Traveler’s Diarrhea can occur when food or water are not properly sanitized. This is especially important for this trip because once illness or disease is brought RQERDUGLWFDQTXLFNO\DQGHDVLO\VSUHDGIURPSDVVHQJHUWRSDVVHQJHUZLWKLQWKHFRQͫQHG space of the ship and could affect the health of all on board. Insects Bugs aren’t a major issue on this trip, although they can be a nuisance at any time of year because of the tropical climate. (Without a cold winter frost, they don’t die off all at once, like in the northern U.S.) For that reason, we suggest that you bring insect repellent with you as a Plan B. After all, if you don’t end up using it in Panama, you can always bring it back home and use it there. 38 MONEY MATTERS Top Two Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card • Traveler’s checks are not recommended.7KH\FDQEHGLIͫFXOWWRH[FKDQJHDQGWKH commission fee for cashing them is quite high. It’s more practical to view them as a last resort in the event of a special situation. Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter\RXUEDQNRUWKHͫQDQFLDOVHFWLRQRI\RXUQHZVSDSHU Panama United States currency is legal tender in Panama, and it circulates freely with the Panamanian balboa, which only printed in coin form and divided into 100 centesimos. Because U.S. dollars are legal currency, you will not need to convert money in Panama. For those interested in collecting coins (or just curious) centesimos coins are of identical size, denomination and metal as U.S. coins, but with different designs. The coins of both nations are used interchangeably in Panama, so you may get centesimos in your change even if you paid in U.S. dollars. Colombia The currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows: • Banknotes: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 pesos • Coins: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 pesos 86GROODUVDUHQRWZLGHO\DFFHSWHGLQ&RORPELD How to Exchange Money (Colombia extension) If you want to exchange money before your trip, you can usually do so through your bank or at DQH[FKDQJHRIͫFH On your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars. 39 ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card. Many banks charge a fee of $1-$5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart. Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.) Panama: ATMs are available in large cities, but small towns may not have any international ATMs that take American cards. Colombia: Typically ATMs are widely available in the larger cities like Bogotá, Medellin, and &DUWDJHQDEXWPD\EHKDUGWRͫQGLQVPDOOHUWRZQVRUUXUDOYLOODJHV2XU7ULS([SHULHQFH/HDGHUV VXJJHVWFKDQJLQJDERXWSHUSHUVRQLQWR&RORPELDQFXUUHQF\DWWKHDLUSRUWZKHQ\RXͫUVW arrive. They have found that some of the ATMs at the airport and near the hotels don’t work with U.S. cards. Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc. Panama: Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, you will need cash for taxis and small Mom-and-Pop type stores. Colombia: Credit and debits cards are widely accepted in Colombia, though you may still run into some smaller shops and restaurants that will not accept them. Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online. 40 You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.! Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines. • O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Trip Experience Leader at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $7-$10 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each day their Trip Experience Leader is with them. Please note that these tips can only be in cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Trip Experience Leader during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip. • Shipboard Crew::HUHFRPPHQGDͬDWWLSRI 86SHUSHUVRQSHUGD\ DERXWIRU the Cruise Director and about $6-7 for the crew per day, distributed using the two separate envelopes available on board. For your convenience tips for the crew can be paid in U.S. cash or local currency (no credit card payments are accepted for tipping). • Housekeeping at Hotels: We recommend $1 per traveler, per day. (This is for hotels only; on the ship Housekeeping are part of crew, so you don’t need to tip them separately.) • Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours. Time at Leisure: When you are exploring on your own, it’s useful to know when to tip and how much, because local customs often differ from the U.S. Here are a few helpful guidelines for the most common services a traveler might use: • Taxis: If you are taking a taxi by yourself, keep in mind that tipping is not common practice, but many people simply let the driver keep the change by rounding up the fare to the next whole number. • Restaurants, cafes, and bars: It is common for restaurants in this region to add a service charge (usually of about 10%). If that is the case, you do not need to tip. If no service charge appears on the bill, then a tip of 10% is customary. 41 PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air ŽĢóĴ'āƩłĢŶĢŋłŭ • Land Only: • Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet). • Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount under “My Reservations”. Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased )RUHOLJLEOHͬLJKWVDLUSRUWWUDQVIHUVPD\EHSXUFKDVHGVHSDUDWHO\DVDQRSWLRQDODGGRQVXEMHFW WRDYDLODELOLW\7REHHOLJLEOH\RXUͬLJKW V PXVWPHHWWKHIROORZLQJUHTXLUHPHQWV • • Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814. If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com. Air Inclusive Travelers If you have purchased international air with us, there are some points that may be helpful for you to know. • U.S. Departure: If you are among a group of ten or more travelers who depart the U.S. from your international gateway city, it is our goal to have an O.a.T. representative assist you at WKH86DLUSRUWZLWKWKHFKHFNLQRI\RXUͬLJKW8QOHVVWKHUHDUHH[WHQXDWLQJFLUFXPVWDQFHV beyond our control, the representative will be at the check-in counter three hours before \RXUGHSDUWXUHWLPH,I\RXDUHͬ\LQJGRPHVWLFDOO\EHIRUH\RXULQWHUQDWLRQDOͬLJKWWKH representative will be stationed at the check-in counter for your departing international ͬLJKWQRWDWWKHGRPHVWLFDUULYDOJDWH 42 • Overseas Arrival: Once you arrive overseas, you’ll need to collect your luggage and clear customs. An O.A.T. representative will meet you outside of customs and assist you with your transfer to the hotel or ship. Important note on porters: Airport porters are NOT allowed in the baggage claim area. On arrival, you must take your luggage off the baggage carousel and load it onto a cart, which you will then move through customs. When you exit customs, you’ll handle your cart until reaching your transfer vehicle. Your driver will load your luggage into the transfer vehicle. • U.S. Return: If you are among a group of ten or more travelers who return to the same U.S. JDWHZD\FLW\DQ2$7UHSUHVHQWDWLYHZLOOPHHW\RXDV\RXH[LW&XVWRPVDQGKHOS\RXͫQG WD[LVEXVHVKRWHODFFRPPRGDWLRQVRUFRQQHFWLQJͬLJKWV$JDLQLWLVRXUJRDOWRKDYHRXU representative waiting to assist your group. In rare instances, unforeseen circumstances may prevent this service. • Flying with a Travel Companion: If you’re traveling with a companion from a different household, and both of you are beginning and ending your trip at the same airport on the same dates, let us know you’d like to travel together and we’ll make every effort to arrange this (please note, however, that this is not always possible). If you request any changes to \RXUͬLJKWVSOHDVHEHVXUHWKDWERWK\RXDQG\RXUFRPSDQLRQWHOOXVWKDW\RXVWLOOZDQWWR ͬ\WRJHWKHU Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your adventure by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations. What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability. • Optional tours that are reserved with your Trip Experience Leader can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.) • To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”. • Your Trip Experience Leader will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount). 43 Communications Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone can accept one. Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store. Calling Cards and 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.). One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country. How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone. Panama: +507 Colombia: +57 44 PACKING Luggage Limits MAIN TRIP LIMITS Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on bag per person. Weight restrictions Varies by airline. The current standard is 50 lbs for checked bags and 15 lbs for carry-on bags. Size Restrictions Varies by airline. Measured in linear inches (length+width+depth). Generally, 62 linear inches is the checked bag limit; carry-on limit is 45 linear inches. Luggage Type A sturdy, fabric-sided suitcase with built-in wheels and lockable zippers is recommended. TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS Pre-trip extension: Pieces/size and type of luggage same as main trip; Checked bag is limited to 44 lbs; Carry-on is limited to 11 lbs (storage is available) Post-trip extension: Pieces/size and type of luggage same as main trip; Checked bag is limited to 44 lbs; Carry-on is limited to 15 lbs (storage is not available) 45 REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person: Due to the space limitations on bus transfers, you’ll be restricted to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is to ensure that we have room for everyone’s luggage. We ask that you abide by this limit to avoid inconveniencing your fellow travelers and prevent additional airlines luggage fees (which are your responsibility). Most airlines now charge to check more than one suitcase per person. Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question. Luggage storage on the extensions: For the pre-trip Chiriqui Highlands extension, one piece of carry- on luggage (up to 11 lbs) can be left behind at your hotel in Panama city. If you choose to use this service, please bring an extra bag and lock for the hotel to store. You can pick up your “left luggage” on your return to Panama City for the main trip. If you are taking one of the extensions in Colombia, you will not be able to store extra luggage at the hotel in Panama during your extension. (You fly from Colombia back to the U.S. without returning to Panama.) Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet. • ,W̞VDJRRGLGHDWRUHFRQͫUPEDJJDJHUHVWULFWLRQVDQGIHHVGLUHFWO\ZLWKWKHDLUOLQHDZHHNRU so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section. • Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines. • 7KHOXJJDJHOLPLWVDERYHDUHEDVHGRQ\RXUUHJLRQDOͬLJKWVZKLFKPD\EHOHVVWKDQ\RXU LQWHUQDWLRQDOͬLJKWV(YHQLI\RXULQWHUQDWLRQDODLUOLQHRIIHUVDODUJHUZHLJKWOLPLW\RXZLOO need to pack according to the lower restrictions. Your Luggage Checked Luggage Consider a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy duty lockable zipper. Due to space limitations on our motorcoaches, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person. Porterage at airports and hotels is provided for one bag per person. All bags should have luggage tags. 46 Carry-on Bag You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be XVHGDVERWKDFDUU\RQEDJIRU\RXUͬLJKWDQGWRFDUU\\RXUGDLO\QHFHVVLWLHV̜ZDWHUERWWOH camera, etc—during your daily activities. Locks )RUͬLJKWVWKDWRULJLQDWHLQWKH86\RXFDQHLWKHUXVHD76$DSSURYHGORFNRUOHDYH\RXU luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft- prevention measure. Clothing Suggestions Functional Tips • Travel light: A good rule of thumb is to gather together everything you want to bring; then take half of that. To have a varied travel wardrobe, yet keep your luggage light, we recommend you select a color scheme and pack color-coordinated clothing items that can EHPL[HGWRFUHDWHGLIIHUHQWRXWͫWV)RUPRUHSDFNLQJDQGOXJJDJHWLSV\RXPLJKWZDQWWR visit www.travelite.org. • Consider clothing designed for travel, sports, or camping: With modern fabrics, lightweight packing for comfort and protection through a wide range of weather is easy. • Packing for the climate: As you will experience a good deal of humidity, heat, and rainfall at any time of year, we suggest a few different types of clothing so you can dress according to that day’s weather. For hot days in the 80s and 90s, you’ll want light, breathable, loose clothing. Light or bright colors are better than black or dark colors that retain heat. But you’ll still want at least one piece to layer—a sweater, a sweatshirt, etc.—for evenings when the temperatures drop to the 50s and 60s. You’ll want fairly good-quality rain gear for your visit to Gamboa Rain Forest. And because it is humid, wet clothing will take longer to dry. If you like to hand-wash your clothes, pick clothing in a fabric that will dry quickly. You can buy clothing designed especially for travel. Look for clothes that offer adequate sun protection. • Footwear: You’ll be on your feet a lot during the trip, and walking over some rough and slippery surfaces. Because of the terrain, the goal is for your footwear to have good traction and good support. We suggest something like a pair of light hiking shoes, trekking shoes, or sports shoes—in other words, something that offers better traction and better support then regular street shoes. If you like wearing sandals, or plan to go to the beach, we suggest you bring something that can get wet but also has traction, such as water shoes or sports sandals. • Light rain gear is recommended: Regardless of when you travel, rainfall is a possibility. While it may not rain on your trip, we suggest you bring a waterproof shell or coat, preferably with a hood. This is usually a better choice than a folding umbrella, which is less effective in win 47 Style Hints • Pack casual clothes: Comfortable, informal apparel is acceptable at each of your destinations. At dinner, you will not need to don “dressy” clothing; men do not need jackets or ties and women do not need fancy dresses. You may want one or two “smart casual” RXWͫWVIRUWKH:HOFRPH5HFHSWLRQRU)DUHZHOO'LQQHUEXWLW̞VFRPSOHWHO\XSWR\RX What to Bring We have included suggestions from Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook. Recommended Clothing T Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts to layer T Trousers, jeans, or skirts T Comfortable walking shoes and/or water resistant shoes T Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood T Sleepwear T Socks and undergarments T A jacket or sweater, depending on the time of year Essential Items T 'DLO\HVVHQWLDOV WRRWKEUXVKWRRWKSDVWHͬRVVKDLUEUXVKRUFRPEVKDYLQJLWHPV deodorant, etc. T Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your prescription T Sunglasses with a neck strap T Sunscreen, SPF 15 or stronger T Travel money bag or money belt T Moisturizer, lip balm T Wide-brim sun hat or visor T Pocket-size tissues 48 T Moist towelettes (packets) and/or anti-bacterial hand lotion T Light folding umbrella T Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards T Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards Medicines T Your own prescription medicines T Vitamins T Cold remedies: Sudafed/Dristan T Pain relievers: Ibuprofen/naproxen/aspirin T Laxatives: Senokot/Ex-Lax T Stomach upset: Pepto-Bismol/Mylanta T Anti-diarrheal: Imodium T Band-Aids, Moleskin foot pads T Antibiotics: Neosporin/Bacitracin T Dramamine or other motion sickness medicine Optional Gear T Travel alarm T Compact binoculars T Hanging toiletry bag with pockets T Washcloth T Travel-size tissues T Basic sewing kit T Hand-wash laundry soap (Woolite), clothespins/travel clothesline/stopper T Reading materials 49 T Travel journal/note pad T Swimsuit, if your ship/hotel has a pool or whirlpool T Addresses for postcards T Photos, small gift for Home-Hosted visit T Phrase book T Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates T Insect repellant T For hotel stays: Many hotels will provide hair dryers, but not all. If a hair dryer is essential to you consider a travel-size version. Hair dryers are provided on your ship. Electricity When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape. Voltage Electricity in Panama and Colombia is the same as in the U.S., 110-120 volts. Plugs The shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet. By far the most common plug type in Panama and Colombia is Type A, which is the same as a standard U.S. plug. Because electric plugs in this region are American-style, you will not need an adapter. Panama: A (same as the U.S.) 50 Colombia: A and B Type A 51 CLIMATE Panama: Panama’s climate is tropical, with hot and humid weather most days, although temperatures do vary slightly by location and altitude. The hottest location on this trip is usually Chitre, in the Azuero Peninsula, where temperatures can spike past 90 degrees. On both the 3DFLͫFDQG&DULEEHDQFRDVWVWKHDQQXDODYHUDJHWHPSHUDWXUHLVr)DQGWKHPRUHPRXQWDLQRXV regions fall in the 50-66°F range. But even in cooler areas an average humidity of 80% can make things uncomfortable. The high and low temperatures don’t change much from season to season. ,QVWHDGWKHVHDVRQVWHQGWREHGHͫQHGE\UDLQIDOO7KHGU\HUVHDVRQUHODWLYHO\VSHDNLQJLVIURP -DQXDU\WR0DUFK5DLQLVPRUHIUHTXHQWRQWKH&DULEEHDQ&RDVWWKDQRQWKH3DFLͫF&RDVW$VD FRPSDULVRQ3DQDPD&LW\ 3DFLͫF VHHVDQDQQXDODYHUDJHUDLQIDOORILQFKHV &RORQ &DULEEHDQ sees 136 inches. Cartagena, Colombia: Cartagena sits on the Caribbean Sea, on the northern coast of Colombia. Most days are typically tropical—hot and humid days with highs in the upper 80s or 90s. However, because of the high humidity, it can often feel hotter. The dry season runs from December to April and the rainy season is between October and November. Bogotá, Colombia: Bogotá’s setting in a high plateau in the Andes means that hail is just as likely as a sun. The average yearly temperature is 57 degrees F, with highs rarely going above 85 degrees, and lows sometimes dipping to below freezing. The highest high temperatures are usually in March or April, while the lowest lows are usually in January. December through March, July, and August are the driest months. Rainfall is more common April through June and October to November. Morning humidity can be quite high, but generally the afternoon is better. Overall, Bogotá’s weather can be unpredictable and subject to sudden changes. Medellin, Colombia: Medellin may be squarely in the tropics, but its elevation (almost 5,000 feet above sea level) offsets the tropical heat and gives the city a pleasant spring-like climate. Temperatures don’t vary much throughout the year—the high is almost always in the 70s or 80s; the low is usually in the 60s. Rainfall is possible any day of the year, but is more common during spring (April and May) or fall (October and November). Climate Averages & Online Forecast 7KHIROORZLQJFKDUWVUHͬHFWWKHaverage climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast. 52 Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall MONTH PANAMA CITY, PANAMA CHITRE, PANAMA Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 89 to 76 90 to 62 24 91 to 69 -- 0.6 FEB 90 to 76 88 to 5913 94 to 70 -- 0.6 MAR 90 to 77 87 to 5910 95 to 71 -- 0.5 APR 89 to 78 87 to 63 18 95 to 72 -- 3.8 MAY 87 to 78 90 to 76 26 91 to 73 -- 9.2 JUN 86 to 77 92 to 80 22 89 to 73 -- 9.5 JUL 87 to 77 93 to 78 23 89 to 73 -- 7.7 AUG 86 to 77 93 to 78 23 89 to 73 -- 10.4 SEP 86 to 76 93 to 79 24 89 to 72 -- 12.3 OCT 85 to 76 93 to 81 26 88 to 72 -- 10.9 NOV 86 to 76 93 to 79 26 88 to 72 -- 9.4 DEC 87 to 76 93 to 70 28 89 to 71 -- 4.0 MONTH COLON, PANAMA CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (avg) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 84 to 76 81 4.3 85 to 75 88 to 70 0.2 FEB 84 to 76 79 2.0 85 to 76 87 to 70 -- MAR 85 to 76 78 1.4 86 to 77 86 to 70 0.1 APR 86 to 77 77 3.7 86 to 78 86 to 73 1.0 MAY 87 to 76 7910.8 87 to 79 87 to 76 3.8 JUN 86 to 75 86 14.5 87 to 79 88 to 75 4.2 JUL 85 to 75 87 16.5 87 to 79 88 to 74 3.4 AUG 85 to 75 88 16.4 87 to 79 88 to 76 4.7 SEP 87 to 75 87 11.2 87 to 78 89 to 77 5.2 OCT 86 to 74 88 18.4 86 to 78 89 to 78 8.8 NOV 84 to 74 89 24.4 86 to 78 90 to 77 5.3 DEC 84 to 75 85 12.6 86 to 76 90 to 73 1.3 53 MONTH BOGOTA, COLOMBIA MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 66 to 43 95 to 67 1.9 79 to 64 87 to 48 2.1 FEB 66 to 45 94 to 68 2.0 80 to 65 86 to 49 2.6 MAR 67 to 47 93 to 70 3.2 80 to 65 86 to 52 4.0 APR 66 to 48 93 to 73 4.7 79 to 65 88 to 58 7.1 MAY 65 to 48 92 to 72 4.0 79 to 65 88 to 60 7.6 JUN 64 to 48 91 to 69 2.4 80 to 65 87 to 51 5.4 JUL 64 to 47 90 to 66 1.8 80 to 64 86 to 45 4.7 AUG 64 to 46 91 to 65 1.9 80 to 64 86 to 48 5.5 SEP 65 to 46 92 to 68 2.3 79 to 64 88 to 56 6.2 OCT 65 to 47 92 to 74 5.6 78 to 64 89 to 64 8.0 NOV 65 to 47 93 to 76 4.5 78 to 64 89 to 62 5.8 DEC 66 to 45 94 to 73 2.7 78 to 64 89 to 58 3.3 54 ABOARD YOUR SHIP M/S Discovery $VSHFLDOIHDWXUHRIRXUWULSLVWKHW\SHRIVPDOOVKLSZHXVH:HKDYHVSHFLͫFDOO\FKDUWHUHGD smaller ship as we feel this is the best way to experience the Panama Canal and to focus on exploration. Once the exclusive province of large ocean liners, a Panama Canal transit is a travel milestone; our small ship allows us to experience this milestone from a unique in-depth perspective. Deck Plans The Discovery features three decks – an upper deck with an open-air observation area, a middle deck with a lounge and dining room, and a lower deck with 12 all-outside cabins, each with a large window for viewing. Cabin Amenities Your cabin amenities include panoramic windows for canal views, private bathroom with shower, hairdryer and in room air-conditioning. The decks, dining room, and lounge are spacious and attractively decorated, providing welcoming locations for relaxing with your traveling companions. Cabin Assignments Dining Meals are taken in a window-lined dining room. The food on board includes international food and typical local dishes. If you require a special diet, please request this in advance—you may do so by contacting one of our Travel Counselors. There is no room service on board. Dining times will vary according to the scheduled daily activities. In keeping with regional custom, dinner is served at a later hour (7:30 pm) than Americans may be accustomed to. Two glasses of house wine, draft beer, or a selection of soft drinks are included with both OXQFKDQGGLQQHU,QDGGLWLRQDVHOHFWLRQRIRWKHUͫQHZLQHVEHHUDQGFRFNWDLOVLVDYDLODEOH for purchase, starting at approximately $2-5 per glass (prices vary according to vintage). If you would like to enjoy your own wine or alcohol on the Discovery, you may do so in the dining room, where there is a corkage fee of $10 per bottle, or your cabin (but not the lounge or public areas, please). 55 Electricity Cabins are equipped with 110-volt outlets, plus there is a 110-volt outlet in the bathroom for use with electric shavers and such. Getting Ashore 7KHVKLSLVHTXLSSHGZLWKͫEHUJODVVERDWVDQGND\DNVDQGDXQLTXHSODWIRUPWKDWORZHUVND\DNHUV gently into the water and retrieves them just as gently for safety and comfort. Internet Internet access is not available on the ship. Laundry Services There is no laundry service available on board. Medical Services The crew is trained in First Aid and medical facilities are rarely more than a half hour away. There is no doctor on board. Open Bridge The Discovery has a policy of Open Bridge, which means the command room of the ship will be open to you during the trip. Shipboard Payments U.S. dollars or Travelers Checks are accepted for purchases made on board, but credit cards with the Visa or MasterCard logo can be used as well. Smoking Policy Smoking is prohibited on board, with the exception of one outdoor deck area reserved for smokers. Wheelchairs The ship is not built to accommodate wheelchairs. Dress Code There are no formal dinners on board; casual dress is encouraged. 56 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS z̍̍¦̍¦ũĢť1ƗťāũĢāłóādāÖùāũŭ̆Âŋũķùŋĕ'ĢƦāũāłóā During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Experience Leaders. $OODUHͬXHQWLQ(QJOLVKDQGSRVVHVVWKHVNLOOVFHUWLͫFDWLRQDQGH[SHULHQFHQHFHVVDU\WRHQVXUH an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip Experience /HDGHUVSURYLGHWKHNLQGRIͫUVWKDQGNQRZOHGJHDQGLQVLJKWWKDWPDNHORFDOKLVWRU\FXOWXUH and wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Experience Leaders ensure that your experience with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime. Culture & Points to Know Language Barrier You can have some great “conversations” with local people who do not speak English, even if you don’t speak a word of the local language. Indeed, this non-verbal communication can be a highly rewarding part of travel. To break the ice, bring along some family photographs, or a few postcards of your hometown. Our local staff can help get the ball rolling. Keep in mind, however, that it is always good form to know at least a few words in the local language. Your attire is a key part of your non-verbal presentation. Your clothing should show a respect for local tradition. This means you should dress in a relatively modest style. Avoid revealing or tight- ͫWWLQJRXWͫWV Taking Photographs The etiquette of photographing most people in the countries on your itinerary is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. You need permission to take a close-up, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph an older woman. If you want to VKRRWDJUHDWSRUWUDLWVKRZLQWHUHVWLQ\RXUVXEMHFWWU\WRKDYHDELWRIVRFLDOLQWHUDFWLRQͫUVW Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Safety & Security As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. There have been thefts in Panama. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one or two other people. Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your passport, in a travel pouch or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle. Don’t leave valuables unattended in your hotel room. Every hotel will offer use of a hotel safe at the front desk or an electronic in-room safe. 57 Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers. Cuisine in Panama 7KHGLYHUVHSRSXODWLRQRI3DQDPDLQͬXHQFHVWKHORFDOFXLVLQHZLWKDQHPSKDVLVRQ6SDQLVK American, Afro-Caribbean and indigenous elements. Generally dishes are spicy or highly seasoned. Most meals are based around coconut rice (rice made with coconut milk), beans and IULHGJUHHQSODQWDLQV SDWDFRQHV &KLFNHQLVDVWDSOH̜DVVDQFRFKRDFKLFNHQVWHZXQLTXHWR3DQDPD̜DWWHVWV If you’re just feeling a bit peckish, try some tasty ceviche̜FXEHGͫVK XVXDOO\VHDEDVV DQGRQLRQ marinated in lemon juice. It’s a popular dish throughout Latin America. Or investigate the meat- stuffed cornmeal pastries known as empanadas. Panama also boasts its own version of the tamale, which is similar to the Mexican snack, but served in banana leaves. Other Panamanian treats include: • &DULPDQROD $IULHG\XFFDUROOͫOOHGZLWKPHDWDQGERLOHGHJJV • • Plantains are generally served in one of three ways: patacones (salty fried green plantains cut crosswise); madurosature (fried plantains that are slightly sweet); and tajadas (baked plantains sprinkled with cinnamon). • Gallo pinto: Rice and beans, usually mixed with pork. $QGHYHQLI\RX̞UHDFRQͫUPHGWHDGULQNHU3DQDPDQLDQFRIIHHLVDPXVW Expectations in Colombia Colombia has long been a closed destination for Americans, and is slowly opening for American tourism. The most important things for you to pack are your sense of adventure, an open mind, and an understanding that service and standards will not be what you are used to. While the 58 people are friendly and the country’s beauty is vast, there will be some things that surprise you. There are few people in Colombia who speak English, including at hotels and restaurants. (Come prepared to practice your Spanish.) Many hotels were once private homes, so the rooms many be smaller, darker, or noisier than you expect. In some areas, hotels will have fans but not air-conditioning. The locals will love to help you, but service is not up to American standards. The staff will be friendly, but, again, will most likely not speak English and may be slower than expected. Be SUHSDUHGIRUDOHLVXUHO\PHDODQGDOORZH[WUDWLPHLI\RXKDYHDVSHFLͫFUHTXHVW3DWLHQFHZLWK this developing country is important. Our advice is: When in Colombia, do as Colombians do. Panama City in Brief City Layout & Details If you have a picture of a sleepy seaport town, you’ll have to discard it. Panama City is a vibrant metropolis at the crossroads of two oceans and two continents that has become Central America’s FDSLWDORILQWHUQDWLRQDOͫQDQFH Panama City’s layout has some startling incongruities. On a small peninsula at the southwest end of the Bay of Panama stands the old city centre of Casco Viejo (also called San Felipe), a jumble of ruins and restored colonial buildings that might evoke your sleepy port town – except for being in the shadow of the banking and commercial skyscrapers of the El Cangrejo district, about two miles to the north. To Casco Viejo’s west, the former U.S. Canal Zone town of Balboa presents a distinctly North American face. To the east of El Cangrejo, set amid sprawling suburban slums, \RX̞OOͫQGWKHUXLQVRI3DQDP£9LHMRWKHͫUVW(XURSHDQFLW\RQWKH3DFLͫFFRDVWRIWKH$PHULFDV 2IIWKHFRDVW\RX̞OOͫQGQXPHURXVLVODQGVWKDWVWXGWKHVHDVKLHOGHGE\RFHDQIURPWKHKXVWOHRI the city. Henry Morgan destroyed the old city in 1671 (now visible as the ruins of Panama Viejo) and the Spanish moved to a more defensible position on a rocky peninsula on the foot of Cerro Ancón. Protected by reefs and surrounded by a massive wall, the old town languished as the wealthy abandoned it and the urban expansion moved the city center eastward. Today, the Casco Viejo buildings that have been restored give a sense of how impressive the area must have looked long ago, and the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Some of the allure of Casco Viejo’s remains the dilapidated charm of the crumbling buildings, abandoned houses and boarded-up ruins. Local Transportation Taxi: Probably the most popular way to get around the city. The city is divided into four zones, and fares are around $1.25 per zone. Depending on your distance, you should expect to pay from 1.25 to $5.00. The Canal Zone is in a separate district and will cost at least $5.00. If you’re traveling with others, expect to pay $.50 per passenger. Taxi drivers may pick up additional 59 SDVVHQJHUVHQURXWH̛EXWWKH\VKRXOGGURSRIIWKHͫUVWIDUHEHIRUHFRQWLQXLQJRQWRQHZ destinations. Tipping taxi drivers is not standard. Know, also, that some taxi drivers will try to overcharge you, as the government is not strict in enforcing penalties. Buses: Also popular, inexpensive, but not quite as convenient as a taxi and possibly confusing due to ongoing changes. The privately owned and operated “red devil” buses (many were retired school buses from Florida, converted locally for urban use) are being phased out in favor of safer, air conditioned, more consistent, and state operated metro buses. The standard fare is between $.25 to $1.25, depending on the route and how far you are traveling. The “red devils” accept cash, but the new metro buses don’t– you’ll need to buy a fare card before you board. Fare cards start at $2; you can add more money as needed. The buses are often mobbed during rush hours and it best to avoid them at that time. Subway:7KHFLW\DOVREXLOWWKHͫUVWPHWURVXEZD\V\VWHPLQ&HQWUDO$PHULFDDQGFXUUHQWO\KDV one operational subway line. Cuisine As you might suspect from a city at the crossroads of oceans and continents, Panama City offers a wide variety of international cuisine—including Japanese, Italian, Thai, Middle Eastern, Chinese ̧\RXFDQSUREDEO\ͫQGDQ\HWKQLFFXLVLQH\RX̞GOLNHVRPHZKHUHLQWKHFLW\6LQFHWKHUH̞VDODUJH 86H[SDWULDWHSRSXODWLRQ\RX̞OOKDYHQRSUREOHPVͫQGLQJFDIHVDQGUHVWDXUDQWVVHUYLQJXS standard American-style fare, like burgers and fries. Generally speaking, dining is casual, though \RX̞OOKDYHQRGLIͫFXOW\ͫQGLQJXSVFDOHUHVWDXUDQWV Shopping There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. O.A.T. is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases. Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund. 60 Crafts & Souvenirs Panama In Panama, locally made items can be found at good prices. Look for leatherwear, beaded necklaces strung by local Guaymí Indians, native costumes, jewels and precious stones, straw products, electrical equipment, handicrafts of carved wood, ceramics, papier mâché artifacts, macramé and mahogany bowls. Colombia U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511. The top three points to know are: • At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees. • Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties. • It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. 61 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Panama Facts & Figures • Area: 29,157 square miles • Capital: Panama City • Languages:6SDQLVKLVWKHRIͫFLDOODQJXDJH (QJOLVKDQG3DQDPDQLDQDUHDOVRVSRNHQ • Location: Panama is bordered by Costa Rica and Colombia. • Geography: Panama is a west-to-east S-shaped isthmus. At its narrowest point, it is about 40 miles wide. A mountain range, the Cordillera Central, runs down its center. • Population: 3,309,679 • Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15% • Time Zone: Panama is on Eastern Standard Time. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 6am in Panama City. National Holidays: Panama 01/01 New Year´s Day 11/10 Shout in Villa de los Santos 01/09 Martyr’s Day 11/28 Independence from Spain 05/01 Labor Day / May Day 12/08 Mother’s Day 11/03 Independence Day 12/25 Christmas Day 11/05 Colon Day Historical Overview of Panama 7KHͫUVWNQRZQLQKDELWDQWVRI3DQDPD̜WKH&XHYDVDQGWKH&RFO«̜ZHUHZLSHGRXWZKHQWKH Spanish arrived in the 16th century. It was both weapons and diseases brought from Europe that HUDGLFDWHGWKHLUSRSXODWLRQV7KHLUFRQTXHVWFRPSOHWHWKH6SDQLVKVHWWOHGDORQJWKH3DFLͫF&RDVW and founded Panama City in 1519. In search of gold, Spaniards headed south to Peru and the riches that they brought back drew the attention of pirates. It wasn’t long before travel through the Caribbean was ripe with the threat of piracy and many Spanish, in an effort to protect their cache, brought it all the way back to Europe via Cape Horn. As a result, the once-rich Panama slipped into poverty. When neighboring Colombia declared its independence in 1821, it claimed Panama as a province. It wasn’t until 1846 that the U.S. became LQYROYHGLQWKHUHJLRQVLJQLQJDWUHDW\WRDOORZ$PHULFDWREXLOGDUDLOZD\IURPWKH3DFLͫFWRWKH Caribbean, and to defend it with force. U.S. interests aligned with the revolutionary ambitions of 62 Panama’s opposition party, and the former supported the latter as it declared its sovereignty in 1903. Soon after, a new treaty was signed, granting the U.S. a canal zone in perpetuity ten miles ZLGHDQGͫYHPLOHVRQHLWKHUVLGH7KH3DQDPD&DQDOZRXOGVRRQEHFRPHUHDOLW\ Modern History The canal treaty also granted the U.S. liberal rights to intervene in Panamanian affairs, resulting LQWHQVHUHODWLRQV&DQDOFRQVWUXFWLRQEHJDQLQ DQGRQO\WHQ\HDUVODWHUWKHͫUVWVKLS negotiated its waters. (See below for a history of the Panama Canal). In 1936, the U.S. relinquished its right to interfere with Panama’s affairs outside the Canal Zone. But it wasn’t until 1999 that Panama formally gained control of the canal. In 1984, General Manuel Noriega—once head of Panama’s secret police and once a CIA RSHUDWLYH̜URVHWRSRZHUDVGLFWDWRU2YHUWKHQH[WͫYH\HDUVKHPXUGHUHGKLVRSSRQHQWVDQG VWRPSHGRQDWWHPSWVDWGHPRFUDF\WUDIͫFNLQJGUXJVDQGODXQGHULQJPRQH\DORQJWKHZD\7KH 1989 election results seemed to promise new leadership, but the winning candidate was beaten on national television and the election annulled. Noriega was becoming an embarrassment around the world. Still, he declared himself the winner and announced a state of war with the U.S. The NLOOLQJRIDQXQDUPHG86VROGLHUIXHOHGWKHVHͬDPHV “Operation Just Cause” was launched with 26,000 U.S. troops to bring down Noriega and bring democracy to Panama. More than 2,000 civilians lost their lives in the operation, and thousands ZHUHOHIWKRPHOHVV1RULHJDͬHGFODLPHGDV\OXPLQWKH9DWLFDQHPEDVV\DQGZDVXOWLPDWHO\ captured and convicted of money laundering. 3DQDPDKDVVHHQͫYHSUHVLGHQWVVLQFHLWVͫUVWIHPDOHSUHVLGHQWDPRQJWKHP3ULYDWL]DWLRQKDV increased, infrastructure has improved, and more attention has been paid to health care and education. History of the Panama Canal 7KHLGHDRIFRQQHFWLQJWKH$WODQWLFDQG3DFLͫFRFHDQVE\ZD\RIDZDWHUSDVVDJHDFURVVWKH Isthmus of Panama can be traced to Vasco Nuñez de Balboa’s Isthmian crossing of 1513. He realized that only a narrow strip of land separated the two oceans. It was then suggested to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (who was also Charles I of Spain) that digging out this strip of land ZRXOGVLJQLͫFDQWO\UHGXFHWKHWLPHLWWRRNWREULQJJROGIURPWKHQHZZRUOGWR6SDLQ$VDUHVXOW a decree was issued in 1534 ordering the Panama regional governor to survey a canal route. This ZDVWKHͫUVWVXUYH\IRUDSURSRVHGVKLSFDQDOWKURXJK3DQDPD+RZHYHUZDUVLQ(XURSHDQG doubt over the feasibility of the task put plans for building a canal on hold. In the mid 19th century the discovery of gold in California spurned further interest by the Spanish government in digging the canal; however, the company that was created to build it went bankrupt. Then, in 1869 Ulysses S. Grant ordered survey expeditions to Central America, looking for a possible canal route. Meanwhile, a French company was organized by Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps—the builder of the Suez Canal. De Lesseps suggested a sea-level canal similar to the Suez Canal. French Navy Lieutenant Lucien N.B. Wyse then traveled to Bogotá with de Lesseps’ canal plan and negotiated a 63 treaty with the Colombian government (who occupied Panama at the time) that granted Lesseps’ company exclusive rights to build an inter-oceanic canal through Panama. This treaty became known as the Wyse Concession. Afterward, an International Congress for Study of an Inter-Oceanic Canal was planned in Paris on May 15, 1879. At this congress 14 canal proposals were presented, including the U.S. delegation’s 1LFDUDJXDSODQ%XWLQWKHHQGGH/HVVHSV̞FRQͫGHQFHDQGFKDULVPDZRQRXWDQGWKHFRQJUHVV agreed to back his sea-level canal plan. French Construction ,QWKHͫUVWIHZ\HDUVRIFRQVWUXFWLRQRXWEUHDNVRI\HOORZIHYHUDQGPDODULDWRRNWKHLUWROORQ WKHZRUNIRUFH$QGDIWHUFRQWLQXHGͬRRGLQJRIWKH&KDJUHV5LYHULWDOVREHFDPHFOHDUWRWKH engineers that a sea-level canal would not work, and that a high level lock canal was needed. De Lesseps, however, was determined to continue with his plan. He brought in various construction FRPSDQLHVDQGQRQHZHUHDEOHWRͫQLVKWKHVHDOHYHOFDQDO(YHQWXDOO\LQ-DQXDU\RI Lesseps’ company ran out of funds and construction ceased that May. With the Wyse Concession to expire in 1893, Wyse returned to Bogotá where he negotiated a ten- year extension. Meanwhile, a new French-backed company was organized called the Companie Nouvelle de Canal de Panama. With little initial backing, the company hoped to attract investors who would help them fund the completion of the canal. However, both the public and the French government had lost faith in the canal. The company had no choice but to abandon the project. U.S. Construction President Theodore Roosevelt’s interest in a Central American canal was heightened by an incident in Cuba in 1898. During the Spanish-American War, a U.S. battleship stationed there was blown up—with 260 lives lost. Another battleship, the Oregon, stationed in San Francisco at the time, was ordered to the Atlantic to help. The 12,000-mile journey took the Oregon 64 days to complete which, fortunately, was not too late for them to join in the Battle of Santiago Bay. The incident, however, convinced Roosevelt that the canal was absolutely necessary. The U.S. Isthmian Canal Commission of 1899-1902 suggested for a second time that the canal be built through Nicaragua and popular sentiment agreed. At the same time, the French Companie Nouvelle de Canal de Panama proposed a deal with the Americans to sell them their parcels of land in Panama. In the end, the President was authorized to acquire the French company’s assets—but if arrangements could not be agreed upon between the United States and Colombia within “a reasonable time” the President would be authorized to seek an agreement for the alternate route through Nicaragua. Colombia rejected the initial treaty to build the canal in Panama. Roosevelt grew impatient and began supporting Panama’s independence movement. He dispatched war ships on both sides of the isthmus and defeated a Colombian land force of 2,000 near the Darien jungle. Panama declared independence on November 3, 1903. Afterwards a new treaty granting the U.S. a canal ]RQHFRQFHVVLRQLQSHUSHWXLW\WHQPLOHVZLGHDQGͫYHPLOHVRQHLWKHUVLGHRIWKH&DQDOSULVPOLQH was sent to Panama and shortly after accepted. 64 To begin construction, chief engineer John F. Stevens needed to overcome the fact that Panama was in no way equipped to support the additional population created by the growing Canal labor force. Stevens saw at once that the Panama Railroad was the lifeline of canal construction and therefore the railroad underwent a complete overhaul. The French equipment was replaced with the most durable, and trained men were brought in to rebuild the railroad. Stevens also developed the ingenious system of canal excavation and disposal of rock and soil FDOOHG̡VSRLO̢+HGHYLVHGDFRPSOH[EXWFDSDEOHDQGYHU\HIͫFLHQWV\VWHPRIUDLOURDGWUDFNVDW different levels within the Cut. Spoil trains were scheduled to coordinate with the level where excavation was being done. Stevens convinced Roosevelt that locks were needed; this could be no sea-level canal. The estimated building time was set at 8 years. With canal construction off the ground and going well, Stevens suddenly and inexplicably resigned in April of 1907. General George Washington Goethals took his place. The Culebra Cut was the “special wonder” of the canal. Men and machines labored here to conquer an 8.75-mile stretch extending through the Continental Divide from Gamboa on the north to Pedro Miguel on the south. The lowest elevation between these points was at 333.5 feet DERYHVHDOHYHO/DQGVOLGHVZHUHDFRQVWDQWWKUHDWDW&XOHEUD&XW7KHͫUVWRFFXUUHGDW&XFDUDFKD on October 4, 1907 when 500,000 cubic yards of removed material fell into the cut, following several days of heavy rain. The slide moved an average of 14 feet every 24 hours. Design of the Locks The original lock plan called for one three-step set of locks at Gatun, one step at Pedro Miguel DQGDWZRVWHSVHWDW6RVD+LOO/DWHUWKH6RVD+LOOORFNVZHUHPRYHGIXUWKHULQODQGWR0LUDͬRUHV All lock chambers were built with the same 100 by 1,000 feet dimension, and are built in pairs, DOORZLQJIRUWZRODQHVRIWUDIͫF,WWRRNIRXU\HDUVWREXLOGDOORIWKHORFNV In spite of the newness of the science at the time, after 80 years of service the concrete of the Panama Canal locks remains in almost perfect condition—which to present day engineers is among the most exceptional aspects of the entire canal. The key factor in the canal is water. Water lifts ships 85 feet above sea level to the surface of *DWXQ/DNHͬRDWVWKHPDFURVVWKH&RQWLQHQWDO'LYLGHDQGORZHUVWKHPDJDLQWRVHDOHYHOLQWKH opposite ocean. There are no pumps used in the canal, water does its work by gravity alone. Water also generates electrical power for the electric motors that open and close the gates. End of Construction 7KHͫUVWFRPSOHWH3DQDPD&DQDOSDVVDJHE\DVHOISURSHOOHGYHVVHOWRRNSODFHRQ-DQXDU\ A celebration was planned to recognize the completion of the canal; however, the Great War in Europe was setting a somber tone and the world’s-fair-style festivities were cancelled. At the end of construction the canal cost Americans around $375,000,000—which, unlike any RWKHUVXFKSURMHFWRQUHFRUGZDVXQGHUEXGJHW,QIDFWWKHͫQDOͫJXUHZDVEHORZ the 1907 estimate, in spite of landslides and a design change to a wider canal. 65 Colombia Facts & Figures • Area: 439,736 square miles • Capital: Bogotá • Languages:6SDQLVKLVWKHRIͫFLDOODQJXDJH • Ethnicity: Mestizos (mix of European and Amerindian) 58%, White 20%, Afro-Colombian 21%, Amerindian 1% • Location:&RORPELDLVERUGHUHGE\%UD]LO(FXDGRU3DQDPD3HUX9HQH]XHODWKH3DFLͫF Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. • Geography: Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America—roughly the size of 7H[DVDQG&DOLIRUQLDFRPELQHG,QWKHZHVWORZSHDNVULVHRYHUWKHͬDW3DFLͫFORZODQGV Moving inward, these give way to the three mountain chains that run across the center of the country. Mountain peaks of up to 13,000 feet soar over these central regions. Moving further east, the countryside descends to grassy lowlands, and then to the coastal areas on the Caribbean Sea. • Population: 46,736728 (estimate) • Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, other 10% • Time zone: Colombia is in Eastern Standard Time. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 6am in Bogotá National Holidays: Colombia In addition to the holidays listed below, 07/20 Independence Day Colombia celebrates a number of national 08/07 Battle of Boyaca Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Epiphany, Feast of the Sacred Heart, and 10/15 Columbus Day (DVWHU7RͫQGRXWLI\RXZLOOEHWUDYHOLQJ during these holidays, please visit www. 11/05 All Saint’s Day timeanddate.com/holidays. 11/12 Independence of Cartagena 01/01 New Year’s Day 12/08 Feast of the Immaculate Conception 03/25 St. Joseph’s Day 12/25 Christmas Day 05/01 Labor Day/May Day June Corpus Christi (moves each year) Historical Overview of Colombia Pre-19th-Century History 66 Among the cultures scattered in the Andean region before Europeans arrived were the Tayrona, Sinú, Muisca, Quimbaya, Tierradentro, and San Agustín. Many of these tribes produced intricate goldwork and pottery. Some left behind tombs and rock paintings which give today’s anthropologists insight into their ancient cultures. 7KHͫUVWUHFRUGHG6SDQLVKYLVLWRFFXUUHGZKHQ$ORQVRGH2MHGDVWHSSHGDVKRUHRQWKH*XDMLUD Peninsula in 1499. (Yes, Colombia is named for Christopher Columbus, but actually he never visited the country.) Like so many explorers, De Ojeda was in search of the mythical land of El Dorado, and the Amerindians’ gold work made him think he had found it. Word spread about the region’s potential wealth and more expeditions followed. In the end, three different Spanish expeditions raced to the interior looking for the mythical land (and hoping for very real treasure). $WͫUVWORFDOWULEHVWROHUDWHGWKHYLVLWRUVEXWWKH\VRRQUHEHOOHGZKHQLWEHFDPHFOHDUWKDW the colonists wanted only to enslave them and take their land. But they were no match for the advanced weaponry of the invaders, and soon Spain controlled much of the country. Colonial towns began to prosper, including Cartagena (founded in 1533). In the mid-1500s, Colombia, then called “New Granada,” became part of the Viceroyalty of Peru, and remained under that domain IRUDOPRVW\HDUV'XULQJWKDWWLPHWKHFRXQWU\ͬRXULVKHGDQGLQ%RJRW£ZDVGHFODUHGWKH capital of the newly created Viceroyalty of New Granada. Sadly, much of the prosperity was due to the widespread practice of importing slave labor from Africa. Some historians estimate that so many Africans were brought to Colombia that they outnumbered the indigenous peoples. Independence Throughout the 18th century, the Spaniards held tight control over the land. Spain regulated commerce, taxes, and duty; in addition, only the Spanish court could award the highest political RIͫFHV3URWHVWVIRUDXWRQRP\LQFUHDVHGGXULQJWKHWXUQRIWKH WKFHQWXU\EXWLWZDVDFWXDOO\ events in Europe that would spark Colombia’s independence. As with many other Spanish colonies, it was the news that Spain had been attacked by Napoleon that forced the issue to the surface. In Colombia, the news divided the country. Many cities or regions formed their own autonomous governments, which is why this period is sometimes nicknamed “la Patria Boba,” or “the foolish fatherland.” ,QWKHHQGWKHJUHDWXQLͫHURIWKHVHYDULRXVJURXSVZDVWKH9HQH]XHODQOLEHUDWRU6LPµQ%RO¯YDU 7KLVLVQRWDVRGGDVLWPD\VHHPDWͫUVW̜PRGHUQGD\9HQH]XHODZDVSDUWRIWKH1HZ*UDQDGD WHUULWRU\ $VWKH6SDQLVKWURRSVWULHGWRUHWDNHWKHLUIRUPHUWHUULWRULHVKLVDUP\OHGWKHͫJKWIRU independence. With the decisive Battle of Boyaca on August 7, 1819, Bolívar’s troops won the war. Colombia joined Venezuela and Ecuador to form the Republic of Gran Colombia, but even with %RO¯YDUDVWKHͫUVWHOHFWHGSUHVLGHQWSROLWLFDOGLIIHUHQFHVOHGWRWKHGLVVROXWLRQRIWKHUHSXEOLF after ten years. Political Division 67 Many of the differences were actually centered on Simón Bolívar and his vice president, Francisco de Paula Santander. The two had very different views on how the new country should be governed; by 1849, these differences were formalized into two political parties—the Conservatives and the Liberals. Conservatives had centralist tendencies, believed the government should be allied with the Roman Catholic Church, and favored a limited voting pool. The Liberals leaned toward a decentralized federal government, preferred a separation between church and state, and advocated broader voting rights. This division set the tone for the rest of the century. Civil chaos festered. Fifty insurrections and up to eight civil wars unfolded, culminating in the bloody War of a Thousand Days in 1899. (“Up WRHLJKWFLYLOZDUV̢EHFDXVHVRPHKLVWRULDQVFODVVLI\FHUWDLQFRQͬLFWVDVUHYROWVXSULVLQJVRU attempted coups.) Modern History After such an epic century, and an inauspicious beginning to the next, it might come as a surprise WRͫQGWKDW&RORPELDZDVUHODWLYHO\TXLHWIURP 7KHPDLQFRQFHUQVGXULQJWKLVSHULRG were the building of the Panama Canal and the two World Wars (which Colombia fought on the Allied side). The Panama Canal was especially upsetting to Colombia because until 1903, Panama was a province of Colombia. At the time, it was widely felt that the U.S. had encouraged Panama to break off from Colombia in order to broker a more advantageous deal. %XW&RORPELD̞VVWUXJJOHVZLWKSROLWLFDOGLYLVLRQZHUHIDUIURPRYHU&RQͬLFWEHWZHHQWKH Conservatives and the Liberals ignited again in 1948 with La Violencia, this time killing 300,000 people. A 1953 military coup by General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla helped bring an end to the bloodshed, but did not result in the hoped-for reforms. In the end, both parties collaborated to launch a counter-coup against the general in 1957. The two parties—now called the National Front—agreed to share power for the next 16 years. The suggested power share took an unusual IRUP̜LQVWHDGRIJRYHUQLQJWRJHWKHUWKHSDUWLHVZRXOGWDNHWXUQVLQSUHVLGHQWLDORIͫFH 6R WKHIRUWKHͫUVW\HDUWHUP&RORPELDKDGD/LEHUDOSUHVLGHQWIRUWKHQH[W\HDUWHUPLWZDVD Conservative, and so forth.) The National Front agreement ended in 1974 with the election of Liberal President Alfonso López Michelsen, but some semblance of the two-party system continued. Meanwhile, left-wing guerrilla groups were surfacing: the National Liberation Army (ELN), Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the April 19 Movement (M19). 'UXJFDUWHOVLQ0HGHOO¯QDQG&DOLZHUHDOVRJDLQLQJSRZHUDQGLQͬXHQFHDWWKLVWLPH̜RIWHQ through violence, but also through newfound wealth. The relations between the burgeoning cartels and guerilla groups became complicated. Some guerilla groups began using the drag trade to fund their actives, while others rejected the cartels entirely, even going so far as to kidnap cartel family members. In reaction, many of the cartels started death squads that were, in theory, to protect themselves from the guerrillas. (In reality, many of the death squads were right-wing 68 paramilitary groups who were used to terrorize civilians and increase the cartel’s share of the drug trade.) The most notorious of these paramilitares was the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC). By 1990, widespread violence threatened to paralyze the country. In 1991, government control was strengthened with the signing of a new constitution and the surrender of Pablo Escobar, the head of the Medellín cocaine cartel. After his escape in 1992, he was tracked down and killed. After Escobar’s death, and the public arrests of other key drug kingpins, many of the large cartels began to break up into small groups that turned on each other. The 1990s also saw a change in public sentiment about politicians’ relationship with the cartels. Although it was widely understood that corruption was rampant, many had been hesitant to speak out. But in the late 1990s, accusations arose that claimed President Ernesto Samper’s FDPSDLJQKDGEHHQͫQDQFHGE\GUXJPRQH\,QGHSHQGHQWFRQVHUYDWLYH$QGUHV3DVWUDQDZKR had blown the whistle on Samper’s Cali connections, won the 1998 election. It was Pastrana who ͫUVWXQYHLOHG̡3ODQ&RORPELD̢DFRPSUHKHQVLYHSODQWRFRPEDWGUXJWUDIͫFNLQJVWUHQJWKHQWKH democratic process, and improve Colombia’s human-rights record. Recent History Vowing to continue his predecessor’s “Plan Colombia,” independent Álvaro Uribe was elected SUHVLGHQWLQ+HZDVDVWDXQFKDGYHUVDU\RIWKHJXHUULOODVDQGIRUWKHͫUVWIHZPRQWKVRIKLV presidency, the war grew intense. But a major breakthrough occurred in 2003 with a peace treaty between the government and the right-wing paramilitary AUC. Talks with the last remaining left-wing guerrilla group (FARC) have been on and off for a decade, but today their numbers have dwindled to half of what they were in 2000. Uribe was re-elected in 2006, and succeeded by Juan Manuel Santos in August 2010. 69 RESOURCES Suggested Readings General A Brief History of Central America by Lynn V. Foster (History) A good overview of the economic and cultural history of the region. An earlier book by the same name but written by Hector Perez- Brignoll is also good, but isn’t as up-to-date as this edition. Nature of the Rainforest, Costa Rica and Beyond by Adrian Forsyth (Natural History) Although based in Costa Rica, biologist Forsyth used his experience to explain the basic ecology and conversation of any rainforest. Over 100 wonderful photographs complement the text. The Monkey’s Bridge: Mysteries of Evolution in Central America by David Rains (Natural History) An absorbing account of the history, exploration, and evolutionary role of the Central American land bridge by an award-winning nature writer. Travelers’ Tales Central America by Larry Habegger and Natanya Pearlman (Travel Account) A collection of eyewitness reports by journalists, travelers and writers, including Joan Didion, P.J. O’Rourke, and Paul Theroux. Panama How Wall Street Created a Nation: J.P. Morgan, Teddy Roosevelt & the Panama Canal by Ovidio 'LD](VSLQR +LVWRU\ $QLQWULJXLQJORRNLQWRWKHWUHDFKHU\EHKLQGWKHVFHQHVͫQDQFLDO wrangling and Roosevelt-era dollar diplomacy that resulted in both the Panama Canal and the establishment of Panama as an independent nation. Panama Canal by Cruise Ship by Anne Vipond (Guidebook) An outstanding guide to the Panama Canal that features a mile-by-mile guide to the transit, a history of the building of the canal, and a detailed pullout map. The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914 by David McCullough (History) McCullough reveals the full scope of the Panama Canal with page-turning storytelling ability. Capturing the international intrigue, it reads more like a suspense novel than a historical account. The Tailor of Panama by John Le Carré (Novel) Set in Panama, this thriller by master storyteller -RKQ/H&DUUHLQFOXGHVVS\PDVWHUVFRUUXSWRIͫFLDOVDUPVPDQXIDFWXUHUVDQGRWKHU unsavory types. Colombia One Hundred Years of Solitude, Love in the Time of Cholera, and Of Love and Other Demons by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Literature) Seminal works by Colombia’s most famous author, known for his lyrical prose and stories that mix the real with the magical. Years is the sprawling tale of a family that founds a town and their subsequent relations with the inhabitants. Cholera is a 70 VRPHWLPHVGLIͫFXOWWDOHDERXWWKHFRPSOLFDWHGGLVHDVHVWKDWZHFDOOORYHDQGURPDQFHDemons is the tragic story of a girl who may have rabies and her romance with the priest who was hoping to cure her. Vine of the Soul: Medicine Men, Their Plants, and Rituals in the Colombian Amazon by Richard Evans Schultes and Robert F. Raffauf (Culture, Botany) The title says it all. The Sound of Things FallingE\-XDQ*DEULHO9DVTXH] )LFWLRQ $ͫFWLRQDOL]HGDFFRXQWRIDPDQ looking for the truth of his friend’s death, set against the backdrop of the drug cartels. De sobremesa, Poesias, and other titles by Jose Asuncion Silva (Poetry) Widely considered &RORPELD̞VQDWLRQDOSRHW-RVH$VXQFLRQ6LOYD̞VZRUNVFDQEHKDUGWRͫQGLQWKH86̜HVSHFLDOO\ in English—but some are available online. Suggested Movies Panama NOVA: A Man, a Plan, a Canal—Panama (2004, documentary) An interesting and informative documentary on the sheer engineering feat that is the canal. Hosted by David McCullough, the author of A Path Between the Seas. The Tailor of Panama GUDPD 7KHͫOPDGDSWDWLRQRIWKHFODVVLF-RKQ/H&DUUHVS\WKULOOHU Colombia Love in the Time of Cholera (2008, Romance) A story about love, patience, and (of course) cholera. Based on the novel of the same name. Romancing the Stone (1984, Adventure) Part adventure, part romantic comedy—a novelist and an adventurer team up to on a treasure hunt in Colombia. El Rey 'UDPD 7KHͫFWLRQDOVWRU\RIDGUXJNLQJSLQVHWLQ&DOL&RORPELDGXULQJWKH V Kind of like a Colombian Scarface or Godfather. The Embrace of the Serpent (2015, Foreign) Two scientists search the Amazon for a scared healing plant with the aid of Karamakate, a shaman and the last of his people. Colombia: Wild Magic (2015, Documentary) A well-received wildlife documentary about the FRXQWU\̞VELRGLYHUVLW\WKDWZDVDVXUSULVHER[RIͫFHKLWLQ&RORPELD$OVRUHOHDVHGXQGHUWKH Spanish name Colombia Magia Salvaje. The Snail’s Strategy (1993, Comedy/Foreign) When a landlord starts to evict a group of quirky tenants in a run-down building, they come up with an unlikely solution. Maria Full of Grace (2004, Drama) A teenager becomes a drug mule to earn money for her family. 7KHPRYLHGHDOVZLWKVRPHGLIͫFXOWDQGFRQWURYHUVLDOWRSLFVEXWZDVFULWLFDOO\DFFODLPHGIRULWV moving performances. 71 Useful Websites Overseas Adventure Travel Forum (tips from World Weather previous travelers) www.intellicast.com www.oattravel.com/forum www.weather.com www.wunderground.com Overseas Adventure Travel Store www.oatshop.com Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) www.travlang.com/languages Overseas Adventure Travel Frequent Asked Questions Packing Tips www.oattravel.com/faq www.travelite.org International Health Information/CDC U.S. Customs & Border Protection (Centers for Disease Control) www.cbp.gov/travel http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel Transportation Security Electricity & Plugs Administration (TSA) www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/ www.tsa.gov plugs-and-sockets National Passport Information Center Foreign Exchange Rates www.travel.state.gov www.xe.com/currencyconverter Holidays Worldwide www.oanda.com/converter/classic www.timeanddate.com/holidays ATM Locators www.mastercard.com/atm www.visa.com/atmlocator 72 Notes 73 Notes 74 Bogota Guatape Cartagena . Medellin R COLOMBIA s e r g g a h Panama Bay Panama City Sea C Island Taboga Caribbean POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS POST-TRIP City Clayton Ocean PANAMA Pacific Panama Agua Clara Center Visitor A La Chorrera Miraflores Locks Gulf of Panama Pedro Miguel Locks Guararé M Lake Gatún Gatún Locks San Lorenzo N.P. Sarigua N.P. Caribbean Sea Ca C A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A Las Tablas Chitré N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Panama City A 50 miles (80km) PANAMA Caribbean Sea Arrival/ Distance Air Route PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Pacific Ocean Boquette Departure P David Motor Route Cruise Route Total Cruising Total Optional Extension 75 Visit www.oattravel.com or call us toll-free at 1-800-955-1925 0 Traveler 10/2019 76