Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Travel through the rainforest on a 20 minute drive to Melia Hotel on the Gatun Lake. The Panama Canal rainforests are some of the most accessible green zones in the world. With over 50,000 acres of pristine rainforest, this natural gem hosts an incredible 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians. The canal requires a vast rainforest watershed to feed water to its lock system, which uses millions of gallons each day. Since the rainforests are so important to the national economy, the Canal Zone has had to actively preserve its natural resources, providing pristine green areas and excellent photo opportunities.

After your trip arrive at Gatun Lake and board your catamaran boat. During the one hour cruise your guide explains the rainforest ecosystem and points out sights of interest. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, and sloths.

Gatun Lake or "Lago Gatún" is a large artificial lake situated in the Republic of Panama; it forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships during their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. The lake was created between 1907 and 1913 by the building of the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. The geography of the area was ideal for the creation of a large lake.

After your guided tour of the lake, discover paradise in its purest form encountering the Embera Indians. The Embera are a unique and beautiful people. This tribe still lives in harmony with their natural surroundings in the rainforest. Witness traditional song and dance along with music performed on handmade instruments. The Embera possess an amazing botanical knowledge, and they are a warm and friendly people. After meeting the Embera and witnessing their performances, you will have the opportunity to purchase native handcrafts.

Leave the Embera village and continue to the Gatun Locks observation area. Spend approximately 60 minutes observing the locks in operation. Your guide explains the engineering feat required to move ships over a continental divide that separates two oceans.

The Gatun Locks are the first set of locks situated on the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. A series of three lock chambers raise ships to a height of 87 feet above sea level. Each lock is 100 feet wide and 1000 feet long and takes eight to 15 minutes to fill with water. Ships are raised a total of 87 feet above sea level into Gatun Lake and then lowered at the end of their transit into the other ocean. A common misconception is that one ocean is higher than the other, but they are both at sea level. After witnessing the locks in action, board your transportation for the drive to the ship.