Three million years ago, the Isthmus of Panama emerged from the sea and changed the world forever. It divided an ocean and joined two continents together, triggering one of the most important natural evolution events in the history of the world. Today, this narrow land bridge in Central America is home to more species of birds and trees than the whole of North America. Panama is of course world-famous for its 77-kilometer (48-mile) canal that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean. Panama's history has been formed by a rich pre-Columbian era for more than 12,000 years. Early cultures in Panama were the Monagrillo, the Cueva, and the Conte, particularly famous for their pottery, which was the first in the Americas. The first European claiming the territory of today's Panama was Rodrigo de Bastidas, coming from Colombia's Atlantic coast in 1501. In 1513, Vasco Nunez de Balboa became the first Spaniard to see the Pacific Ocean from the top of a hill. Four days later he and his men stood at the shores of the Pacific Ocean. In 1519, Panama City was founded and became an important hub for seized goods making its way from Peru to Spain. We visit Gatun Lake, a large artificial lake with a unique ecosystem that forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships for 33 kilometers (20 miles) on their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. At the time it was created, Gatun Lake was the largest artificial lake in the world. The vegetation at Gatun Lake offers ideal habitats for a large number of bird species. The excursion starts with boat trip that heads north on the canal for 25 minutes where we may get close to some of the larger ships that transit the canal daily. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the forested banks of Gatun Lake looking for wildlife such as capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, three-toed sloth, various kinds of toucans, and other bird life. This is a place to observe the raw regenerative power of the forest as it struggles to claim what was once wild. In the afternoon, we visit an Embera village, an indigenous tribe who have inhabited this region for centuries. There are about 33,000 Embera living in the Darien, Panama, and 50,000 in Colombia. On our visit to one of the Embera villages near Panama City, you will be warmly welcomed by the local villagers and enjoy a presentation to learn about their history, culture, and way of life. On a guided walk through their village, you will meet more villagers who may show you inside their home, sample local snacks, and learn about their medicinal plants. The Embera are renowned for their exquisite handmade jewellery and woven handicrafts, and you will have the chance to appreciate and to purchase their work. ...
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