Here’s an excursion in Panama unlike any other. The Camino Real was built 500 years ago to connect the Atlantic with the Pacific, at the very moment the city of Panamá was founded in 1519. Unimaginable amounts of gold and silver were hauled along this path on the backs of mules alone, riches that naturally drew the most famous pirates of the day, real pirates of the Caribbean, not Hollywood stars, like Francis Drake and Henry Morgan.
The excursion opens with a stunning boat trip through Chagres National Park, right up to the first remains of the old path. From the lakeshore, a two-hour hike sets off through the park’s rainforest, often over the old colonial cobblestones. After about 3 kilometers we reach the village of Quebrada Ancha. Its residents worked closely with Christian Strassnig to explore the Camino Real, and today they rely on sustainable tourism to protect the (World) cultural heritage and the rainforest of Chagres National Park. In the village you can enjoy a typical local lunch and meet the people who made the rediscovery possible. By joining this excursion, you’re supporting the people along the Camino Real and the preservation of both the cultural heritage and the rainforest. Best of all, you come away with a truly unique experience. On the Camino Real you learn and feel the history of the gold, the pirates and the path’s rediscovery up close.
Transport from the port in Colón, an English-speaking guide, a guided hike, lunch in the village, a contribution to the village’s sustainable development and, of course, a punctual return to the port.
Our other excursions from Colón:
- Embera and the Panama Canal (meet the Embera and support their sustainable development)
- Old town and the Panama Canal (the city of Panama celebrated its 500th anniversary in 2019)
- Monkey Island and the Panama Canal (a relaxing boat trip with wildlife watching on the canal)
Here you’ll find the excursion details.
Note: These excursions are designed specifically for passengers of the Mein Schiff and AIDA cruise ships. For excursions from Panama City and round trips, please check our website or get in touch.