Panama Canal, Inca & South America Cruise Package Cruise on Oosterdam from Fort Lauderdale (Florida)

Day 6

Port of call in Panama Canal. Port of call in Panama Canal. Port of call in Fort Amador (Panama). Port of call in Panama Canal.

Panama Canal

The interest of establishing a short route from the Atlantic to the Pacific seas started with the explorers of central america at the beginning od the XVI century. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortes, suggested the construction of a canal through the isthmus of Tehuantepec. During the years they made a few attempts and projects, but all were neglected or forgotten. Fernando de Lesseps, constructor of the Suez Canal started building it but for economical and political reasons the project failed. Finally the United States took over the company in charge. The construction of the Panama Canal was one of the biggest engineering projects of all times. It was calculated that it would be completed in ten years; although in the summer of 1914 before provisions, it started to work. The construction involved not only the excavation of approximately 143 million m3 of earth, but also the entire sanitation of the canal zone (that was infested of mosquitos that spreaded malaria and yellow fever). The sanitation was done by the medical department of the United States Army, which nearly completely eradicated the diseases. The final cost of the canal was 336 million dolars. Panama has the control of the canal and complete sovereignty of the calle Canal Zone, since the 31st of december 1999.

Panama Canal

The interest of establishing a short route from the Atlantic to the Pacific seas started with the explorers of central america at the beginning od the XVI century. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortes, suggested the construction of a canal through the isthmus of Tehuantepec. During the years they made a few attempts and projects, but all were neglected or forgotten. Fernando de Lesseps, constructor of the Suez Canal started building it but for economical and political reasons the project failed. Finally the United States took over the company in charge. The construction of the Panama Canal was one of the biggest engineering projects of all times. It was calculated that it would be completed in ten years; although in the summer of 1914 before provisions, it started to work. The construction involved not only the excavation of approximately 143 million m3 of earth, but also the entire sanitation of the canal zone (that was infested of mosquitos that spreaded malaria and yellow fever). The sanitation was done by the medical department of the United States Army, which nearly completely eradicated the diseases. The final cost of the canal was 336 million dolars. Panama has the control of the canal and complete sovereignty of the calle Canal Zone, since the 31st of december 1999.

Fort Amador (Panama)

The primary touristic point of Fort Amador, is due to the privileged location in the entrance of the Canal through the Pacific Coast, where you can enjoy of the spectacular view of the capital.

Panama Canal

The interest of establishing a short route from the Atlantic to the Pacific seas started with the explorers of central america at the beginning od the XVI century. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortes, suggested the construction of a canal through the isthmus of Tehuantepec. During the years they made a few attempts and projects, but all were neglected or forgotten. Fernando de Lesseps, constructor of the Suez Canal started building it but for economical and political reasons the project failed. Finally the United States took over the company in charge. The construction of the Panama Canal was one of the biggest engineering projects of all times. It was calculated that it would be completed in ten years; although in the summer of 1914 before provisions, it started to work. The construction involved not only the excavation of approximately 143 million m3 of earth, but also the entire sanitation of the canal zone (that was infested of mosquitos that spreaded malaria and yellow fever). The sanitation was done by the medical department of the United States Army, which nearly completely eradicated the diseases. The final cost of the canal was 336 million dolars. Panama has the control of the canal and complete sovereignty of the calle Canal Zone, since the 31st of december 1999.

Day 9

Port of call in Manta, Quito (Ecuador).

Manta, Quito (Ecuador)

Manta is a mid-sized city in Manabi Province, Ecuador. It is the second most populous city in the province. Its main economic activity is tuna fishing. Other economic activities include tourism and a chemical industry with products from cleaning supplies to oils and margarine. Manta possesses the largest seaport in Ecuador. Places to visit: the refurbished Playa Murciélago, is in the Malecón area; it features a scenic boardwalk, restaurants serving excellent seafood fresh out of the ocean, recreational sports, craft markets, bars and other places for fun and relaxation. The small town of Montecristi, with its colonial architecture, and well known for shopping the local crafts such as ceramics, wickerwork and Panama hats in a variety of shapes and colors.

Day 19

Port of call in San Antonio (Santiago de Chile).

San Antonio (Santiago de Chile)

Santiago is the capital of Chile and the biggest city, extension wise and population wise. It was founded in 1514 and it has been the capital since colonial times. It has a priviliged situation as you can either go to the snowey mountains travelling 31 miles, or have a bath visiting the sandy beaches in 62 miles. You can visit the winter sport resorts, or visit the beaches in Vina del Mars or valparaiso, the principal port in Chile. Wherever you are in the city you will be able to admire the Andes mountain chain. You will also find little villages surrounding Santiago. You can visit them and see the peace and tranquility of the country life. the tourists can also visit the vineyards and taste the delicious wines.

Day 32

Port of call in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Rio de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent. People from Buenos Aires are referred to as porteños (people of the port). Buenos Aires is a top tourist destination, and is known for its European-style architecture and rich cultural life, with the highest concentration of theatres in the world, with scores of theaters and productions.Strongly influenced by European culture, Buenos Aires is sometimes referred to as the "Paris of South America".Buenos Aires is the birthplace of the current Roman Pontiff, Pope Francis.

Day 33

Disembarking at Buenos Aires. First night hotel stay in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Rio de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent. People from Buenos Aires are referred to as porteños (people of the port). Buenos Aires is a top tourist destination, and is known for its European-style architecture and rich cultural life, with the highest concentration of theatres in the world, with scores of theaters and productions.Strongly influenced by European culture, Buenos Aires is sometimes referred to as the "Paris of South America".Buenos Aires is the birthplace of the current Roman Pontiff, Pope Francis.