a taste of panama: canal, conservation, & culture · 2020. 9. 11. · panama’s strategic...
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PANAMA
A Taste of Panama: Canal, Conservation, & Culture
November 10 – 17, 2021
RESERVATION FORM: Panama | Canal, Conservation, & CultureRice University Traveling Owls | November 10 – 17, 2021
Dear Friends,
We invite you to join us in beautiful Panama, the ultimate crossroads of nature, culture, and commerce!
Panama's spirit of exchange permeates the entire experience: learn about its history of international trade on a partial transit of the Panama Canal, discover its indigenous heritage visiting a local Emberá community, explore early Spanish colonial sites, and delve into forests home to myriad tropical wildlife.
You won’t want to miss this unforgettable learning adventure. We expect our limited space will fill up quickly. Please make your reservation as soon as possible to guarantee your spot!
Sincerely,
Shannon Burnett Director of Alumni Programs Office of Alumni Relations
Full Passport Name______________________________________ DOB ____________ Gender ______
E-mail __________________________________________________________________________
Badge Name ____________________________________________________ Class year __________
Full Passport Name______________________________________ DOB ____________ Gender ______
E-mail __________________________________________________________________________
Badge Name ___________________________________________________ Class year ___________
Address _________________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________ State _____________ ZIP ______________
Home Ph. (________)_______________________ Cell Ph. (________)________________________
Enclosed is my/our deposit for $______($500 per person) for ____ person/people on the tour listed below. I/we understand the final payment is due at least 95 days prior to departure (August 7, 2021). Payment may be made by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA or by personal check. Please make check payable to Holbrook Travel, Inc. and mail deposit check to: Holbrook Travel, 3540 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32609. For more information please contact Holbrook Travel at 800-451-7111 or travel@holbrooktravel.com.
Note: The undersigned has read the schedule of activities for the above-referenced tour, and agrees that their signature below represents their acceptance of the General Terms and Conditions.
Final invoicing will be sent by our tour operator, Holbrook Travel, Inc. The balance of the program price must be paid to Holbrook Travel. Final payment is due 95 days prior to departure (August 7, 2021; check or credit card).
Please book my/our air from _____________________. I/we request an air upgrade to ________________. I will share a room with _____________________________________. I request a single room (limited availability).
Method of Payment Check American Express Discover MasterCard VISA
Account # ____________________________ Security Code ________ Exp. Date _________
Name of Cardholder _____________________________________________________________
Signature ____________________________________________________________________
Signature ____________________________________________________ Date________________
Signature ____________________________________________________ Date________________
For further information, please call the Traveling Owls at 713-34-TRIPS (87477) or email travelingowls@rice.edu. You may also contact the tour operator, Holbrook Travel, at 800-451-7111.
GEN
ERA
L TE
RM
S A
ND
CO
ND
ITIO
NS
Ple
ase
read
this
info
rmat
ion
care
fully
, as
paym
ent o
f a d
epos
it re
pres
ents
you
r ac
cept
ance
of t
he fo
llow
ing
Term
s an
d C
ondi
tions
.
Not
Incl
ud
ed in
You
r Tou
r Pr
ice
Inte
rnat
iona
l airf
are
from
you
r dep
artu
re c
ity; c
osts
of p
assp
orts
and
vis
as; p
erso
nal
expe
nses
suc
h as
bev
erag
es, l
aund
ry, r
oom
ser
vice
, and
mea
ls n
ot s
peci
fied;
com
mun
icat
ions
cha
rges
; and
trip
ca
ncel
latio
n in
sura
nce.
Add
ition
al b
agga
ge fe
es le
vied
dire
ctly
by
the
airli
ne(s
) may
app
ly a
nd a
re s
ubje
ct to
cha
nge
at a
ny
time.
You
sho
uld
confi
rm d
irect
ly w
ith y
our a
irlin
e(s)
prio
r to
depa
rtur
e.
Inte
rnat
ion
al A
ir T
ran
spor
tati
on H
olbr
ook
Trav
el o
ffers
gro
up a
irfar
e an
d tic
ketin
g. G
roup
tran
sfer
s be
twee
n th
e ai
rpor
t an
d ho
tel a
re in
clud
ed in
you
r pro
gram
cos
t. A
note
abo
ut o
nlin
e ai
rfare
: Occ
asio
nally
, you
may
be
able
to fi
nd a
irfar
es
onlin
e th
at a
re li
sted
at a
low
er c
ost.
In g
ener
al, i
ndiv
idua
l far
es la
ck th
e fle
xibi
lity
of g
roup
airf
are
and
ofte
n re
quire
im
med
iate
pur
chas
e. Y
ou w
ill re
ceiv
e yo
ur p
relim
inar
y ai
r sch
edul
e ap
prox
imat
ely
2½ m
onth
s pr
ior t
o de
part
ure.
Ple
ase
note
that
sea
t ass
ignm
ents
on
your
inte
rnat
iona
l flig
ht a
re u
sual
ly d
one
at a
irpor
t che
ck-in
. Hol
broo
k Tr
avel
is u
nabl
e to
gu
aran
tee
any
seat
ass
ignm
ents
. Due
to th
e na
ture
of t
our o
pera
tor t
icke
ts, o
ther
rest
rictio
ns a
pply
, inc
ludi
ng b
ut n
ot
limite
d to
, fre
quen
t flye
r mile
age
accr
ual,
stop
over
s, a
ltern
ate
trave
l dat
es, u
pgra
des,
and
airl
ine
taxe
s an
d de
part
ure
fees
. If
you
pref
er to
mak
e yo
ur o
wn
trave
l arr
ange
men
ts, b
ooki
ng th
e to
ur “L
and
Onl
y” is
ava
ilabl
e. W
e re
com
men
d th
at if
you
ch
oose
to m
ake
your
ow
n ai
rline
rese
rvat
ions
, you
do
not p
urch
ase
non-
refu
ndab
le ti
cket
s or
thos
e w
ith h
igh
pena
lties
for
chan
ges.
If y
ou c
hoos
e to
mak
e yo
ur o
wn
air a
rran
gem
ents
, the
Ass
ocia
tion
of R
ice
Alum
ni (A
RA) a
nd H
olbr
ook
Trav
el, I
nc.
shal
l not
hav
e an
y lia
bilit
y fo
r any
loss
resu
lting
from
can
cella
tion
of th
is to
ur o
r cha
nges
in th
is to
ur.
Can
cella
tion
s, C
han
ges
an
d R
efu
nd
s If
you
mus
t can
cel y
our t
our,
the
effe
ctiv
e da
te o
f can
cella
tion
will
be
upon
our
re
ceip
t of y
our n
otifi
catio
n. A
ll ca
ncel
latio
ns n
eed
to b
e su
bmitt
ed in
writ
ing.
Ref
unds
for c
ance
llatio
ns a
re s
ubje
ct to
the
follo
win
g pe
r per
son
char
ges:
Can
cel 9
5 d
ays
or m
ore
bef
ore
dep
artu
re: $
20
0 c
har
ge;
Can
cel 9
5-0
day
s b
efor
e d
epar
ture
: no
refu
nd
. Ple
ase
note
that
we
will
not
refu
nd th
e co
st o
f any
unu
sed
port
ion
of y
our t
our p
acka
ge. W
e w
ill
not c
harg
e a
fee
for a
ny c
hang
es m
ade
to y
our r
eser
vatio
n ou
tsid
e of
95
days
bef
ore
depa
rtur
e. F
rom
94
to 3
0 da
ys b
efor
e de
part
ure,
if y
ou m
ake
any
chan
ges
to y
our r
eser
vatio
n, a
$10
0 pe
r per
son
adm
inis
trativ
e fe
e w
ill a
pply
, in
addi
tion
to
any
fees
or p
enal
ties
impo
sed
by a
irlin
es, h
otel
s, o
r oth
er th
ird p
artie
s. C
hang
es a
re s
ubje
ct to
ava
ilabi
lity
and
cann
ot b
e gu
aran
teed
. If y
our r
eser
vatio
n ch
ange
s fro
m d
oubl
e oc
cupa
ncy
to s
ingl
e oc
cupa
ncy
for a
ny re
ason
, you
will
be
char
ged
the
sing
le s
uppl
emen
t. N
o ch
ange
s to
you
r res
erva
tion
can
be m
ade
with
in 3
0 da
ys o
f dep
artu
re. I
f due
to u
nfor
esee
n ci
rcum
stan
ces
Hol
broo
k Tr
avel
can
cels
you
r tou
r, yo
u w
ill re
ceiv
e a
com
plet
e re
fund
of a
ll pa
ymen
ts y
ou h
ave
mad
e to
us.
Hea
lth
an
d M
edic
al Is
sues
We
wel
com
e al
l tra
vele
rs, b
ut re
ques
t tha
t you
be
in g
ood
heal
th to
par
ticip
ate
on a
Hol
broo
k Tr
avel
tour
. All
of o
ur to
urs
invo
lve
a re
ason
able
am
ount
of w
alki
ng (t
ypic
ally
two
to th
ree
mile
s pe
r day
). Yo
u m
ust b
e ab
le to
ge
t on
and
off m
otor
coac
hes
on y
our o
wn.
We
regr
et th
at w
e ca
nnot
pro
vide
indi
vidu
al a
ssis
tanc
e; in
suc
h ca
ses
you
mus
t be
acc
ompa
nied
by
a co
mpa
nion
who
will
ass
ist y
ou. P
leas
e no
te th
at o
ur it
iner
arie
s ca
nnot
acc
omm
odat
e w
heel
chai
rs.
We
rese
rve
the
right
to re
mov
e an
yone
who
se p
hysi
cal c
ondi
tion
or b
ehav
ior,
in o
ur o
pini
on, c
ompr
omis
es th
e op
erat
ion
of
the
tour
or d
etra
cts
from
the
enjo
ymen
t or s
afet
y of
the
othe
r tou
r mem
bers
. In
that
eve
nt, A
RA a
nd H
olbr
ook
Trav
el a
ssum
e no
fina
ncia
l res
pons
ibili
ty fo
r any
unu
sed
port
ion
of th
e to
ur. F
or th
e co
nven
ienc
e of
the
maj
ority
of o
ur tr
avel
ers,
Hol
broo
k Tr
avel
has
a n
o sm
okin
g po
licy
on a
ll to
ur b
uses
. We
will
arr
ange
suf
ficie
nt re
st s
tops
so
thos
e w
ho w
ish
to s
mok
e m
ay d
o so
.
Req
uir
ed In
form
atio
n U
pon
rese
rvat
ion,
you
mus
t pro
vide
you
r ful
l nam
e as
it a
ppea
rs o
n yo
ur p
assp
ort,
date
of b
irth,
an
d ge
nder
(for
det
ails
, ple
ase
visi
t tsa
.gov
). In
the
even
t an
airli
ne ti
cket
is is
sued
with
inco
rrec
t inf
orm
atio
n yo
u ha
ve
prov
ided
, or i
f you
use
a d
iffer
ent p
assp
ort t
han
orig
inal
ly c
ited,
you
will
be
resp
onsi
ble
for c
harg
es a
ssoc
iate
d w
ith th
e tic
ket’s
reis
sue.
A p
assp
ort v
alid
for
at le
ast s
ix m
onth
s af
ter
the
com
ple
tion
of y
our
tou
r is
req
uir
ed fo
r U
.S. c
itiz
ens
on th
is to
ur.
Res
pon
sib
ility
The
liab
ility
of A
RA a
s sp
onso
r, an
d H
olbr
ook
Trav
el In
c., a
s to
ur o
pera
tor,
is s
tric
tly li
mite
d. A
RA a
nd
Hol
broo
k Tr
avel
, Inc
. pur
chas
e tra
nspo
rtat
ion,
hot
el a
ccom
mod
atio
ns, r
esta
uran
t and
oth
er s
ervi
ces
from
inde
pend
ent
supp
liers
not
und
er o
ur c
ontro
l. W
e se
rve
only
as
agen
ts fo
r the
se s
uppl
iers
in s
ecur
ing
tour
arr
ange
men
ts, a
nd th
eref
ore
will
not
acc
ept r
espo
nsib
ility
for w
rong
ful,
negl
igen
t, or
arb
itrar
y ac
ts o
r om
issi
ons
of th
ese
inde
pend
ent c
ontra
ctor
s,
thei
r em
ploy
ees,
age
nts,
ser
vant
s or
repr
esen
tativ
es. A
RA a
nd H
olbr
ook
Trav
el, I
nc. a
re n
ot li
able
for i
njur
y, d
amag
e, lo
ss,
acci
dent
, or d
elay
that
may
be
caus
ed b
y ev
ents
not
with
in o
ur c
ontro
l, in
clud
ing
with
out l
imita
tion,
act
s of
terr
oris
m, w
ar,
strik
es, t
he d
efec
t of a
ny v
ehic
le, o
r the
neg
ligen
ce o
r def
ault
of a
ny th
ird p
arty
. All
coup
ons,
rece
ipts
, and
tick
ets
issu
ed a
re
subj
ect t
o th
e te
rms
and
cond
ition
s sp
ecifi
ed b
y th
e ai
r car
riers
, cru
ise
line,
and
oth
er in
depe
nden
t sup
plie
rs. W
e w
ill m
ake
ever
y ef
fort
to o
pera
te o
ur to
urs
as p
lann
ed, b
ut w
e re
serv
e th
e rig
ht to
mak
e iti
nera
ry c
hang
es a
s ne
cess
ary.
If un
fore
seen
ci
rcum
stan
ces
requ
ire u
s to
cha
nge
a ho
tel,
we
will
sel
ect a
ltern
ativ
e ac
com
mod
atio
ns o
f the
sam
e or
bet
ter q
ualit
y an
d m
ay c
hang
e du
e to
fact
ors
such
as
gove
rnm
ent r
egul
atio
ns, w
ater
leve
ls, o
r wea
ther
con
ditio
ns. T
he s
ervi
ces
of a
ny IA
TA a
nd
ATC
car
rier m
ay b
e us
ed in
con
nect
ion
with
thes
e to
urs.
The
part
icip
ant u
nder
stan
ds th
at if
he/
she
book
s sp
ecia
l low
cos
t ai
rfare
s w
ith p
enal
ties,
and
can
cels
the
rese
rvat
ion,
he/
she
is re
spon
sibl
e fo
r any
pen
altie
s in
curr
ed fr
om th
e ai
rline
.
Ric
e A
lum
ni T
rave
ling
Ow
lsO
ffice
of A
lum
ni R
elat
ions
-MS5
20P.O
. Box
189
2H
ousto
n, T
X 7
7251
-189
2
ACTIVITY LEVEL: EASY TO MODERATE Participants should be able to walk at least 2-3 hours over some uneven and potential slippery surfaces without difficulty and should be able to ascend or descend 50 stairs consecutively. Physical activities typically last for at least 2-3 hours at a time.
• Uncover Panama’s role as an international trade center and cultural melting pot in the historical district of Casco Viejo.
• Make a partial canal transit, cruising under the Bridge of the Americas and Centenario Bridge and viewing the elaborate lock system in action.
• Learn about the geological origins, natural history, and ecological effects of the Panamanian isthmus at the Frank Gehry-designed BioMuseo.
• Meet members of the indigenous Emberá tribe and learn about their history, traditions, and culture.
• Observe tropical flora and fauna during a hike and aerial tram ride through Soberanía National Park.
WHY PANAMA? Connecting continents and oceans, Panama is shaped by exchange: as birds and other animals traverse the isthmus on migratory routes, so does international trade along its famous canal. Panama’s strategic geography offers a wealth of history, culture, and biodiversity to discover.
Journey to the “Crossroads of the World” to discover Panama’s fascinating history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the Pacific and Caribbean sides of the country as you learn about the history and construction of the Panama Canal, and embark on a partial transit. Delve deeper into the country’s cultural identity, spending time with an indigenous community and reflecting on the effects of Spanish colonization in the capital’s historical districts. Across cities, villages, waterways, and rainforests, examine how the region's geography has played a vital role in shaping the Americas. Join us in Panama for an unforgettable experience with the Traveling Owls!
PANAMA CANAL
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
GEOFFROYS TAMARIN
CHAGRES RIVER
MIRAFLORES LOCKS
NOVEMBER 10 - PANAMA CITY Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, meet your driver and transfer approximately 45 minutes to the hotel, which is situated along the Amador Causeway. Check-in begins at 3 pm. This is an international arrival day with most flights arriving in the evening; therefore, no activities are planned today. Overnight at Radisson Panama Canal or similar.
NOVEMBER 11 - PANAMA CITY This morning meet for a welcome breakfast and orientation before heading out to explore Panama Viejo (Old Panama). Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, Panama Viejo was the first European settlement established on the Pacific coast of the Americas, and a key port for Spain’s conquest of Peru. Together with the historical district of Panama, it forms a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Today the city is an archaeological site due to its abandonment in 1671, when the English privateer Henry Morgan sacked the settlement. Next, head to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center at the Panama Canal to view the locks at work and enjoy the museum’s interactive displays. Have lunch while watching ships passing through the canal. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant on the Amador Causeway, listen to a lecture given by a local expert, “The Panama Canal: Past, Present, and Future.” Overnight at Radisson Panama Canal or similar. (BLD)
NOVEMBER 12 - PANAMA CITY Today after breakfast, visit to the historical district of Casco Viejo, or Casco Antiguo, built in 1671 after the destruction of Panama Viejo. Casco Viejo’s parks and narrow streets are lined with colorful buildings representative of Spanish, French, and early American architecture. This eclectic collection of styles reflects the city’s role as an international trade center and cultural melting pot long before the building of the canal. Explore the Metropolitan Cathedral, Municipal Palace, National Theater, French Embassy, and France Plaza, with views of Panama’s modern
BLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER skyline and the Bay of Panama. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the Biomuseo, Panama City’s Biodiversity Museum. The modern and colorful building was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Inside, eight permanent exhibits depict the geologic and natural history of the Isthmus of Panama, a strip of land that united two continents, changed the world’s biodiversity, and would one day connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Overnight at Radisson Panama Canal or similar. (BLD)
NOVEMBER 13 - COLÓN After an early breakfast, transfer to Flamenco Marina and board a boat to make a partial canal transit, beginning in the Pacific Ocean and heading north through two of the Canal’s three lock systems. One of the first observations you’ll pass is the Bridge of the Americas, which was built by the United States in 1962 to connect the land that was divided during the Panama Canal construction. The bridge is also part of the Pan-American Highway, a 30,000 mile network of roads that stretches from Alaska to Argentina. As you continue your cruise, arrive at the first set of locks, the Miraflores Locks. Miraflores are the tallest of the canal’s locks system, a necessity due to the extreme tidal variation of the Pacific Ocean. Vessels are raised 54 feet across two lock chambers. During lunch, reach Pedro Miguel Locks, where the boat is raised 30 feet. Continue cruising through Gatún Lake (85 feet above sea level) before approaching the Gaillard Cut, the narrowest section of the Panama Canal, where the majestic Centenario Bridge comes into view. The journey culminates at the confluence of Gatún Lake and the Chagres River. The Chagres River is the main source of water used in the canal's operation. Continue to the town of Gamboa for disembarkation, then journey to Colón and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight at Meliá Panama Canal. (BLD)
NOVEMBER 14 - COLÓN After breakfast, visit Fort San Lorenzo, which was constructed in the 1500s to fortify Spain’s Atlantic port-and protect the transfer of Peru’s riches from attack by pirates. But like
CASCO VIEJO
CENTENARIO BRIDGE
the original Panama City settlement, it was sacked by Henry Morgan, and today exists as ruins. In addition to Fort San Lorenzo, the San Lorenzo National Park contains Fort Sherman, a United States army base erected in 1911. The park covers approximately 24,000 acres on Panama’s Atlantic coast, along the western banks of the Panama Canal. On the way back to the hotel, stop at the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center to view the new set of locks on the Caribbean side of the Canal, completed in 2016. Gain insights into the updated lock design and the work that made the canal expansion a reality. After lunch at the hotel, venture on a boat tour of Lake Gatún. Overnight at Meliá Panama Canal. (BLD)
NOVEMBER 15 - GAMBOA After breakfast, transfer toward Lake Alajuela, with discussions en route about indigenous cultures and their history in Panama. Upon arrival at the Chagres River, board dugout canoes for the journey through the dense jungle. Upriver, step out of the dugout canoes and experience a short hike (which could be a bit muddy) to a beautiful waterfall in the midst of the rainforest. Those who want to cool off can take a swim in the refreshing pool just beneath the waterfall. Continue to the village of the Emberá, one of six indigenous tribes in Panama, for a visit with community members and opportunities to learn about their daily life. The village chief will provide a brief explanation on the history of the tribe, its traditions, cultures, beliefs, and handicrafts. After a typical lunch of fish and plantains prepared by the Emberá women, experience a traditional dance and have the opportunity to shop for handicrafts. The sale of local products directly benefits the village and helps fund schooling for the children. There is also the opportunity to get “inked” with a temporary Emberá tattoo painting. Later this afternoon, return by boat to the dock and transfer by bus to Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Settle in and have dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Gamboa Rainforest Resort. (BLD)
NOVEMBER 16 - GAMBOA After breakfast, visit Soberanía National Park. Established in 1980, it stands as one of Panama’s natural jewels and is one of the country’s most accessible tropical rainforests. Next, visit Summit Botanical Gardens, which hosts a research center for development of tropical biology and horticulture. The botanical garden showcases a representation of plant species from tropical and subtropical countries around the world and from the native species of Panama. Afterwards, return to the resort for lunch. This afternoon venture almost 2,000 feet above the rainforest floor on Gamboa’s Aerial Tram for a gondola ride through the forest canopy. The tram ends at an observation tower 100 feet high with expansive 360-degree views of Soberanía National Park and Gatún Lake. In the evening, return to the hotel and have a farewell dinner. Overnight at Gamboa Rainforest Resort. (BLD)
NOVEMBER 17 - DEPART Early morning transfer to the international airport for the flight to the United States. (B)
PRICING: $3,645 per personBased on 10 participants. Single supplement is $480.
Price includes:
• 7 nights’ accommodations• 19 meals – 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners• Non-alcoholic beverages with meals• Sightseeing and activities as described, including
entrance fees• Full-time guide for duration of the program• Private vehicle transportation• Luggage handling, one bag per person• All tips and gratuities• Departure tax Price does not include: international airfare, trip cancellation insurance, gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, drinks purchased on own, items of a personal nature.
Holbrook Travel can assist with making your flight arrangements upon request. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended (offered through the Association of Rice Alumni).
COLLARED ARACARI
EMBERÁ CHILD
PHOTOS BY BRIAN GRATWICKE, YVES PICQ, CHRISTA MARKLEY
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