OSSN FAM Report: Panama
by Lori Snow

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After all the touring was done, the group headed to a new hotel called the Decameron Resort. This is an all-inclusive property that sits about 90 minutes from Panama City. This location offers beach and golf packages. The hotel has more than 1,000 rooms with the completion of a new set of rooms and the addition of townhouses and villas. There is an 18-hole golf course situated on the property as well.

On Day 3, the group set out after lunch to visit El Valle, an Indian town located in the mountains of Panama. On the way there, our bus broke down -- but, thanks to another empty bus near by, we were quickly on our way to El Valle. After that tour, we went to the Coronado Resort Spa and Golf. This hotel is considered a five-star property with all of the amenities you would want for a relaxing vacation (plus, there is a beach club down the road connected by a shuttle that runs back and forth all day long).

Day 4 brought the group back to Panama to stop at the Miraflores Locks visitor center to see the movie and the four-story museum. While the agents ate lunch, they were able to watch a ship transit the Canal! Afterwards, we headed to the Gamboa Rain Forest Resort. We capped the day hours with a trip on the aerial tram and a climb of the 12-story tower for a fabulous view of the rain forest and part of the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake.

The Gamboa Resort is a beautiful facility located near the halfway point in the Panama Canal. It offers a full-service spa and tours to view wildlife or the native Indians.

On the final day, the group boarded a vessel in Gamboa and did a partial Panama Canal transit through Galliard Cut, Pedro Miguel Locks, and Miraflores Locks. The vessel headed out under the Bridge of the Americas, and we disembarked at Flamenco Island. That night, everyone enjoyed a typical Panamanian dinner and watched dancers in the typical costumes put on a show. The final night hotel was the Radisson Decapolis in Panama City.

Condor Outfitters will gladly work with OSSN agents interested in planning individual trips or group tours for their clients. Just check Condor's Web site!