A close up look at nature starts at the Gamboa Aerial Train. Ascend 280 feet to the observation tower for a bird's eye view of the Humid Forest. Follow this with an up close and personal look at several exhibit from snakes to butterflies, and crocodiles to turtles. Finish today's tour with a visit to a model Indian village for a cultural experience.

A close up look at nature starts at the Gamboa Aerial Train. Ascend 280 feet to the observation tower for a bird's eye view of the Humid Forest. Follow this with an up close and personal look at several exhibit from snakes to butterflies, and crocodiles to turtles. Finish today's tour with a visit to a model Indian village for a cultural experience.

Gamboa is a 45 minute drive from Panama City. The aerial tram ride traverses a mile long tract of Humid Forest that lies within the Gamboa resort boundaries. You will observe the forest canopy in some areas and are likely to encounter birds and hear Howler monkeys. The tram ascends 280 feet or over half a mile and ends atop a hill. From here you walk two minutes to the observation tower (which is optional) and for those with stamina can climb a 100 feet inclined ramp which is also wheelchair accessible.

Then you will proceed to the exhibits area. The snake exhibit gives the opportunity to see live snakes up close but from behind the safety of the terrariums. The butterfly exhibit is also a nursery where an expert in butterflies explains the complete life cycle from egg, caterpillar to the final stage, the butterfly. In the aquarium there are fresh water fish from the tropical areas of America, Africa and Asia. This colorful exhibit also host reptiles such as crocodiles, caimans and turtles. Finally you visit the model Indian village is a sample of Emberá houses including with an Emberá guide who explains some aspects of there culture including rituals, traditional medicine, utensils of everyday use and some of their cultivated foods. Binoculars are highly recommended.