Experience the Gamboa Aerial Tram above Panama's tropical rainforest canopy, climb the observation tower for panoramic Panama Canal views, meet sloths at the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary and explore wildlife exhibits before enjoying an included buffet lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Located approximately 40 minutes from Panama City, this relaxed half-day tour brings together several of Gamboa's signature attractions. It is ideal for travelers who want to experience Panama's rainforest, see sloths up close and ride the famous aerial tram without committing to a full-day excursion.

Why book this tour? Your reservation combines the Gamboa Aerial Tram, observation tower, Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, Butterfly House, Orchid Garden, Frog Exhibit and buffet lunch in one convenient package.

Please note: The rainforest surrounding Gamboa is a natural wildlife habitat. Animals seen from the aerial tram live freely in the forest, so wildlife sightings during the tram ride cannot be guaranteed.

Table of Contents

1. Gamboa Aerial Tram Tour Itinerary
2. Gamboa Aerial Tram
3. Observation Tower & Panama Canal Views
4. Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary & Wildlife Exhibits
5. Buffet Lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort
6. Tour at a Glance
7. What's Included
8. What's Not Included
9. What to Bring
10. Important Tour Information
11. Gamboa Aerial Tram FAQ
12. More Gamboa & Panama Wildlife Tours
13. Reserve Your Gamboa Aerial Tram Tour
14. Tour Cancelation Policy

Gamboa Aerial Tram Tour Itinerary

Your rainforest experience begins in Gamboa, surrounded by the tropical forest of the Panama Canal watershed. If you select our optional transportation service, your driver will meet you at your Panama City accommodation at approximately 8:00 AM.

The drive to Gamboa takes approximately 40 minutes and passes through the former Panama Canal Zone before reaching the rainforest surrounding Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal.

If you are driving to Gamboa independently, please arrive by approximately 9:00 AM. The tour begins at 9:15 AM.

Over the next several hours, you will experience the rainforest from above the canopy, take in panoramic views of the Panama Canal, visit the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary and nearby wildlife exhibits, and finish with a buffet lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Gamboa Aerial Tram – Above the Rainforest Canopy

Your Gamboa Aerial Tram tour begins with a peaceful ride above Panama's tropical rainforest canopy.

As the aerial tram gradually climbs through the forest, you will gain a completely different perspective of this remarkable ecosystem. Dense tropical vegetation surrounds the tram while the elevated route provides opportunities to look across different layers of the rainforest canopy.

Keep watch for sloths, monkeys, toucans and other tropical birds that inhabit the surrounding forest. Because these animals live freely in their natural environment, specific wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The Gamboa Aerial Tram is also an excellent opportunity for photography and provides a relaxing way to experience Panama's rainforest without a strenuous hike. For visitors searching for an aerial tram in Panama, this is the country's best-known rainforest tram experience.

Observation Tower & Panama Canal Views

At the top of the aerial tram route, continue to the Gamboa observation tower for panoramic views across the rainforest and Panama Canal.

From this elevated viewpoint, you can appreciate the enormous scale of the surrounding tropical forest while looking toward one of the world's most famous waterways. Large container ships may be visible navigating the Panama Canal as they travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The combination of rainforest and canal views makes the observation tower one of the highlights of the Gamboa rainforest aerial tram experience.

Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary & Panama Wildlife Exhibits

After returning from the aerial tram, continue to the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary and nearby wildlife exhibits.

The sanctuary provides an opportunity to observe sloths at close range while learning about their biology, behavior and importance within Panama's tropical ecosystem. During your visit, you may see both two-toed and three-toed sloths and learn about the differences between the species, including their diets, metabolism and adaptations to life in the rainforest.

For travelers researching a sloth sanctuary in Panama or wondering where to see sloths near Panama City, this visit offers a convenient educational experience as part of a broader Gamboa tour.

Your visit also includes the nearby Butterfly House, Orchid Garden and Frog Exhibit, all located within walking distance of the Sloth Sanctuary.

The Butterfly House showcases tropical butterflies, including the striking Blue Morpho, while the orchid and frog exhibits introduce you to more of the biodiversity that makes Gamboa a rewarding destination for a Panama wildlife tour.

Buffet Lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort

After exploring the wildlife exhibits, finish your experience with a buffet lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Relax after your morning of exploring and enjoy lunch surrounded by the tropical setting of Gamboa. The buffet lunch is included in the tour price, together with water and one soft drink during lunch.

Gamboa Aerial Tram Tour at a Glance

• Adult: $114
• Child: $84 per child through age 10
• Minimum: 2 guests
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours
• Tour start: 9:15 AM
• Tour finish: Approximately 1:15 PM
• Panama City pickup: Approximately 8:00 AM when optional transportation is selected
• Main experiences: Gamboa Aerial Tram, observation tower, Panama Canal views, Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, wildlife exhibits and buffet lunch

This Gamboa Aerial Tram and Sloth Sanctuary tour is a great choice for travelers looking for a relaxed rainforest experience combining nature, wildlife, panoramic Panama Canal views and an included lunch.

What's Included

• Bilingual English/Spanish guides
• Gamboa Aerial Tram
• Observation tower
• Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary
• Butterfly House
• Orchid Garden
• Frog Exhibit
• Buffet lunch
• Water and one soft drink during lunch
• Gamboa Resort entrance fees

What's Not Included

• Transportation from Panama City unless selected during checkout
• Transportation from Playa Bonita, Costa del Este, Tocumen or other areas unless the appropriate transfer option is selected
• Gratuities and personal expenses

What to Bring on the Gamboa Aerial Tram Tour

• Comfortable lightweight clothing
• Comfortable and secure walking shoes
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Camera or phone
• Light rain jacket or poncho
• Insect repellent
• Cash for gratuities, souvenirs and personal expenses

Sun protection: Lightweight protective clothing and a hat are recommended when spending time outdoors.

Important Gamboa Aerial Tram Tour Information

Transportation

The standard $114 adult tour price does not include transportation from Panama City. Optional roundtrip transportation can be selected during checkout.

Transportation options are available from Panama City and selected surrounding areas. Please choose the appropriate transfer option when making your reservation.

Meeting Time

Guests traveling independently should arrive in Gamboa by approximately 9:00 AM. The tour begins at 9:15 AM.

Wildlife Sightings

The rainforest surrounding Gamboa is a natural wildlife habitat. Although monkeys, sloths, toucans and other animals live in the area, sightings from the aerial tram cannot be guaranteed.

The included Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary visit provides a separate opportunity to observe sloths at close range.

Weather

Gamboa has a tropical rainforest climate and weather can change quickly. Light rain is common, and individual activities or timing may occasionally be adjusted when conditions require it.

Cash

Please bring some cash for gratuities, souvenirs and personal purchases. There are no ATMs in the immediate tour area and some vendors may not accept cards.

Last-Minute Bookings

Bookings made after 6:00 PM for the following day are not guaranteed until one of our booking specialists explicitly confirms your reservation. If your booking cannot be confirmed for the requested day, it may be scheduled for the subsequent available day.

Gamboa Aerial Tram Tour FAQ

What is included in the Gamboa Aerial Tram tour?

The tour includes the Gamboa Aerial Tram, observation tower, Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, Butterfly House, Orchid Garden, Frog Exhibit and buffet lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

How long is the Gamboa Aerial Tram tour?

The main experience lasts approximately four hours, beginning at 9:15 AM and finishing at approximately 1:15 PM. Transportation time to and from Panama City is additional.

Does this tour include Monkey Island?

No. This tour focuses on the Gamboa Aerial Tram, Sloth Sanctuary, wildlife exhibits and buffet lunch.

If you would also like to visit Monkey Island, choose our Gamboa Rainforest Tour with Aerial Tram, Monkey Island, Sloths & Buffet Lunch.

Will I see wildlife from the aerial tram?

Wild animals including monkeys, sloths, toucans and other tropical birds inhabit the rainforest surrounding Gamboa, but specific wildlife sightings from the aerial tram cannot be guaranteed.

Will I see sloths?

The tour includes a visit to the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, where you will have an opportunity to observe sloths at close range and learn about their biology and conservation.

Can visitors hold the sloths?

The sanctuary visit is designed for observing and learning about sloths. Direct contact or holding a sloth is not advertised or guaranteed, and all interactions are determined by the sanctuary's animal-welfare rules.

Does the tour include Panama Canal views?

Yes. The observation tower provides panoramic views across the rainforest toward the Panama Canal, where large ships may be visible navigating the waterway.

Is buffet lunch included?

Yes. Buffet lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort is included, together with water and one soft drink during lunch.

Is transportation from Panama City included?

No. Transportation is optional and can be added during checkout. If Panama City transportation is selected, pickup is approximately 8:00 AM.

Can I drive to Gamboa myself?

Yes. Guests arriving independently should plan to arrive by approximately 9:00 AM for the 9:15 AM tour start.

More Gamboa & Panama Wildlife Tours

Want to add a Gatun Lake wildlife adventure? Our Gamboa Rainforest Tour with Aerial Tram, Monkey Island, Sloths & Buffet Lunch combines all of these experiences with a boat trip to Monkey Island.

If wildlife is your main priority, consider our Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour from Panama City.

You can also browse our Panama City tours for more rainforest, wildlife, Panama Canal and cultural experiences.

Reserve Your Gamboa Aerial Tram Tour

Glide above the tropical forest, take in spectacular Panama Canal views, meet sloths and discover some of Panama's remarkable biodiversity—all before relaxing over an included buffet lunch.

Reserve your Gamboa Aerial Tram Tour with Sloth Sanctuary and buffet lunch today.

Tour Cancelation Policy

Please read our Tour Cancelation Policy before booking.