Just 40 minutes from downtown Panama City, Monkey Island in Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal is home to four monkey species including Capuchin and Howler, and sloths, crocodiles, iguanas and exotic birds like the colorful toucan. The island is reached by small boat, which gives you a water-level look at ship traffic on the Panama Canal. The six-hour daytrip includes lunch, optional kayaking on Gatun Lake and bathing in a natural spring. Fees: Adults, $100; Children 6-11, $70; Children 5 and under, free.