Itinerary

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE IN PANAMA CITY
Arrive in Panama at the Tocumen International Airport and transfer right into the rain forest surrounding the Panama Canal. We gather together for an introduction and trip overview with our naturalist guide. Overnight in a villa, a refurbished canal zone home at the Gamboa Rain Forest Resort.

     

DAY 2 :  PANAMA CANAL JUNGLE BOAT EXPEDITION
Today we board the Endemic, a specially equipped 14-passenger boat to voyage across Gatun Lake, part of the Panama Canal, watching for gigantic cargo ships as we keep a lookout for Green iguanas resting on tree branches, ospreys in the hunt for Peacock Bass, and Snail Kites. Keep your gaze turned upward as you look for White-faced capuchins, Red-naped tamarins, Howler monkeys and two sub-species of Spider monkeys. After a picnic lunch we return to the Gamboa Rain Forest Resort to enjoy the swimming pool or to arrange kayaking or fishing (not included). Overnight at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort villas. [BLD]

 

DAY 3 :  EMBERA DRUA INDIGENOUS VILLAGE
Meet some of Panama's indigenous peoples on a visit to the Embera Drua village. On the banks of the Chagres River we board a motorized piragua (traditional dugout canoe) for our ride to Embera Drua. As we maneuver down the river, we may see Keel-billed Toucans and Ospreys flying through Chagres National Park, the largest of the national parks protecting the Panama Canal Watershed. We are greeted with dancing and music at the village, where we learn about the traditions and crafts of these indigenous peoples. After a native-style lunch of fresh fried fish with plantains we participate in traditional dances. We swim and have fun in the gentle rapids of the river before returning to Gamboa. Overnight at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort villas. [BL]

DAY 4 :  SUMMIT NATURAL PARK - MIRAFLORES LOCKS - CHIRIQUI HIGHLANDS
After a leisurely morning we visit the Harpy Eagle Exhibit at the nearby Summit Natural Park where we see these magnificent birds up close. Harpy Eagles are one of the world's largest eagles, and Panama is one of its last refuges. These enormous birds have a wingspan over 6 feet and prey on monkeys and sloth in the wild. At the Miraflores Locks overlooking the Panama Canal we learn about its history and marvel at this engineering accomplishment. In the afternoon we fly to David, the capital of the Chiriqui province. Known as "Panama's breadbasket," Chiriqui has some of the most breathtaking highland scenery in Central America. Transfer by van to the eastern side of the dormant Baru Volcano to the quaint town of Boquete with its countryside dotted with flower, fruit and vegetable farms, coffee plantations and extraordinary cloud forest habitat. Overnight at Finca Lerida Hotel and Coffee Farm. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  CLOUD FOREST CANOPY TREE TREK OR RIVER FLOATING TOUR
This morning we join a canopy tree trek on a zip line that allows us to contemplate the rainforest from 14 different canopy platforms while smoothly soaring in the heights of the cloud forest from one tree top to another.  We glide through the trees as we discover an unknown world of fascinating native species of flora and fauna.  We marvel at the sight of a great variety of orchids, trees and wildflowers that are found throughout the area.  There is an option to go on a river floating tour down the Chiriqui River for those who don't go zip lining today.  This optional tour has an additional cost and must be arranged in advance. Overnight at the Finca Lerida Hotel and Coffee Farm. [BLD]

DAY 6 :  TO BOCAS DEL TORO
We pack our belongings and head out for the 3.5 hour drive across the Continental Divide. En route we stop to view the impressive Fortuna Dam and spectacular waterfalls. The transition from the cloud forest to the lowland rain forest is impressive. In Almirante board a water taxi for the 45 minute boat ride between small mangrove islands to Colon Island. Weather permitting, we will visit Swan's Cay, a rock protruding from the depths of the Caribbean Sea, which serves as rookery for Red-billed tropic birds - this is the only place in Panama you can find them - and Brown boobies. After a brief orientation to our new island home in the Caribbean, we have ample time to enjoy the hammocks on the upstairs deck of the Bocas Inn or mingle with the locals in the small friendly town. Overnight at the Bocas Inn [BLD]

    
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DAY 7 :  SALT CREEK VILLAGE BASTIMENTOS MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Depart by boat from the Bocas Inn traversing the expanse of Bastimentos National Park, Panama's first marine national park. We reach Salt Creek by navigating through clusters of Red Mangroves, which provide sea creatures with a protective area during their reproductive and development stages. Upon arrival we first enjoy a walk along the Caiman trail. This trail takes us through several stages of lowland forest where we'll look for birds, and mammals such as Night Monkeys, White-faced Capuchins and Three-toed Sloths. A nearby lagoon is home to Spectacled Cayman and Slider Turtle. On the ground we will look for the tiny endemic poison dart frog Dendrobates pumilio. After the hike, we enjoy a visit to the indigenous community and a chance to purchase handicrafts such as painted woodcarvings and Ngobe handbags, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we will snorkel among mangroves and coral reefs, searching for numerous fish species, as well as dynamic and brightly colored sea fans, sponges and brittle starfish. Overnight at the Bocas Inn [BLD]

DAY 8 :  PANAMA CITY
Return to Panama City by air in time to visit the ruins of Old Panama, Casco Antiguo, and the Panama Canal Museum. After lunch at a local restaurant we can visit the Smithsonian Marine Exhibition at Culebra Point at the entrance to the Pacific side of the Panama Canal and the International Handcraft Market where crafts from Panama and other Latin American countries are sold. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or enjoy the pool at your hotel. Tonight we have a farewell dinner  with our guide. Overnight at the Hotel El Panama or similar hotel in Panama city. [BLD]

DAY 9 :  DEPARTURE
Transfer to Tocumen International Airport 2.5 hours prior to flight departure. 

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