Panama 011 (507) 6679-3444 | info@AventurasPanama.com

 

Panama 011 (507) 6679-3444 | info@AventurasPanama.com

 

Unique 1- Day & Multi-Day Adventures To Panama’s Pristine Jungles, Rivers & Oceans
Custom Made • Honey Moon •Family Vacation • Corporate Groups • Luxury • Camping • National Parks
• Rainforest Tribes • Nature and Wildlife • Cultural Immersion • Lodging • Transfers • 1 – 8 day Tours

About our adventure trips:

 "Aventuras Panamá" or Adventures Panama pioneers adventure travel in Panama city and the country. It offers  soft adventure travel packages that include whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, camping, snorkeling, cultural inmersions on rainforest tribes, Panama vacation, Guna Yala, Panama City Panama, and more to turn your vacations in Panamain to unforgettable  memories. Visit Panama !

Panama is a bridge that unites North America with South America, and separates the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in the narrowest area of America. That explain the huge biodiversity that you will encounter. Adventure into Panama Whale Watching, Bird Watching, or into any of our protected areas such as Soberania National Park to be amaze with our wildlife.

What ever your needs are in lodging, transfers, or activities we are here to help. If you can not find online what you are looking for contact us and we will be happy to assist you providing you reliable service.

Destinations

Republic of Panama

You have two weeks for a vacation. Where do you go? Naturally that depends on just what you like to do when you travel, who you travel with, and whether you need a family-friendly spot or something on the adventurous side. Whatever your needs, most people like to have a lot of choices and options wherever they go. So, where might you go in order to enjoy a lot of opportunities over those two short weeks?

There is a place where can you visit two oceans, explore the rainforest, climb mountains, tour vibrant urban areas and cities, meet people from a long list of different backgrounds and cultures, and choose from fourteen national parks.  It is a place where you encounter the largest number of flora and fauna throughout the Americas. It is a country where you can find ruined fortresses, evidence of the famous pirates of old, and where an almost endless list of outdoor activities awaits. And, yes, it can all be enjoyed in those two short weeks!

Where is this impressive place? It is Panama.


Panama

The Diversity of Panama

With around three million inhabitants spread out over more than 78k square kilometers, it is a country that is both untamed and settled. Land preservations and parks account for 22% of the area of Panama, and jungle remains over 30% of the terrain too. It serves as a land bridge between North and South America, and it is home to the famous Panama Canal (long considered a key shipping route throughout the world).

Set in Central America, it has coastlines that touch both the North Pacific Ocean as well as the Caribbean Sea. Panama is easy to get to and is quickly becoming a top vacation destination. It boasts several wonderful cities, four major regions, and is remarkably easy to traverse (by bus, car, taxi, plane and by foot.)

It is ideal for families and yet also great for singles, adventurers, and those who are retired. East of lovely Costa Rica and due west of Colombia, it is a land in which ancient and modern times exist peacefully and pleasantly together.

Perhaps the best way to see and understand this yourself is to plan visits to some of the different towns, provinces, islands, and cities. These include:

  • Panama City - the capital
  • Boquete - the coffee growing center set in the Chiriqui highlands
  • Colon - a central port city and near to the Panama Canal and home to Cristobal (the actual port)
  • Balboa - also near the canal and a suburb of Panama City
  • Coronado - the first resort community in the country
  • Provinces - places such as Guna Yala, Bocas del Toro, and the Beach Area (Cocle) among others
  • Islands - places like the Pearl Islands or Mamey Island  are also ideal destinations

Just reading this list demonstrates the far-ranging diversity contained in this relatively small country, and proves that it is a place with something to offer everyone of any background or interest. This is also demonstrated when you meet the people who live in Panama.

The People of Panama

Someone from Panama is known as a Panamanian, but the country itself is an unusual mix of groups that "include Mestizo (of European and Native American descent) people who...constitute about 70% of the population, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) who constitute about 14% of the population, white population who make up about 10% of the population, and Amerindian who constitute 6% of the population."  (Ask.com, 2014)

The Amerindians include three native cultures - the Chocoe-Embera people of the Darien jungles, the Guna Indians from the San Blas Island, and the Ngabe-Bugle people from the Chiriqui highlands. The country is popular with "expats" and it is possible to find communities of Americans, Italians, Colombians, and people of many other backgrounds happily settled in Panama.

The official language is Spanish, though many Panamanians are bilingual and comfortably speak English. Travelers often note the different dialects or blends of Spanish variants, Caribbean languages, and English. There are also people who speak their native indigenous languages, and those who came from other parts of the Caribbean and who speak a unique form of English referred to as Guari Guari.

As a republic, Panama was officially independent as of 1972. However, the United States retained a strip of land on either side of the Panama Canal for two decades before formally handing over responsibility for the canal to Panama in 1999. Today it is a thriving nation with a strong and diversified economy.  It is also considered one of the most modern nations in terms of infrastructure (roads, hospitals, and airports) than many other Central American countries.

Paying a Visit

Safe, progressive, affordable, exciting, easy to get around...Panama has an ample list of reasons to pay a visit. Whether you want to climb a mountain to catch a glimpse of two oceans at once, encounter more than 900 kinds of birds, see the ruins of ancient forts, tour the Panama Canal, or enjoy the sparkling nightlife of an international city, you will be able to easily do these things - and so much more - when you book a trip to Panama.

To ensure you plan the most complete experience possible, make note of the four specific "zones" of Panama and then schedule your visit accordingly:

  • Central - Here is Panama City, the canal, and the Cocle or Beach Area province.
  • Pacific West - Home to many popular regions, including the Chirigui Province as well as Los Santos and Herrara Provinces. Some of the Veraguas Province is here too.
  • Eastern Panama - This is where the Darien Province is found as well Kuna Yala and the San Blas Islands.
  • Caribbean West - This is the location of the Ngobe Bugle Province, the Bocas del Toro province, and some of the Veruguas Province.
  • Clearly, the Republic of Panama has an amazing amount to offer and enjoy, and is ready for your arrival!

 

Adventures Panama pioneers adventure travel in Panama city and the country. It offers  soft adventure travel packages that include whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, camping, snorkeling, cultural inmersions on rainforest tribes, Panama vacation, Guna Yala, Panama City Panama, and more to turn your vacations in Panamain to unforgettable  memories.

Colon

 As you contemplate your next travel adventure or destination, consider the following description:

"During the colonial era, gold and silver bound for Spain were stored at the Caribbean coastal towns of Nombre de Dios and Portobelo. These were once the world’s wealthiest cities, attracting scores of pirates...Today, the ruined city of Portobelo and the nearby fortress of Fuerte San Lorenzo stand as testaments to the faded glory of the Spanish empire." (Lonely Planet, 2014)
Pirates, ruined cities, the Caribbean...it is almost like a magic spell, and it is what you will discover when you plan a visit to Colon, Panama.

Colon

The Undiscovered Panama


Too often, travelers think strictly of the impressive capital Panama City and the nearby Panama Canal as the must see destinations in Panama. These destinations most certainly have earned their international reputations as ideal place to explore, but there is a lot more to see and do when in Panama. Colon is one of those overlooked areas.
It is both a provincial town and a province. The town itself is mostly an urban area dedicated to the "Zona Libre" or the Free Zone. This was something established in the late 1940s and is today the largest free trade zone in the Americas. More than 1500 companies and banks use this "fortress like" area to enjoy duty free benefits. This does not mean you can head to Colon and do a lot of duty free shopping because most of the companies are not actually established as duty free stores. Instead, they enjoy the benefits of duty free import, export, shipping and receiving.
This makes the urban Colon fairly unappealing, and it is the province that has so much more to offer. "Stretching along the Caribbean coast from Veraguas Province in the west to the Comarca de Kuna Yala in the east, Colón Province is mostly undeveloped and virtually inaccessible, but steeped in a rich, accessible history." (Lonely Planet, 2014)
What you will discover in this province includes some of the finest beaches, rainforests, and even some colonial sites. Many visitors come to Colon for the impressive bird watching opportunities, the snorkeling, or the opportunity to tour quiet ruins. This is also the "quiet" side of the Panama Canal too, and is a great way to visit the locks without a lot of crowds or traffic.
Something that many never realize is that the railroad connecting Panama City to Colon was the first rapid transit opportunity in the Western Hemisphere (before 1869) and that today there is a luxury train that still connects the two cities and which is viewed as one of the loveliest and most appealing rail journeys remaining in the Americas.

Visiting Colon

You can take the train to Colon, but there are also many cruise ships that make a stop as they travel along the canal. Taxis are an option as well, or you can drive easily from Panama City.
There are many parks and statues to see in the city as well as the Free Zone, but most visitors tend to schedule their visit as a series of stops outside of the urban area. Stops at Portobelo, the fortress of Fuerte San Lorenzo, the Gatun Locks, and a guided tour of Centro El Tucan are some of the most popular options. The Canal Observation Center, Fuertes San Fernando and San Jeronimo, and Mirador Peru are also popular options for those exploring Colon.

Adventures Panama pioneers adventure travel in Panama city and the country. It offers  soft adventure travel packages that include whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, camping, snorkeling, cultural inmersions on rainforest tribes, Panama vacation, Guna Yala, Panama City Panama, and more to turn your vacations in Panamain to unforgettable  memories.

Guna Yala

Someone unfamiliar with Panama may be surprised to learn the unusual history and status of the province known as Guna Yala. It was once known as San Blas and Kuna Yala but was officially renamed Guna Yala to reflect a more accurate pronunciation of the native population's language.

Set in northeast Panama, south of the already remote Darien Province, and bordered on the east by Colombia, Guna Yala is "...a narrow, 226km-long strip on the Caribbean coast that includes the Archipiélago de San Blás...The islands are home to the Kuna, who run San Blás as a comarca (autonomous region) with minimal interference from the national government." (Lonely Planet, 2014)

This does not mean that they are independent of the Republic of Panama. Instead, it was in 1925 that they were given permission to operate under their own economic and governmental systems. The indigenous people use their own language, but have full voting rights in Panama's legislature. This was all done by the Kuna people in order to uphold and protect their heritage, way of life, and even their language.

Guna-Yala

The People Over Time

It is necessary to prevent yourself from viewing the Guna Yala as a group that is out of touch with the modern world. Though they have a tremendous amount of autonomy from the Panamanian government, they have been interacting with Europeans for hundreds of years. They were among the first to deal with the first European arrivals during the era of Columbus (around the early 1500s) and yet they have fought to preserve their culture throughout this entire time.

Today, they retain many of their customs. The women tend to wear their traditional garments, jewelry, and makeup even though men are donning Western looks. They are also allowing visitors to come to the region, though there are a lot of limitations and restrictions on access to certain areas.

Planning a Visit

To enjoy some time in Guna Yala means encountering some of the most impressive beaches and settings possible. The islands that make up the archipelago are "picture postcard" islands with white sands, turquoise waters, and pristine conditions.

This does mean that it is a bit off the beaten path, but not so much so that it is too difficult to make a visit. The islands open to visitors include Aguja, Coco Blanco, Sapibenega, and Yandup. There is also Isla Diabla. None of them are developed accorrding to standard tourism expectations, however. There are no "resorts", very few options for air-conditioning, Internet access, television or even hot water. There are no "distractions" such as parasailing or jet skis in any of the islands of Guna Yala either.

Instead, it is all about the beautiful beaches, the snorkeling in clear waters, and the traveling to the different local villages open to the public. It is most definitely an adventurer’s destination.

As a guest in the region your accommodations will range from basic to simple - and most include all of your meals. There has not been any development designed to meet tourist demands and so there are no restaurants or other similar facilities, apart from what is found at the hotels or accommodations providers.

Many of the tourist centers will have local Kuna people vending their handicrafts, and many offer their services for those looking to explore the many islands of the archipelago. Some of the people say that there is one island for every day of the year, and so "island hopping" is a popular activity for some travelers.

What to Expect

If you do decide to visit any part of Guna Yala you should be respectful of the culture. The people have all dedicated themselves to retaining their culture, and have managed to do so for hundreds of years. As such, you will have to remember that activities such as photography must be restricted. Asking for permission is a "must", and even then some locals will request a fee.

There are a lot of small fees associated with a visit to this alluring destination - such as small fees for boat rides between islands, fees for photos, etc. But all will be well worth it in order to experience as much of the scenery as possible, or to capture some memories from your journey to the location.

To access Guna Yala you will have to take the four-hour trip by car, and then another trip via a boat or canoe to the island of your choice. Yes, this is one of the remaining adventurer’s destinations in the  modern world, and it is well worth the effort to make a visit.

 Adventures Panama pioneers adventure travel in Panama city and the country. It offers  soft adventure travel packages that include whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, camping, snorkeling, cultural inmersions on rainforest tribes, Panama vacation, Guna Yala, Panama City Panama, and more to turn your vacations in Panamain to unforgettable  memories.

 

Boquete

Set in the Pacific West area of Panama is the "Napa Valley of coffee," the mountainous area of Boquete. While it is the coffee heartland of Panama, this region is also wildly popular because of its remarkably pleasant weather. The Republic of Panama is near the equator and known as a tropical destination, but Boquete sits in the mountains and has a cooler and more appealing climate than many other areas.

It is one of the most protected locations, meaning that a majority of the area is natural and pristine. It is popular with growers who produce citrus, flowers, vegetables and fruits. It is also popular with those who love the outdoors and there are many ways to explore and interact with this setting while visiting the region.

There are only a few towns in the region - Bajo Boquete (capital), Caldera, Palmira, Alto Boquete, Jaramillo and Los Naranjos. Additionally, this region served as the only refuge of the Ngobe Bugle Indians, and they still live in the Chiriqui highlands as well.

boquete

What to Do in Boquete

Whether alone, as a family, or with a group of any kind, there is a lot to do in this remote and peaceful part of Panama. Options include canopy tours, climbing, hiking, rafting, volunteering at farms, or enjoying some of the local hot springs. Naturally, the "foodies" of the world have discovered Boquete and are arriving in greater numbers each year. This has created a niche for tourism, but that is not the only reason that so many houses, hostels, hotels, and subtle and discreet gated communities are appearing.

Perhaps it is the combination of the good climate, the natural setting, and the excellent local produce that made it one of the AARP's recommended places for retirement. Whatever the ultimate reasoning, Boquete is now one of the top choices for expats from around the globe.

The Location

Set in the Chiriqui province (Pacific West region) of Panama, it is accessible by bus or by air. Once in town it is simple and fun to travel entirely on foot, though scooters are a popular rental option. Taxis also take visitors to local destinations too. In the small towns or villages you can walk to your chosen destinations, but many of the hikes are difficult, some roads wash out from time to time, and it is best to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to take you any longer distances.

Climbing and hiking can range very widely too, with some trails taking a full four or more hours to navigate, and often with the help of local guides. So, although it is beautiful and appealing, it is not to be seen as a place where you can freely wander on your own.

The most popular spots for travelers tend to be: 

  • Volcan Baru - the highest spot in Panama and the destination of many  hikes. Most trails take a full day to traverse, and most require guides.
  • Quetzal Trail - one of the few places you may encounter the Resplendent Quetzal bird and howler monkeys.
  • Chiriqui Viejo - rafting excursions are a common past time here.
  • Cloud Forest - this is a top spot for zip line adventures.
  • Hot Springs Caldera - natural pools appear alongside the Caldera River.
  • The Festival of Flowers and Coffee - hosted every January.
  • The Expos Orchid Fair - hosted every March.
  • Visiting with a small group of Ngobe Bugle Indians while enjoying a "coffee adventure". (Coffee Adventures, 2014)

Of course, many people travel to the "Valley of the Flowers" simply to enjoy the scenic beauty, fine food, and the excellent prices. Bordering on Costa Rica, Boquete shares some of the same mountains and rain forests as its neighboring country, but costs only a fraction of what Costa Rican travel tends to cost.

As indicated, accommodations are plentiful and range from low-cost hostels to luxury spas. All tend to have the basic amenities - hot water showers, meals, etc. If you want an idyllic location full of the very best things that life has to offer, you need look no farther than beautiful Boquete.

boquete

 

Adventures Panama pioneers adventure travel in Panama city and the country. It offers  soft adventure travel packages that include whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, camping, snorkeling, cultural inmersions on rainforest tribes, Panama vacation, Guna Yala, Panama City Panama, and more to turn your vacations in Panamain to unforgettable  memories. 

Bocas del Toro

If you have three days to enjoy an unforgettable getaway you might believe that such a time limit would make it an impossible dream. After all, three days is usually never enough time to find the most beautiful spot, settle in, relax, and be ready to head home when those three days are up.

However, if you ask visitors to the province in Panama known as Bocas del Toro, most would tell you that this is the ideal spot to recharge, relax, and restore yourself in as little as three days time.

The reason for this is simply that Bocas del Toro, which is the "Caribbean West" area of Panama, is a place that looks exactly like a picture postcard of paradise. Pristine white sand beaches, brilliant blue sea waters, and small islands that seem as if they were made by the hand of a talented designer rather than nature all add up to instant relaxation.

Bocas-del-Toro

Visiting Bocas del Toro

The name of the area translates to "mouth of the bull", but such an unappealing name does not do the area any real justice. Formed by the mainland, a lagoon, nine small islands and a bay, Bocas del Toro includes the city of Bocas Town (on Isla Colon), Almirante, and Changuinola. The archipelago contains 68 different islands, and all of them are open for exploring, bird watching, swimming, or just enjoying as you sit on the sand and soak in the sun.

Naturally, this province has the same amount of land preservation at work as the rest of Panama, and Bocas del Toro has two national parks - La Amistad International Park and Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park. However, cultivation is a key industry in this area too and there are so many banana plantations that they are referred to as "oro verde" or green gold.

From the Past

Originally part of Costa Rica, Bocas del Toro first became part of the Chiriqui province in the 1800s, and by 1903 it was its own province. Things have changed a bit over time, and in 1970, it took the form that it holds today after being combined with other provinces. However, a 1997 change created the Ngobe Bugle Comarca (that of the indigenous peoples) and the province, as we know it today was solidified.

Travel is greatly encouraged in this area and there are many fine accommodations available. As might be obvious, the largest number of accommodations will be on the primary island of Isla Colon. However, Isla Bastimentos also provides a wide array of hotels and classic "B&Bs" as well as some plantations and resorts.

What to Do

As already explained, this is a spot ideally suited to enjoying a lot of your time at the beaches, but if you have more than a few days, you can really explore the area. The top activities include snorkeling, scuba, surfing, and diving. There are options for sailboat rentals and some fishing, and many travelers find it especially appealing to visit one of the native villages that is open to travelers.

The area is still home to several communities of the Ngobe Bugle people, and the communities of San Cristobal, Popa 2, and Quebrada Sal tend to be the best starting points for a visit. Travelers must remember that the natives tend to be relatively poor and live on the proceeds of agriculture and fishing. They welcome travelers warmly and may have some truly beautiful handicrafts to sell.

This is a "must do" activity if you find yourself in Bocas del Toro, but of course the national parks often beckon just as much as the white sands and beautiful sea waters. It is the Caribbean Sea that many travelers will enjoy, but also the "Bahia de Almirante" is available too.

Something to keep in mind is that many activities are not all that "organized" in Bocas del Toro. For example, bird watching is an obvious past time, and yet there are not that many resources for guided bird tours. However, it is easy enough to watch for a long list of tropical and native birds from water or land based positions. Rare birds are often found in Swan Cay, and the jungle and forest settings of Popa Island are popular for those in search of other rare and native species. (BocasDelToro, 2014)

So, if you find yourself with only a limited amount of time, or if you are lucky enough to have days and days available, you must consider a visit to the Bocas del Toro province. You can lay in the sand and enjoy the peace and tranquility or you can head out for a long list of activities in some of the most beautiful settings imaginable.

  Adventures Panama pioneers adventure travel in Panama city and the country. It offers  soft adventure travel packages that include whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, camping, snorkeling, cultural inmersions on rainforest tribes, Panama vacation, Guna Yala, Panama City Panama, and more to turn your vacations in Panamain to unforgettable  memories.