First, I never write recommendation if at all, ever, but I feel compelled to do so in this case. The folks at Adventure Panama took care of my family, as if we were their family. They are caring, thoughtful, and genuine making sure we push the limits of our desire while keeping us safe and always in control. Javier (owner and started the company over 25 years ago) helped plan our trip with little notice (I advise you get a hold of him prior to your arrival to get the most from him and his company). He was personable and gave great advise to ensure we had the appropriate experience given the abilities of the group (my family is pretty adventurous). We spend the morning traveling to Darien National Park. We continued into the banks of the Chagris River where we met local tribesmen from the Embera Tribe who then took us deeper into the Jungle to their native village for an experience which few folks will get to see first hand, truly amazing. From there we traveled through Darien National Park to the Chagris River for a kayaking and rafting excursion which was both exciting and relaxing. Our guides were well versed and expert paddlers and which allowed us to relax and enjoy the water and jungle.

The expertise of our guides came front and center when we overshot our exit point (the river level changes daily and the landscape with it) and found ourselves running out of light. Our guides kept us calm, and sent a GPS signal to their company informing them of our predicament. The guides quickly went into survival mode and found shelter, food, and started a fire - all the while providing us an option of sending an S.O.S. signal which would have dropped a helicopter on us for evacuation. Javier contacted the local Indian Tribes who rescued us in pitch dark in a dug out canoe! Javier personally drove out and greeted us, fed us, and drove us to our hotel. I know our experience was not typical, but when you chose to conduct adventure of any type of extreme outings, it is paramount to make sure you place your life into the hands of professionals. Javier, Ivan, and the rest of the Adventures Panama crew rose to the occasion and provided us with an unforgettable, and positive experience, even in the face of distress. I highly recommend them to anyone heading to Panama, give Javier a call and let his staff of experts take care of you, your family, and.or group. You will not regret it.

RakeshGPatel
United States
06/30/2014

Great adventure from beginning to end. Javier the tour owner was a good source of info. Polite and very accurate information. Always available to respond any questions we had prior and after the tour. The entire trip was right on the money regarding all the details that were explained in the website and talking to Javier. It began right at 5:00 am and ended right at 6:00pm as told. The tour guides (Ivan aka Chile, Alexander aka Tico and Rigo aka Indio) were amazing. These guys were attentive, informative, entertaining, cautious and professional. I did the tour with my entire family including three children (17, 13, 10) and everything went well because of the tour guides.

They made sure we had fun but safety was a priority. It began with a nice drive from the city to the mountain in a 4x4 truck for an hour and then we stop in a local shop to eat a panama breakfast (fried bread, fried chicken and coffee) just delicious. Then we drove thru the rough mountain until we arrived to our hiking destination.There we met the locals with two horses which were going to lead the way to the river and carry the equipment. We hike for an hour and half and hike we did. It is a beautiful hike thru the virgin jungle but you must be in shape because it includes steep hills in a hot and humid climate. The tour guys are understanding and they will go at your pace and will provide water. After a long while we arrive to the banks of the Chagres river. There we inflated the rafts and began our 5 hours rafting experience. Around 11:30am we stop to eat a light but nutricious lunch. From time to time the guide will make brief stops to let you enjoy a nice refreshing swim in the crystal clear river. Just a beautiful river.

The rapids were short and not too dangerous. The guides will stop and check the drops prior going thru them. Very thoughtful! My guide Alexander was very entertaining and knowledgeable of the river. Afterwards, we arrived to the Emberas Indian Village and from there we travel to our final destination in a piragua boat (a timber indian boat) Then they drop us at the hotel. Overall, it was a great experience you might think you are a member Nat Geo or Discovery channel in a jungle report. I recommend this trip to everyone that is really in for a CHALLENGE. At the end of the trip we were exhausted but much rewarded because it was once of a lifetime experience. Thanks guys for unforgettable experience!

wOrldTrekker2014
United States
07/15/2014

Had an excellent day kayaking with Adventuras around Taboga island. Was an easy day trip from Panama City and a nice change of scenery from the big city. The guides were great and the equipment excellent. Would highly recommend this tour and company

Beth263
Australia
03/03/2013