HIGHLIGHTS
- Panama kayak adventure
- Panama islands caribbean
- Portobelo Panama ruines
- Jungle Hike
- Expedition virgin jungle
- Hiking in Panamas National Parks
- Camping adventure vacation Panama
- Gateway: Panama City Panama
"You are looking for some challenge and action? Well, this is your Itinerary!In this Expedition you will hike and camp in the unspoilt Jungle of Portobelo National Park, in Campana National Park you will climb hills and feel the sea-breeze, while overlooking Panama´s landscape. You are going to stay at an Embera Indigenous village, kayak in the Caribbean Sea, camp and snorkel on small picturesque Islands and watch the colorful sky, when sun sets in the Pacific Ocean."
Destinations
Portobelo and the Guanche River: Portobelo National Park conserves rivers and mountains in an incredibly virgin state. It contains the Sierra Llorona Mountain Range and in which it rains an average of 286 days per year. The topography of the park is very complicated. Its highest point is Cerro Bruja, with 979 meters of altitude, located in the continental watershed. Our objective is to walk through the jungle until we reach the Salto de los Monos, one of the highest waterfalls in the country and the highest in the Province of Colon, 74 meters high. But there is much more to see! We will encounter huge trees, dense jungle, crystal clear rivers (if it does not rain) and most likely it will rain! This is the rainiest area of Panama! It won't be a first time exploration trip, but that is how it feels every single time. This is an expedition trip into virgin jungle which includes at sometimes making your way as you go.
Isla Mamey and Isla Grande: Mamey Island, one of the hidden Caribbean Islands in Panama, is a place full of peace and quietness, perfect to relax and unwind a bit, although not in isolation, since it is fairly accessible. People are very friendly and there is a beautiful landscape, characteristic of our Panama. It is a small island (about 4000 m2) on the Costa Arriba of Colon province, just 200 meters from the shore and just over one nautical mile from the community of Puerto Lindo-part of Portobelo National Park. To the east is the larger Isla Grande and Linton Bay.Embera Village: More than twenty years ago, several families of Embera Indigenous, original from the remote rainforest indigenous tribes of Darien´s jungle migrated to Chagres River's bank in the Chagres National Park situated less than an hour and half from Panama City.
Campana National Park: Hillsides that rise above the Pacific coast. From Cerro Campana, the park’s 850-meter (2,789-ft) peak, there are dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, Punta Chame, and on clear days, Isla Taboga. The craggy valley below, partially split by an estuary winding into the foothills, is pleasant and picturesque. The park includes several types of terrain, including humid tropical and premontane forests. Birders are fond of Altos de Campana, as the park is home to species that are threatened in other parts of Central America, including the violet-bellied hummingbird, white-tipped sicklebill, and the bronze-tailed plumeleteer. The park also is home to 39 mammal species including coati, opossum, two-toed and three-toed sloth, and Geoffroy’s tamarin monkeys. The park also has 62 amphibian and 86 reptile species, including the golden frog, which is fighting extinction.
Santa Clara Beach Area: Although Playa Santa Clara is often overlooked by visitors to Panama, it has pretty much everything you could want – tranquil waters, lovely sand, and a number of accommodations and restaurants.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Panama
At the day of your arrival in Panama one of our Panamanian representatives will pick you up at the International Airport Tocumen and transfer you to the Hotel.
Lodging in Panama City
Day 2: Panama City Tour
You will visit the following destinations within Panama City:
The Panama Canal Miraflores Locks: In the locks, you are able to see ships passing by and you can enjoy a documentary about the creation of the canal, its economic and strategic impact, and the upcoming expansion of the Canal.
The Panama Canal Museum: Interesting artifacts, props, and a close overview of the French and American ways to approach the canal construction.
Casco Antiguo: Also called San Felipe, it showcases a spectacular view of Panama City. You will visit historic buildings such as San Jose Church, the National Theater, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the old Slave Market and the Old Spanish Prisons.
Amador Causeway: A beautiful site where 3 islands were united with the mainland by using materials removed during the Panama Canal excavations. You get to choose from several gourmet restaurants and enjoy the view of ships leaving the Canal and the city.
The Old Panama Ruins: A visit to the Old Panama Ruins, a strategic spot for the Spanish trade during colonial times.
Lodging at Hotel in Panama City, Meals included: B, L
Day 3: The Guanche Hike
We will meet you at your hotel at 6 am to travel towards Colón and arrive to Guanche river mouth by 8 am. We will stop for breakfast somewhere along the way. We should be starting to hike around 9 am. The hike will follow the Gunache River, but do not expect a trail, we will be trekking upstream on a slippery and rocky shore, which we will be trying to avoid whenever possible, by walking at the river banks. The highlight of this hike is the “Los Monos” Waterfall, which is today’s goal to reach. But there is a lot more to discover, we will encounter huge trees, dense jungle and crystal clear rivers (if it does not rain). On the way we will have lunch and set up camp not later than 3-4 pm.You will have time to relax, chat and prepare dinner.
Lodging at Tent Camp, Meals included: B, L, D
Day 4: The Gunache Hike
After breakfast you will take down your camp without leaving a trace of your stay, and then head out around 8 am. You will trek back to your starting point, which you should reach around 3 pm. The car will be waiting to take you to Portobelo. We will spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach.
Lodging at Cocoplum Hotel, Meals included: B, L
Day 5: Mamey Island Sea Kayaking Expedition
At around 8 am we pick you up from the hotel and drive to “La Guaira”, here we can prepare our kayaks with gear and warm up by paddling over to the nearby Isla Grande in what will surprise you, turn out as one of the best Panama Kayak Adventure. We stop for lunch at this gorgeous spot, do some stretching, and even take some time to check out the charming little town. When we are done with Isla Grande we turn our attention to Mamey Island.
Lodging at Tent Camp, Meals included: B, L, D
Day 6: Mamey Island Sea Kayaking Expedition
We wake up and enjoy breakfast around 8 am and then take down the camp, leaving no sign that we were there. We spend time on the nearby beach, do a bit of snorkeling, and paddle around the area before we return to the mainland and pack our gear. On the trip back we stop again in historic Portobelo, where we enjoy lunch and make a brief tour if time allows. We continue our way to “Tusipono”, an Embera Village, where we will spend the night. We will get to know culture and traditions of the Embera Indigenous and enjoy their kind hospitality.
Lodging at Tent Camp, Meals included: B, L, D
Day 7: Campana National Park & Santa Clara Beach
Early in the morning we will head out of the Embera Village and drive to Campana National Park, where will do a little morning hike and appreciate the view over mountains and the Pacific Ocean. In the afternoon we will drive to Santa Clara Beach, where we will spend the rest of the day relaxing and swimming, up to sunset. Then we will drive back to the city, where you will spend your last night.
Lodging at Hotel in Panama City, Meals included: B, L, D
Day 8: Departure
Today it is time to say goodbye, or better see you soon. We will transfer you to the International Airport to catch your Flight.
Meals included: B
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
All mentioned transportation, kayaks and related gear, camping gear (tent, sleeping pad and blanket), guides, included meals, and local taxes. Our guides are trained in sea navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.
Lodging:
3 nights at Hotel, Panama City
4 nights in Tent Camp
1 night at Hotel in Portobelo
Meals:
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinner
WHAT DOES IT NOT INCLUDE?
International flight, airport tax, personal expenses, meals not specified in itinerary and extras in hotels (laundry, room service, phone calls).
WHO CAN GO?
Persons that enjoy to team up for camping and paddling in the outdoors, in good health, and fine physical conditions.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT?
Leave objects than can be destroyed by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc.
PACKING LIST
- Individual Packing List: Back-pack, light boots for hiking, hat, light and preferably dry-fit type clothing (avoid jeans), sets of dry clothes (light shorts and T-Shirt) to sleep, sandals for walking dry around camp. Personal head flashlight, insect repellent, personal hygiene, and first aid items, water reservoir, sleeping mattress (yoga of inflatable type), blanket, swimsuit or a pair of short for navigating, water-shoes or Teva type sandals, sun-block, a light jacket or windbreaker (in case the weather turns chilly) and a towel
- Group Packing List: Tarp, rescue ropes, cooking gear
SEASON
Year around. The rainy season in Panama starts in April-May and ends by November-December. The peak of the rainy season is usually in October. Flooded river and creeks, if it is not possible at all to cross the Guanche River, it may delay our itinerary or change our plans. We do no fight nature.
WARNING:
This itinerary includes remote locations without access to roads. Jungle around Guanche River is so dense that an helicopter evacuation might not be feasible. The terrain is very abrupt and slippery. The trail is poorly marked in many sections, or totally gone. There are all kind of poisonous plants, insects, and snakes that yes, their bite could kill you. Hereby you are totally warned about it.