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Bocas del Toro is located in the northern east extreme of the Panamanian territory, between the Cordillera de Talamanca and the Caribbean Sea. This region has many natural resources ands is one of the most important points of eco-tourism. In the archipelago, you find the Marine National Park Bastimentos, which protects samples of ecosystems and natural resources that coexist within its limits. In this region, you may enjoy activities such as snorkel, diving, surf, birds and marine turtle watching as well as visiting Indian communities. Then we travel to Chiriqui with its contrasts from its beautiful coast to the highlands of volcanic origin
The Itinerary
Day 1:
On arrival to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, we will be met by our representative and transferred to our hotel. Welcome cocktail and briefing with our Naturalist Guide.
Night at COUNTRY INN - PANAMA CANAL
Day 2: PANAMA CANAL JUNGLE BOAT ADVENTURE - MIRAFLORES LOCKS
Early in the morning we are picked up by our Naturalist Guide and transferred to the town of Gamboa in the Panama Canal where we board the Endemic, a specially equipped expedition boat. Our voyage takes us across the Panama Canal passing by gigantic cargo ships that make contrast with the natural surroundings. Along the way we will have the opportunity to spot Sloths and Green iguanas resting on tree branches, Ospreys, Snail Kites, Toucans and other bird species. We will visit the Primate Reserve and Sanctuary of Panama located on a set of islands in Gatun Lake. Here we will have the opportunity of seeing, from the boat, White-faced capuchins, Red-napped tamarins, Howler monkeys and two sub-species of Spider monkeys and learn about their behaviour and what is being done to protect these species. After a picnic lunch we return to Gamboa and from here drive to the Miraflores Locks in the Panama Canal to see the operation of the locks and enjoy a tour of the facilities. Return to the hotel.
Night at the COUNTRY INN - PANAMA CANAL (BLD)
Day 3: THE TRANS-ISTHMIAN ROUTE
This morning we travel by van across the Isthmus of Panama at its narrowest portion with only 80kms in length. We will stop at Las Cruces Trail in Soberania National Park and walk a small portion of the cobblestone trail that was used by the Spanish conquistadors to bring their cargo to and from the city of Panama. From there we continue to the port town of Portobelo famous for its trade fairs during the 17th century and visit the old Customs building and the fortifications. Afterwards we travel west and cross the Panama Canal over the Gatun Locks and proceed to Fort San Lorenzo. Built at the mouth of the Chagres River to fortify and protect the river entrance to Las Cruces Trail, it was also used as the port of entry for the gold diggers on their way to California in the 1880s during the Gold Rush. We will be travelling along lush rainforest where we might have the opportunity to see more Monkeys, Sloths, Toucans and other wildlife. This afternoon we return to the city by train, on board the Panama Canal Railway train and reminisce on those adventurous travellers in search of fortune and fame. This 1 hour ride will take us alongside the eastern shores of the Panama Canal with spectacular views. Transfer to the hotel from the Corozal train station.
Night at COUNTRY INN - PANAMA CANAL (BLD)
Day 4: CHIRIQUI - LOS QUETZALES TRAIL or WHITE WATER RAFTING
Early this morning we are transferred to Albrook domestic airport to catch the 1-hour scheduled flight to David, capital of the Chiriqui province. Chiriqui is known as "Panama's breadbasket" and boasts some of the most breathtaking highland scenery in Central America. From the airport in David we will travel by van 2 hours to Cerro Punta from where we will start our 4-hour hike along Los Quetzales Trail, around the foothills of Baru Volcano, the highest peak of the country at 3,475 meters above sea level. We will be hiking in the cloud forests of Baru Volcano National Park making several stops along the way to enjoy the views and to
look for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Picnic lunch will be on the trail. We end near the town
of Boquete where we are picked up and taken to our hotel in town.
For those who chose the white water rafting expedition, the outfitter's guide will pick us up from the airport in David for our approximate 1.5-hour drive to the river put-in. Our river experience will likely include Class III or IV sections of the Chiriqui River. Drive time to and from the river as well as the length and difficulty of the rafting will depend upon which section of the Rio Chiriqui is being run. A picnic lunch will be served on the riverbank. At the end of the day travel to Boquete to meet the rest of the group.
Night at HOTEL PANAMONTE (BLD)
Day 5: FINCA LERIDA - CONTINENTAL DIVIDE - BOCAS DEL TORO
This morning we explore Finca Lerida, a privately owned preserve in Boquete, in the buffer zone of Baru Volcano National Park. At an elevation of 2,286 meters we have an opportunity to look for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, Three-wattled Bellbird, Black-faced Solitaire, Volcano Hummingbird, Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher and Prong-billed Barbet in their cool habitat of orchids, bromeliads and wild avocados.
We will hike through lush vegetation and arrive at the Collin's shade-grown coffee farm where lunch will be served. We return to the hotel and prepare for our drive to Almirante, Bocas del Toro. In route across the Continental Divide, we stop at Fortuna Dam and spectacular waterfalls. We will be crossing the Palo Seco protected territory that serves as buffer zone to La Amistad International Park. The transition from the cloud forests to the coral reefs of Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean Sea will be impressive. In Almirante we are met by our boat and transferred to Colon Island.
After check-in we will enjoy a tropical cocktail offered by the lodge's manager. Afterwards we have ample time to enjoy the hammocks on the upstairs deck or mingle with the locals in the small friendly town.
Night at the BOCAS INN (BLD)
Day 6: BASTIMENTOS MARINE NATIONAL PARK
This morning we board a boat and travel to Bastimentos Marine National Park where we will be able to snorkel along coral reefs and see stunning Queen Angels, Blackbar Soldierfish, Blue Tang and Pederson Cleaner Shrimp and Four-eyed Butterfly fish. We will also snorkel along an archipelago of tiny clear-water mangrove islands where marine inhabitants are protected during their infant stages. After lunch in the field we continue our adventure to Red Frog Trail in search of the tiny strawberry frog (or red frog --Dendrobates sp.) and to Hospital Point for more snorkelling.
Night at the BOCAS INN (BLD)
Day 7: BOCA DEL DRAGO-PANAMA CITY
Today we will drive along the coast of Colon Island to visit one of the largest bat caves in the country. Along the way we will search for monkeys, sloths, birds, turtles, caimans, and view the rainforest with some of its magnificent ancient trees. Once at Boca del Drago we can snorkel from the beach to the coral reef that is just a few meters from shore. Afterwards we return to the Bocas Inn for lunch and get ready for our return flight to Panama City. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our hotel with a stop on the way at the Balboa handicraft market for some last minute shopping. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at local restaurant.
Night at the HOTEL EXECUTIVE (BLD)
Day 8: DEPART PANAMA
Transfer to Tocumen International Airport 2.5 hours prior to flight departure (B)
General Information
Rated: Easy
Fixed Departure dates
Year 2004: January 10-17, February 14-21, March 13-20, April 10-17, May 8-15, June 12-19, July 10-17, August 7-14, September 11-18, October 9-16, November 13-20, December 11-18, & on request.
Pre extensions to San Blas and post extensions to full Panama Canal transit also available. Please inquire
Minimum 2 passengers
| Tour Tariff | ||
| Per person | SGL Supp. | |
| USD | $ 1795 | $ 235 |
| EUR | € 1489 | € 195 |
| GBP | £ 1005 | £131 |
Included:
Lodging, all land, air and water transportation within Panama. All airport/hotel transfers on scheduled arrival and departure dates, meals as specified in the itinerary (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner), park, museum and related entrance fees, guides' services and expenses and the services of an in-bound land operator for airline re-confirmations and tour operations.
A US$25.00 contribution in your name to Panama's National Association for the Conservation of Nature (ANCON) has been included in the price.
Not included:
International airfare, airport departure taxes ($20 per person), tourist card ($5 per person), meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.), gratuities.
Note:
Weight restrictions apply to luggage in both commercial and chartered flights within Panama. A maximum of 25 lbs. of checked luggage and 10 lbs. of carry-on per person is allowed. Arrangements can be made with Ancon Expeditions to store luggage that will not be needed while away from the city. Excess baggage charges assessed by commercial carriers are the responsibility of the passenger.
RAFTING EXCURSION, DAY 4:
Minimum age restrictions will apply and will depend on the River Class and Section being run. Participants are expected to listen and follow instructions given both before and during the river outing. Some river sections are tougher than others and require an honest assessment of participants' physical fitness level and capabilities. Participants must alert Ancon Expeditions of Panama as to any physical conditions that may impede performance on the river in advance. Persons suspected of being under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any other mind-altering substance will not be allowed to participate on the river trip. No refunds will be issued in this event.
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