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Panama offers visitors easily accessible oceans and forests teeming
with tropical fauna and flora, without crowds of tourists. The
Darien
Jungle in eastern Panama, one of the world's least
explored regions, is teeming with over 800 species of birds and
has more than 1,500 species of trees. Our expeditions trek from
the San Blas Islands to Bocas del Toro to the Darien Jungle, traversing
this magnificent and mysterious country and its famous canal.
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| San
Blas Islands and Panama Canal - water travel is a way of
life |
| Itineraries | | | The Best of Panama | Chiriqui Highlands, Baru Volcano and the Kuna Indians of San Blas Islands
9 nights ~ from $2363 | | Panama Discovery | The Panama Canal, birding and wildlife, highland scenery in Chiriqui Highlands, relaxing Caribbean in Bocas del Toro
7 nights ~ from $2095 | | Journey between the Seas | Panama Exploration Cruise aboard the Discovery
7 nights ~ from $4148 | | Ultimate Darien Experience | Darien National Park, Cana Field Station, Pirre Cloud Forest
4 nights ~ from $1570 | | Family Adventures in Panama | Birding in Gamboa Rainforest Resort, cruising the Panama Canal, Chiriqui Province and snorkeling in Bocas del Toro
8 nights ~ from $2126 | | Highlights of Avian Panama | Birdwatching in Panama's National Parks: Soberania, La Amistad, Baru Volcano, Darien
7 nights ~ from $2048 | | Birds of Panama with Cana | Search for Resplendent Quetzal, hummingbirds and flycatchers in Chagres, Chiriqui Highlands and Cana
13 nights ~ from $2625 | | Darien Explorer Trek | Trekking and camping in the Heart of the Darien Rainforest
13 nights ~ from $2888 | | Panama Multi-Sport Adventure | Hiking, River Rafting/Kayaking, Snorkeling
7 nights ~ from $2048 | | Camino Real Trek | Follow the historic Camino Real (King's Road) from the Pacific to the Caribbean.
7 nights ~ from $1365 |
Bocas del
Toro:
In the northwest of Panama, the Cordillera Central Mountains descend
to an archipelago of islands in the Caribbean. Mainly indigenous
tribes whose means of transportation is dugout canoe inhabit this
unspoiled region, called Bocas del Toro. The exotic flora, abundance
of wildlife, and deserted sandy beaches are heaven for travelers
seeking adventure and paradise. Known as one of Central America's
premiere scuba
diving destinations, the islands of Bocas del Toro
are surrounded by extensive coral reefs and hundreds of species
of fish. Bastimentos Marine National Park offers opportunities
to see queen angels, fairy basselets, rock beauties and four-eyed
butterfly fishes. Snorkeling, swimming and lounging in the warm,
crystal clear water are among the main attractions. On dry land,
howler, white faced and spider monkeys, toucans and parrots, iguanas
and poison dart frogs roam the tropical forest. Birders
can see the resplendent quetzal and three-wattled bellbird in
the forest. Deep-sea fishing in the bountiful waters yields sailfish,
shark, barracuda, and marlin. A number of mid-range hotels and
restaurants have opened around town to accommodate travelers,
but expect an undeveloped, natural destination in Bocas del Toro.
Darien
Jungle:
The dense, humid Darien Jungle is located on the eastern side
of Panama. Cana, the last substantial human settlement in the
region is often the base for exploring the depths of the undisturbed
rainforest. Five main trails of varying difficulty diverge from
Cana, some scaling 4,700 feet up to the cloud forest. A recently
built lookout platform allows onlookers to view several different
ecosystems at once. The remnants of gold mining that occurred
in the 19th century are scattered about Cana, swallowed by the
encroaching forest. They remain evidence of how vulnerable even
this remote jungle is to human exploitation. The Darien Jungle
is recognized as one of the top-ten birding
sites in the world. It is possible to see birds and
animals close to the trail systems because the region is so remote
and unvisited. Green and chestnut-fronted macaws, rufous-tailed
and snowy-bellied hummingbirds and king vultures are common sightings.
Endangered species such as great curasows, macaws, white-lipped
peccary, tapir, black-headed spider monkey, and jaguar live protected
under the watch of nearby ranger stations. The evenings awake
to a symphony of sounds and owling offers glimpses of spectacled,
mottled, pygmy, and bare-shanked screech owls.
Panama
City & Canal:
Home to over one million people, Panama City boasts a modern skyline
and a National Park within its limits. The city surprises most
visitors with its enchanting combination of palm trees, tropical
breezes, and high-rise views of the Bay of Panama. The Smithsonian
Tropical Research Institute and a world-class educational facility
are located in the Metropolitan National Park linking the city
to the rainforest. There are a variety of day trip from the city
for nature lovers. Once a military radar facility, the Canopy
Tower Hotel top floor allows visitors a view of the
forest canopy at eye-level and the Pacific entrance to the Panama
Canal. Hundreds of rare and beautiful birds make their appearance
regularly. Pipeline Road runs into the heart of Panama's rainforest
for 11 kilometers. You'll spot a myriad of birds, howler monkeys,
white-faced capuchin monkeys, or three toed sloths. From a visit
to the ruins of Panama La Vieja (the old colonial Fortress City)
to the compound of Casco Viejo, you can explore the events that
led up to the movement of the capital city to its present location.
Learn about the ill-fated French attempts to construct a canal
through Panama in the late 19th century. After that, visit the
Panama Canal itself and marvel at the ships seen transiting there
with the workings of the great Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks.
San Blas
Islands:
The San Blas Islands offer unparalleled opportunities to submerse
yourself in Panamanian indigenous culture. San Blas Islands Located
in the northwestern corner of Panama in the Caribbean Sea, the
300-island archipelago remains virtually untouched by commercial
development. The largest native group in the Americas, the Kuna
Indians, won independence from the Panamanian government in 1933
and now own and govern the San Blas Islands. Kuna women sew the
very colorful reverse appliquéd cotton molas that are the basis
for their dress, and the men spend much of their time fishing.
The clear waters around the small rocky, palm-studded islands
are perfect for snorkeling, fishing and diving.
Here, you will feel the culture of an indigenous people and live
void of materialistic influence.
Panama City
is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America, yet within
the city limits is a National Park. Birders know Panama is an
excellent destination for a tremendous variety of birds. But the
forests that benefit from preservation also offer great hiking,
trekking, and animal viewing. Choose one of our set itineraries
or create your own custom trip with one of our trip consultants.
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