Panama - Family Adventure

Day 1 ARRIVE PANAMA

On arrival to Tocumen International Airport we will be met by our Panama representative and transferred to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, our lodge for the next 3 nights, located along the shores of the Panama Canal.  This evening we enjoy a welcome briefing with our Naturalist Guide.

Our first three nights will be spent at the luxurious GAMBOA RAINFOREST RESORT VILLAS

Day 2 PANAMA CANAL JUNGLE BOAT ADVENTURE

Early in the morning we are picked up by our Naturalist Guide and transferred to the marina, where we board a specially equipped expedition boat.   The voyage takes us across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal passing by gigantic cargo ships transiting the waterway and making contrast with the natural surroundings.  Early afternoon return to Gamboa. This afternoon is left to ourselves to enjoy Gamboa.

Day 3 THE CHAGRES RIVER AND THE EMBERA PEOPLE

Early in the morning we drive to El Corotu on the shores of Madden Lake.  The main reservoir of drinking water for the cities of Panama and Colon, Madden Lake also supplies 40% of the water required for the operation of the Panama Canal.  Here, we board a motorized piragua (dugout canoe) and travel up the Chagres River to the Embera indigenous village of Embera Drua.  After a picnic lunch we visit the nearby waterfall where we can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Chagres River before heading back to Gamboa.

Day 4 SUMMIT NATURAL PARK - MIRAFLORES LOCKS - CHIRIQUI HIGHLANDS

This morning we will visit Summit Natural Park where we will tour the botanical gardens and also enjoy the highlights which include the natural exhibits of the Jaguar, Baird’s Tapir and Harpy Eagle.  We continue to the Miraflores Locks in the Panama Canal to learn about its history and marvel at this engineering accomplishment.  In the afternoon we catch a flight from Albrook domestic airport to David, the capital of the Chiriqui province.  Chiriqui is known as “Panama’s breadbasket” and contains some of the most breathtaking highland scenery in Central America. 

Tonight we will lodge at HOTEL PANAMONTE (BLD)

Day 5 CLOUDFOREST HIKE OR RIVER FLOATING TOUR

Early morning drive to the foothills of Baru Volcano at Finca Lerida.  Baru Volcano is the highest peak of the country at 3,475 meters above sea level.  An exciting hike into the cloudforest is planned for today.  We will be looking for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal and other wildlife unique to this tropical highland environment.  We will have lunch at a local coffee farm where we may get invited to help in the field. 

There will be an option to go on a river floating tour down the Chiriqui River for those who don’t go hiking today.  This optional tour has an additional cost and must be arranged in advance.

After our days hike we will relax for another night at HOTEL PANAMONTE (BLD)

Day 6 CHIRIQUI HIGHLANDS – BOCAS DEL TORO

After a good night’s rest we pack our belongings and get ready for the 4 hour drive to Bocas del Toro.  We will be literally traveling from the cloud forests to the coral reefs.  We will stop along the way several times to stretch our legs, play some games and enjoy scenery.  On arrival to Almirante on the Caribbean coast a boat will be waiting for us to be transferred to Colon Island where we will spend the next two nights.   We will enjoy beach time at Boca del Drago and search for colorful starfish.  Along the coastline, we make stops at coral reefs and mangrove isles for snorkeling.

We have accommodations arranged at the beautiful BOCAS INN (BLD)

Day 7 SALT CREEK VILLAGE – BASTIMENTOS MARINE NATIONAL PARK

We depart by boat from the Bocas Inn traversing the expanse of Bastimentos National Park, Panama’s first marine national park.  Upon arrival we first enjoy a walk along Caiman trail.  This trail takes us through several stages of lowland forest dynamics. 

An older tract of rainforest has tall trees that provide life to birds such as the Three-wattled Bellbird and Green-breasted Mango.  A nearby lagoon is home to Spectacled Cayman and Slider Turtle.  On the ground we will look for the tiny endemic poison dart frog Dendrobates Pumilio.  After the hike, we enjoy a visit to the indigenous community and a chance to purchase handicrafts such as painted woodcarvings and Ngobe handbags, followed by lunch. 

In the afternoon, we will snorkel among mangroves and coral reefs, searching for numerous fish species, as well as dynamic and brightly colored sea fans, sponges and brittle starfish. 

After an exciting day of wildlife we will return for a final night at BOCAS INN (BLD)

Day 8 PANAMA CITY

A morning flight will take us back to Panama City where the activities today include a visit the ruins of Old Panama and Casco Antiguo.   After lunch at a local restaurant we will visit the Smithsonian Marine Exhibition at Culebra Point at the entrance to the Pacific side of the Panama Canal and the International Handcraft Market where crafts from Panama and other Latin American countries are available.  Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel.

Our last night will be at HOLIDAY INN – PANAMA CANAL (BLD)

Day 9 DEPART PANAMA

Today we are picked up at the lobby of the hotel 2.5 hours prior to our scheduled departure flight and transferred to Tocumen International Airport.  Fly home (B)