Day 1 ARRIVE TO PANAMA
On arrival to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City we will be greeted by an Ancon Expeditions of Panama representative and transferred to our hotel. Tonight we will meet with the Expedition Leader and the rest of the trip participants.
Night at COUNTRY INN-PANAMA CANAL (no meals)

Day 2 HISTORIC PANAMA CITY — EMBERA VILLAGE Our morning begins with a thorough inspection of our equipment for the hike on the Camino Real. Afterwards, visit the ruins of Old Panama City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which holds historical relevance to the area that we will explore in the upcoming days. Early afternoon drive to Madden Lake, where we board our motorized dug out canoes in route to an Embera village where we will spend the night. We are greeted by dances and sounds of the Embera people, who are proud to share their culture and heritage with visitors. Here we find the best opportunity to purchase fine handicrafts directly from the artists. Night at Embera Village in screened tents. (BLD)

Days 3 – 5 CHAGRES NATIONAL PARK – CAMINO REAL We bid farewell to our new friends and continue the adventure on foot within Chagres National Park. The park was created in 1985 to protect 320,000 acres of rainforests as part of Panama’s conservation strategy and to conserve the watershed which provides over 50% of the fresh water needed for the operation of the Panama Canal, as well as the drinking water for the two largest cities in the country. We will encounter remnants of the Camino Real (King’s Road) used by the Spanish in the 1500s-1700s period and vestiges of late 1800s manganese mines, including railroad tracks and locomotives encroached in the tropical vegetation that are taken over these relics.

Chagres National Park is also home to endangered species such as jaguars, mantled howler monkeys and anteaters. It is also a bird sanctuary for more than 560 species, including the harpy eagle -- the largest eagle in the world and Panama's national bird. Most of the trajectory of this trek will take place through mature primary rainforest. We cross the watershed divide of the Boqueron River as we head north toward the Caribbean Sea. 3 nights in TENT CAMPS (BLD)

Day 6 NOMBRE DE DIOS - PORTOBELO After tour days of trekking, today we will reach Nombre de Dios, the original terminus of the Camino Real on the Caribbean Sea. Most of the trade between Spain and the Americas in the 1500s came through here until the town was sacked and destroyed by Francis Drake in 1596. A short drive along the coast will take us to Portobelo for a tour of the Spanish forts and churches. Portobelo was founded in 1597 to replace Nombre de Dios as the terminus of the Camino Real.

Set on a deepwater bay deemed easier to defend from the ravages of pirates, Portobelo was heavily fortified and for 150 years played host to the famous trade fairs, when the Spanish treasure fleet came to collect the riches that traveled across the isthmus on mule trains from Panama City and to leave merchandise brought from Seville for distribution throughout the Americas. Unsurprisingly, the wealth concentrated in the royal warehouses here was an irresistible target for the pirates who scoured the Spanish Main. Night in waterfront lodge in Portobelo (BLD)

Day 7 BAY OF PORTOBELO – PANAMA CITY This morning there will be opportunities to go snorkeling or diving (optional) to look for Sir Francis Drake's lead coffin which is said to have been dropped in the waters of the Bay of Portobelo. In the afternoon we will drive to Colon City to catch the train back to Panama City. The Panama Railway was inaugurated in 1856 and was the first train to cross the continent from one ocean to the other. The completion of the trans-isthmian railroad was inspired by the Gold Rush when pioneers were in need of a fast and safe way to get to California. The train ride is 1 hour long from coast to coast and skirts the Panama Canal. A farewell dinner by the Bay of Panama on the Pacific side is prepared for this evening. Night at the COUNTRY INN-PANAMA CANAL (BLD)

Day 8 RETURN HOME
Transfer out to the airport to fly home (B)

Panama Canal Transit post tour extension available

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: Moderate - High. Expect full day treks of 5 to 7 hours per day over muddy, steep, slippery slopes. There will be exposure to variable climatic conditions. Plan for rugged traveling conditions and overnights in tents.

INCLUDED: Lodging, all land and water transportation within Panama. All airport/hotel transfers on scheduled arrival/departure dates, meals as specified in the itinerary (B - breakfast; L - lunch; D - dinner), camping gear (tents and eating utensils) entrance fees, porter fees, guide's services and expenses.

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.) or gratuities.

NOTE: Travel within Chagres National Park is accomplished with great preparation on the part of our staff in order to make our guests as safe and comfortable as possible. Potential guests are expected to make themselves aware of the nature and demands of this trip and prudently judge whether or not they are suited for this type experience. A desire to experience the outdoors, a spirit of adventure, and willingness to sacrifice creature comforts are essential qualifications. Participants should be physically fit and able to hike at a moderate pace for up to eight hours in a day. Medical limitations and concerns should be brought to the attention of Ancon Expeditions of Panama several weeks prior to the program’s departure date.

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST: Binoculars (preferably 7x35 or bigger), camera with extra batteries & film, flashlight with extra bulb & batteries, bathing suit, insect repellant, sunscreen, hat, day pack, water bottle, lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes, windbreaker, sandals, hiking boots (jungle boots preferred), sleeping mat, rain gear, money in small denominations, toiletries & personal medications.

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