Day 1 PANAMA CITY – PUNTA PATINO - GULF
OF SAN MIGUEL – PIEDRA CANDELA TRAIL
This morning we are picked up at our hotel and transferred to Panama City’s
domestic airport to board the scheduled flight (approximately 45 minutes) to
La Palma capital of the Darien province, located by the mouth of the mighty Tuira
River. At La Palma we board our expedition boat which take us to the Ancon Expeditions
lodge at the private 65,000-acre Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, overlooking
the Gulf of San Miguel where we settled into our private cabins. Be on the lookout
for bottle-nosed dolphin and different species of birds that find refuge among
the mangrove-dotted coast.
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After
a light and refreshing lunch we will head out on
our first excursion of the trip. This afternoon we
hike the Piedra Candela trail where our guide will
describe the importance of this tropical dry forest.
This type of forest is quickly vanishing due to deforestation.
We can return to the lodge or stay at the beach to
see the spectacular sunset.
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This
evening we will take a short walk to the wetlands in
search of Capybaras, the world’s largest rodent
with its northernmost range being Panama. We will also
look for caiman, owls and other nocturnal species.
Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (LD)
Day 2 THE EMBERA PEOPLE OF THE MOGUE RIVER
This morning we embark on our motorized dugout canoe
and head for the Mogue River. We will look for Roseate
Spoonbill, Ibis, Osprey and Raccoons fishing
along the
river. The trip up river takes us through millenary mangroves making the boat
ride extraordinary. We arrive at the village of Mogue where its inhabitants
greet us. After the formalities and presentations we will be able to learn
about their
culture and traditions. Also we will have the opportunity of buying their beautiful
handicrafts that are made from natural materials. The men are expert carvers
of Cocobolo wood and the women weave extraordinary baskets from palm fibers
with dyes from different plants. On our return trip to the lodge we will do
a coastal
tour of the reserve and the sea bird’s nesting areas of El Morro.
This afternoon is free to continue exploring the area surrounding the lodge on
your own, enjoy the view from the second floor veranda or enjoy a siesta on one
of the hammocks or at your cabin.
Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (BLD)
Day
3 PUNTA PATINO, GULF OF SAN MIGUEL – PANAMA
CITY
After breakfast this morning we head back to La Palma where we will board our
plane and return to Panama City. Upon arrival to the airport we are transferred
to our hotel. (B)
TRIP CLASSIFICATION: Moderate hiking
with rolling hills and optional activities like extended
nocturnal hikes. Lodge accommodations are comfortable.
INCLUDED: Lodging,
all land, air and water transportation within Panama,
meals as specified in the itinerary (B – breakfast,
L- lunch, D – dinner), entrance fees, guides’ services
and expenses, and services of an in-bound land operator
for tour operations.
NOT
INCLUDED: International airfare, tourist
card ($5 per person), Panama City hotel, meals not
specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages,
personal equipment, extras in hotels or gratuities.
NOTE: The
itinerary is subject to change due to tidal or weather
conditions. In this event the itinerary may be inverted.
Weight
restrictions apply to luggage in both commercial and
chartered flights within Panama. A maximum of 25 lbs.
of checked luggage per person is allowed. Arrangements
can be made at the hotel to store luggage that will
not be needed. Excess baggage charges assessed by commercial
carriers are the responsibility of the passenger.
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, hiking boots/sandals, sneakers, rain
gear, money in small denominations, toiletries & personal
medications.
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