|
|
Home > Destinations > Central
America > Panama > Darien Explorer Trek
Darien Explorer Trek
Explore the heart of the Darien jungle on this active natural and cultural history expedition. Our route traverses several ecosystems in Darien National Park from coastal mangroves and lowland forests by motorized dugout to trekking through the montane rainforests and highland cloud forests of Pirre Mountain. A virtual island of endemism and rare species, the area around the Cana Biological Station protects diverse wildlife habitat including spectacular bird watching. It is the northernmost range of many South American species and the southern range of numerous Northern and Central American plants and animals. From the steamy towns of La Palma and El Real, the quiet Indian villages of Mogue, Pueblo Nuevo and Chulet, to the remote solitude of the ranger stations, the cultural experience is as fascinating as the abundant wildlife.
DAY 1 : ARRIVE PANAMA
Airport reception and transfer to your hotel in Panama City. Overnight at the Holiday Inn.
DAY 2 : GULF OF SAN MIGUEL AND PUNTA PATINO
Early this morning we are met by the expedition leader for a briefing and orientation over breakfast. We are then transferred to the domestic airport for scheduled flight (approx. 45 minutes) to La Palma, capital of the Darien province, located at the mouth of the Tuira River. At La Palma we board our expedition boat which takes us to our lodge at the private 65,000-acre Punta Patio Nature Reserve, overlooking the Gulf of San Miguel. Careful observation of the mangrove forests often yields observations of Willets, White Ibis, Mangrove Black Hawk, Raccoon, and other fauna. Settle into your private cabin, and after lunch well head out on our first excursion of the trip. Hike the Piedra Candela trail and learn the importance of this dry tropical forest, quickly vanishing due to deforestation. This evening we will look for Capybara, the largest rodent in the world. Overnight at Punta Patino Lodge. [BLD]
DAY 3 : MOGUE RIVER EMBERA PEOPLE
Travel via motorized pirogue (dugout canoe) on the Gulf of San Miguel. Upon arrival at the mouth of the Mogue River, we navigate the river that functions as the main transportation link for the Choco Indians. Living much as they did when the Spaniards arrived, the Choco are divided linguistically into two groups: the Embera and the Wounaan. Unmindful to western mores, many maintain their traditional dress of loincloths for the men and palm skirts for the women. Traditionally, the women weave baskets and the men work in wood, crafting dugout canoes and carving animals and bastone sticks used in curing rituals. Enjoy the day exchanging experiences with the Mogue inhabitants and learning about their traditions. Near the village we may spot Flame rumped Tanager, Black chested Jay, and Black tailed Trogon. Overnight at the village of Mogue in fully screened tents with mats for sleeping. [BLD]
DAY 4 : MOGUE RIVER TO PIRRE STATION
Our journey up the mighty Tuira River this morning takes us to the town of El Real and the Pirre River at the entrance to the Darien National Park. Access to the Darien National Park Pirre Station depends on the water level of the Pirre River. If the water level is low we will hike from El Real to the Station (3 hours.) If the water level permits we ride in our dugout canoe (2 hours.) Rushing waterfalls and crystal clear pools overwhelm our senses as the mighty Darien jungle envelops us. We will look for Dendrobates frogs and flocks of understory birds. Overnight at the Pirre Park Ranger station, in rustic accommodations with bunk beds. [BLD]
DAY 5 : PIRRE STATION
The area surrounding Pirre Station is the habitat of many lowland species. We may see Scarlet browed, Tawny crested, Lemon spectacled Tanagers, White fronted Nunbird, and Gray cheeked Nunlet among many others. Those interested in botany will be overwhelmed by the old cathedral rainforest; ceibas, anacardiums, stranglers and more. This afternoon we can cool off in the Pirre waterfall with its natural water slide. Overnight at Pirre Station [BLD]
DAY 6 : PIRRE STATION TO EL REAL
This morning, we will be on the trail early, observing the bird activity that accompanies the army ant swarms, as we hike to El Real. In the evening, enjoy the bullerengue-style dancing that is popular in this Afrodarienite town. We may choose to sleep in the local hotel or, perhaps we will choose to set our tents for the evening. Overnight at a local rooming house or El Real Camp [BLD]
DAY 7 : EL REAL - LEPE
We board our motorized piraguas again this morning and resume our journey on the Tuira River. We pass countless dugout canoes loaded with agricultural goods en route to Yaviza, the terminus of the Pan-American Highway. If time allows we will visit the Embera villages along the river and may spot Wood Stork, Laughing Falcon, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Gray-headed Kite, Bat Falcon, Rusty-margined Flycatcher and many others. After approximately 4 hours, we arrive at the ghost town of Boca de Cupe. It is from this town that the railroad took miners in and out of the fabled Cana Gold Mines. Now virtually uninhabited, Cana was home to more than 16,000 people less than 100 years ago. Search for macaws, eagles and peccaries amidst the towering Cuipo (Cavallinesia platanifolia) trees and the giant anacardiums. Overnight at Lepe Camp. [BLD]
DAY 8 : LEPE CAMP TO CRUZAMONO STATION
This morning we start our 4 hour hike up river to the Cruzamono Ranger Station. As we hike through the rain forest we will be able to see and hear a myriad of bird calls and other wonderful nature sounds as well as seeing footprints of mammals. Overnight at the Cruzamono Park Ranger Station [BLD]
DAY 9 : CRUZAMONO RANGER STATION CANA FIELD STATION
Today we continue our hike following the Cupe River through one of the more remote and wild regions of Panama. Due to its isolated location, its evolutionary crossroads between North and South America, and the elevation range, few places in the world rival Cana for its tremendous bird watching and possibilities of sighting large mammals like Tapir, Giant Anteater, Black spider Monkey, White-lipped Peccary and more. Well look for White-headed Wren, Tody Motmot, Macaws, Red-throated Caracara, and many other species amidst the towering Cuipo trees and the giant Anacardiums. Accommodations at the Cana Field Station are rustic but comfortable with shared bathrooms and hot showers. [BLD]
DAY 10 : CANA
The site of Cana has a colorful history of indigenous settlements, gold mining and pirate activities. When the most recent gold mine enterprise collapsed, the jungle reclaimed the area covering locomotives, winches, wagons and furnaces that remain today - silent witnesses to the regenerative capacity of the tropical rain forest. We will hike around the Station to the Cituro Locomotive, the Machinery Trail and other remnants of the massive British effort to mine the gold of Pirre at the end of the 19th century. Overnight at the Cana Field Station. [BLD]
DAY 11 : PIRRE CLOUD FOREST CAMP
This full day, slow-paced hike to our highland campsite (located at about 3,000 feet above sea level) takes us through dramatic changes in the forest habitat. A virtual island of endemism and rarities, the forest is home to Golden-headed Quetzals, Yellow green Grosbeak, Yellow collared Chlorophonia, Beautiful Treerunner, Varied Solitaire, Pirre Warbler, Pirre Hummingbird, Pirre Bush Tanager, Gray and gold Tanager, Rufous breasted Anthrush, Sharpbill, Black tipped Cotinga and many others. Follow the tracks or the tapir and be on the lookout for White-lipped Peccaries. Overnight at the Pirre Cloud Forest Camp. [BLD] Note: NOTE: Screened tents with sleeping mats and bedding are provided. Participants can bring their own sleeping bag if preferred. Participants who prefer not to hike to the cloud forest camp will enjoy the opportunity to explore and relax in the serenity of Cana.
DAY 12 : PIRRE CLOUD FOREST TO CANA FIELD STATION
Explore this remote unspoiled cloud forest paradise today. From the camp we will climb another 640 meters (2000 ft) to discover a forest permanently enveloped by mist. Rare species of flora are found here as well as mammals including jaguar. This afternoon we hike back down to the Cana Field Station. Overnight at the Cana Field Station [BLD]
DAY 13 : CANA - PANAMA CITY
This morning, we depart via chartered plane for Panama City. After visiting the Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks) and doing some shopping, we return to our hotel to freshen up for tonights farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Holiday Inn [BLD]
DAY 14 : DEPART PANAMA
Transfer to Tocumen International Airport for your scheduled flight home. [B]
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Darien Explorer Trek is not for everyone, please read these tips that will help you determine whether you are prepared to embark on this adventure or not: Darien Explorer Trek.
| - Route Map, Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
 |
Days: 14 | Grade: III (click for grades definition) | 2009 Price: $2885 per person | Single Supplement: $525 (click for info) | | | | | 2009 Departure Dates | | | Jul 5 - Jul 18, 2009
Nov 22 - Dec 5, 2009
|
|
| | | Included: As specified in the above itinerary, lodging, land, air, and water transportation within Panama on a shared basis, airport/hotel transfers on scheduled arrival/departure dates, meals, national park entrance fees, guide services and expenses, Wildland Adventures pre-departure consultation and services, ground operator support within Panama and taxes. | | | Not Included: International air fare, airport departure taxes ($20), meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service), gratuities, or costs associated with changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. We recommend and offer trip insurance. | | | Trip Notes: Minimum group size 4.
25 LB. PER PERSON BAGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT ON DOMESTIC AIRPLANES
There is a 25 lb. per person baggage weight limit per person for transportation on domestic airline flights within your itinerary. The airline operators enforce these limitations on your checked baggage for safety reasons. You and your small carry-on bag will be weighed separately. To comply with these requirements, we suggest that you repack only the items needed for the portion of your itinerary that includes these modes of transportation, and leave other items behind in storage.
| |
|
