Travel to Panama: Panama Discovery

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Panama Discovery

			DAYS: 8 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $2050 per person (Includes Local Air) * Also available on private basis. * HIGHLIGHTS: Soberania National Park Bastimentos Marine National Park Bocas Del Toro Chiriqui Cloud Forest Baru Volcano ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Explore ecosystems from tropical rain forest to highland cloud forest and Caribbean reef all in just eight days. Gatun Lake offers burgeoning wildlife under the protection of the Panama Canal and the uncrowded cloud forest of Boquete always has more birds than people. Relax in Bocas del Toro where you'll have the chance to see colorful tropical fish or just watch the aqua blue water lap over your feet. Compliment this itinerary with an optional Panama Canal Transit or a visit to the San Blas Islands.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE PANAMA
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City and transfer about thirty minutes to the Country Inn Amador on the shores of the Panama Canal. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and orientation with our Naturalist Guide. Overnight at the Country Inn Amador. [Meals on own]

Hiking in Finca Lerida promises great wildlife sightings.

DAY 2 :  PANAMA CANAL JUNGLE BOAT EXPEDITION MIRAFLORES LOCKS
We board the Endemic, a specially equipped 14-passenger boat, to voyage across Gatun Lake, part of the Panama Canal, watching for gigantic cargo ships as we keep a lookout for Green iguanas resting on tree branches, ospreys in the hunt for Peacock Bass, and Snail Kites. Keep your gaze turned upward as you may see White-faced capuchins, Red-naped tamarins, Howler monkeys and two sub-species of Spider monkeys. After a picnic lunch we observe the operation of the canal from the Miraflores Locks interpretive center. Overnight at the Country Inn Amador [BLD]

DAY 3 :  THE TRANS-ISTHMIAN ROUTE
Set out across the Isthmus of Panama at its narrowest point. We walk a small portion of the Las Cruces Trail, a cobblestone walkway used by the Spanish conquistadors to bring their cargo and riches to and from the city of Panama. From there we continue to the port town of Portobelo, famous for its trade fairs during the 17th century. Here we visit the old Customs building and the fortifications. Traveling west we cross the Panama Canal over the Gatun Locks and proceed to Fort San Lorenzo. Built at the mouth of the Chagres River to fortify and protect the river entrance to Las Cruces Trail, the fort was also used as the port of entry for the gold diggers on their way to California in the 1880s during the Gold Rush. The roadside is covered with lush rainforest where we might have the opportunity to see more monkeys, sloth, toucans and other wildlife. We board the Panama Canal Railway train to return to the city and reminisce about those adventurous travelers in search of fortune and fame. This 1 hour ride will take us alongside the eastern shores of the Panama Canal with spectacular views. Transfer to the hotel from the Corozal train station. Overnight at the Country Inn Amador [BLD]

DAY 4 :  CHIRIQUI CLOUD FOREST OR WHITE WATER RAFTING
Early this morning transfer to Albrook domestic airport to catch our 1-hour scheduled flight to David, capital of the Chiriqui province. Chiriqui is known as Panamas breadbasket and contains some of the most breathtaking highland scenery in Central America. From the airport in David travel by van 2 hours to Cerro Punta where we start our 4-hour hike along Los Quetzales Trail. This cloud forest trail winds around the foothills of Baru Volcano, the highest peak of the country at over 10,000 above sea level. Along the way we stop to enjoy the views and look for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Picnic lunch on the trail and this afternoon we reach the town of Boquete where we will spend the night.

For the adventurous we have the option of experiencing whitewater rafting on the Rio Chiriqui. This white water river rafting experience likely includes Class III or IV sections although the length and difficulty of the rafting will depend upon which section of the Rio Chiriqui is being run. A picnic lunch will be served on the riverbank. Overnight at Hotel Panamonte [BLD]

DAY 5 :  FINCA LERIDA BOCAS DEL TORO
Finca Lerida is a privately owned preserve in Boquete, situated within the buffer zone of Baru Volcano National Park. At 7,500 elevation we have an opportunity to look for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, Three-wattled Bellbird, Black-faced Solitaire, Volcano Hummingbird, Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher and Prong-billed Barbet in their cool habitat of orchids, bromeliads and wild avocados. We hike through lush vegetation to the Collins shade-grown coffee farm where lunch is served.  Overnight at the Bocas Inn [BLD]

	Snorkeling in Bastimentos Marine Park

DAY 6 :  BASTIMENTOS MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Motor out offshore through the protected waters of the archipelago to Bastimentos Marine National Park where we will be able to snorkel along coral reefs and see stunning Queen Angels, Blackbar Soldierfish, Blue Tang, Pederson Cleaner shrimp, and Four-eyed Butterfly fishes. This area is shallow and calm, a perfect place for snorkeling. We can also snorkel around tiny clear-water mangrove islands where many marine inhabitants are protected during their infant stages. After a delicious lunch we continue our adventure to Red Frog Trail in search of the tiny strawberry frog, and to Hospital Point for more snorkeling. Overnight at the Bocas Inn [BLD]

DAY 7 :  BOCA DEL DRAGO TO PANAMA CITY
Drive along the coast of Colon Island to visit a large bat cave and search for monkeys, sloth, birds, turtles and caiman. Once at Boca del Drago we can snorkel from the beach to the coral reef that is just a few meters from shore. Return to the Bocas Inn for lunch and our afternoon flight to Panama City. Upon arrival stop at the Balboa handicraft market on the way to our hotel. Farewell dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at the Hotel Riande Continental. [BLD]

DAY 8 :  DEPARTURE
Transfer to Tocumen International Airport 2.5 hours prior to flight departure. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Grettel Calderon 1(800)345-4453