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 4 days / 3 nights - HARPY EAGLE CURRENTLY NESTING!
Contact us for more information on the current status of the Harpy Eagle!
An exploration of the realm of the Harpy Eagle, the world’s most powerful bird of prey and Panama’s national bird. This unforgettable adventure takes place along the historic Gulf of San Miguel, where the Spanish discoverer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa became the first European to set eyes on the Pacific Ocean back in 1512. Explore the Punta Patiño Reserve, stay overnight with the Embera Mogue community and hike to the nest of the Harpy Eagle!
Day 1 Panama City – Punta Patiño Nature Reserve – Gulf of San Miguel
 This morning you are picked up at your hotel and transferred to Panama City’s domestic airport to board the scheduled flight (scheduled to depart at 10:30 a.m.; flight duration: approximately 45 minutes; flight schedules are subject to change by airline) to La Palma capital of the Darien province, located by the mouth of the mighty Tuira River. At La Palma you board your expedition boat which takes you to the Ancon Expeditions lodge at the private 65,000-acre Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, overlooking the Gulf of San Miguel where you settle into your private cabins. Be on the lookout for bottle-nosed dolphin and different species of birds that find refuge among the mangrove-dotted coast. After a light and refreshing lunch you will head out on your first excursion of the trip. Lead by your Naturalist Guide you will hike into the forest in search of nature creatures and exquisite flora. You will learn about the work that the National Association for the Conservation of Nature (ANCON) is carrying out to protect the reserve and how the rainforest is regenerating. This evening you will take a short walk to the wetlands in search of the Capybara, the world’s largest rodent and the northernmost range being Panama. You will also look for caiman, owls and other nocturnal species.
Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (LD)
Day 2 Punta Patiño Nature Reserve
After a hearty breakfast you will hike the Piedra Candela trail where your guide will describe the importance of this tropical dry forest. This type of forest is quickly vanishing due to deforestation. After lunch the afternoon is open to continue exploring the area surrounding the lodge on your own, enjoy the view from the second floor veranda or take a siesta in one of the hammocks or at your cabin. Late this afternoon we board our boat for a coastal tour of the reserve and the sea bird’s nesting areas of El Morro.
Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (BLD)
Day 3 The Harpy Eagle of the Mogue River
 This morning you embark on a motorized dugout canoe and head for the Mogue River. You will look for the Roseate Spoonbill, Ibis, Osprey and Raccoons fishing along the river. The trip up river takes you through millenary mangroves making the boat ride extraordinary. You arrive at the village of Mogue where its inhabitants greet you. After the formalities and presentations you will head on a several kilometers walk in search of the recently discoverer Harpy Eagle active nest. From a safe distance as not to disturb the chick or scare the mother you will have the opportunity to have one of the most unique encounters with nature. The Harpy Eagle, Panama’s National Bird and the most powerful bird of prey in the Americas is endangered. Controlled visits to the area are generating income to the nearby village, which in turns creates an interest for the protection of the birds and their habitat. You return to the village in the afternoon to mingle with the Embera people and learn about their customs and traditions. Tonight you will sleep in the guest “Tambo” (thatch roof stilted house). You may opt to sleep in hammocks or screened tents with mats (provided). Night at MOGUE VILLAGE (BLD)
Day 4 Return to Panama City
You say goodbye to your new friends early this morning as you head back to La Palma where you will board your plane and return to Panama City around midday. Upon arrival to the airport in Panama City you are transferred to your hotel. (B)
B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner) – meals included
TRIP CLASSIFICATION
- Moderate hiking 2-4 hours with rolling and slippery hills also nocturnal hikes
- Accommodations are comfortable and basic camping
DEPARTURE DATES Departs on Saturdays and returns on Tuesdays. For dates not listed below, please consult directly with our Sales staff as with a minimum of 4 persons we can open a new date (based on availability!)
JAN 22 - 25, 2011 - 4 persons already signed up!
FEB 5 - 8, 2011 - 2 more persons needed to confirm the departure! PRICE US$795 per person + 7% tax (double occupancy) – minimum 4 passengers - Additional price for single occupancy: US$150 + 7% tax
INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED
- Lodging, meals as specified in the itinerary
| | - All land, air and water transportation within Panama
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| - All airport/hotel transfers on scheduled arrival and departure dates
| - Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
| - Local guides´services and expenses
| | - Park and related entrance fees
| - Gratuities and extras in hotels
| - Services of an in-bound land operator for airline re-confirmations and tour operations
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| DISCLAIMER & NOTE
Prices and itineraries are correct at the time of printing, however they are subject to change due to tidal/weather or local conditions, availabilities or factors beyond our control. Weight restrictions apply to luggage in commercial and chartered flights within Panama. A maximum of 25 lbs. (11 kg) of checked luggage and 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) of carry-on per person is allowed. Arrangements can be made with your hotel or Ancon Expeditions to store luggage that will not be needed while away from the city. Excess baggage charges assessed by commercial carriers are the responsibility of the passenger. WHAT TO BRING
- Binoculars (preferably 7x35 or bigger, also available for rent at Ancon Expeditions of Panama)
| - Lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes
- Windbreaker, Rain gear
| - Camera with extra batteries & film
| - Bathing suit, Insect repellant, Sunscreen
| - Flashlight with extra bulb & batteries
| - Money in small denominations
| - Hat, Day pack / dry sack, Water bottle
| - Toiletries & personal medications
| - Sandals, sneakers, hiking boots
| - Masking tape for flee protection / capture
| TIPPING
Ancon Expeditions is Panama’s top eco-tourism operator. Our Natural & Cultural History Guides are the country's finest. Due to frequently asked questions from our clients about suggested guide & staff gratuities, we would like to provide you with the following universal tipping guidelines: - Naturalist guide/Tour leader: US$10.00-US$20.00 per person/day
- Day tour guide: US$10.00 per person/day
- Transfer driver: US$2.00 per person
- Tour driver: US$5.00 per person/day
- Tour boat driver: US$5.00 per person/day
- Hotel bellman: US$1.00 per person per suitcase
- International airport bellmen (red caps): US$1.00 per piece of suitcase
PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE 
| Punta Patiño Nature Reserve is the largest private natural protected area in Central America and part of the Darien National Park complex of preserved lands. The Punta Patiño lodge is located atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the South and surrounded by the natural splendour of the area. Its ten well appointed, rustic cabins are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms. A dinning hall and a chapel dating back to the early 20th century are all part of the lodge’s facilities. Electricity is only available after sunset to sunrise (approximately from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) |
Address: Gulf of San Miguel, Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, Darien, Panama
Website: www.anconexpeditions.com
Phone: +(507) 269-9415
Fax: +(507) 264-3713
Check in & Check out: Depend on domestic flights
"Melanie, I returned home yesterday and just wanted to let you know that we had
a wonderful time at Punta Patiño and Mogue River. Deibys was a great
guide, and kept everybody happy. We were also well taken care of by
Franklin, Janette and Alex and the folks at Mogue.
The food was very good - a bonus we certainly didn't expect.
And... we saw the eagle on his nest, Beautiful!
We are ready to start planning our next Panama trip!" Realm of the Harpy Eagle (March 13-16, 2010)
Hoverson Family, USA “Ed and I are now back from vacation, and we want to thank you at Ancon Expeditions for providing one of the highlights of our trip. From the website to your helpful communication to all aspects of the expedition itself, we were impressed by the quality of service you offer. Rick Morales was friendly, informative, knolwedgeable, and sensitive in his work as our guide. When flight delays and other things were out of the control of Ancon Expeditions of Panama, you all made sure we were informed and that the best possible alternate plans could be arranged. Please pass on our praise to everyone there, and do not hesitate to use us as reference for your trips.” Realm of the Harpy Eagle (Jan 16-19, 2010)
Chris Craig & Ed Wheeless, USA “Ancon Expeditions will take excellent care of you. The guides are bilingual, knowledgeable, and considerate. The Darien (Punta Patiño National Reserve) is a great introduction to this "wild neck of the woods." The lodge served fresh, delicious cuisine. Hiking and boating to see indigenous flora and fauna was astonishing. Spending time with the Embera Indians was a rare treat.” Realm of the Harpy Eagle Emily Grey, USA
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