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 4 days / 3 nights
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 Nature Reserve with our naturalist guides, enjoy the coastal boat trip around the Gulf of San Miguel and visit the Embera indigenous community at Mogue River.
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 a domestic 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. From there you take a boat ride to our private 65,000-acre Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, overlooking the Gulf of San Miguel where you settle into our private cabins. 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 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 you embark on a motorized dugout canoe and head for the Mogue River. You will look for 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 be able to learn about their culture and traditions. You will also 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 your return trip to the lodge you 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 Patiño Nature Reserve
After a hearty breakfast you will take a tractor ride into the primary forest of the reserve. The emergent tree species here is the impressive Cuipo. You will hike a back trail in search of more flora and fauna. You return to the lodge in time for lunch. This afternoon you board your 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 4 Return to Panama City
Early this morning you can continue birding with our guide or we may opt for taking a dip in the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the tranquility of the isolated beach. Late morning you will be transferred by boat back to La Palma from where you board the plan that takes you back to Panama City. 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 with rolling hills and optional activities like extended nocturnal hikes
- Lodge accommodations are comfortable
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!)
OCT 30 - NOV 2, 2010 - 4 passengers signed up already!
JAN 3-6, 2011 - SOLD OUT!
PRICE US$750 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
| | - 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)
| - Water bottle
- Lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes
- Masking tape for flee protection / capture
| - Camera with extra batteries & film
| - Sandals, sneakers / hiking boots
| - Flashlight with extra bulb & batteries
| | - Bathing suit, Insect repellant, Sunscreen
| - Money in small denominations
| | - Toiletries & personal medications
| 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.)
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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
"Home again.
My wife and myself want to pass our regards to all of you and thank you
for again a couple of very nice trips during our stay in Panama and like last year they were perfectly organized and your guides are top class. Thanks again!"
Coastal Darien Explorer Jannie & Jos Haddeman, Netherlands “The entire operation was very professional, accountable and knowledgeable, from the office to the guides and local station help!” Coastal Darien Explorer Nancy Rogge, USA “Mario is an excellent guide, and the cabañas in the Darien are fantastic, overall a great experience.” Coastal Darien Explorer Craig, Chile “Ancon Expeditions have helped me as a photographer to see and photograph birds, animals, landscapes, and other wildlife in urban, and remote and wild areas of Panama. Their logistics are excellent. Ancon Expeditions have excellent naturalist guides with broad knowledge beyond only the nature of Panama; in addition they have very high level of ethics.” Coastal Darien Explorer
Øyvind Martinsen, Norway
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