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 8 days / 7 nights
A country so small yet filled with exuberant rainforests, wildlife and a rich cultural heritage. Discovering Panama includes traversing on (1) Panama Canal waters looking for Red-napped Yamarins, riding on historic trains on the Trans-Isthmian Route, visiting forts on the Caribbean (2), hiking in cloud forests of the Chiriqui highlands searching for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal (3+4), meeting one of the seven indigenous people in Bastimentos National Park and exploring underwater world of the Caribbean Sea in Bocas del Toro (5).
 Day 1 Arrive to Panama
On arrival to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, you will be met by an Ancon Expeditions of Panama representative and transferred to your hotel.
Night at the HOLIDAY INN – PANAMA CANAL
Day 2 Chagres River & the Embera People
Early in the morning you are picked up at the lobby of your hotel by an Ancon Expeditions of Panama Naturalist Guide for a one hour drive to El Corotu on the shores of Madden Lake. The main reservoir of drinking water for the cities of Panama and Colon, Madden also supplies 40% of the water required for the operation of the Panama Canal. Here you will board a motorized piragua to travel up the Chagres River.
The dugout canoe journey will take you through the rainforests of the 320,000-acre Chagres National Park, the largest of the national parks protecting the Panama Canal Watershed. Along the Chagres River, you may be able to spot Little Blue and Green Heron, Great Egret, Anhinga, Neo-tropical Cormorant, Amazon, Ringed, and Green Kingfisher, along with Red-lored Amazon Parrot and Keel-billed Toucan flying above.
You will reach the Embera village where you will be greeted with dancing, music and a sumptuous lunch made up of fresh fish, plantains and tropical fruits prepared by your hosts. Learn about Embera customs and their relationship with nature while visiting the village. The Embera are famous for their basketry and wood carving skills. There will be handcrafts available for sale and you will have a chance to be painted with the traditional jagua, a natural dye used by the Embera to adorn their bodies. Early in the afternoon you will return to El Corotu for the drive back to Panama City.
Night at the HOLIDAY INN – PANAMA CANAL (BLD) Day 3 Panama Canal Jungle Boat Adventure - Miraflores Locks - Chiriqui
Early in the morning you will be picked up by your Naturalist Guide and transferred to the town of Gamboa, at the Panama Canal, where you will board a specially equipped expedition boat. The voyage takes you across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal passing by gigantic cargo ships transiting the waterway and making contrast with the natural surroundings. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to spot Green Iguana and Three-toed Sloth resting on tree branches, crocodile, Osprey in the hunt for Peacock Bass, Snail Kite and Keel-billed Toucan among other species. The expedition boat will allow for close approximations to rainforest covered islands in Gatun Lake to search for White-faced Capuchin, Howler Monkey, Spider Monkey and the endemic Red-napped Tamarin. You will have a picnic lunch on an island with extraordinary views of the Panama Canal and the natural surroundings. Early afternoon return to Gamboa and drive to the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center, where you will visit multiple exhibits of the canal and have the opportunity to view the operations of the Panama Canal.
In the afternoon you catch a flight from Albrook domestic airport to David, the capital of the Chiriqui province. Chiriqui is known as “Panama’s breadbasket” and contains some of the most breathtaking highland scenery in Central America. Transfer by van to the eastern side of the dormant Baru Volcano to the quaint town of Boquete with its countryside dotted with flower, fruit and vegetable farms, coffee plantations and extraordinary cloud forest environments.
Night at HOTEL PANAMONTE / HOTEL LADERA (for departures after Dec 1, 2010) (BLD)
Day 4 Cloud Forest Canopy Ziplining - Coffee Tour
This morning you will do a cloud forest canopy tree trek on a zipline that that allows you to contemplate the rainforest from fourteen different canopy platforms while smoothly soaring in the heights of the cloud forest from one treetop to another. You will glide through the trees and encounter a world unknown. You will discover a fascinating perspective of wildlife that you had never appreciated. Native species of flora and fauna can be observed. You will marvel at the sight of a great variety of orchids, trees and wildflowers that are found throughout the area.
This afternoon you have an interactive experience with coffee at Lerida Coffee Estate. The experts will explain all the process coffee beans go through. This is no ordinary coffee. Carefully grown and scrutinized; Lerida’s coffee is world renown. Enjoy a fresh brewed cup of coffee while watching the spectacular sunset over the Baru Volcano, the highest peak of the country at 3,475 meters above sea level.
Night at HOTEL PANAMONTE / HOTEL LADERA (for departures after Dec 1, 2010) (BLD) Day 5 Continental Divide - Bocas del Toro
This morning you explore Finca Lerida, a privately owned preserve in Boquete, in the buffer zone of Baru Volcano National Park. At an elevation of 2,286 meters (7,500 feet) 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.
You will hike through lush vegetation and arrive at the Collin’s coffee farm where lunch will be served. You return to the hotel and prepare for oyur drive to Almirante, Bocas del Toro. Enroute across the Continental Divide, you stop at Fortuna Dam. You will be crossing the Palo Seco protected area that serves as buffer zone to La Amistad International Park. The transition from the cloud forests to the coral reefs of Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean Sea will be impressive. In Almirante you are met by your boat and transferred to Isla Colon.
You have ample time to enjoy the hammocks on the upstairs deck or mingle with the locals in the small friendly town.
Night at the BOCAS INN (BLD) Day 6 Salt Creek Village - Bastimentos Marine National Park
You depart by boat from the Bocas Inn traversing the expanse of Bastimentos National Park, Panama’s first marine national park. You reach Salt Creek by navigating through clusters of Red Mangroves, which provide sea creatures with a protective area during their reproductive and development stages. Upon arrival you first enjoy a walk along Cayman Trail. This trail takes you through several stages of lowland forest dynamics. Here, you will look for birds such as Red-throated Ant Tanager and Golden-collared Manakin (Cerritus sub sp.). Mammals such as Night Monkeys, White-faced Capuchins and Three-toed Sloths also live here. An older tract of rainforest has tall trees that provide life to birds such as the Three-wattled Bellbird and Green-breasted Mango. A nearby lagoon is home to Spectacled Cayman and Slider Turtle. On the ground you will look for the tiny endemic poison dart frog Oophaga pumilio. After the hike, you enjoy a visit to the indigenous community and a chance to purchase handicrafts such as painted woodcarvings and Ngobe handbags, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, you will snorkel among mangroves and coral reefs, searching for numerous fish species, as well as dynamic and brightly colored sea fans, sponges and brittle starfish.
Night at BOCAS INN (BLD) Day 7 Boca del Drago - Panama City
Early in the morning you take a boat ride to Boca del Drago around Isla Colon. Weather permitting, you visit Swan's Cay, a rock protruding from the depths of the Caribbean Sea, which serves as rookery for Red-billed tropic birds (the only place to be found in Panama) and Brown boobies. Along the coastline, returning to the lodge, you make stops at coral reefs and mangrove isles for snorkeling. Back at the lodge you have lunch and get ready for your return flight to Panama City. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Tonight you enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Night at the HOLIDAY INN-PANAMA CANAL (BLD) Day 8 Depart Panama
Today you are picked up at the lobby of the hotel 2.5 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight and transferred to Tocumen International Airport. Fly home. (B)
Optional pre-tour to the San Blas Islands and post-tour Panama Canal transit available.
TRIP CLASSIFICATION
- Easy/moderate hiking 2-4 hours per day with rolling, slippery hills and optional activities such as snorkeling, rafting and extended hikes.
- Hotel or lodge accommodation comfortable
DEPARTURE DATES 2010
Nov 20 - 27, 2010 - 4 persons signed up already!
Dec 18 - 25, 2010 - 2 more persons needed to confirm the departure!
DEPARTURE DATES 2011
Feb 5-12, 2011 - 1 more person needed to confirm the departure!
March 12-19, 2011
July 9-16, 2011
Aug 20-27, 2011
Nov 5-12, 2011
Dec 10-17, 2011
PRICE
US$2,195 per person + 7% tax (double occupancy) – minimum of 4 passengers -
Additional price for single occupancy: US$595 + 7% tax For our November 2010 departure receive a 10% discount if you book now!
INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED
- Lodging, meals as specified in the itinerary (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner)
| | - All land, air and water transportation within Panama
| - Gratuities and extras in hotels (telephone calls, laundry, room service)
| | - Meals not specified in the itinerary
| - All airport/hotel transfers on scheduled arrival and departure dates
| - Alcoholic beverages
- Personal equipment
| - Guides´services and expenses
| - Snorkeling equipment (can be rented at a small fee at the Bocas Inn Lodge)
| - Services of an in-bound land operator for airline re-confirmations and tour operations
| | - Park, museum and related entrance fees
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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
| - Camera with extra batteries & film
| - Sandals, sneakers / hiking boots
| - Flashlight with extra bulb & batteries
| | - Insect repellant, Sunscreen, bathing suit
| - Money in small denominations
| | - Toiletries & personal medications
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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
HOLIDAY INN PANAMA CANAL 
| Overlooking the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, the Holiday Inn has 137 rooms, 2 restaurants, business centre, coffee shop, elevators, jogging trail, outdoor pool, restaurants, and 5 meeting rooms. Located in the Canal Area, the hotel is close to the domestic airport and free shuttles run daily to the Albrook shopping mall. |
Address: Ave. Omar Torrijos Herrera, Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama Website: www.hinnpanama.com/index2.html Phone: +(507) 317-4000 Fax: +(507) 317-4001 Check in: 3:00 p.m. Check out: 12:00 p.m. PANAMONTE INN & SPA
 The Panamonte Inn & Spa is a Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World
The Panamonte Inn & Spa is located in Boquete in the Highlands of Chiriquí, only 45 minutes from the province’s capital, David. This boutique hotel with its 25 rooms and suites is known for its personalized service, gourmet dining, fireside lounge and colorful gardens. Opened in 1914, the Panamonte has hosted a who’s who of international adventures; a renovation in 2007 and new guestrooms in 2008 provide comfortable, modern accommodations without forsaking the hotel’s antique charm. The Panamonte’s Haven Spa is renowned as one of the best in Panama. The centre of Boquete town is only a few minutes walking distance from the hotel. |
Address: Ave. 11 April, Boquete, Chiriqui, Panama
Website: www.panamonte.com
Phone: +(507) 720-2055
Fax: +(507) 720-1324
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m. HOTEL LADERA (used instead of Panamonte starting December 1, 2010)  Hotel Ladera is located in Boquete in the Highlands of Chiriquí, only 45 minutes from the province’s capital, David. This newly built hotel with its 20 rooms has a beautiful view over the Caldera River, Volcán Barú and Boquete town. The main plaza of Boquete is only 10 minutes walking distance from the hotel. The Standard rooms are equipped with one queen size bed and one twin bed, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, balcony with river view. The beautifully designed restaurant and bar with outside terrace and seating area offers all three meals (international cuisine) and cocktails at night.
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Address: Vía Palo Alto, Calle Buenos Aires, Boquete, Chiriqui, Panama
Website: www.hotel-ladera.com
Phone: +(507) 730-9000
Fax: +(507) 730 9100
Check in: 2:00 p.m.
Check out: 1:30 p.m. BOCAS INN
The Bocas Inn is listed among the top 20 destinations in Mexico and Central America by Outside Magazine's Travelers edition.
This charming family lodge located on the water's edge of Colon Island, in the town of Bocas del Toro. Seven comfortable air-conditioned bedrooms with private bathrooms, free Wifi Internet, an open air dinning hall, a sun deck, a hammock balcony and spectacular local food specialties make the Bocas Inn a favorite among visitors to this Caribbean destination. Cold beers and tropical drinks are always present at the Akee Bar. The lodge is located only 5 minutes from the Bocas airport and in walking distance to local restaurants, souvenir shops, bars and parks.
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Address: Isla Colon, Province of Bocas del Toro, Panama
Website: www.anconexpeditions.com
Phone/Fax: +(507) 269-9415
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 1:00 p.m.
"Dear Marco:
I just wanted to tell you how much we all enjoyed our Ancon Expeditions tour of Panama with Rick Morales. We are still talking about what an amazing experience it was: the beauty of Panama, the daily adventure and the professionalism of Mr. Morales.
Mr. Morales was a virtual wealth of information (we later learned that he is called "the Library" -- with good reason! ). He sought out and found numerous wildlife sightings (including the resplendent elusive Quetzal - a male, a female and a juvenile!) for us. He answered all of our inquiries thoroughly and if he didn't have a bit of information, he said he would find out and did, each and every time. He made great suggestions for the free time we had. And finally, he accomplished all of this with unfailing optimism and good humor.
And finally, thank you for all of your prompt responses to our inquiries prior to departure.
Thanks to Ancon Expeditions for a most memorable travel experience!"
Panama Discovery (March 20-27, 2010)
Sandra and Edward Smith
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