MOUNT TOTUMAS CLOUD FOREST

ITINERARY

Day 1
Early this morning you will be picked up at your hotel in Panama City for a short transfer to the domestic airport. After a 35 minute flight, you arrive David Airport you meet your local bilingual Naturalist guide who takes you for another 60-90 minutes North East to the small mountain town of Volcan. From here you continue for another 20 kilometers West, and for the most part of the journey you will be on a very irregular and rough mountain road which can only be maneuvered by a good 4x4 car until you reach the mountain lodge. Enjoy a full-day guided hike or bird watching (depending on your preference) at Mount Totumas, then your guide returns back to town.
3 NIGHTS AT MOUNT TOTUMAS BELLBIRD LODGE 
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Day 2
There are plenty of trails to hike and explore, some easier, some more strenuous. If you prefer having a private Naturalist or Birding guide accompany you in Totumas, let us know in advance!
The mission is to protect and preserve the 400 acres of Mount Totumas Cloud Forest that represent an important buffer zone for the wilderness of La Amistad National Park.  The protection of this wilderness is the dominant principle that guides the owner´s decisions when planning infrastructure and projects. The restoration and reforestation of the former upper pastures is a key component of this mission. Physical and ethically sustainable methods are practiced. The reserve has a network of 8 amazing trails that offer guests the opportunity to experience the cloud forest as an intact ecosystem.
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Day 3
Buffer zones play a critical role in providing habitat for altitudinal migrants as well as vital corridors for the few remaining apex predators that are still managing to thrive here.  At Mount Totumas you will find a great variety of flora and fauna. Birders will have the opportunity to observe many of the more than 200 species of highland specialties and migrants that have been spotted on the reserve. Inbreeding season The Resplendent Quetzal is very common and easily observed as is the Three Wattled Bellbird, Black Guan, Crested Guan, and the elusive Highland Tinamou, 15 species of hummingbird have been spotted at the feeders including the less common Magenta-Throated Woodstar, Brown-Violet Ear, Fiery-Throated Hummingbird, and Long-Billed Starthroat. Entomologists will be amazed by the great variety of Lepidoptera and herpetology; botanists may enjoy a wide array of orchids, bromeliads, flowers, and trees!   Landscaping the common area around the cabins is designed to attract wildlife, specifically hummingbirds and butterflies. A greenhouse and vegetable gardens provide organic produce guests are being offered when available. You will find about 6 acres of coffee plantations dedicated to bird-friendly shade-grown coffee at 1850m. The reserve currently counts more than 1500 trees. Do not expect any "adrenalized" nature experiences at Mount Totumas such as zip lines through the canopy. You are being offered the opportunity to unplug from the digital malaise and to reconnect spiritually to the natural world.
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Day 4
This morning you will be picked up by your private Naturalist Guide and descend to the town of Volcan. You will enjoy a nature hike and picnic lunch at Finca Ceriana, which forms part of a privately protected area for the conservation of flora and fauna in the region. One of its unique characteristics is the number of bird species and other animals from the upper and lower mountain areas. The property is part of the biological corridor that hosts the famous volcano lagoons and a large variety of animal and plant species. Apart from being an important migration zone for birds, the biological corridor of the lagoons and Finca Ceriana is vital for the wellbeing of the protected areas of La Amistad International Park and Baru Volcano National Park. The farm offers its visitors easy nature trails for outdoor activities and particularly bird watching. The total area counts 10 hectares of protected land and nearly 2 kilometers of nature trails, in addition to one of the most beautiful views to Costa Rica's Golfo Dulce, or sweet golf, and Osa peninsula as well as to Punta Burica in Panama. This afternoon, transfer to David Airport for your flight back to Panama City, Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Panama City.
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DETAILS

TRIP CLASSIFICATION

• Moderate hiking 2-6 hours per day with rolling, slippery hills (strenuous trails and trekking available)
• Lodge accommodations are comfortable.

DEPARTURE DATES

Available on any dates (subject to lodge and flight availability)



TRIP NOTES

AIR PANAMA BAGGAGE REGULATIONS

• For domestic flights, each passenger is allowed 1 bag of up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
• Carry-on luggage is limited to 8.8 lbs passenger (4 kg).
• Passengers are responsible for excess baggage fees: US$5.00 per extra kilo (max. 3 kg extra allowed on 1st checked bag). 2nd checked bag at US$35.00 extra cost of up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
• Name or date changes on flight tickets are subject to a penalty of US$25 plus 7% tax (per change, per route.
• Ticket cancellations with more than 30 days before your trip are subject to a service fee of US$25 per ticket (taxes included). Within 30 days from your arrival, our regular cancellation policies apply.
• The penalty for a no-show is 100% of all applicable fares, taxes, and surcharges.
• Surcharge for transportation of a pet or a surfboard is US$30 per item per route.

WHAT TO BRING

• Binoculars
• Camera with extra charger & storage card    
• Windbreaker & rain gear
• Insect repellent (just in case)
• Flashlight with extra bulb & batteries
• Day pack / dry sack
• Hiking shoes or rubber boots for the trails (especially in rainy season from May-Dec)
• Extra snacks and personal equipment
• Money in small denominations
• Lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes
• Long pants and fleece sweater for the cool mornings and nights  
• Toiletries & personal medications
• Sun Protection for the day hikes

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

LODGING

MOUNT TOTUMAS CLOUD FOREST LODGE
Mount Totumas´ existing cabins were built from sustainable timber harvested from the reserve´s 2nd growth forests and, where possible, dead or dying trees were harvested. Mount Totumas supports the local cottage industries and all the furniture in the cabins was made by local craftsman using the lodge´s own timber. The lodge counts with a total of 9 rooms spread over three different accommodation areas ranging from a rustic quadruple room cabin, over the Homestead (two rooms with shared bathrooms, one triple with private bathroom) to the new, beautiful Bellbird Lodge, which is our top choice for travelers who look for spacious and comfortable accommodations. The Bellbird Lodge has three Double rooms, 1 Couple Suite (1 King) and 1 Triple Suite (1 King + 2 Twin), all with bathroom (the suites come with a private balcony offering stunning views over the cloud forest). Mount Totumas is powered with renewable energy from micro hydro power station and guests can enjoy free Wifi Internet. Chef Alma brings her expertise in Asian and European cuisine and creates dishes that have the power to pull guests away from the views out the window.

Address: Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Lodge, La Amistad International Park, Chiriqui

REVIEWS

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