PANAMA´S FOLKLORE AND ITS PACIFIC OCEAN

ITINERARY

Day 1 – SATURDAY: Badajoz´Route from Panama to Chitre, Herrera

This morning you will be picked up by an English-speaking guide in your hotel lobby. Today you will be going on a journey following the footsteps of the Spanish Conqueror Gonzalo de Badajoz. Badajoz was sent out by the Spanish Crown in 1515 to conquer Central Panama. On his way from Panama City towards Natá and the Azuero Peninsula, Badajoz faced heavy resistance by the Indian Chief Paris who defeated the Spanish, reclaiming the largest treasure obtained in America until that moment. You will discover the indigenous heritage and the Spanish influence by visiting the archaeological site of El Caño – named Panama’s El Dorado by the National Geographic Magazine - as well as two of the oldest churches on the American Continent: Natá and Parita. Lunch at a local restaurant en-route included.

Mid-afternoon you will arrive at the Azuero Peninsula. The Azuero Peninsula is a large peninsula in southern Panama, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. The Peninsula – except for the quickly developing cities of Chitré and Las Tablas – feels isolated from modern Panama, frozen in an idyllic past, with lots of charm and natural beauty left. Its lands encompass small hills with semi-arid savanna vegetation, fertile river courses, and coastal marshlands offering many opportunities for cultural, eco, and adventure tourism.
Azuero’s numerous colonial villages are the wellspring of Panama’s favorite folkloric traditions – beautiful traditional clothing, such as the stunning Pollera, and handicrafts, such as ceramics based on pre-Columbian designs, originated and are still made here. The same is true of some important musical and literary traditions. Even Panama’s most popular drink, the sugarcane liquor known as “Seco”, is produced in Azuero.

Your hotel, Cubitá Boutique Resort & Spa, is an exciting new project determined to rescue and preserve the roots, heritage, and traditions of the Azuero Peninsula. The name Cubitá is borrowed from the indigenous people who once inhabited the banks of the La Villa River on the Azuero Peninsula. This unique boutique hotel offers you a first-class experience with a lot of attention to detail in a colonial environment. The hotel’s facilities include a spiral-shaped swimming pool, a Panamanian Gourmet Restaurant, two bars, a museum, a gift shop with local handcrafts, a state-of-the-art gym, and Cubitá Spa, using local organic ingredients to ensure the guests’ wellbeing.
After checking in and freshening up, enjoy a short guided tour through the hotel’s own museum with permanent exhibitions of pre-Columbian and Colonial pieces from the Azuero Peninsula to get a better understanding of the area and its treasures.

Overnight at CUBITÁ BOUTIQUE HOTEL & RESORT
(L)


Day 2 – SUNDAY: The Herrera Highlands

An English speaking will pick you up at the hotel and take you to explore the Herrera Highlands, another area profusely inhabited by indigenous groups in the pre-Columbian era. This area also contains the most important wildlife refuge in the province. You will visit a local family to know the variety of orchids that are found in the fresh climate of Las Minas, home to Panama’s national flower, the Holy Ghost Orchid. We will then continue with a hike in the El Montuoso Forest Reserve, known as “The Lung of Azuero”, to discover mysterious petroglyphs as well as the origin of the La Villa River where we will take a refreshing swim in the midst of the woods. A traditional lunch is served in the small community of Chepo de Las Minas.

Overnight at CUBITÁ BOUTIQUE HOTEL & RESORT
(B,L)


Day 3- MONDAY: The Best of Azuero

In the morning you will check out from your hotel. You will be picked up by an English-speaking guide and taken on a journey to discover the manufacturing process of the traditional products of the Herrera Province: sugarcane, clay, and bread. Experience the many uses of sugarcane – from refreshing sugarcane juice called “Guarapo”, traditional cooking of sugarcane honey to the production of artisanal sugarcane liquor; see the extraction of salt from the Pacific Ocean; visit the production of handmade clay pottery, and learn how the famous La Arena bread is baked. After a traditional lunch (included), learn why Azuero is considered by many “the cultural heart of Panama”. You will see in detail the handcrafting of the pollera, one of the most beautiful costumes in the world, by visiting a group of ladies that have dedicated their lives to the typical dress of the Panamanian women. You will also visit small studios of local artisans who produce the colorful devil’s masks, and the drums used in local music that are part of the traditional Panamanian culture.

After the tour you will be taken to Playa Venao for the next two nights. Playa Venado - that is the official name, but all locals & foreigner just simply call it Playa Venao, is shaped by a crescent moon bay. The center of the beach offers year-round surfing making it a very popular destination for local and international surfers. The eastern end of the four-kilometer-long beach is nestled behind El Morro, a beautiful piece of jungle-covered rock that is an island at high tide and is attached to the mainland by a long stretch of sand during low tide. El Morro breaks the Pacific swell to offer tranquil waters and a quiet place for strolling or horseback riding. Playa Venao's beaches are surrounded by many streams, rolling hills, and remnants of a dry tropical forest that extended across the entire peninsula in previous times. The nearby forest is home to many species of animals like howler and spider monkeys, the local deer, iguanas, and gato solos to name a few. With no nearby ATMs or cell phone coverage and only a few cabanas and people - most of them surfers – Playa Venao is a great spot to completely let loose, relax and just enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding rolling hills, the swells of the pacific ocean, long stretches of beaches and laidback beachside atmosphere. There is a small convenience store with basic supplies, a beach bar & restaurant as well as a few surf hostels and surf shop within walking distance from your hotel resort.

Overnight at PLAYA VENAO HOTEL RESORT
(B,L)


Day 4- TUESDAY: Leisure day at Venao or optional activities

Enjoy a free day at Playa Venao or book one of the following optional activities:

1.    Horseback Riding in Oria Arriba
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Orio Valley, just a little outside Pedasí. On a horseback, you will ride through the lush mountains and rolling hills along the Orio river where you can even take a swim.
This tour includes transportation from/to your hotel, horses, English speaking guide, and lunch

2.    Sport Fishing:
The southern coast of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula is also known as the “Tuna Coast”. The deep-sea offers a great variety of big fish such as red snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, marlin, and sailfish. Enjoy a full day of sportfishing in Panama’s the Pacific Ocean. This tour includes transportation from/to your hotel, boat, captain, fishing gear, bait, picnic lunch

3.    Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge (available from June to November)
Isla Cañas is a small peninsula and wildlife refuge West of Playa Venao. The area is known as one of the biggest nesting sites of sea turtles in the months from June to November. From the village of Cañas you will be taken to the wildlife refuge by boat and then visit the narrow beach strip by horse and carriage. With a bit of luck you will be able to see the huge turtles putting their eggs in the sand. This tour includes transportation from/to your hotel, entrance fees, English speaking guide.

4.    Isla Iguana Snorkeling & Beach (whale watching from June through October)
Isla Iguana is a wildlife refuge approximately 5 miles from Pedasi featuring beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, fantastic coral reefs known to be the best-preserved, the home of multiple species of birds which makes it great for bird watching, and the largest nesting grounds for frigates. It also harbors a variety of other animals and marine wildlife. To get there, an open fiberglass boat known as a “panga” leaves from Playa El Arenal and takes the tour group to the island. Once there, ocean lovers can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving and enjoy seeing fantastic marine life. Hiking trails are also on the island, and you will be able to see iguanas running all over while you get to know more about the island at the Visitors Center. This tour includes transportation from/to your hotel, entrance fees, picnic lunch, and English speaking guide.

5.    Surfing or Stand-up Paddle
Take advantage of your vacation and learn to surf or stand up paddle. An instructor will give you the right tips so you become an expert really quickly. This activity includes equipment and the instructor.

Overnight at PLAYA VENAO HOTEL RESORT
(B)


Day 5- WEDNESDAY: Return via domestic flight from Chitre to Panama City

Today you have to yourself or you can arrange optional excursions in advance. Early afternoon our representative will pick you up at Playa Venao Beach Resort for a 2.5-hour drive to Chitre (if interested, including a brief 20-30 minute stop in the small town of Pedasi at the local bakery or nearby café to enjoy some local pastries and delicatessen). Continue to the town of Chitre for your domestic flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival at Albrook Airport in Panama City, you will be met by your local driver and transferred back to your hotel.
(B)

DETAILS

TRIP CLASSIFICATION

• Easy walking and hiking for all ages, flat trails with some slippery terrain
• Hotel or lodge accommodation comfortable
• None or limited cell phone reception in the Venao area

DEPARTURE DATES

Upon request 


OPTIONAL TOURS FOR DAY 4 + 5

Minimum 2 persons (in advance reservations necessary)

•    Horseback Ride at Oria Arriba with picnic lunch (2 hrs): US$95 per person plus 7% tax
•    Sport Fishing with picnic lunch: US$250 per person plus 7% tax
•    Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge (4-5 hours June - November): US$140 per person plus 7% tax
•    Isla Iguana Snorkeling & Beach (4-5 hours): US$150 per person plus 7% tax (whale watching from June-Oct)
•    Surfing lesson at Playa Venao (1 hr): US$60 per person plus 7% tax
•    Stand-up paddle at Playa Venao (1 hr): US$70 per person plus 7% tax


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 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 (preferably 7x35 or bigger, also available for rent at Ancon Expeditions of Panama)
• Camera with extra batteries & film
• Flashlight with extra bulb & batteries
• Bathing suit, Insect repellant, Sunscreen
• Hat, Day pack / dry sack
• Water bottle
• Lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes
• Windbreaker
• Rain gear
• Comfortable walking shoes, sneakers
• Sandals, Aqua shoes
• 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:

• 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

CUBITÁ BOUTIQUE RESORT & SPA

“Cubitá, territory of indigenous people who inhabited the region surrounding the La Villa River, located in the Azuero peninsula, which preserves thousands of years of the history of our pre-Columbian ancestors who fought bravely during the Spanish conquest.” The region of Azuero is considered today the “cultural heart” of Panama, cradle of traditions, which offers an opportunity of getting to know the purely Panamanian lifestyle. At Cubitá Boutique Resort & Spa you are being offered quality accommodations and a warm and friendly service. At approximately 250 km from Panama City, Chitre offers with this new hotel a modern accommodation with 90 elegant fully equipped rooms, 2 Junior Suites and 4 Master Suites including cable TV, safety box, telephone, hairdryer, wireless Internet, mini bar, AC and ceiling fan, coffee facilities, complimentary breakfast, and 24 hours room service. At Los Maizales restaurant you can enjoy the local cuisine and at La Jaba bar the local national drinks to end the day in a relaxing ambience. The hotel facilities include an outdoor pool, El Guarapo pool snack bar, a small gym and Spa, museum, chapel, and commercial plaza.

Address: Ave. Roberto Ramírez de Diego (Circunvalación), Chitré, Panamá
Website: http://cubitaresort.com/
Phone: (+507) 978 0200
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m.

PLAYA VENAO HOTEL RESORT

Playa Venao Hotel Resort is uniquely located on one of the most beautiful beach fronts in Panama in a still undeveloped and untouched area about 5-6 hours driving from Panama City (or only 50 minutes via domestic flight) and 30 minutes from Pedasi, a close small and charming fishermen´s town. Playa Venao Bay stretches over two and a half miles of beautifully exquisite shoreline, which is surrounded by rich and natural wildlife, and rolling hillsides. The hotel facilities include an infinity pool, gym, spa, and restaurant. The resort counts with nearly 50 guest rooms and 13 suites including custom made mattresses, complimentary WiFi, and cable television. Some of the rooms and suite overlook views of the deep blue Pacific shoreline and the endless Infinity Pool while some of our more selective rooms offer more privacy and solitude as they are surrounded by our meandering river-stream and the lush forest. Due to the remote area, there is almost none or limited cell phone service in this area, a true getaway to relax and take a break from the busy daily routine!

Address: Playa Venao beachfront, Azuero Pensínsula, Panamá
Website: http://www.playavenaohotelresort.com/
Phone: (+507) 832-0161 or 838-5985
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m.

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