COASTAL DARIEN EXPLORER
& THE HARPY EAGLE OF THE MOGUE RIVER 

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.

4 days / 3 nights
2007 Departure Dates: Available on request year around, departing every Wednesday.

2007 Rates: $695 per person in double occupancy; plus 5% government tax.
Minimum of 4 people required for the tour. Prices valid through November 30, 2007.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 PANAMA CITY – PUNTA PATIÑO NATURE RESERVE - GULF OF SAN MIGUEL
This morning we are picked up at our hotel and transferred to Panama City’s domestic airport to board the scheduled flight (approximately 45 minutes) to La Palma capital of the Darien province, located by the mouth of the mighty Tuira River.  At La Palma we board our expedition boat which take us to the Ancon Expeditions lodge at the private 65,000-acre Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, overlooking the Gulf of San Miguel where we settled into our 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 we will head out on our first excursion of the trip.  Lead by our Naturalist Guide we will hike into the forest in search of nature creatures and exquisite flora.  We 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 we will take a short walk to the wetlands in search of the Capybara, the world’s largest rodent and the northernmost range being Panama.  We 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 we will hike the Piedra Candela trail where our 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 our 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 we embark on our motorized dugout canoe and head for the Mogue River.  We will look for the Roseate Spoonbill, Ibis, Osprey and Raccoons fishing along the river.  The trip up river takes us through millenary mangroves making the boat ride extraordinary.  We arrive at the village of Mogue where its inhabitants greet us.  After the formalities and presentations we will head into the primary rainforest in search of the recently discovered Harpy Eagle's active nest.  From a safe distance as not to disturb the chick or scare the mother we 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.  We return to the village in the afternoon to mingle with the

Embera people and learn about their customs and traditions.  Tonight we will sleep in the guest “Tambo” (thatch roof stilted house).  We may opt to sleep in hammocks or screened tents with mats (provided).
Night at MOGUE VILLAGE (BLD)

Day 4 RETURN TO PANAMÁ CITY
We say goodbye to our new friends early this morning as we head back to La Palma where we will board our plane and return to Panama City.  Upon arrival to the airport in Panama City we are transferred to our hotel (B)

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: Moderate hiking 2-4 hours with rolling and slippery hills also
nocturnal hikes. Lodge accommodations are comfortable and basic camping.

INCLUDED:  Lodging, all land, air and water transportation within Panama, meals as specified in the itinerary (B - breakfast; L - lunch; D - dinner), entrance fees, guides’ services and expenses, and the services of an in-bound land operator for tour operations.

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), Panama City hotel, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels or gratuities.

NOTE: The itinerary is subject to change due to tidal or weather conditions.  In this event the itinerary may be inverted.

Weight restrictions apply to luggage in both commercial and chartered flights within Panama.  A maximum of 25 lbs. of checked luggage per person is allowed.  Arrangements can be made at your hotel to store luggage that will not be needed.  Excess baggage charges assessed by commercial carriers are the responsibility of the passenger.

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST: Binoculars (preferably 7x35 or bigger), camera with extra batteries & film, flashlight with extra bulb & batteries, bathing suit, insect repellant, sunscreen, hat, day pack, water bottle, lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes, windbreaker, hiking boots/sandals, sneakers, rain gear, money in small denominations, toiletries & personal medications.