CHIRIQUI CLOUD FOREST EXPLORER
4 days/3 nights

The western highlands of Panama are some of the most picturesque in Central America.  The cool, humid cloud forests of this region are home to a variety of birds, including Quetzals, Bellbirds, Solitaires and Redstarts and the countryside is dotted with flower, fruit and vegetable farms and coffee plantations.

2007 Departure Dates: Available on request year around. Please inquire to confirm space availability.

2007 Rates: $900 per person in double occupancy; plus 5% government tax.
Minimum of 2 people required for the tour. Prices valid through November 30, 2007.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1    PANAMA CITY – CHIRIQUI HIGHLANDS
Early this morning we are picked up at our Panama City hotel and transferred to Panama City’s Albrook domestic airport where we board the scheduled flight to David in the province of Chiriqui.  A transfer vehicle will be waiting to take us to the mountain town of Cerro Punta on the western side of Baru Volcano, where we will visit La Amistad International Park.

Shared with neighboring Costa Rica and recognized in 1982 as a World Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Amistad is located at a point on the Central American natural land bridge where flora and fauna from North and South America reach here their maximum species mix.  With great ranges in altitude, precipitation, soil and temperature, bio-diversity here is at its best.  We spend the morning hiking and exploring La Amistad in the area of El Retoño in search of the Resplendent Quetzal, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Andean Pygmy-Owl, Barred Becard, Black and Yellow Silky Flycatcher among many other western highland birds.   After lunch at a local restaurant we will visit Finca Dracula home to over 1500 orchid species. On our return ride to the hotel we will stop at the Janson’s Coffee Estate and have an interactive experience with coffee.  Here the experts will explain all the processes that coffee beans go through.  This is no ordinary coffee.  Shade grown and scrutinized; Janson’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 DOS RIOS (LD)
 
DAY 2                LOS QUETZALES TRAIL - BOQUETE
Today we will hike around Baru Volcano along Los Quetzales Trail.  The 8-kilometer trail goes through impressive cloudforest within Baru National Park.  The all day hike will take us to Boquete.

Those not rafting depart in the early morning to make the approximate 1 hour drive within Baru Volcano National Park.  We will be looking for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal and other highland specialties.  We return to Boquete where we will tour the Gonzalez’ gardens and a hydropincs farm.
Night at HOTEL PANAMONTE (BLD)

DAY 3                FINCA LERIDA
This morning explore Finca Lerida, located just outside Baru Volcano National Park.  At an elevation of 7,500 feet, it is possible to see the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, Three Wattled Bellbird, Black faced Solitaire, Volcano Hummingbird, Long tailed Silky Flycatcher and Prong billed Barbet in their natural habitat of ancient trees covered with orchids, bromeliads and lichens.
Night at HOTEL PANAMONTE (BLD) 

DAY 4                BOQUETE – PANAMA CITY
We have most of the day to ourselves to visit Boquete or join optional tours.  This afternoon, we drive back to David where we board the scheduled flight to Panama City.  A transfer vehicle will be waiting at the domestic airport to take us to our hotel (B)

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: Easy/moderate hiking 2-6 hours per day with rolling, slippery hills.  Lodge accommodations are comfortable.

INCLUDED: Lodging, all land, air and water transportation within Panama. All airport/hotel transfers on scheduled arrival and departure dates, meals as specified in the itinerary (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner), park, museum and related entrance fees, local guides’ services and expenses and the services of an in-bound land operator for airline re-confirmations and tour operations.

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.) or gratuities.

NOTE:  Weight restrictions apply to luggage in commercial and chartered flights within Panama.  A maximum of 25 lbs. of checked luggage and 10 lbs. of carry-on per person is allowed.  Arrangements can be made with 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.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST: Binoculars (preferably 7x35 or larger), 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, sandals, sneakers/hiking boots, rain gear, money in small denominations, toiletries & personal medications.