COASTAL DARIEN EXPLORER
3 days / 2 nights

This unforgettable adventure takes place along the historic Gulf of San Miguel, where the Spanish explorer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa became the first European to set eyes on the Pacific Ocean in 1512.

2007 Departure Dates: Available on request year around, departing every Wednesday.

2007 Rates: $595 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 PATINO - GULF OF SAN MIGUEL – PIEDRA CANDELA TRAIL
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 in the mangrove-dotted coast.
After a light and refreshing lunch we will head out on our first excursion of the trip. This afternoon we 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.    We can return to the lodge or stay at the beach to see the spectacular sunset.
This evening we will take a short walk to the wetlands in search of Capybaras, the world’s largest rodent with its northernmost range being Panama.  We will also look for caiman, owls and other nocturnal species.
Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (LD)
 
Day 2 THE EMBERA PEOPLE OF THE MOGUE RIVER
This morning we embark on our motorized dugout canoe and head for the Mogue River.  We will look for 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 be able to learn about their culture and traditions.  Also we will have the opportunity of buying their beautiful handicrafts that are made from natural materials.  The men are expert carvers of Cocobolo wood and the women weave extraordinary baskets from palm fibers with dyes from different plants.  On our return trip to the lodge we will do a coastal tour of the reserve and the sea bird’s nesting areas of El Morro.
This afternoon is free to continue exploring the area surrounding the lodge on your own, enjoy the view from the second floor veranda or enjoy a siesta on one of the hammocks or at your cabin.
Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (BLD)

Day 3 PUNTA PATINO, GULF OF SAN MIGUEL – PANAMA CITY
After breakfast this morning we head back to La Palma where we will board our plane and return to Panama City.  Upon arrival to the airport we are transferred to our hotel. (B)

TRIP CLASSIFICATION: Moderate hiking with rolling hills and optional activities like extended nocturnal hikes.  Lodge accommodations are comfortable.

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 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 the 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.