Panama
Destinations & Activities
Even though we love it, we know our Adventure Panama itinerary may not work for everyone. If it isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, let us work with you to create your ideal Panama trip! We specialize in private and custom trips, and will tailor the destinations, lodges, and activities to your desires and interests. A few examples of options in Panama include:
Bocas del Toro: The islands of Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean have been called "a biologist's fantasy" by the Lonely Planet guidebook, and they are equally fascinating for their history. The region was first visited by Christopher Columbus in 1502, and many of the sites were named by Columbus (Isla Colon, Isla Cristobal). In 1745, English pirates successfully set up a base here to trade in live turtles and tortoise shell, sarsaparilla and mahogany. By 1890 the pirates were gone and a flourishing banana plantation business began. Today, the nine islands and 251 cays that form the archipelago are a haven for travelers looking for excellent beaches, snorkeling, diving, and even surfing. The crystal clear waters, absence of currents, and protected forest on some of the larger islands provide the perfect setting for a wonderful vacation.
Burbayar Lodge: Burbayar is a beautiful, simple lodge located on the summit of the San Blas Cordillera. Its land is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor (MBC), linking the Nargana Natural Reserve, which is itself connected to the Chagres National Park, to the west and to the east with the Darien National Park. The MBC goes from the south of Mexico to Panama, including Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The general objective of the MBC is to keep the biological connection of the entire zone in order to avoid forest fragmentation and loss of habitats, flora, fauna and cultures, as well as to assure its sustainable use. The lodge is quiet, isolated, features many hiking trails and excellent birding, and is a perfect place to unwind, enjoying the surroundings and the lodge's excellent cuisine. The surrounding forest is inhabited by hundreds of species of birds, monkeys, coatis, tapirs, agoutis, deer, pumas and jaguars, as well as majestic trees, ferns, palms, orchids, and heliconias.
Darien Gap: The Darien Gap and Darien National Park are the wildest place in Central America; literally the end of the road. You could drive all the way from the US to Panama, but you can't make it to South America because the untracked Darien Gap is in the way. But you can fly, boat, or hike into the region to experience some of the best birding and wildlife in the hemisphere. Darien National Park encompasses over a million acres from beaches and mangroves to lowland rainforest to montane forest in the low mountains which reach to 6,000 feet. Three pre -Colombian native groups live in Darién: the Kunas, in the towns of Paya and Puculu at the foot of Cerro Tarcuna; the Emberà, traditional riverside inhabitants of the Choco, and the Wounaan, who are very close linguistically and culturally to the Emberà. The Park contains numerous endemic species and is home to the Harpy Eagle, the largest eagle in the western hemisphere, which hunts sloths and monkeys.
Sea kayaking the Caribbean: Sea kayaking is the best way to see the San Blas archipelago, to enjoy snorkeling, camping, and experiencing the indigenous Kuna culture. This unique archipelago is home to many different Kuna communities, and is also home to a variety of wildlife such as giant river otters, crocodiles, dolphins, sea turtles, large reef tropical fish, rays, birds and much more. On most of our days we will enjoy paddling in the morning to take advantage of calmer seas, allowing time in the afternoon to explore the unique ecosystem around the campgrounds.
If a custom trip sounds intriguing to you, please feel free to contact us directly for more details or with any questions.
