1-2 nights • Coral reef snorkeling • Portobelo • Caribbean • Camping
HIGHLIGHTS
- Situated by the Continental Divide
- 60-hectare (148-acre) private reserve
- Premontane humid tropical rainforest
- Bird list exceeds 300 species
- All-Inclusive Package
- 90 minutes away from Panama City
- Gateway: Panama City
- Age: 16 and up
Burbayar Nature Reserve is a well-known birding destination for eastern Panama, Pacific and Caribbean slope and foothill species. It is situated in a low saddle on the Continental Divide where the convergence of species is very high and dynamic. The reserve is in the middle of the narrowest section of the Isthmus of Panama which is used by literally millions of birds during their migration from the north and from the south of the American continent. It is also is located within the Choco-Darien biogeographic region.
ITINERARY: 3 Days / 2 Nights
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ? Round trip transfers from Panama City, birding guide fees and expenses, 2 nights of lodging, meals as listed (B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner), admission fees. It does not include: Personal gear (binoculars, etc.), alcoholic beverages, gratuities.
WHO CAN GO ? Minors must travel with a responsible adult. To participate in some activities the minimum required age is 16 years.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ? At least 2 liters of water (camelback or bottles) sneakers or boots, a cap, sun-block, a light jacket or windbreaker (in case of rain), a towel and dry set of clothes for the ride back.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? At day trips leave object than can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc.
PRICES PER PERSON: Best available rate based on 4 or more participants
Basic package of 2 nights / 3 days:
SEASON: Year-round
HIGHLIGHTS
- Panama City and Canal
- Jungle Rafting and Caribbean Kayaking
- Camping at Indigenous Village
- Pristine Rainforest and Coral Reefs
- Spaniard Conquistadores History
- All-inclusive 3 nights land package
- Ages: 12 and above
- Gateway: Tocumen Intl. Airport
Panama City is located by the Pacific Ocean; however, it is only 80 kms from the Atlantic Ocean. You will get to know Panama City highlights, the Panama Canal main components, and what make it all possible, the upper section of the Chagres River, Also, Portobelo, once the most important fortfied city built in tthe Caribbean by the Spaniard Conquistadores.
Be ready to explore the Chagres National Park in an expedition through the mighty Chagres River, the main water supplier of the Panama Canal, in an adventure loaded with outdoor activities.
The Upper Chagres River at the mountains in Chagres National Park is virtually unknown due to lack of access roads, protection against settlers, and the previous non-existence of Adventures Panama.
You will raft Chagres River Upper Section surrounded with pristine tropical rain forest, with more than three hundred species per hectarea. Often several samples of fauna such as monkeys of the rain forest (spider, howler, white face capuchin , Geoffrey's Tamarin), sloths, river otters, iguanas, tucans, and plenty of fish are spoted. It is also the natural habitat of big mammals such as tapir and jaguar, tropical rain forest animals which are seldom encountered.
You will be welcome by the Embera Indigenous to stay an overnigth at their village at river's shore.
Portobelo by the Caribbean Ocean will be our last destination. Here you will visit its main forths buiilt in the 15th century by spaniard conquistadores to protect their gold storage from pirates while it waited on a next sail to Spain. Here we will paddle in expedtion kayaks along the same bay used by both, connquistadores and pirates, snorkel and relax on the beach.
In this adventure you will experience the essence of Panama, its biodiversity, ethnic groups, spaniard conquistadores history, and of course, its canal.
ITINERARY
1st Day: Arrival, Panama City and Canal
We will wait for you at Tocumen International Airport to take you to your Panama City hotel for check in.
Depending on your arrival time we will either take you into full or partial Panama City & Canal tour
2nd Day: The Chagres Challenge
View Chagres Challenge in a larger map
An early start at 5:00 am when you will be picked up and taken in an all-terrain vehicle from your hotel to the remote village of San Cristobal, which is past the mountains of Cerro Azul, northeast of Panama City.
After enjoying a typical Panamanian breakfast, we will visit a "campesino" survival agricultural farm within Chagres National Park.
Then you will hike for about 2 hours on a trail within Chagres National Park up to Rio Piedras, a Chagres River tributary, where you will get into rafts to float downstream (Class II-III rapids) through the untouched jungles of the Chagres National Park.
From late February through early June we might have to hike all the way to the Chagres River in a three hours hike because Piedras River might be too low to raft on it.
After lunch by the Chagres River, you will continue rafting further downstream passing an impressive granite canyon with some white water rapid action, and ending before encountering Madden Lake where you are expected by a "piragua" (native wooden canoe equipped with outboard motor) that will speed you downstream to an Embera Indian Village at the riverbanks where you will spend the night or to the closest road were your driver will take you back to your hotel in Panama City. On some months when the river is at its lower level (around March through June) camping at river shore upstream from any Embera indian Village is the only option since there is no time to reach the Embera Village neither your Panama City Hotel.
- Lodging at Campsite on Chagres River's shores or Panama City Hotel, Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3rd Day: Portobelo Expedition Kayaking
View Portobelo in a larger map
After breakfast, you will be driven north to Portobelo, where you will visit its main forths buiilt in the 15th century by spaniard conquistadores to protect their gold storage from pirates while it waited on a next sail to Spain.. Here we will paddle in expedtion kayaks along the same bay used by both, connquistadores and pirates, snorkel coral reefs, and relax on the beach..
We should be back to your Panama City hotel before sunset.
- Lodging at chosen Panama City hotel, Meals included Breakfast, Lunch
4th Day: Panama Departure
We will pick you up at your hotel lobby 3 hours previous to your fligth to drive you to the airport.
Depending on your previous arrival time and current departure time we will either take you into full or partial Panama City & Canal tour to complete the program.
- Meals included Breakfast
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ?
All mentioned transportation, rafts, kayaks, snorkeling, and specilized gear, camping equipment, guides, day meals, and camping gear. Our guides are trained in paddling skills, first-aid and CPR.
Lodging: 2 nights at choosen Panama City Hotel, 1 night camping; Catering: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
WHO CAN GO ?
Any person from twelve to sixty five year old, in good health, and fit. This trip it is not exclusive for atheletes; but for anyone ready to hike up to three hours through irregular and muddy trails. This rules out persons that are heavy smokers, or overweight, or with a medical condition. Minors must travel with a responsible adult.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ?
Take a small bag (it could be a drybag, or a bagpack with a inside plastic bag liner to keep content dry) with spare and sleeping clothes for one night, towel, personal higiene items, sandals, small flashlight, insect repellant, and sun lotion (we will move your small back so it will always be waiting you at the end of each day. You should not plan on taking it with you during day activiies).
The best clothing to wear on activities is dryfit, or licra type (avoid cotton). Be well covered and protect your body from sun exposure with clothes and a baseball type hat., Choose light boots with good soles, or sneaker, or strapped sandals.
We will store your baggage left behind in our office or chosen hotel.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? Any object than can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc.
Three types of lodging available (Basic, Comfortable, Premium)
PRICES PER PERSON (US $) ***
Basic Lodging: Zen, Clarion Victoria
Comfortable Lodging: Aloft, Magnolia, Golden Tower
Premium Lodging: Central, Bristol
*** Above prices are per person and assume lodging in double occupancy room. For single or tripple occupancy rooms add up indicated supplement charge
# Supplement Charge is an additional charge or credit to compensate default pricing used for shared doble occupancy.
## Replacing default Camping by City Hotel Charge is an additional charge to those already contemplated with default camping at river shore on the 2nd Day of the itinerary. During most time of the year, usually from June through March we get out of the river soon enough that it will allow you to have this option if you are not comfortable camping.
SEASON:
Year-round Panama rainforest vacation, and one of Panama best outdoors adventures. Usually the Green Season extends from April through December. River water level is at its higher by November and at its lowest by May.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Panama City and Canal
- River Rafting and Kayaking
- Camping at Indigenous Village
- Pristine Rainforest National Parks
- Spaniard Conquistadores History
- All-inclusive 3 nights land package
- Ages: 12 and above
- Gateway: Tocumen Intl. Airport
Panama City is in between jungle and ocean. You will get to know Panama City highlights, the Panama Canal main components, and what make it all possible, the upper section of the Chagres River,
Be ready to explore the Chagres National Park in an expedition through the mighty Chagres River, the main water supplier of the Panama Canal, in an adventure loaded with outdoor activities.
The Upper Chagres River at the mountains in Chagres National Park is virtually unknown due to lack of access roads, protection against settlers, and the previous non-existence of Adventures Panama.
You will raft the Chagres River Upper Section and kayak its final section on its way to the ocean, both treks surrounded with pristine tropical rain forest, with more than three hundred species per hectarea. Often several samples of fauna such as monkeys of the rain forest (spider, howler, white face capuchin , Geoffrey's Tamarin), sloths, river otters, iguanas, tucans, and plenty of fish are spoted. It is also the natural habitat of big mammals such as tapir and jaguar, tropical rain forest animals which are seldom encountered.
You will be welcome by the Embera Indigenous to stay an overnigth at their village at river's shore.
San Lorenzo Forthress by the Caribbean Ocean will be our last destination. It was the largest fortification buiilt in the 15th century by spaniard conquistadores to seal this entrance from the Caribbean Sea after famous pirate Henry Morgan used it to go upstream to loot Panama City located at the Pacific Ocean., Connquistadores and pirates naviigated on this section of the river, a part of "the Camino de Cruces.",
In this adventure you will experience the essence of Panama, its biodiversity, ethnic groups, history, and of course, its canal.
ITINERARY
1st Day: Arrival, Panama City and Canal
We will wait for you at Tocumen International Airport to take you to your Panama City hotel for check in.
Depending on your arrival time we will either take you into full or partial Panama City & Canal tour
2nd Day: The Chagres Challenge
View Chagres Challenge in a larger map
An early start at 5:00 am when you will be picked up and taken in an all-terrain vehicle from your hotel to the remote village of San Cristobal, which is past the mountains of Cerro Azul, northeast of Panama City.
After enjoying a typical Panamanian breakfast, we will visit a "campesino" survival agricultural farm within Chagres National Park.
Then you will hike for about 2 hours on a trail within Chagres National Park up to Rio Piedras, a Chagres River tributary, where you will get into rafts to float downstream (Class II-III rapids) through the untouched jungles of the Chagres National Park.
From late February through early June we might have to hike all the way to the Chagres River in a three hours hike because Piedras River might be too low to raft on it.
After lunch by the Chagres River, you will continue rafting further downstream passing an impressive granite canyon with some white water rapid action, and ending before encountering Madden Lake where you are expected by a "piragua" (native wooden canoe equipped with outboard motor) that will speed you downstream to an Embera Indian Village at the riverbanks where you will spend the night or to the closest road were your driver will take you back to your hotel in Panama City. On some months when the river is at its lower level (around March through June) camping at river shore upstream from any Embera indian Village is the only option since there is no time to reach the Embera Village neither your Panama City Hotel.
- Lodging at Campsite on Chagres River's shores or Panama City Hotel, Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3rd Day: Chagres River Kayaking & Forth San Lorenzo
View Chagres River in Expedition Kayaks by Aventuras Panama in a larger map
After breakfast, you will be driven north to Gatun Dam Spillway, the last dam at Chagres River, used to create Gatun Lake, where vessels transiting the Panama Canal cross the isthmus above sea lievel. Here you will paddle in expedition kayaks for around 3 hours thorugh pristine jungle all the way to the Caribbean Sea or Atlantic Ocean, and visit impressive Forth San Lorenzo standing in a strategic cliff at the river mouth.
We should be back to your Panama City hotel before sunset.
- Lodging at chosen Panama City hotel, Meals included Breakfast, Lunch
4th Day: Panama Departure
We will pick you up at your hotel lobby 3 hours previous to your fligth to drive you to the airport.
Depending on your previous arrival time and current departure time we will either take you into full or partial Panama City & Canal tour to complete the program.
- Meals included Breakfast
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ?
All mentioned transportation, rafts, kayaks, and specilized gear, camping equipment, guides, day meals, and camping gear. Our guides are trained in paddling skills, first-aid and CPR.
Lodging: 2 nights at choosen Panama City Hotel, 1 night camping or additional 1 night at Panama City Hotel; Catering: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
WHO CAN GO ?
Any person from twelve to sixty five year old, in good health, and fit. This trip it is not exclusive for atheletes; but for anyone ready to hike up to three hours through irregular and muddy trails. This rules out persons that are heavy smokers, or overweight, or with a medical condition. Minors must travel with a responsible adult.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ?
Take a small bag (it could be a drybag, or a bagpack with a inside plastic bag liner to keep content dry) with spare and sleeping clothes for one night, towel, personal higiene items, sandals, small flashlight, insect repellant, and sun lotion (we will move your small back so it will always be waiting you at the end of each day. You should not plan on taking it with you during day activiies).
The best clothing to wear on activities is dryfit, or licra type (avoid cotton). Be well covered and protect your body from sun exposure with clothes and a baseball type hat., Choose light boots with good soles, or sneaker, or strapped sandals.
We will store your baggage left behind in our office or chosen hotel.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? Any object than can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc.
THREE LODGING TYPES AVAILABLE (Basic, Comfortable, Premium)
PRICES PER PERSON (US $) ***
Basic Lodging: Zen, Clarion Victoria
Comfortable Lodging: Aloft, Magnolia, Golden Tower
Premium Lodging: Central, Bristol
*** Above prices are per person and assume lodging in double occupancy room. For single or triple occupancy rooms add up indicated supplement charge
# Supplement Charge is an additional charge or credit to compensate default pricing used for shared doble occupancy.
## Replacing default Camping by City Hotel Charge is an additional charge to those already contemplated with default camping at river shore on the 2nd Day of the itinerary. During most time of the year, usually from June through March we get out of the river soon enough that it will allow you to have this option if you are not comfortable camping.
SEASON:
Year-round Panama rainforest vacation, and one of Panama best outdoors adventures. Usually the Green Season extends from April through December. River water level is at its higher by November and at its lowest by May.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Panama City and Canal
- Caribbean Sea Kayaking
- Island Camping
- Portobelo National Park
- Spaniard Conquistadores History
- All-inclusive 3 nights land package
- Ages: 12 and above
- Gateway: Tocumen Intl. Airport
Panama City is located by the Pacific Ocean; however, it is only 80 kms from the Atlantic Ocean. You will get to know Panama City highlights, the Panama Canal main components, Portobelo, once the most important fortfied city built in tthe Caribbean by the Spaniard Conquistadores, and Mamey Island.
Mamey Island, one of the hidden Caribbean Islands in Panama, is a place full of peace and quietness, perfect to relax and unwind a bit, althought not in isolation, since it is fairly accessible. People are very friendly and there is a beautiful landscape, characteristic of our Panama. This is a small island (about 4000 m2) on the Costa Arriba of Colon province, just 200 meters from the shore and just over one nautical mile from the community of Puerto Lindo-part of Portobelo National Park. To the east is the larger island and beyond Linton, Isla Grande.
If you do a bit of research about Panama, you begin to quickly realize that it has a few distinct regions or zones. One of the most popular among them is the central area that is home to the capital-Panama City as well as some other provinces. Additionally, you may learn that Panama is surrounded by many archipelagos and islands. This was part of its initial appeal to Europeans who saw the area as sheltered and quite promising.
This is one of the reasons that the Colon Province was (and remains) a hub of business and commerce. Sitting close to Panama City, Colon is where you will find the world's second largest duty-free zone, and where finance and industry are still important sources of income. Perhaps this is why so many people overlook the area around Colon as a place of natural beauty and wonder. Perhaps they think - business, banking, and shipping and forget that- BUT it is also Panama.
Panama is Naturally Beautiful
If you do a bit of research about Panama, you begin to quickly realize that it has a few distinct regions or zones. One of the most popular among them is the central area that is home to the capital-Panama City as well as some other provinces. Additionally, you may learn that Panama is surrounded by many archipelagos and islands. This was part of its initial appeal to Europeans who saw the area as sheltered and quite promising.
This is one of the reasons that the Colon Province was (and remains) a hub of business and commerce. Sitting close to Panama City, Colon is where you will find the world's second largest duty-free zone, and where finance and industry are still important sources of income. Perhaps this is why so many people overlook the area around Colon as a place of natural beauty and wonder. Perhaps they think - business, banking, and shipping and forget that- BUT it is also Panama.
Panama is Naturally Beautiful
Visitors to the Colon Province are often pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the people in the rural area, and particularly those who inhabit the small islands in the Costa Arriba region. This is where Mamey Island is located just 200 meters from shore, and where you can enjoy a truly delightful kayaking adventure.
ITINERARY
1st Day: Arrival, Panama City and Canal
We will wait for you at Tocumen International Airport to take you to your Panama City hotel for check in.
Depending on your arrival time we will either take you into full or partial Panama City & Canal tour
2nd Day: Kayaking to Mamey Island
We will pick you up at your Panama City hotel at 7:00 AM and head northeast reaching La Guaira two hours later. From there, we can prepare our kayaks with gear and warm up by paddling over to the nearby Isla Grande in what will surprise you, turn out as one of the best Panama Kayak Adventure . We stop for lunch at this gorgeous spot, do a some stretching, and even take some time to check out the charming little town. When we are done with Isla Grande we turn our attention to Mamey Island.
Along the way we will paddle by Cabra and Linton, which are other small Panama Islands Caribbean. We may have some time to explore the coral reefs, mangroves, and some coastal areas of nearby islands before heading ashore and setting up camp around 4:00 PM. By 6:00 PM that evening we will all be relaxing around a cozy camp fire and getting rest for our next day of paddling.
- Lodging at Campsite on Mamey Island, Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3rd Day: Explore Mamey Island & Visit to Portobelo
View Portobelo in a larger map
We wake up and enjoy breakfast around 8:00 AM and then take down the camp, leaving no sign that we were there. We spend time on the nearby beach, do a bit of snorkeling, and some paddling around the area before we return to the mainland and pack our gear for the ride home. The trip back includes a stop in historic Portobelo, where we enjoy lunch and make a brief tour if time allows. We should be back in your hotel anytime in the afternoon after 5:00 PM.
We should be back to your Panama City hotel before sunset.
- Lodging at chosen Panama City hotel, Meals included: None
4th Day: Panama Departure
We will pick you up at your hotel lobby 3 hours previous to your fligth to drive you to the airport.
Depending on your previous arrival time and current departure time we will either take you into full or partial Panama City & Canal tour to complete the program.
- Meals included Breakfast
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ?
All mentioned transportation, rafts, kayaks, snorkeling, and specilized gear, camping equipment, guides, day meals, and camping gear. Our guides are trained in paddling skills, first-aid and CPR.
Lodging: 2 nights at choosen Panama City Hotel, 1 night camping; Catering: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
WHO CAN GO ?
Any person from twelve to sixty five year old, in good health, and fit. This trip it is not exclusive for atheletes; but for anyone ready to hike up to three hours through irregular and muddy trails. This rules out persons that are heavy smokers, or overweight, or with a medical condition. Minors must travel with a responsible adult.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ?
Take a small bag (it could be a drybag, or a bagpack with a inside plastic bag liner to keep content dry) with spare and sleeping clothes for one night, towel, personal higiene items, sandals, small flashlight, insect repellant, and sun lotion (we will move your small back so it will always be waiting you at the end of each day. You should not plan on taking it with you during day activiies).
The best clothing to wear on activities is dryfit, or licra type (avoid cotton). Be well covered and protect your body from sun exposure with clothes and a baseball type hat., Choose light boots with good soles, or sneaker, or strapped sandals.
We will store your baggage left behind in our office or chosen hotel.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? Any object than can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc.
Further Details about Your Trip
Remember that Mamey island is part of Portobelo National Park, and this ensures that anyone kayaking in its waters is in for a treat. Consider the following description:
"This coastline includes important stretches of coral reefs, mangrove swamps, coastal lagoons and beautiful beaches, where every year four species of marine turtle, including the threatened hawksbill, come to nest. Within the park is one of the more beautiful natural harbors of all the Caribbean, the bay of Portobelo"
This area was the first national park in all of Panama. It encompasses a tropical rain forest, is surrounded by coral reefs, and has all of the different varieties of mangroves. It contains both cultural and historic spots, and is obviously a fascinating placeto enjoy one or two days of paddling and exploration.
Traveling to the island, you see that it is relatively uninhabited. There are a few scattered huts and hammocks, and a lovely field that is open for camping, but for the most part, the island is a destination that you will have almost entirely to yourself. The larger island of Isla Grande is nearby and may also serve as a spot for accommodation if someone else has beat you to the island on the day of your trip.
The other "residents" of Mamey Island won't complain. After all, you will find that you do have to share it with the many beautiful birds and seabirds that make a home on the island too. The small strip of beach is often covered with shells, and there are coral reefs that you can enjoy from the comfort of your kayak or from the shore. There is also a gentle hiking path that can be used by visitors without putting any of the land birds, or their nests, at risk.
The only "downside" to a kayaking adventure to Mamey Island is that it may not be an option for much longer. Spain purchased the island not long ago and it is actually currently listed for sale.
So, be sure to book a trip to Mamey Island soon because it may not be open to the public in the near future- when one will approach this secret island getaway only to see that it is now "Private Property" and a paradise lost to visitors!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ? All mentioned transportation, expedition kayaks and snorkel gear, guides, tents, sleeping pads, camping gear, and meals. Our guides are trained in kayak navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.
WHO CAN GO ? Any person from twelve to seventy years old, in good health. Minors must travel with a responsible adult.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ? A pair of shorts for navigating, sneakers or strapped sandals, a cap, sun-block, a light jacket or windbreaker (in case of rain), a blanket, a towel and a dry set of clothes for the trip back.
It's very important to pack only what you will require and use. Also, make sure you pack it so that it'll stay dry, including your sleeping clothes and blanket.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? Any object than can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc. Anything that you wont use such as extra clothing, make up, etc.
Three types of lodging available (Basic, Comfortable, Premium)
PRICES PER PERSON (US $) ***
Basic Lodging: Zen, Clarion Victoria
Comfortable Lodging: Aloft, Magnolia, Golden Tower
Premium Lodging: Central, Bristol
*** Above prices are per person and assume lodging in double occupancy room. For single or tripple occupancy rooms add up indicated supplement charge
# Supplement Charge is an additional charge or credit to compensate default pricing used for shared doble occupancy.
SEASON
Year-round Panama kayak adventure. The rainy season in Panama starts in April-May and ends by November-December.
A strong north wind blows January through March, and the water is cooler. The rest of the year there are chances of rain but usually there is better visibility for snorkeling, less waves, and the water is warmer.
NOTES:
Mamey Island is a favorite local destination. For that reason we wont dare to visit it on weekends or holidays. It will be crowded, guaranteed.
Also, since it is a private island, its owner my change visiting policy any time. If for any reason we can not camp on it there are other close by alternatives.
Garbage can be a problem. This is not a remote location. It is heavily visited during weekends and we have no control over others garbage disposal habits. We do our best to keep it clean and make sure our groups sticks to our "leave no trace behind policy". Local people also do their best to keep it clean since it brings tourism income.
This trip can be added up to Guanche Hike which is in a close by location