Chagres Challenge Overnight

HIGHLIGHTS

One of the best adventures in Panama ! Loaded outdoor adventures by the Chagres River which is virtually unseen through the Chagres National Park due to the lack of access roads,  protection against settlers, and the previous non-existence of Adventures Panama.  This part of the river, characterized by currents alternating with stillwaters,  is considered as  Class II, although several rapids are considered Class III according to the International Classification of River Navigation.  

As a result of dense tropical forest that covers the basin of the river, sedimentation is minimum; therefore, clear water can be expected very often. The flora is typical of the tropical rain forest, with more than three hundred species per hectare. Although it is the natural habitat of big mammals such as  tapir and jaguar, tropical rain forest animals , they are very seldom encountered.

It is much easier to spot several other 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.  Once in the virgin jungle of the Chagres National Park you will ask if this is the next Survivor´s show destination.

View Chagres Challenge in a larger map

At the Panama Chagres River Mapthis section extend from Rio Piedras to the Embera Village.

ITINERARY

1st day:  The Chagres Challenge

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 just before encountering Madden Lake where you are expected by a "piragua" (native wooden canoe equipped with outboard motor) that will take you further downstream to visit an Embera Indian Village at the riverbanks, there we will spend the night.
 

2nd day: Embera Village

After breakfast, we will share with the villagers and learn about their customs, believes and legends.

These natives migrated to the Chagres River banks more than 20 years ago, where they found the same habitat they were so familiar with in the Darien Jungles.

The Embera will display their handcrafts, dances and might invite us to their huts to appreciate their constructions and living habits.

They will also take us to nearby areas in which we will appreciate their cultural adaptation to the jungle, and river and enjoy the ride.

At the end of our journey, a "piragua" will take us to the nearest road where a driver will be expecting to bring you back to civilization, and to your hotel in Panama City

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ? All mentioned transportation, rafts and gear, guides, trip's meals and camping gear. Our guides are trained in white-water navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.
Lodging and catering:
 1 night at tent/hut
 2 breakfasts, 2 meals, 1 dinner

WHO CAN GO ? Any person from twelve to seventy years old, in good health, ready to walk for about an hour and a half through an irregular and muddy path. Minors must travel with a responsible adult.
 
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ? Swimsuit or a pair of short for navigating, sneakers or light boots with good soles, a cap, sun-block, a light jacket or windbreaker (in case the weather turns chilly), a towel and dry set of clothes for the trip back.

WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? Any object than can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc.

PRICE:

USD $ 350.00 per person
Group leader will go free for a group of more than ten persons.

SEASON:

Year-round Panama rainforest vacations, and one of best Panama outdoors adventure