HIGHLIGHTS
- Pacific to Atlantic
- Camino Real de Panama
- Epic story of Conquistadores
- All-inclusive package
- Rainforest Conservation
- Age: 16 and up
- Gateway: Panama city
Expedition Overview: Cross the Isthmus of Panama from the Pacific to the Atlantic on the historic Camino Real. This cobblestoned colonial road cuts through the primary rainforests of Chagres and Portobelo National Parks. Centuries ago, mule caravans used this path to transport 200 tons of silver annually from Peru and Bolivia to the Portobelo trade fairs, attracting famous privateers like Sir Francis Drake. As a forgotten precursor to the Panama Canal, the route is now home to indigenous, Afro-descendant, and mestizo communities striving for sustainability and rainforest conservation.
The Challenge & Logistics: This demanding multi-day trek has a true expedition character, requiring excellent physical conditioning. Rather than altitude, hikers must face high tropical humidity and warm temperatures
Gear: You will carry only a daypack with personal items.
Support: Porters transport all tents, hammocks, camping gear, and food.
Preparation: A comprehensive pre-trip briefing covers jungle safety, wildlife, and packing essentials.
Daily Itinerary: Day 1: Community & Conservation – Visit a local peasant village inside the national park to learn about daily rural life, deforestation challenges, and local conservation efforts. Day 1–2: The Historic Road – Walk along well-preserved, visible sections of the colonial Camino Real stone highway, taking in spectacular mountain vistas within Chagres National Park. Day 3: Primary Rainforests – Trek beneath towering, ancient trees to the headwaters of the Rio Boquerón, a valley carved by numerous waterfalls. Day 4: Caribbean Arrival – Reach the coastal town of Portobelo on the Caribbean Sea, where historic Spanish forts meet the vibrant heritage of the Afro-Caribbean community.
View Camino Real in a larger map
ITINERARY
Day 1: Quebrada Ancha to Peluca
Morning Exploration: Depart for Chagres National Park and cruise across Alajuela Lake in a traditional dugout boat to view shoreline remnants of the historic colonial trail.
The Trek Begins: Lace up your boots at the Quebrada Ancha community. After a trailside lunch, ascend a mountain ridge offering sweeping panoramic vistas of the surrounding national park.
Historical Highlights: Track the original route between the Pequení and Boquerón rivers, culminating in a wonderfully preserved cobblestone section near Quebrada Peluca.
Evening Settlement: Set up camp alongside a local farmer’s homestead to share dinner and experience life within the rural community.
Stats: 7 km | +350m / -300m | 5–6 hours
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: The Boquerón River Valley
Ridge to River: Set off early along the mountain spine dividing the Pequení and Boquerón rivers before descending alongside the Mauro River.
Midday Break: Pause for lunch and cultural interaction at the remote settlement of Santa Librada.
Jungle Trekking: Spend the afternoon navigating the banks of the scenic Boquerón River until reaching the evening's wilderness campsite.
Stats: 11 km | +250m / -150m | 8 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Into the Virgin Rainforest (Bajo Bonito)
Ancient Canopy: Immerse yourself in the dense primary rainforests surrounding the headwaters of the Boquerón and Cascajal rivers.
Natural Wonders: Hike beneath towering, ancient trees and witness a spectacular landscape carved out by dozens of hidden tropical waterfalls.
Evening Settlement: Spend the night deeply disconnected from the modern world, camping in tents beneath the jungle canopy.
Stats: 12 km | +170m / -220m | 8 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Arrival at Portobelo & The Caribbean Sea
The Final Stretch: Follow the final, historic leg of the Camino Real as it snakes along the Cascajal River toward the Caribbean coast.
Living History: Arrive in Portobelo Bay, a historical hotspot charted by Christopher Columbus, fortified by Spain to protect its silver fleets, and famously raided by privateer Sir Francis Drake (who remains buried at sea nearby).
Departure: Conclude the expedition with a late afternoon vehicle transfer back to Panama City or Colón.
Stats: 11 km | +75m / -175m | 5–6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES PROVIDED
- Tents or Jungle hammocks
- First Aid Kit
- Complete Kitchen equipment with all cutlery, plates, cups
- All denoted breakfast (4), lunch (4), and dinner (3)
- Ground transfers and Lodging
WHO CAN GO ?
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ?
Celsius is fine) and your camping mattress (air rest, thermarest or similar)
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ?
About camp sites
PACKING LIST
● Backpack for personal belongings during the hike (a waterproof or water-resistant backpack is recommended, or else drybacks inside the backpack).
● Clothing: breathable lightweight outdoor clothing such as Columbia (long pants, short sleeved shirt, socks for hiking, a set pants and t-shirt for sleeping, socks for sleeping, 4 sport underpants and 4 quick dry-shirts, rain poncho, hat or cap, camping towel
● Shoes: pair of hiking shoes (trekking shoes) and a pair of comfortable sandals (eg trekking sandals) or Crocs
● Inflatable camping mattress for sleeping in tents, sleeping bag if sleeping in a hammock
● If desired inflatable pillow, hiking poles
● Water bottle 1-1.5 Liters (will be refilled along the trek)
● Pack your items in dry-bags or plastic bags to to keep the clothes dry in humid air, small dry-bags or zip-loc for money and documents
● Photography Equipment: camera, enough memory chips, battery/akkus, travel plug and charger
● Other: sunscreen, sunglasses, pocket knife, headlamp, sunburn relief, blister plasters (eg Second Skin), insect repellent, Band Aids.
● Personal hygiene items, toilet paper.
● Drugs: personal medicines.
For the trip back to Panama City you may use your clothes for sleeping, or you can pack a T-shirt, pants, underwear and leave it in the bus for pick-up.
PRICE:
2 participants USD $ 1,900.00 each
3 participants USD $ 1,575.00 each
4 participants USD $ 1,400.00 each
5 participants USD $ 1,275,00 each