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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
9 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Join our Expedition Leader on an unparalleled adventure to the less-discovered tropical wilderness  of Panama
  • Cruise the Panama Canal to Gatun Lake on our private expedition boat, spotting wildlife along the rainforest’s edge
  • Enjoy some of the world’s best birding as we look for brightly plumed quetzals, silver-throated jays and myriad other finds
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Wildlife
Other: Rainforest, Volcanoes, national parks
$4995USD
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ONGOING PROMOTIONS
"Get 5% off when you book with AdventureLink before May 31st, 2012!"
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Applies to Departures Between:
4/25/2012 and 1/1/2013
Promotion lasts :
From 4/25/2012 To 6/1/2012
TRIP MAP
See the locations you'll visit!

Wild Panama

The emergence of the Isthmus of Panama over 300 million years ago remains one of the most significant events in the evolutionary history of the Western Hemisphere. Join us on this genuine adventure to discover Wild Panama, the natural jewel in the heart of the Americas.
The emergence of the Isthmus of Panama over 300 million years ago remains one of the most significant events in the evolutionary history of the Western Hemisphere. This integral land bridge has allowed thousands of different species to migrate between North and South America and is home to a staggering array of unique wildlife, paralleled by few places on earth. Unlike other more touristed Latin American destinations, Panama’s dense rainforests, misty highlands and pristine beaches remain largely unspoiled. Join us on this genuine adventure to discover Wild Panama, the natural jewel in the heart of the Americas.
Day 1: Panama City, Panama
Arrive in Panama City and transfer to our hotel. We will gather this evening for a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Volcan / La Amistad / Finca Dracula
This morning, fly to the Chiriquí Highlands, where farms flourish in the rich volcanic soil and we’re surrounded by fields of strawberries, potatoes and flowers. We visit La Amistad Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts a greater diversity of North and South American flora and fauna than any other point on the isthmus. Search the cloud forest for silver-throated jays, prong-billed barbets, and buffy tuftedcheeks. We may even encounter the stunning and elusive resplendent quetzal. This afternoon, wander among over 1,200 species of orchids, including several species that are already extinct in the wild, at the famed orchid farm of
Finca Dracula.
Lodging Hotel Casa Grande Bambito
Description Casa Grande Bambito is nestled in Panama’s mountainous highland region, where the rainforest, natural springs, volcanic rock structures and beautiful natural surroundings offer a welcome retreat. Well-appointed rooms provide all the modern comforts while the natural spa offers thermal baths, massage and a variety of rejuvenating therapies to soothe the soul. You’ll also find a fine dining restaurant and access to a complete selection of outdoor activities, all set in the shadow of Barú Volcano.
Day 3: Sitio Barriles / Boquete
Enjoy a fascinating visit to Sitio Barriles, an archaeological site on the slopes of the dormant Barú Volcano. Ancient carvings, ceramics and stone artifacts offer clues about the culture and history of the extinct Barril people. After lunch we drive to the picturesque highland town of Boquete, located on the eastern side of Barú Volcano. Some of the planet’s finest coffee is produced in this region, which we will have a chance to sample.
Lodging Finca Lérida Eco Lodge
Description Located on an exclusive private nature reserve in the Boquete highlands, Finca Lérida offers access to a pristine habitat for flora and fauna that has been a long-time favorite for birdwatchers; the quetzal is a must-see here! Set within a traditional coffee farm, eco-lodge guests enjoy expansive scenery and lovely gardens. Immerse yourself by exploring the surrounding trails on foot or soak it all in from the privacy of your own porch.
Day 4: Finca Lerida
Today we’ll explore the lush, private forests of Finca Lerida, located just outside Barú Volcano National Park. At an elevation of 6,500 feet, its highland trails provide us with our second opportunity to search for the resplendent quetzal. We may also discover a host of other birdlife, including the three-wattled bellbird, volcano hummingbird and long-tailed silky-flycatcher.
Lodging Finca Lérida Eco Lodge
Description Located on an exclusive private nature reserve in the Boquete highlands, Finca Lérida offers access to a pristine habitat for flora and fauna that has been a long-time favorite for birdwatchers; the quetzal is a must-see here! Set within a traditional coffee farm, eco-lodge guests enjoy expansive scenery and lovely gardens. Immerse yourself by exploring the surrounding trails on foot or soak it all in from the privacy of your own porch.
Days 5 & 6: Bocas del Toro / Bastimentos Marine National Park
Today we cross the Talamanca Continental Divide and descend 7,000 feet to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Here we enjoy boat excursions to rocky islands which may reveal bottlenose dolphins, red-billed tropic birds, brown boobies and magnificent frigates. Look for tiny poison dart frogs, hummingbirds and primates on nature hikes, snorkel and explore in Bastimentos Marine National Park.
Lodging Laguna Azul Eco Lodge
Description Set on the secluded shores of Isla Colon overlooking the Caribbean, Laguna Azul Eco Lodge’s six private rooms – each with its own balcony – afford our travelers a unique and personal coastal nature experience. The lodge is dedicated to providing an intimate connection to the natural world without sacrificing luxury. Even the lounge, deck and dining area are built out over the Caribbean seas, providing lovely breezes and ample space to soak in the sights and sounds of this peaceful coastal paradise.
Days 7 & 8: Gamboa Rainforest Resort / Soberania National Park
Fly to Panama City and transfer to Gamboa Rainforest Resort on the banks of the Rio Chagres. Here in Soberania National Park, we are surrounded by hundreds of bird species and 150 species of mammals. This renowned eco-resort offers an intimate jungle encounter in an unexpectedly luxurious setting. A boat cruise through a portion of the Panama Canal brings us close to a host of wildlife on the rainforest-draped islands in Gatun Lake. Back at the lodge there’s a chance to swim, kayak or indulge in the full-service spa. A visit to Pipeline Road, considered among the best birding spots in the world, may reveal toucans, black hawk-eagles, black-breasted puff-birds, blue cotingas, purple-throated fruitcrows, cinnamon becards, shining honeycreepers and a wide array of migrants. This area also boasts 150 species of mammals (including 14 endangered species), and 59 endemic plant species.
Lodging Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Description Gamboa Rainforest Resort, one of the finest eco-lodges in the world, is a unique eco-resort property nearby the Soberania National Park Rainforest, on the banks of the Chagres River and Panama Canal. Riverfront rooms, each with impressive views of the surrounding reserve, provide lovely balconies with hammocks allowing guests to relax in the rainforest surroundings. Several pools are built into the property and a spa is available for guest use.
Day 9: Gamboa / Home
Transfer to the airport for our return flights home.
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N. Sharpe
“Panama is a remarkable country, and I am so glad we traveled there at the side of Rick Morales, who has to be the most knowledgeable guide in the country! He made sure that we got the most out of our entire journey.”
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R. Kinstler
“The birding is the best I’ve encountered and different environments were covered. I enjoyed our time spent in Darien and hiking the trails. Herman is one of the best Expedition Leaders I’ve encountered. His knowledge of the country and birds was incredible. We were very lucky to travel with him.”
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K. & K. Jewler
“Our guide, Rick, did a tremendous job – can’t say enough good things about him! He is the best guide we have ever had. He was incredibly knowledgeable, accommodating to all and very thoughtful.”
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F. Byers
“I have been on a lot of Nat Hab adventures and have always been thoroughly impressed with the guides, but Rick was above and beyond the best! What a fantastic man – knowledge, professionalism, beautiful sense of humor! He loves what he’s doing and is a man filled with passion for what he does! (And it shows!) What organization!”
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J. Alman
“As always, we were all taken care of! No other organization can even come close to Nat Hab!”
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G. Peterson
“Rick was the perfect guide! His vast knowledge of the flora and fauna of Panama together with his enthusiasm, his ability to deal exceptionally well with people, his knowledge of the history and current affairs of Panama, and his English fluency are nothing short of outstanding. You could not hope to find a more qualified person!”
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P. Toland
“A truly amazing and memorable adventure! You should see the smile on my face!”
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N. Hames
“Trip of a lifetime – not to be missed!”
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P. Shipke
“I can not say enough good things about Rick. …Rick is a very engaging, attentive, informative guide. My husband and are very interested in birds and his knowledge of the bird calls, by site was impressive. He had us stop at a couple of really nice homes (bed and breakfast) where we could look at birds and enjoy the setting of lovely streams, chairs in which to watch birds at feeders and get information about the coffee production at one of the bed and breakfast. As we stayed on in Panama City, Rick helped us organized a driver, a boat tour up to an Embera Village and followed up to make sure we were fine. Rick also added a trip to see some bats in a local cave in Bocas del Tora one late afternoon which was an extra treat. He really went beyond and did it with an ease and grace. You have a real jewel with Rick. [We liked] the Gamboa Hotel and the surrounding hikes and boat ride to see wildlife. The Panama canal was really interesting and eating a picnic lunch while watching the ships was great. We also really enjoyed visiting the ruins in Volcan and birdwatching, and our hikes into the various forests. We liked the whole trip and the variations of seeing the old city, the remodeling of the old section of Panama, Casco Viejo, the forest, the coffee industry, the boat rides, seeing the Indian villages.”
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TRIP INCLUDES
  •  Internal flights as described in the itinerary
  •  accommodations
  •  meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on final day
  •  bottled water
  •  services of NHA Expedition Leader
  •  local guides and lodge staff
  •  some gratuities
  •  airport transfers on Day 1 and final day
  •  permits and entrance fees
  •  all taxes
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  •  Travel to and from start and end point of trip
  •  alcoholic beverages
  •  some gratuities
  •  passport and visa fees
  •  optional activities
  •  items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.)
  •  airport and departure taxes
  •  optional travel insurance
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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