EcoVentures Travel
Safaris and nature tours for discriminating individuals

COASTAL DARIEN EXPLORER
& THE HARPY EAGLE OF THE MOGUE RIVER 

An exploration of the realm of the Harpy Eagle, the world’s most powerful bird of prey and Panama’s national bird.  This unforgettable adventure takes place along the historic Gulf of San Miguel, where the Spanish discoverer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa became the first European to set eyes on the Pacific Ocean back in 1512.

4 days / 3 nights
2009-2010 Departure Dates: Available on request year around, departing every Saturday.

2009-2010 Rates: $695 per person in double occupancy; plus 5% government tax.
Minimum of 4 people required for the tour. Prices valid through November 30, 2009.

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ITINERARY: (Contact us for current information on the status of the Harpy Eagle)

Day 1 Panama City – Punta Patiño Nature Reserve – Gulf of San Miguel

This morning you are picked up at your hotel and transferred to Panama City’s domestic airport to board the scheduled flight (approximately 45 minutes) to La Palma capital of the Darien province, located by the mouth of the mighty Tuira River. At La Palma you board your expedition boat which takes you to the Ancon Expeditions lodge at the private 65,000-acre Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, overlooking the Gulf of San Miguel where you settle into your private cabins. Be on the lookout for bottle-nosed dolphin and different species of birds that find refuge among the mangrove-dotted coast. After a light and refreshing lunch you will head out on your first excursion of the trip. Lead by your Naturalist Guide you will hike into the forest in search of nature creatures and exquisite flora. You will learn about the work that the National Association for the Conservation of Nature (ANCON) is carrying out to protect the reserve and how the rainforest is regenerating. This evening you will take a short walk to the wetlands in search of the Capybara, the world’s largest rodent and the northernmost range being Panama. You will also look for caiman, owls and other nocturnal species.
Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (LD)

Day 2 Punta Patiño Nature Reserve

After a hearty breakfast you will hike the Piedra Candela trail where your guide will describe the importance of this tropical dry forest. This type of forest is quickly vanishing due to deforestation. After lunch the afternoon is open to continue exploring the area surrounding the lodge on your own, enjoy the view from the second floor veranda or take a siesta in one of the hammocks or at your cabin. Late this afternoon we board our boat for a coastal tour of the reserve and the sea bird’s nesting areas of El Morro.
Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (BLD)

Day 3 The Harpy Eagle of the Mogue River

This morning you embark on a motorized dugout canoe and head for the Mogue River. You will look for the Roseate Spoonbill, Ibis, Osprey and Raccoons fishing along the river. The trip up river takes you through millenary mangroves making the boat ride extraordinary. You arrive at the village of Mogue where its inhabitants greet you. After the formalities and presentations you will head into the primary rainforest in search of the recently discoverer Harpy Eagle active nest. From a safe distance as not to disturb the chick or scare the mother you will have the opportunity to have one of the most unique encounters with nature. The Harpy Eagle, Panama’s National Bird and the most powerful bird of prey in the Americas is endangered. Controlled visits to the area are generating income to the nearby village, which in turns creates an interest for the protection of the birds and their habitat. You return to the village in the afternoon to mingle with the Embera people and learn about their customs and traditions. Tonight you will sleep in the guest “Tambo” (thatch roof stilted house). You may opt to sleep in hammocks or screened tents with mats (provided).
Night at MOGUE VILLAGE (BLD)

Day 4 Return to Panama City

You say goodbye to your new friends early this morning as you head back to La Palma where you will board your plane and return to Panama City. Upon arrival to the airport in Panama City you are transferred to your hotel. (B)

B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner) – meals included

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TRIP CLASSIFICATION: Moderate hiking 2-4 hours with rolling and slippery hills also
nocturnal hikes. Lodge accommodations are comfortable and basic camping.

INCLUDED:  Lodging, all land, air and water transportation within Panama, meals as specified in the itinerary (B - breakfast; L - lunch; D - dinner), entrance fees, guides’ services and expenses, and the services of an in-bound land operator for tour operations.

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, tourist card ($5 per person), Panama City hotel, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels or gratuities.

NOTE: The itinerary is subject to change due to tidal or weather conditions.  In this event the itinerary may be inverted.

Weight restrictions apply to luggage in both commercial and chartered flights within Panama.  A maximum of 25 lbs. of checked luggage per person is allowed.  Arrangements can be made at your hotel to store luggage that will not be needed.  Excess baggage charges assessed by commercial carriers are the responsibility of the passenger.

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST: Binoculars (preferably 7x35 or bigger), camera with extra batteries & film, flashlight with extra bulb & batteries, bathing suit, insect repellant, sunscreen, hat, day pack, water bottle, lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes, windbreaker, hiking boots/sandals, sneakers, rain gear, money in small denominations, toiletries & personal medications.