COASTAL DARIEN EXPLORER
4 days / 3 nights
This unforgettable adventure takes place along the historic Gulf of San Miguel, where the Spanish explorer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa became the first European to set eyes on the Pacific Ocean in 1512.
2011 Departure Dates: Feb 19-22, and this tour can be scheduled for you on request year around. Departures every Saturday returning on Tuesday. Minimum of 4 people required for this tour so contact us for other confirmed dates if you have less than 4 people. .
2011 Rates: $750 per person in double occupancy plus 7% Panama tax.
ITINERARY:
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 our private flight (approximately 45 minutes) directly to Ancon Expeditions’ lodge at the private 65,000-acre Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, overlooking the Gulf of San Miguel where you settle into our private cabins. 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 look for caiman, owls and other nocturnal species.
Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (LD)
Day 2 The Embera People of the Mogue River 
This morning you embark on a motorized dugout canoe and head for the Mogue River. You will look for 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 be able to learn about their culture and traditions. You will also have the opportunity of buying their beautiful handicrafts that are made from natural materials. The men are expert carvers of Cocobolo wood and the women weave extraordinary baskets from palm fibers with dyes from different plants. On your return trip to the lodge you will do a coastal tour of the reserve and the sea bird’s nesting areas of El Morro. This afternoon is free to continue exploring the area surrounding the lodge on your own, enjoy the view from the second floor veranda or enjoy a siesta on one of the hammocks or at your cabin.
Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (BLD)
Day 3 Punta Patiño Nature Reserve
After a hearty breakfast you will take a tractor ride into the primary forest of the reserve. The emergent tree species here is the impressive Cuipo. You will hike a back trail in search of more flora and fauna. You return to the lodge in time for lunch. This afternoon you board your 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 4 Return to Panama City
Early this morning you can continue birding with our guide or we may opt for taking a dip in the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the tranquility of the isolated beach. You say goodbye to your new friends as your private plane arrives and you 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
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