FROM THE VIRGIN RAINFOREST TO THE CORAL REEFS

Presentation:

The lagoons of the Maldives at one day walk form the Amazons! Impossible, you say! Not in Panama. This authentic expedition will take you from the bay of Panama City in the Pacific Ocean, to the islands of the Archipelago of San Blas in the Caribbean Sea, through a pristine virgin tropical rainforest across the isthmus.

¡Es posible en Panamá! Una verdadera expedición los llevara de la bahía de Panamá, ciudad en el borde del Pacífico hasta las islas de San Blas en el mar Caribe cruzando la selva tropical que cubre el Istmo...

Description of the tour:

Departure by car from the hotel in the morning after breakfast. In 4x4, we will ride along the Panamerican highway towards the Darien all the way to the Bayano River. Here we will board piraguas up river, which will allow us to discover the abundant fauna that lives on the shores of this river, such as: aquatic birds, turtles, caimans and crocodiles, monkeys, sloth's and more depending on chance and the weather conditions.

After 3 hours or so, and after a small stop at a Panamanian typical restaurant for lunch, we will take on a 4x4 road that will take us up to Burbayar.

Built in the forest, it's an ideal base to discover the nature around it. Each cabana is equipped for four people with a bathroom. That evening, Iñaki, our host will prepare diner and serve it around a big commune table where we will be able to eat together and share our experiences.

The next day, Iñaki will help us discover the wonders of the tropical rainforest that surrounds Burbayar. And he will also show us the very rare frogs - atelopus varius". Brubayar is also considered one of the best places for bird-watching in Panama.

On the third day, you will start your 23km trek through the forest, where you will be able to discover the amazing panorama of the Caribbean Sea and the Archipelago of San Blas. You will be accompanied by an Indian guide, and you will only need a small back pack with you, while your baggage will be transported on mule back.

We will arrive along the Carti River, where the Kuna Indians on a piragua will await you. As you go down the river, you will see a Kuna cemetery, which will then lead you to the Caribbean Sea and finally arriving on the Island of Nalunega.

The archipelago of San Blas is situate in a "comarca" or reserve. This is their territory and administered by them under the guardianship of the Panamanian State.

There are over 350 islands some of which are inhabited and some of which are not. Nalunega Island is a village island. The hotel is situated in the middle of the Kuna Village. The service is very rustic, yet warm. You will be able to walk in the village and admire their molas and see how the molas come about. After a lobster or fish diner, we invite you to rest after such as strenuous day.

Our services usually end here. We highly recommend spending several days in San Blas. The Kuna Indians will organize several trips to nearby island for your underwater exploration.

The return to Panama City is by small airplane from the Porvenir airstrip located on the Island of Porvenir just a few hundred meters from Nalunega.

Degree of Difficulty:

Good physical condition required

Coup de Coeur:

Fabulous rainforest and the discovery of the coral islands.

Equipment Needed:

• Good walking shoes
• Hat
• Sun-screen
• Personal pharmaceuticals you might need
• Poncho
• Sweatshirt for the evenings in Burbayar
• Light cotton walking cloth
• Bathing suit and towel
• Waterproof bag for camcorder and camera
• Snorkeling gear are available in Nalunega, although it's not in the best of conditions.