Darien Jungle – 4 days
It is a forgotten place, a savage place that shows us the best and worst in us all. The dense jungle topography of the Darien Gap has long been the disastrous end of many adventurers, swallowing lost souls in its ancient embrace. The aura of the jungle, of a million wild souls, is as tangible as water when one bathes. It is another sense, one that comes to the heart rather than the eyes, as soaked in richness as they are.
Both ambitious human aspirations and ultimate despair cross paths in this mystical place, drawing all manner of people into its grasp. Trafficked by merciless smugglers and hopeful migrants alike, the Darien Gap has seen and claimed countless of travelers, while only a few lucky ones were given the privilege to escape its dark fangs.
If you are still reading this, you are most likely an adventurer who will most likely enjoy a trip into raw nature, meeting ancient cultures and participating in their rituals and customs. We are offering expeditions into the Darien jungle for various different degrees of adventure levels. Your personal guide will customize your experience depending on your ambitions and physical constituency.
Itinerary
Day 1: Visit Palma Darien and boat ride on the Sambu river to La Chunga villages
Day 2: Hike in primary Rainforest
to spot some of the nocturnal species and listening to the jungle come alive.
Day 3: Cultural Interaction with the Emberas
Day 4: Fishing Day Tour in the Sambu River
If you are lucky you will spot alligators or crocodile lounging on the river banks amongst the many types of mangroves.
Day 5: Return from La Chunga Village to Panama City via Puerto Kimba
of the Pacific Coast communities in Darien.
Lodging & Meals
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Breakfast: cooked local vegetables (yuca, name, otoe) accompanied by boiled eggs and fresh shellfish prepared in tomato sauce and natural herbs of choice. Breakfast is accompanied by a cup of coffee or natural tea (sweetened teas are available upon request). Bread and pancakes are optional.
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Lunch: Seafood (including fish of the day, fresh shrimp, and lobsters when in season) or meat (chicken, beef, or pork), accompanied by boiled or mashed potatoes. Traditional Panamanian meals include a plate of rice and beans or other legumes (porotos, lentils) and fried plantains (patacones). Lunch is accompanied by fresh orange juice, lemonade, or coconut water. A sampling of delicious tropical fruits may also be available.
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Dinner: served at sunset, dinner includes a light plate of vegetables with cooked meat and fresh orange juice or lemonade. This will be followed by chicheme, a delicious treat of cooked corn, with or without coconut milk, natural fruits, and drinks.
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Optional: vegetarian meals are available upon advanced notice. Options include native vegetables and legume accompaniments such as beans, poroto, lentils, and guandu. These meals come with an accompaniment of fresh coconut juice, orange juice, or lemonade.
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2 private Bujias with double beds
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1 shared Bujia that has 2 rooms with 3/4 beds and 3 rooms with double beds
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Potable water in all Bujias
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Shared bathrooms and showers
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Gas lantern use at night (no electricity available)
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Small restaurant with refreshments
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First-aid equipment
Shared Cabin:
Rooms with double bed:
Rooms with single bed:
Private Buja with double bed:
Bathroom with shower:
Whats's Included
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Accommodations for 4 days and 4 nights in Eco-lodge La Chunga in the traditional, indigenous community, or camping tents during the hikes
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All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Entrance fee to Corredor Biogico Bagre (National Park Darien)
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Observation of flora and fauna
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Guides with experience who speak English and Spanish
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Hikes to the jungle
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Traditional Emberá hut with full board
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Fee for the indigineous community
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Motor boats and canoe transports
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Luggage attendant support
What's Not Included
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Transportation from Panama City to Darien and back (please see "Getting Here")
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Puerto Kimba Boat taxi to La Chunga ($22 each way)
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Alcoholic Beverages and soft drinks
Be prepared and what to bring
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Passport will be required when checking in with the immigration booths at Darien and Puerto Quimba
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Guests may carry flashlights for personal use
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Strong footwear (hiking boots and/or sandals)
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Backpack.
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Mineral bottle water and soft drinks
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Waterproof coat or jacket
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Cap, hat, or bandana
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Hiking and/or cargo pants (no jeans)
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Mosquito/Bug Repellent
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Sheets or sleeping bag (the jungle can get cold)
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Personal utensils
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Camera and/or video camera
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Biodegradable soap
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Open mind and strong will
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Visitors to the Darien Jungle are advised to be vaccinated against Malaria
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Everyone suffering from heart disease has to show a medical examination clearing you to take part in strenuous activities. This tour is recommended for people in good health and in good condition.
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All accommodations are located in indigenous communities. You will sleep in a indigenous cabins and/or tents. A sleeping bag and a sleeping pad will be offered to you.
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Toilet facilities are really basic pit toilets
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The accommodation in La Chunga village is rustic, but has comfortable beds with fan and mosquito nets. The bathroom has running water
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There is no electricity available
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You will spend your last night in La Chunga
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Travel to the Darien Jungle is enjoyable all year long, however, the best time to visit is the dry season, which lasts from January to July
- Itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions
Getting here
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Take a bus from Albrook Bus Terminal to Darien-Meteti (5 hours and approx. $9)
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Connect at Meteti Bus Terminal onto a smaller bus to Puerto Quimba (30 min and $2)
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In Puerto Quimba take a Sambu Water Taxi to La Palma where you will spend the night at Hotel Tuira (30 min and $5 for water taxi and approx $20 for hotel)
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Darien Jungle – 4 days
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