Great Journeys with Al Lewis - Travel Writer / Photographer

There is probably no place on earth that spells adventure like the country of Panama. With a spell binding beauty beyond compare, the isthmus of Panama has captured our imaginations for centuries. From it’s storied history of 16th century Spanish conquest and colonization to it’s prominent place as owner of world’s most important waterway, it’s capture of international attention is a surprise to no one. Tales of Spanish conquest, sunken galleons and rampant acts of piracy have contributed to the rise of Panama as one of the most compelling destinations to explore.

In the next few months I will be completing my reconnaissance of two adventure trips I plan to make available. One based on land and one based on water. Within the boundaries of the Unesco World Heritage park, la Amistad, this trip will concentrate on the magnificent forested highlands surrounding Volcan Baru, the highest point of land in Panama. Customized for exclusive small group travel [ maximum of 8 participants ] our focus will be on education, cultural awareness and of course safety with a sensitivity to the environment. Today only seven surviving indigenous tribal groups remain in the rainforests of Panama and we will be visiting the villages of three of them, the Teribe, the Bribri and the Ngobe- Bugle. With the aid of an interpreter, we will be using them as our guides as we explore whatever the rainforest decides it wants to introduce us to.

A moderate to higher degree of fitness will be required to meet the physical needs of these trips.

The tributaries of the Rio Chagres river are the home of the Embera Indians, scattered in various villages and living the same way their ancestors have for centuries. The only method of transportation into these remote areas is by motorized canoe, called piraguas. Our tours are organized and escorted with the aid of local Embera guides who are eager to share their extensive knowledge with visitors. While these people are very friendly and welcoming and are renowned for their colorful artwork, from woven garments, basket weaving and wood carvings. It is our great fortune to be able to visit a society that has yet to altered in the direction of western ways and we take great care to ensure the survival of a beautiful but disappearing culture.

Kuna Yala or San Blas is one of the most fascinating places in the Americas. This autonomous indigenous region in the Republic of Panama comprises an archipelago of 356 islands in the Caribbean Sea, of which only 51 are inhabited.

This territory also includes, along the archipelago, a ten kilometer wide strip of mainland which is covered in a great extension with virgin tropical forest.

The coral reefs that surround San Blas are particularly worthy of mention because most of them, unlike in other parts of the world, still conserve their original maritime life. Shipwrecks abound today as snorkel and dive sites while the coral reefs are among the regions best.

The Kuna population has lived traditionally isolated from the rest of the Panamanian population. It has been only some years since Kuna Yala opened its doors carefully for national and international tourism. Due to this situation the Kuna people in San Blas Panama have maintained its authenticity. No visitor to San Blas will be able to forget the impression of being brought back into the time when Columbus discovered America. The new tourism in Kuna Yala centers its attention on eco-awareness, activities like fishing and snorkeling, as well as cultural tourism. The artwork, textiles and masks of the Kuna are unmistakable and sought after on a world scale.

Our trips will also include a catamaran sailing option with multiple day excursions through the chain of picture perfect uninhabited Caribbean islands.

La Amistad Park Famous internationally protected bio park jointly shared by Panama and Costa Rica. Over 407,000 hectares of tropical rainforest in the lee of massive Baru volcano and the Talamanca mountain range is home to members of three indigenous tribes, the Teribe, the Bribri, and the Ngobe-Bugle. Home to many protected species of wildlife including jaguars and puma, an amazing array of 300 plus species of birds including the harpy eagle and the resplendant quetzal.

The starting point for this trip would be at the Gran National Hotel in David where we will meet other members of the tour and discuss the upcoming days and what to expect. The next day we take mini bus transportation up the scenic highway to Guadalupe, past spectacular valleys untils the road ends.

On day three we will do a seven hour hike around the volcano itself to the idealic mountain town of Boquete. At one point we reach the only place on earth where you can be overlooking the Caribbean and the Pacific at the same time. We will be spending two nights there in a local garden lodge setting while we have a chance to explore the town and surrounding area and find out why this is considered by many to be one of the top retirement destinations in the western world.

This trip has captured the imaginations of adventurers for centuries. For nine non stop days and nights we will explore the mysteries that are part of the forest, the waterways, and the islands of northern Panama. The starting point for this trip would be in David, second largest city in Panama [ but still only one traffic light in town ] and central gathering region for trips into the northern province of Chiriqui. We will meet other members of the tour [ 8 people maximum ] at poolside of the quaint colonial hotel to discuss the upcoming days and what to expect.

This trip will be divided into two very different water based adventures, the first into remote inland rivers with the second part being ocean and islands oriented. Our mode of transportation will be mini van early the next morning for a two hour journey into the Caribbean side of the country. We then spend the night in the jungle town of Changuinola and then head out the next day to explore local waterways and villages as we enter the massive Unesco World Heritage park, la Amistad. This is a treasure house for many protected species of mammals including the elusive black jaguar, some of worlds most abundant birdlife and flora and fauna beyond description.

The following day will be spent going deeper into the jungle waterways, visiting the remote settlements of Teribe and Naso indians. Hiking, exploring by local river transportation, waterfalls, etc. with indigenous guides into the rainforest will surely be a special experience with highlights at every turn. By the very nature of this trip, the unexpected and unpredictable is our only certainty but safety is always our paramount concern.

Part two of this trip begins with a return trip to the Caribbean and a quick connection to the Bocas Del Toro island of Isla Bastimentos, truly some of the most spectacular islands in the world. Our accommodation for the next three nights will be a jungle lodge that will serve a base point for exploring inland and getting out to the surrounding islands including Caye Zapatilla, where Survivor Panama was filmed. Attractions here will include hikes within the island to a large network of trails, trips to the deserted beaches and tours of the recently discovered subterranean cave system which promises to be a real highlight. This jungle lodge consistently gets top marks from intrepid travelers for it’s attention to comfort while nestled in its perfect tropical hideaway setting. Some of the worlds best snorkeling will be marveled at in the many spectacular coral reefs that define the islands of Bocas Del Toro.