13 days total, 12 in Panama

Visiting Kuna Yala, the autonomous region of Panama’s Kuna Indians, is an unique experience. First we'll travel to Burbayar, a jungle lodge set in the hilly rainforests of the eastern foothills of Kuna Yala. The rainforest here is particularly rich because of its elevation (around 1,200 feet), and the climate is similar to that of a cloud forest - there is usually a breeze, the evenings are delightfully cool, and mosquitoes are scarce. The area possesses great beauty, many waterfalls and flora and fauna of great biodiversity. In the morning you can hear howler monkeys, and in the evening, while sitting on the terrace overlooking the forest, you may see toucans, a gathering of parrots, or hummingbirds smaller than your little finger. You'll hike with a local guide along one of many beautiful Kuna trails, and you'll marvel at the variety of birds. This area is famous among Audubon birdwatchers since its forest is connected to the jungles of the Darien. From Burbayar you hike down to the coast and cross the ocean to the San Blas archipelago, the island homeland of the Kuna Indians who maintain their own economic system, language, customs and culture, with distinctive dress, legends, music and dance.

From the San Blas islands you fly back to Panama City but your tour is far from over.

Next you fly west to visit another indigenous tribe, the Nasso people, on the Teribe River adjacent to La Amistad National Park. From here you get back to the coast and make a boat transfer to the Bocas del Toro Islands. From the Bocas you fly back to Panama City and travel to yet another indigenous community - the Embera Drua Community in the Chagres National Park. This is a trip to Panama that you should not miss!

Itinerary:

Day 1:

Transfer from International Airport to hotel Marbella or similar. No meals.

Day 2:

City & Canal Tour, 3 – 4 hours, visiting: Old City, Casco Viejo, Modern City, Pedro Miguel Locks at the Panama Canal and Causeway.  Overnight at Hotel Marbella or similar. Breakfast.

Day 3:

Travel by a 4x4 with a guide to the Burbayar Lodge, located in the premontane reainforest of Kuna Yala in the eastern foothills of Panama. In the afternoon, hike with a naturalist guide in the surrounding rain forest, learn about trees used by the Kuna Indians for medicinal purposes. In the evening enjoy dinner and relax in the hammocks of the lodge. All meals.

Day 4:

Rise at dawn to the calls of Howler monkeys and observe the birds of the area. Being connected directly to the jungles of the Darien, the forests here offer outstanding opportunity to view many species of flora and fauna. After breakfast start a hiking tour of approximately 22 km all the way to the coast at Carti in Kuna Yala; box lunch included in the field. In Carti, a boat will be waiting to transfer you to Río Abajo on the Nalunega Island in the San Blas Archipelago.  Dinner and overnight at the San Blas Lodge. All meals.

Day 5 & 6:

Enjoy San Blas Archipelago and the Kuna culture, two days of tours to the neighboring islands, visit the community, swim and snorkel. All meals.

Day 7:

Boat transfer to local airport at El Porvenir; fly back to Panama City and the same day continue on another flight to Bocas del Toro.  Upon arrival in Changuinola in the Bocas del Toro, our local indigenous guide will take you to the Wekso community on the Teribe river. Hike and explore this beautiful area. All meals.

Day 8:

Enjoy the nature and share the primitive lifestyle of the Nasso people. Hike the trails around the community: a loop trail starts in Wekso and goes up through Nasso villages adjacent to La Amistad National Park - a wonderful cultural experience, learning about their culture and customs. Return to the main lodge whitewater rafting down the beautiful Teribe River, an exciting ending to a wonderful day. All meals.

Day 9:

Transfer to Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro. Enjoy free day or take an optional tour. Overnight at Hotel Bahia or similar. Breakfast.

Day 10:

Fly back to Panama City in the morning. Transfer to the Embera Drua Community at the Chagres National Park.   Hike the area and visit the community  Overnight at Embera Drua. All meals.

Day 11:

Mid-morning transfer back to Panama City. Rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel Marbella or similar. Breakfast.

Day 12:

Transfer to the International Airport for your departure. Breakfast.

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WARNING: This tour is rated "Moderate" as it takes place in high tropical temperatures! Although not over a particularly difficult terrain, some of the hikes may involve distances of more than 20 km! Only individuals in good physical condition should sign up!

Excluded from Land Cost:

- Optional activities
- International airfare and taxes
- Departure taxes ($20.00 per person)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal equipment
- Extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service, etc.)
- Gratuities

- Medical, Evacuation and Trip Cancellation Insurance.