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Panama |
Paddling in Panama is in many ways what Costa Rica used to be like twenty years ago. People still gawk in amazement and wonder as our Landcruiser piled high with brightly colored kayaks passes by. The rivers are pristine and wildlife abounds. And the crowds, well, you can go back to the states to find them. Come experience the magic of Panama: modern Panama City, a good highway system (for a rainy country), strong cultural roots, amazing beaches and world-class whitewater – Panama has it all.
Trip low down
Group size: 6-12
Departure point: Panama City, PANAMA
Time of year: 24 Nov. - 2 Dec.
Day 1 Arrive Panama City
Most flights arrive in the evening. Our representative will meet you at the airport and help load you, your baggage and your kayak onto the vehicle. Transfer to Hotel Las Vegas in Panama City. Not included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 2 Rio Chagres
The Chagres River is a must while in Panama, not because it has intense whitewater but due to its remoteness and cultural value. Warm up your paddling muscles as we explore this spectacular jungle run through one of the countries most valuable national parks. Class II and III rapids await us, with some good play spots and plenty of opportunity to see some of the best wildlife in the world: although this rainforest is tapir and jaguar territory, they are very seldom encountered. It is much easier to spot other fauna such as otters, iguanas, monkeys, hawks, toucans, and plenty of fish. Hostel La Posada de Ferhisse in Cerro Azul. Included: All meals.
Day 3 Rio Mamoni
Make sure that you only drink one cup of that tasty Panamanian coffee today folks. The four wheel drive road that we take to get to the put-in for the Mamoni will be more than enough to wake you up, not to mention put some stress on your bladder from all that bumping around. Yep, this is adventure at its finest. The Mamoni is a very low-volume, creek-style run. A long float in brings us to the first mini-gorge with ample amounts of class III pool-drop rapids. The second mini-gorge is nothing short of magical with some significant class IV and a mandatory portage. Very remote, the Mamoni is not the place to be pushing your skill level – only competent boaters who are comfortable in class IV are allowed on this run. Hotel Las Veraneras. Included: All meals.
Day 4 Beach day
Wake up to a leisurely breakfast - you’ve earned it. Today we’ll be driving to the west coast to check out waves at El Palmar, Rio Mar near the small town of Santa Clara. It’s time to hop in your kayak and battle the surf. Small waves or big waves you are going to love the beach. Spend you afternoon enjoying a traditional Panama past time – the hammock. Hotel Las Veraneras. Included: All meals.
Day 5 Upper Rio Grande
We have yet another fantastic day ahead of us. Hopefully you got some good sleep the last two nights because today is one fun-packed adventure. An early morning breakfast and we are off to the river, traveling through some pretty mountainous country. The put-in is the junction of two creeks, with the resulting “river” being not much bigger. A fantastic creek-style run – you’ll understand why we keep coming back to this place. Be prepared for several scouting missions and a potential jungle portage Lodging at the chalets of Las Kusicas. Included: All meals
Day 6 Lower Chiriqui Viejo
The Chiriqui Viejo is one of the largest drainages in the country. Expect flows of anywhere from 1500 cfs to 15000 cfs if it is raining hard. This lower section is fun class III at normal levels, with big class III rollers and some hoes that you will want to avoid at high levels. We may have to pry the smile from your face at the end of the day. Hotel in David City. Included: All meals.
Day 7 Upper Chiriqui Viejo
After an energy breakfast with some of the freshest fruit on the planet we will be paddling our most consistent whitewater to date, the Upper Chiriqui Viejo. Class III-V drops abound with much scouting required. What a great way to end the week’s paddling! High water levels make this section unrunable, in which case we will go for something else. Celebrate and tell stories over beers back at the hotel in David City. Included: All Meals and Internal Flight.
Day 8 Depart Drive to Chaiten Hotel
Wake up early to get things packed on the gear truck. Then its off to the airport for a bit of an adventure on an short flight that will return us to Panama City in an hour and a half. Take a tour of the infamous Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks and go souvenir shopping, or maybe visit a discotheque. We’ll all enjoy telling tales of the week’s adventures as we enjoy a farewell dinner of local notoriety. Hotel Las Vegas. Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
Day 9 Depart
Our representative will escort you and your gear to the airport for your flight home.
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