Explore the Darien, the last wilderness in Central America
The Darien, the largest and best-preserved primary rainforest in Central America, is protected by the huge Darien National Park of more than 5790 km² (2235 square miles). It was declared World Heritage in 1981 because of its exceptional variety of habitats – sandy beaches, rocky coasts, mangroves, swamps, and lowland and upland tropical forests containing remarkable wildlife forming a bridge between the two continents of the New World. Here you can still experience the majesty of untouched pristine rainforests and observe the harpy eagle in its habitat.
Encounter indigenous cultures far away from mass tourism
The Darien is not only great nature it also houses fascinating cultures and history. Along the rivers live two indigenous tribes: the Embera and Wounaan, who moved into the Darien from Colombia in the 19th century. And mainly on the coast you find villages of afro-american people, who settle in the area since the colonization through the Spaniards. The Darien was also the first place where Europeans set eyes on the Great South Sea (the Pacific Ocean) in September 1513. In some places you can still find rests of colonial fortresses hidden in the jungle.
Itinerary 1
The trekking option is an incredible crossing of the Serrania del Sapo within the Darien National Park from the Sambú River valley to the Pacific Ocean.
Day 1
Flight to Garachine, boat tour through the River Sambú to the village Sambú. Overnight in the village.
Day 2
4WD tour to Indian village Bayamon. We start our trekking tour here. Today we have 6 hours of hiking. Overnight in a jungle Camp.
Day 3
We continue our trekking through untouched rainforests. We hike for about 4-5 hours. From the ridge of the mountain we can see and hear already the Pacific. In the afternoon we reach Playa de Muerto on the Pacific Ocean. Overnight in cabins or tents in the community.
Day 4
This day we can relax and learn more of the culture of the inhabitants of the village, the Embera Indians. We will celebrate at night with them and listen their music and dance to their rhythms. Overnight in cabins or tents in the community.
Day 5
In the morning we have some time on the beach, around 9A.M. we take the boat and return along a pristine coast of the Pacific to Garachine. Around noon we take the flight back to Panama City.
ITINERARY
With this option you can experience the fascination of the Darien in a gentle but also adventurous manner in boats of indigenous people and local fisherman.
Day 1
Flight to Garachine, boat tour through the River Sambú to the village Sambú. Overnight in the village.
Day 2
Today we make an excursion up the River Sambú to visit some of the indigenous villages upstream. Along the river you can observe plenty of tropical bird species. Overnight in the village Sambú.
Day 3
In the morning we drive with a 4WD car back to Garachine and take a boat to Playa de Muerto. The boat goes along an incredible Pacific Coast. The mountains of the Serrania de Sapo collide with the spume of the Pacific Ocean. Overnight in cabins or tents in the community.
Day 4
This day we can relax and learn more of the culture of the inhabitants of the village, the Embera Indians. We will celebrate at night with them and listen their music and dance to their rhythms. Overnight in cabins or tents in the community.
Day 5
In the morning we have some time on the beach, around 9A.M. we take the boat and return along a pristine coast of the Pacific to Garachine. Around noon we take the flight back to Panama City.
Recomendable season: January - April
.
|
