The Rio Grande Basin of the Coclé region (a province of central Panama on the nation’s southern coast) has become famous in recent years for the discovery of extraordinary remains exhibiting the life and customs of pre-Columbian societies in the Neotropics. The El Caño Archeological Park, located close to Rio Grande, is of particular importance. In 2009, archeologists discovered the tomb of an important Coclé warrior buried with treasures such as breastplates, bracelets, belts, and ear sticks made of gold and copper, stone and bone. The artifacts found were so spectacular that an article in National Geographic Magazine (2012) entitled “The Golden Chiefs of Panama” describe El Caño and its surrounding areas as “Panama Valley of the Kings”. Since that time many more tombs have been identified and continue to be excavated.
Category: A Fantastic Journey
Panama & Peru: The Conquistadors Route
The arrival of the Spanish in the Americas was a meeting of civilizations which resulted in a completely new, incredibly rich, and uniquely surprising culture. From the route taken by Vasco Núñez de Balboa across Panama, and the expeditions made by the Spaniards in search of the treasures of the Americas, including the three voyages made by Pizarro in his quest to be the first European to reach the mythical kingdom of Birú, to the stories behind the founding of Lima, Cusco and the port of Callao: This tour is a journey into the past, to cities that speak for themselves through buildings that are filled with history, including sacred temples and the houses of conquistadores. It is a journey that tells the untold stories of our local heroes that fight for their land and freedom, the encounters with pirates, and the construction of the fortresses built to repel those same pirates.
Portobello
We invite you to journey with us through time, as we take you into a past you will never forget. Contact us for details and itineray at info@ecocircuitos.com or annie@ecocircuitos.com
Panama is for Adventurers
There’s another side to Panama, just beyond the Panama Canal — dense biodiverse ecosystems like rainforests and islands. Sip pure coffee and enjoy amazing rivers and vibrant ingenious cultures. Let go of control and give Panama the wheel.
Academic Travel in Panama: The Isthmus that Changed the world
Recently the Hanover College students participated on a Cross-Cultural Communication tour in Panama City, where they learn about Panamanian history and its culturally diverse society. EcoCircuitos Panama organize the program under our motto: Adventure, Conservation and Education.
In the video the EcoCircuitos Tour guide and staff leading the tour on an amazing week where history, interpretation, new discoveries, new friends and fun where part of the daily activities.
Video courtesy of Hannover Students.
Contact us if you are interested in Academic and Educational Travel adventures and want your students to gain a deeper understanding of Panama’s history, ecological and environmental culture. For details: annie@ecocircuitos.com
Adventure week Panama 2018
During the Adventure Week Panama this past May, the participants from different Continents discover why Panama became the Isthmus that changed the world and a paradise for the outdoor travelers.
The explorers discover a diverse destination filled with natural and cultural beauty and with an incredible history to share with the rest of the world. Panama surprises the adventure travelers for the cosmopolitan capital, the legends of Pirates and Conquistadores that fought for the treasures of the Americas, amazing close national parks and trails, good adventures, unique wildlife and a superb gastronomy.
Through kayak, trekking, amazing gastronomic fests, hikes with naturalist guides, snorkeling, boutique hotels and wildlife observation, Panama became the place where friends from around the world united for one week. We all enjoyed this adventure and we hope to continue receiving new friends from the Adventure Travel Association.
Keep Exploring!!!!
My first wildlife experience in Soberania National Park with Ecocircuitos
By Maelle Denoual
True nature lover, I was chosen to work as an intern for 5 months in Ecocircuitos’ tour operator and it’s the first time for me in Panama. I’m French and I’ve never been further than Morocco. You can imagine how excited I was to know that I will discover a new land and such amazing country like Panama. And here I am!
A week ago, during my first week of internship, I had the opportunity to experience, with two other clients, the hiking tour at Soberania National Park in the company of the very competent and smiley naturalist guides of the company named Fabio.
It was once again my first exploration of a rainforest and it was amazing! This tour offers an incredible opportunity for wildlife observation and birdwatching. In fact, while we were walking just at the park’s entrance, it didn’t take long before we could hear birdsongs and feel the absolutely unique atmosphere of wilderness. I felt in another world for 2 hours. Beautiful and colorful birds but also huge butterflies were flying from time to time above our head. Every time we saw an animal or a bird, Fabio was there to tell us what kind of specimen it was and inform us more about it. We have even seen a baby anteater on the side of the trail. Actually, we were very lucky because it’s not common to see one so close. I have learned so much during this hiking tour and it wasn’t exhausting but mostly enjoyable.
After the exploration of the lush forest, Fabio explained that our adventure is not finished. We were heading to a jungle-adventure expedition across the Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal. Once aboard, we started the tour searching for more wildlife around the rainforest-covered islands. And we were lucky again because we could see monkeys having a nap on trees, many water birds, 2 big green iguanas, a sloth and a crocodile! Also, it was so impressive to see giant cargos on the canal transiting the waterway few meters away from us…I couldn’t believe that I was on the renowned Panama Canal that everybody talks about. I was thrilled!
That day was a very enriching experience thanks to these 2 different ways to discover nature and I felt very amazed by the considerable diversity of fauna and flora which offers Panama. I strongly recommend EcoCircuitos’ tours to everyone who loves ecotourism and want to visit Panama.
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EcoCircuitos practices responsible tourism and follow the standards of leave no trace and Travelers Against Plastics. We encourage all our clients to bring their own bottle and change the way you travel. For more information on this tours and others, please contact us at info@ecocircuitos.com
Panama Reading List
You are planning your trip to Panama and it is exciting! Below you will find some reading material that could help you plan your trip and do some research. Some of our reading recommendations include books about birds, wildlife, history, culture and more. Also if you would like to share some other books and articles with us, please feel free to send us an email at info@ecocircuitos.com
William Friar
Moon Travel
Frommer’s Panama (Complete Guide)
Frommer’s
Stanely Heckadon
Instituto Smithsonian de Investigaciones Tropicales
Stanley Heckadon-Moreno
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
A Bird-Finding Guide to Panama
George R. Angehr
Cornell University Press
George R. Angehr & Robert Dean
Cornell University Press
A Guide to the Birds of Panama
Robert Ridgely
Princeton University Press
David McCullough
Simon and Schuster
A Day on Barro Colorado Island
Marina Wong / Jorge Ventocilla
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Reef Fish Identification – Baja to Panama
Paul Humann / Ned DeLoach
New World Publications
Central America: A Natural and Cultural History
Anthony G. Coates
Yale University Press
A Field Guide to the Mammals of Central America and Southeast Mexico
Fiona A. Reid
Oxford University Press
John Kricher
Princeton University Press
5 Top EcoLodges in Panama
Panama is the best keep secret in Latin America. My country is one of the best adventure travel destinations with amazing ecolodges surrounded by nature. Panama is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor and is known as one of the most biologically diverse countries in Central America. There are more ecolodges in Panama and below you will see a list of my favorites.
Mount Totumas Cloudforest Ecolodge
Just 2 hours from David in Volcan is located this wonderful cloudforest Eco lodge a truly unique experience in Panama. At Mount Totumas Cloud Forest there is a variety of accommodations and depending on guests preferences and budget. I love the Cabin where I stayed with my partner and loved the amazing views of the National Park. The ecolodge is located in the buffer zone directly bordering La Amistad National Park. Guests can enjoy 8 marked trails through the reserve with access into the adjacent national park, which is Central America’s largest protected mountain wilderness area. Hot springs are also located nearby. In the Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Reserve there are keystone species presented such as Resplendent Quetzal, Three Wattled Bellbirds, Mantled Howler Monkey, Black and Crested Guan, White-Faced Capuchin, spider monkeys, mountain lions amongst many others. The hotel has a sustainable practice and most of the employees and guides are locals who work as integral players in the operation of the hotel. The owner brings her expertise in Asian and European cuisine to Mount Totumas and creates dishes drawing from their gardens and the local produce vendors in Volcan.
Canopy Camp Darien
This is the best birding ecolodge to experience the Darien specialties. The Canopy Camp Darien features eight large, safari-style tents that are designed specifically for use in environmentally sensitive areas; they are very eco-friendly. The tents are on raised platforms, to keep you up off the ground and dry in the lowland rainforest of Darien. Each the tents occupies an area of 173 square feet and offer plenty of space to store your luggage, clothing, and gear. Large windows on all sides with flaps allow natural light and breeze to enter the tent during the daylight hours. Each has two single beds or one queen bed, two tables, a floor fan and overhead light, and a solid plantation teak wood floor. Each tent has a full private bathroom located directly outside of the tent on the platform. Each bathroom has all the essentials – flush toilets and a shower that offers serene, private views of the surrounding rainforest. Just a step outside of the tent, the platform offers covered space to relax in lounge chairs in the shade during the hot mid-day sun or an afternoon rain, with exquisite views of the jungle surrounding the camp from your own observation deck.
Tranquilo Bay EcoLodge
Discover the ecosystem of Bocas del Toro Archipelago through snorkeling, kayaking or hiking with one of the lodge’s biologist guides. Encounter uncounted birds, different monkey species, iguanas and much more during your stay, relax and refresh in a unique natural environment.The interior of each of the cabanas is tastefully and comfortably appointed with air-conditioning, local hardwoods, tile floors, fine linens and a calming color palette to welcome you at the end of your adventure each day.
The Tranquilo Bay EcoLodge offers 6 individual cabanas, 4 with ocean view and 2 with rainforest view, and all equipped with either queen-size or double bed equipped with orthopedic mattresses. Additional beds for children are available upon request. The furniture is carefully handcrafted from local hardwoods, and every bedroom is equipped with a small seating area, reading lights and a small supply of books for leisurely hours. And if you prefer relaxing outdoors, there’s a covered porch with hammock and Adirondack chairs waiting for you. All cabanas have air conditioning and hot water, as well as coffee makers and hair dryers. A covered porch with a hammock and Adirondack chairs awaits to help you escape the “every day” that you left behind when you enter the grounds at Tranquilo Bay.
Villa Tavida Ecolodge
Located in a private reserve that has been protected for 25 years, Villa Tavida offers its guests the opportunity to escape from the modern day world. Surrounded in nature, guests have breathtaking views of a nearby waterfall and can easily be accessed by a hike down a nature trail to get a closer look. Villa Tavida is just 35 km from Penonome and approximately 50 km from Playa Blanca. This exclusive guest house offers 5 comfortable rooms, all overlooking the waterfall Tavida. Some units include a balcony and/or patio. Every unit has a private bathroom with free toiletries. The lodge offers free parking on-site. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant. The services are aimed at promoting environmental, cultural and economic welfare.
Isla Palenque EcoResort
A beautiful island of 160 hectares of lush jungle, framed by 7 untouched beaches, house a number of wilderness trails and hidden spaces to be explored by guests of the barefoot-luxury Beach Suites (mid-2018) and Villa Estate. The ecolodge is at just minutes walk from the beach and it offers an outdoor pool and a restaurant. The accommodation will provide you with iPad. Featuring a shower, the private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some rooms offer views of the sea and the pool area. Extras include a safety deposit box, linen, and a fan. At The Resort at Isla Palenque, you will find a private beach area. Other facilities offered at the property include a tour desk and luggage storage. Daily guided tours are offered and the property has a large area with hiking trails. An additional package must be purchased directly to the Hotel to include additional services : 3 daily meals at the on-site restaurant, as well as on-site guided tours and one round trip boat transfer per party between Boca Chica and Isla Palenque.We encourage you to travel different in Panama. Explore the real and authentic destination and stay in unique properties that will make your vacation memorable.For more information on this ecolodges and other options in Panama, please contact us at info@ecocircuitos.com
Pinapple Tour with VERBA ODREC
by Raffaele Campomolla
The Pineapple – A beautiful, delicious fruit that has an incredible freshness and is just perfect as a healthy snack or combined in a sweet dessert. Lots of people love this tropical fruit – but do you actually know how pineapples are grown? Learn all about pineapples in a tour at the Verba Odrec Farm in ‘La Chorrera’!
Panama is known for having among the world’s best and sweetest pineapples. During the tour you will have the chance to taste this gift of nature and trust me, you will be impressed by the taste of those pineapples.
Do you know if the green ones are also very sweet and ready to eat? And how many times a year you can crop pineapples from one seed? Well you should find out! Ricardo, an expert of pineapples who will guide you through the farm will tell you all about this amazing fruit. You will drive through the farm seeing the different stages of maturation and different types of pineapples. The tour ends with a refreshing, pure and super-sweet natural juice –made out of pineapple, of course.
Experience the best Pineapple in Panama. This tour allows you to visit the harvesting pineapple fields, taste various stages of the pineapple and if available tour the packing facility. This 3 hour tour is great for trying something new and having fun while exploring the countryside of Panama!
Verba Odrec is a local family farm, committed to responsible practices and minimizing pesticide and quality of our pinaple in every box.
EcoCircuitos Panama Travel Blog and News 