5 Ways to Experience an Authentic Panama Getaway

There are many reasons why Panama should be your next getaway destination this year. Beyond the amazing biodiversity, our unique and fascinating history, amazing gastronomy and superb weather. Panama is a small country that offers a lot. This year Panama is celebrating 500th anniversary since its foundation and the diversity of its people is what makes this country unique.

Private Islands and Unique Lodges

There are still undiscovered lands. Pristine corners of the world unspoiled by man and unchanged by time. Tropical islands where true wilderness awakens your senses and rouses your inner explorer. Isla Palenque Island Resort is an exclusive private island resort set amidst 400-acres of an enchanting jungle in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama. A luxury beachfront haven for those seeking the tranquillity of nature in the raw. A 5-day adventure in Panama includes: a night in Casco Viejo hotel (American Trade Hotel or Central Hotel), Transfer to the Gulf of Chiriqui, Kayaking the Gulf of Chiriqui, Snorkeling the Amazing Gulf of Chiriqui and a 4 day stay at the exclusive private island resort. The resort is equipped to have you scaling gargantuan strangler fig and Panama trees, spying on falcons and howler monkeys and zipping through the sea for as many days as you can handle. Those guests determined to get some time on the mainland can also opt for the Ngöbe-Buglé tour and waterfall hike, a remarkable excursion that includes horseback riding to a waterfall along with a deep exploration of the tribe’s culture. There are also countless trails to hike and beaches to walk, and the resort provides binoculars, maps and everything else you’ll need to set out like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe. For reservations and more details please contact info@ecocircuitos.com

The Panama Exploration Cruise

Explore Panama’s natural beauty with this 7-day Adventure Cruise Tour. You will be learning about the geology, animals, birds and ocean life of the Isthmus that changes the world. Including the Darien Jungle and the Canal Transit. The Discovery is a 33 meter, purpose built catamaran providing 8 queen and 4 twin cabins. All cabins have individual climate control, bathrooms and huge windows which extend along the length of the cabin allowing you to enjoy the scenery in complete privacy. Book for May 28th, 2019 and get a special discount.

Drive through the Countryside and meet the locals

Go on scenic roads exploring volcanos, waterfalls, highlands and the beaches of Panama. This adventurous road trip features extensive panoramic views and leaves a lot of flexibility for you to explore and meet new friends!

Top tree: Panama Road trip – Waves of Panama – Highlands Extension

Go birding in one of the best spots in the world

For birdwatchers, Panama is considered one of the top spots in the world, hosting more than 1000 bird species. Our classic birding program is for the true birder who wants to discover the unique birds diversity of Panama. click here

Enjoy one of the many and unique festivals

Although some Panamanian events are becoming more international events such as the Jazz Festival every January and the International Film Festival in April. There are many other unique festivals such as the Micro Brew Fest in February to boost the craft beer industry in Panama and the region; The Pollera (National Dress) Festival, where hundreds of participants in their beautiful customer and hairdos compete in different categories; The Congo Festival where the AfroPanamanian folklore is represented with music, customers and food and many more.

Panama is a destination full of contrast and is waiting to be discovered. Contact us or your special travel partner to curate your next vacation in the best-kept secret of Central America. http://www.ecocircuitos.com

Re-Discovering Colon Province

By Carina Forster

The low season is here!   the time when the EcoCircuitos team explores the regions of beautiful Panama, looking for new exciting activities, tasty restaurants and nice hotels to use in our programs. All departments are working together, developing ideas and creating new exciting itineraries to our favorite places in Panama. Yesterday we explored beautiful Colon region, with its laid-back Caribbean flair, deep rainforests and colorful towns full of pirates and buccaneers history.

Crossing the country in the early morning by train, our way led along the Panama Canal from Panama City on the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean town of Colon. We quickly forgot the early hours with breathtaking views of lush rainforest, the Panama Canal and jungle lakes covered in mystic morning fog.

Being picked up by our EcoCircuitos driver Roberto at the train station in Colon, we started our road trip along the palm-fringed coast line to the colorful town of Portobelo. The charming little village does not only offer incredible history, with once being one of the most important ports in the Caribbean Sea, but surprises with lovely remains of African culture in form of Congo dances and expressive pieces of art next to lush rainforest adventures and superb snorkeling.

Every team member has his or her own preferences and opinions; however, when it came to the Arrecifes restaurant we discovered in the town of Colon, everyone was just as excited about the delicious typical fresh seafood lunch offered next to an extensive view of the Panama Canal.

To continue our road trip deep into the jungle to the Fort of San Lorenzo, we waited for a spot between large container ships to cross the Panama Canal by ferry. Following a romantic wild road surrounded by lush rainforest, we let monkeys, birds and coatimundis cross the street. The fortress of San Lorenzo lies on the edge of steep cliffs, overlooking the surrounding coast lines with abandoned beaches and wild rainforest as far as your eyes can reach.

After a successful day of collecting inspirations, testing logistics and forming partnerships, the creative part starts, with using our experiences and ideas for developing unique brand-new itineraries.

The Congo Dances from Portobello: Celebrating our African heritage

 The Congo Dance of Panama is a unique and colorful celebration of dances and part of the folklore in the province of #Colon. The dance has its roots in Africa and came to Panama by way of escaped former slaves known as “Cimarrons.”  The dance has been passed on from generation to generation, and can be seen today in the province of Colon, in costal towns such as Portobello (1 ½ hours from Panama City) where the Afro-Panamanian legacy remains very much alive.  Girls and women from #Colon province during the Congo festivities.

The Congos of Portobelo today are the descendants of the cimarrones—runaway slaves who fought for their freedom during the Spanish colonial period. After escaping into the mountain hills and forest, the cimarrones built their villages (Palenques) from which they waged wars against their former enslavers.

The Congos is beautiful dance full of mystery and legends, in which men and women stage with dances, songs and sonorous drums, the ancestral drama of life, and the fight between the good and evil.

The women dance swaying their hips in an almost erotic manner, using hands and feet to mark the man limits. They wear a long skirt made ​​up of a patchwork of very bright colors fabric, a blouse with a colorful frill necklaces, flower in her hair, and bare feet. The men wear a fringed shirt and pants (made of strips of colored cloth), masks, and bare feet and dance around the women, doing their best to get close and kiss them. The rhythm of drums, singing and applause invites everyone around to participate in the Congo.

Check out the video below of a local news report about the 2013 Festival of Diablos and Congos: