Green Travel Trends

I just read an article from Anne Lim – Travel Trends In The Twenty-Tens: What Marketers Need To Know and I feel excited  to confirm that the trends are going towards responsible tourism and that companies like EcoCircuitos that have been working for years to support the local knowledge, empowering local communities and offering transformative experiences are on the right track of the industry today.

I feel connected with the philosophy of today’s travelers that buy less and experience more is the way to travel.    Some of the important information she shares with us in his very interesting article is that people are spending more on travels but in a conscious way and definitely, companies in the industry need to change strategy and adapt to the new green travelers.   Definitely, Sustainable Tourism is finally sexy!!

Below some of the figures Anne Lim shares in her article:

Sustainable Tourism is the way today

More than 70% of travelers plan to make eco-friendly choices in the next vacation, in contrast to what was only 45% one year ago. In addition to this, 58% of travelers said their choices are affected by whether or not the hotel and tour company gives back to the local community, and 66% of global consumers prefer to buy products and services from brands that give back to society [TripAdvisor]. Why? It seems that in this age of political turmoil and ecological crisis, individuals support only the companies whose values are aligned with those of their own, especially when it comes to luxury purchases and consumerism. It’s in these particular cases that marketers must take social responsibility into account. By advertising the charitable aspects of the brands, you’re telling people why they should want your product, as well as why they should also feel good about buying it over the competition – a strategy that will be especially effective with millennial travelers. 

The “Bucket List Effect” (Panama should be on that list)

75% of travelers say they’d like to visit travel destinations that none of their friends have visited before. Additionally, 80% of travelers expressed interest in escaping the usual tourist traps on their next holiday [Experiential Travel Survey]. It turns out that people enjoy having unique experiences they can claim as their own, as opposed to traveling to the same popularly visited destinations that will provide them with the same basic pictures that everybody else has in their photo-albums or social platforms. This means that people are always on the prowl for a trendy destination – giving marketers an opportunity to showcase “under-rated” locales which enable their ads to stand out more and drive curiosity; a powerful duo that can exponentially increase sales.

Top 6 Reasons to travel to Panama during Green Season

Panama is worth seeing throughout the year! Not only the dry season is a good time to travel to the Isthmus, the wet and green season could be the best time to explore and enjoy different outdoor activities with less people and better prices.

Panama Bay

View from the air

Surfcamp in Playa Venao resort hotel

Some of the reasons to visit Panama during the green season:

1. Fewer Tourist walking the streets of Casco Viejo.  You can enjoy more time on the attractions without the crowds, have a reservation at one of the best rooftops restaurants and enjoy the beauty of this UNESCO site just for you.
2. Lush nature in national parks and tropical fruits.  The green season is the best time to go hiking, wildlife observation or just trekking  in our national parks.  It is the time for the flowers, the birds and beautiful plants.   It is also the time for many of our tropical fruits, so get ready to taste new flavors!
3. More water for paddling in river, kayaking and water sports.  If you are like me and enjoy paddling,  the green season is the best time for learning SUP or going kayaking in many places around Panama.
4. Surf and Whale watching season.  The season for the humpback whale watching is starting in April and is the best time of the year to go and experience this amazing mammals.  Also good waves in both Caribbean and Pacific with less surfers.  You will have the waves just for you!
5. Special Discounts in tours and hotels.  This is the best time to travel and get special rates.  The industry lower the rates during the green season and you will get the best deals from us.
6. Discover the local culture.  Many national festivals and activities are held during the low season.  The national day of La Pollera on July 22 is one good opportunity to admire the national dress and hundrends of women wearing it on one day parade.  This is just one of many.

 

Adventure, Conservation and Education

EcoCircuitos is specialized in educational travel experiences. Our guides are experts in their field and provide in-depth insights and understandings from culture and history to biodiversity. These understandings foster authentic travel experiences as well as responsible encounters between travelers and nature, biodiversity and local people. Contact us and experience the real #Panama.

Do I Need a Special Vaccination to Enter Panama?

You may need malaria prophylaxis if you are planning on traveling to remote jungle areas such as the Darien. There are several cases of dengue fever reported annually throughout Panama; so we generally recommend avoiding mosquito bites by wearing long clothes and using repellents. Yellow fever also exists in certain parts of Panama, mostly in remote Jungle areas like the Darien. We recommend consulting your doctor before your trip to decide, whether vaccinations are necessary or not.

Yellow Fever vaccination 

As of November 01, 2008, Panama requires valid Yellow Fever Vaccination to enter or leave the country for the following countries:

South America: Bolivia, Brasil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela.

Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Democratic Rep., Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leona, Sudan.

If you have any health concerns, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor or clinic before traveling.

You can check all visa and health requirements here

For more information about Panama and our FAQs.  Please click here

Women adventure week in Panama (June 18 – 24, 2016)

Kayaking tour the Gatun Lake

Hiking the highlands

Bocas del Toro archipelago

Panamanian gastronomy

Panama Hats in Casco Antiguo

Panama City

The highlands

 

An active outdoor program just for women during the week of June of 2016. This 7 day adventure includes: Beach combing in Bocas del Toro, active and cultural activities in the City and in the highlands of Panama, bilingual guides, and the fun of the City. Great opportunity for professional networking. This will have a maximum of 20 participants and minimum of 10. Includes: all transfers, 6 night of lodging – 2 nights in Panama City and 2 nights in the highlands of Boquete, 2 nights in Bocas del Toro, day tours, all breakfasts, lunch during tours, entrance fees to national parks and attractions, information kit and taxes.

Day 1 – Welcome to Panama!  Today at the appropriate time an EcoCircuitos representative will meet you at the Tocumen International Airport to assist and transfer you to your hotel located in Panama City. At this time you will also receive an EcoCircuitos information kit that will provide you with all the details for your stay in Panama. Once you arrive to your hotel, please check-in. MARRIOTT EXECUTIVE.

Day 2 – Day 2 Kayaking the Panama Canal Watershed & Rain Forest Discovery Center Early in the morning you will be greeted by your guide in the lobby of your hotel to begin your kayaking adventure in the Panama Canal Watershed. As you begin your journey into the Panama Canal Watershed you will leave the Panama City limits and enter in to the Soberania National Park, building will slowly be replaced by secondary and primary rain forest, and you will pass the former Fort Clayton, Miraflores Locks before entering the Park. Keep your eyes open for toucans, sloths and other animals as they awake with the morning sun. Once you reach dock you will receive a safety briefing and introductory paddle lesson before slipping into your kayaks to start paddling into the heart of the Panama Canal Zone. Seated at water level in your kayak will give you an interesting perspective of the Panama Canal in action. Our guide will lead you to places of special interest, while educating you about the flora and fauna of the area. After kayaking we will visit the Rain Forest Discovery Centre, where we will learn more about the Panamanian rain forests´ secrets. Climb the rain forest tower that is 30 meters high with emergent trees reaching 40meters. It is an amazing experience in the core of the tropical rainforest. We will have a picnic lunch, while observing the numerous species of humming birds in the area.

IN THE AFTERNOON: The Highlands of Panama

You will be transferred to Albrook Domestic Airport to take your one hour flight to David, the capital of Chiriqui Province. ****Flight is not included***Upon arrival, you will be met by an EcoCircuitos Representative and transferred to Finca Lerida state coffee lodge. This Ecolodge is nestled in the middle coffee plantation and surrounded by a private natural forest reserve. You will wake up to the symphony of birds and to the aroma of our home grown “Finca Lerida” Estate Coffee brewed specially for you. All the rooms are individually decorated and named after birds found in Finca Lerida Highlands. (B, pic nic lunch)

 Flying within Panama has a luggage weight limit of 25 pounds (lbs) per person.

Day 3 – Los Quetzales Trail This is considered one of the most spectacular trails in Central America and one of the most popular hikes of the western highlands. Depart from your hotel in Boquete at 7:00 AM in a 4×4 to the ranger station in Baru National Park where you will begin your trek along the Quetzales Trail. Walk through different elevations and landscapes giving the group the opportunity to see a great variety of tree, plant and bird species, including the Resplendent Quetzal, the Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Silvery-throated Jay, Black-faced Solitaire and the Barred Becard. Includes: Transportation, Box Lunch, and specialized Guide. Duration: Full day tour. This trail is only recommended for experienced hikers and people with an excellent physical condition due to its difficult nature. (B, pic nic lunch)

 Day 4 Transfer to Bocas del Toro Archipelago (A day Tour!!) You will be transferred by land and boat from Boquete to Bocas del Toro Archipelago. You will pass through the Talamanca Continental Divide and you will enjoy the amazing landscape of our highlands. Enjoy the view of some areas of the Palo Seco and La Fortuna Natural Reserves during the transfer. Upon arrival to Almirante (Bocas del Toro Mainland pier), you will board a water taxi that will head you to Isla Colon. (Boat transfer 25 minutes) Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Check in at the hotel Playa Tortuga. Transfer duration: 3 ½ hrs approx.

 Day 5 Bocas del Toro Archipelago After breakfast you will visit a local indigenous community where you will learn about their conservation initiatives to protect their surroundings. Look for local wildlife species such as Three-toed Sloth, the quintessential Red poison-dart Frog, White-faced Capuchins and Howler Monkeys, along with many bird species, and venture inside a rainforest cave. Later today, after an outdoor lunch you will enjoy a tour of Bastimentos Marine National Park to snorkel, and relax at the beach. Lodging will be at a hotel in Bocas. (B,L)

 DAY 6 – Return to Panama City  Return to Panama City and upon arrival Full Day Historical City Tour During the half-day morning tour you will visit the ruins of Old Panama, climb up the Cathedral tower, visit the Old Panama Museum and then continue to Casco Viejo (the old city compound), which dates from the late 1600’s. A bilingual guide will describe the events in history leading up to the eventual movement of the capital city to its present location. Casco Viejo is home to monuments to Ferdinand de Lesseps and other Frenchmen instrumental in the ill-fated attempt of the French to construct a canal through Panama. Your tour ends with a visit to the Panama Canal Museum. 
The full day tour continues with a visit to the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal where large ships can be seen transiting the canal. Enjoy a presentation by the Panama Canal Authority on the history of the Panama Canal and marvel at the workings of this feat of human engineering. Lunch will be serving at a local restaurant. The tour then continues to the Panama Canal area, including the town of Balboa, formerly part of the Panama Canal Zone. You will stop at the folk art market at the old YMCA building. Late afternoon you will return to your hotel in Panama City. (B,L). (B)  ****Flight is not included***

  Day 7 – Departure At the appropriate time you will be transferred to the Tocumen International Airport for your outbound flight. You will arrive at the airport approximately 2 hours before your departure time. Note: customers will be picked up 3 hours before their flight time. ** END OF SERVICES**

Prices upon request!

The program includes:  6 nights of lodging , Private transfers in and out of Tocumen International Airport, Tours as mentioned above, bilingual guide accompany the group during complete itinerary, Breakfast at all mentioned hotels, Information kit, Lodging taxes

The program does not include:  Optional activities, International airfare and taxes, Departure taxes ($40.00 per person for Panama), Meals not specified in the itinerary, Domestic and international flights, alcoholic beverages, Personal equipment,
Extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service, etc.), Gratuities

Rates are valid until June 15^th, 2016 and subject to change due increases on fuel prices

• Prices are net per person.
• Prices are given in US Dollars.
• Prices are subject to change without previous notice depending on any significant increase in rates, taxes, fuel or due to availability problems.
• Prices are based on the minimum of paying participants previously informed.
• If the minimum number of paying participants changes, the rates would also change
• Tips for drives and guides not included

Note: This is a quote not a reservation. Please note that all quotations given are subject to availability at the time of reservation and cannot be guaranteed until payment is received. Please note that credit card payments are subject to processing fees.

EcoCircuitos realizes that has important environmental and social responsibilities in and out of the office. We create memorable travel experiences in Panama’s natural history and cultural heritage.   Our office team and suppliers ensure quality service, cultural sensitivity, local knowledge, innovation and social and environmental responsibility. As travelers ourselves we believe giving something back is essential. Therefore we work with our team, suppliers and customers to ensure that benefits will contribute directly to the communities we visit and their environment.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel Policy link.

Encourage the channeling of part of our revenues towards supporting the conservation and sustainable use of Panama’s biodiversity. We are committed to the conservation of protected areas, education and local community development.

 

Bienvenidos a Panama

This programme uncovers the real Panama, bringing both tourism and business opportunities to life. Explore new cultures and find exciting new discoveries and watch how modern infrastructure and innovative new developments are creating a land of the future…

This video was produced by QCPTV for the British Airways Media In-Flight Entertainment System (AVOD), to find out more please visit http://www.qcptv.com. All rights reserved by QCPTV.

Celebrating the 100 years of the Panama Canal

Pacific side of the Panam aCanal

Centennial Bridge

Biodiversity Museum at El Causeway

Ship crossing the canal

By Marc Vedder

If I had to describe the wonder of mankind in one word it would be “unbelievable”.

Almost finishing the high season, I had the chance to take part in the Panama Canal Transit. I was really excited to see the Canal, because I have heard so much about it but I have never seen it before. After the trip I really wonder why the Panama Canal is not listed up in the modern wonders of the world!

The Panama Canal is a ship canal and connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. In total the canal is 77, 1 km long and was official opened in August 1914. Actual maintenance extends the canal to carry larger and much bigger ships.

Amber and I started our trip at Causeway Marina and drove with a bus to Gamboa where a ship waited for us. Thus the unforgettable trip began. Surrounded by curious elderly travelers from all over the world we found us in the position of the young chickens. Nevertheless it was a nice and relaxing atmosphere. The boat drove very slowly and calm through the canal, so we could totally indulge in the environment and atmosphere the canal creates. It is just amazing to pass huge ships which are 500 times bigger than you.

We were so lucky at that day because of the perfect sunny weather, which created the perfect condition for the canal transit and a sun bath on top of it. The fabulous guides were very informative. I would call it “informative entertaining”. They knew all the details about the canal and explained to us in Spanish, English, French and even in German. On top of it they were very authentic and entertaining at the same time, which generated a perfect trip for us. With much gratitude to the guides I gained a lot of new information about the canal and its history. I have learned for example that the docks in the canal just work with physics with regard to the water level and letting ships trough the docks. Furthermore before the trip I had no idea about the amount of money a company pays for a canal transit. Due to the guides I have learned that companies have to pay around $500.000!

Whilst passing through the docks, I tried to imagine how the people have built this canal but I could not. I was so impressed and astonished. Therefore I continued listen to the great guides, absorbed as many information as I could and enjoyed my lunch provided by the crew. Moreover it so striking being part of a boat that raised and lowered with the water level in the docks.

After a fantastic 5 hour trip we arrived at Causeway Marina and departed home.  I do not want to forestall too much, you have to experience it.

I can highly recommend the Panama Canal Transit Tour. It is informative, entertaining, marvelous and will stay in your memory forever.

For more information about the Canal Tour please do not hesitate to contact us directly www.ecocircuitos.com! We are more than happy to organize a trip and experience something unforgettable.

Come and discover Panama and experience an unforgettable adventure in 2014 only. The Panama Canal celebrates its 100th anniversary and we invite you to join this amazing event with a program that takes you to the most important and influential areas related to this man-made wonder.  For our Panama Canal Centennial adventure, click here.