The Best of the Isthmus of Panama

(14 days/13 nights)

This two-week program will take you to some of the best nature destinations in all of Panama. In addition to an in-depth study of the lowland tropical rainforest, you will hike up to the mountain cloudforests, and then snorkel the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean and then continue across the isthmus to explore the coral reefs of the Caribbean.

Day 1-4: Explore the Rainforests of the Soberania National Park - During the first days of this program you will be studying the rainforest animals and plants found in the Soberanía National Park. With just over 48,287 acres, this park contains an outstanding biodiversity.Even though it is found less than one hour from downtown Panama City. This protected area boasts an outstanding assortment of wildlife like five species of monkeys, two kinds of sloths and more than 400 species of birds; plus thousands of butterflies, beetles, dragonflies, etc.

Day 5: Panama City tour and Smithsonian Marine Center - Today you will enjoy a historical tour of the French Quarter and Old Panama City. Your guide will narrates the role this settlements played in the colonization of the Americas, and you will also discuss different current political and economic issues in Panama. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit the Smithsonian's Punta Culebra Marine Exhibition Center, where you will become acquainted with the various marine environments found in Panama, both in the Pacific and the Caribbean coast, and learn about research conducted by scientists in this area.

Day 6-8: Snorkel the reefs of Isla Iguana, Pacific Ocean- Today we will start our journey to the ocean. We will enjoy a scenic drive along the Panamerican Highway, as we learn about the different natural and cultural features that make of Panama a unique place. After our snorkeling briefing we will board our boats for swiming and snorkeling in the turquoise clear waters of the Pacific Ocean at the Isla Iguana Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you will be able to find some very interesting inhabitants of the reef. For example, green moray eel, king angelfish, Panamic Sergeant Major, and maybe an elusive seaturtle. In addition the island is best known for the reptiles that name it: Green Iguanas. Plus you will enjoy seeing the thousands of sea birds that inhabit here.

Day 9: Explore the cloudforests at the Continental Divide - On our way to the Caribbean side, we will have the opportunity to hike up through the mountians to discover the mysterious cloudforest. This ecosystem is characterized by cooler temperatures and a constant mist bathing the trees. You will find most trees covered by moss, and their branches completely laden with orchids and other epiphytes.

Day 10-12: Snorkel the warm waters of the Caribbean - During the next days we will be exploring the diverse marine environments found in the Bocas del Toro islands. We will be able to identify many of the common species of reef fishes, including damselfish, wrasses, hogfishes, angelfishes, etc. Most interestingly, we will be able to discover the matching sister-species pairs with those fishes observed on our previous visit to the Pacific reefs.

Day 13: People of the Rainforest: the Emberá
Today, we will travel just outside Panama City for a journey back in time. We will spend the day with the Embera natives living in the rainforest. With over 320,000 acres the Chagres National Park is the largest protected area in the Panama Canal Watershed. Even though they are found close to Panama City, the Embera retain most of their ancestral traditions. We will learn about the local culture as our host answers all your questions. In addition, you will have an opportunity to buy some hand crafts created by the Embera, including wood and nut carvings, as well as gorgeous baskets with their bright colors.

Day 14: Departure
In the morning you will be transferred to the Tocumen International Airport for your flight back home, or continue on any of your possible extensions.

Combine Panama's natural and cultural attributes with expert naturalists and biologists as instructors to conduct lectures and direct field research projects, and you have the ultimate educational program in the tropics.