Rainforest Discoverer

(9 days/8 nights)

This one week program provides an excellent introduction to tropical ecosystems of Panama. You will learn about the flora and fauna of the lowland tropical rainforest, as well as the mountain cloudforest and even a sample of 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: Travel up the mountains to the El Gaital Forest Reserve - Today we will have the opportunity to hike up through the mountains 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.

We will also have the opportunity to visit the local market, where the natives bring their produce, flowers, and crafts to sell to other villagers and visitors as well. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you taste different exotic fruits and buy souvenirs.

Day 6: 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 7: Colonial forts in the Caribbean and snorkel coral reefs - Enjoy a panoramic 50-mile drive to the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Here you will be visiting the impressive Spanish forts whose purpose was to protect the Spanish gold and silver and also the gateway into Panama City from corsairs and pirates who constantly raided these waters between the 16th and 17th centuries. After visiting the forts we will board our boats for a day of swiming and snorkeling in the turquoise clear waters of the Caribbean. After our snorkeling briefing we will begin exploring the coral reefs in search of brightly colored fishes, anemones, sea turtles, and so on.

Day 8: 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 9: 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.