Coastal Darien Getaway

From USD $3,499.00
  • Duration: 4 Days (approx.)
  • Product code: Darien

This unforgettable adventure takes place along the historic Gulf of San Miguel, where the Spanish discoverer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa became the first European to set eyes on the Pacific Ocean back in 1512.


Day 1 Panama City – Punta Patiño Nature Reserve – Gulf of San Miguel:

Early this morning you will be picked up by your Naturalist Guide at your hotel lobby. Enjoy a scenic 4-5 hour ride from Panama City along the Pan-American highway, east, to Puerto Quimba, Darien. Along the way, your Naturalist Guide will give you an introduction to your 4-day adventure while traveling from a vibrant cosmopolitan city to small farming towns and indigenous villages; from multi-lane highways to narrows country roads; from skyscrapers to simple houses along rivers with meadows and forests. In a small village along the way stop for a typical Panamanian breakfast where you will enjoy an arrange of local
fritters, fresh fruits, freshly brewed coffee and more local specialties. Late morning arrive to Puerto Quimba, embark a motorized
boat and go on an approx. 1.5 hour boat ride along the Tuira River and the Pacific Ocean to the private 65,000-acre Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, overlooking the Gulf of San Miguel, where you settle into your private rustic cabin. After a light and refreshing lunch you will head out on your first excursion of the trip. Lead by your Naturalist Guide you will hike into the forest in search of nature creatures and exquisite flora. You will learn about the work that the National Association for the Conservation of Nature (ANCON) is carrying out to protect the reserve and how the rainforest is regenerating. This evening you will take a short walk to look for caiman, owls and other nocturnal species. Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (BLD)


Day 2 The Embera People of the Mogue River:

This morning you embark on a motorized dugout canoe and head for the Mogue River. You will look for Roseate Spoonbill, Ibis, Osprey and Raccoons fishing along the river. The trip up river takes you through millenary mangroves making the boat ride extraordinary. You arrive at the village of Mogue where its inhabitants greet you. After the formalities and presentations you will be able to learn about their culture and traditions. You will also have the opportunity of buying their beautiful handicrafts that are made from natural materials. The men are expert carvers of Cocobolo wood and the women weave extraordinary baskets from palm fibers with dyes from different plants. On your return trip to the lodge you will do a coastal tour of the reserve. This afternoon is free to continue exploring the area surrounding the lodge on your own, enjoy the view from the second floor veranda or enjoy a siesta on one of the hammocks or at your cabin. Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (BLD)

Day 3 Punta Patiño Nature Reserve:

After a hearty breakfast you will enter with your guide into the primary forest of the reserve. The emergent tree species here is the impressive Cuipo. You will hike a back trail in search of more flora and fauna. You return to the lodge in time for lunch. This afternoon you board your boat for a coastal tour of the reserve and the sea bird’s nesting areas of El Morro.

Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (BLD)


Day 4 Return to Panama City:

Early this morning you can continue birding with our guide or we may opt for taking a dip in the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the tranquility of the isolated beach. Midmorning you take a boat ride to Puerto Quimba and go from there by land back to Panama City. Drop off at hotel late afternoon. (BL)

B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner) – meals included

End of Tour


Trip Classification

  • Moderate hiking with rolling hills and optional activities like extended
    nocturnal hikes
  • Lodge accommodations are rustic, but comfortable


Included: 

  • 3-night lodging at Punta Patiño Lodge
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)

  • Panama City hotel
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary 
  • Alcoholic beverages

  • All land/water transportation on the tour

  • Personal equipment 

  • Park and related entrance fees 
  • Bed sheets and shower towel

  • Toiletries

  • Gratuities and extras

  • Local guides´ services and expenses


Disclaimer & Note

  • Prices and itineraries are correct at the time of printing, however they are subject to change due to tidal/weather or local conditions, availabilities or factors beyond our control.


Recommended Equipment Checklist

  • Binoculars (preferably 7x35 or bigger, also available for rent at Ancon Expeditions)
  • Camera with extra batteries & film

  • Water bottle 
  • Lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes 
  • Windbreaker, Rain gear

  • Flashlight with extra bulb & batteries

  • Sandals, sneakers / hiking boots

  • Swim wear, Insect repellant, Sunscreen, Hat

  • Masking tape for flee protection / capture

  • 1 Duffel bag / small suitcase

  • Money in small denominations

  • 1 day pack / dry sack (incl. zip lock bags) 

  • Toiletries & personal medications


Lodging Information


Punta Patiño Lodge

Punta Patiño Nature Reserve is the largest private natural protected area in Central America and part of the Darien National Park complex of preserved lands. The Punta Patiño lodge is located atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the South and surrounded by the natural splendour of the area. Its ten well appointed, very rustic cabins are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms. A dinning hall and a chapel dating back to the early 20th century are all part of the lodge’s facilities. Electricity is only available after sunset to sunrise (approximately from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.)

**Please remember that there is no cell phone reception or stores in most of the area you will be traveling to on this excursion.**