Harpy Eagle Tour - 4 Days
HIGHLIGHTS
An exploration to find the Harpy Eagle, the world’s most powerful bird of prey and Panama’s national bird. This unforgettable adventure takes place along the historic Gulf of San Miguel, accessable by boat. Explore the Punta Patiño Reserve on foot, stay overnight in a thatched roof cabana with the indigeneous peoples of the Embera Mogue community and hike through primary rainforest to the nest of the Harpy Eagle!
As of January 2010, the eagle is nesting!
Dates
Jan 2 - 5 / Jan 16 - 19 / Jan 23 - 26 / Jan 30 - Feb 2 / Mar 13 - 16
/ Mar 27 - 30
2010 Price
US $795 per person in double occupancy
Single Supplement $150
To above prices add 7% tax.
Included
- Lodging - 3 nights
- 9 Meals as listed B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner)
- All land, air and water transportatin within Panama
- Local guide services
- Park and related entry fees
Not Included
- International airfare
- Tourist Card ($5 as of this writing)
- Panama City Hotels
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Alcohol beverages
- Personal expenses or equipment
- Gratuties
HARPY EAGLE TOUR - Full Itinerary top
Day 1 Panama City – Punta Patiño Nature Reserve – Gulf of San Miguel
This morning you are picked up at your hotel and transferred to Panama City’s domestic airport to board the scheduled flight (approximately 45 minutes) to La Palma capital of the Darien province, located by the mouth of the mighty Tuira River. At La Palma you board your expedition boat which takes you to the lodge at the private 65,000-acre Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, overlooking the Gulf of San Miguel where you settle into your private cabins. Be on the lookout for bottle-nosed dolphin and different species of birds that find refuge among the mangrove-dotted coast. 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 the wetlands in search of the Capybara, the world’s largest rodent and the northernmost range being Panama. You will also look for caiman, owls and other nocturnal species.
Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (LD)
Day 2 Punta Patiño Nature Reserve
After a hearty breakfast you will hike the Piedra Candela trail where your guide will describe the importance of this tropical dry forest. This type of forest is quickly vanishing due to deforestation. After lunch the afternoon is open to continue exploring the area surrounding the lodge on your own, enjoy the view from the second floor veranda or take a siesta in one of the hammocks or at your cabin. Late this afternoon we board our boat for a coastal tour of the reserve and the sea bird’s nesting areas of El Morro. Night at PUNTA PATIÑO LODGE (BLD) top
Day 3 The Harpy Eagle of the Mogue River
This morning you embark on a motorized dugout canoe and head for the Mogue River. You will look for the 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 head into the primary rainforest in search of the recently discoverer Harpy Eagle active nest. From a safe distance as not to disturb the chick or scare the mother you will have the opportunity to have one of the most unique encounters with nature.
The Harpy Eagle, Panama’s National Bird and the most powerful bird of prey in the Americas is endangered. Controlled visits to the area are generating income to the nearby village, which in turns creates an interest for the protection of the birds and their habitat. You return to the village in the afternoon to mingle with the Embera people and learn about their customs and traditions. Tonight you will sleep in the guest “Tambo” (thatch roof stilted house). You may opt to sleep in hammocks or screened tents with mats (provided). Night at MOGUE VILLAGE (BLD)
Day 4 Return to Panama City
You say goodbye to your new friends early this morning as you head back to La Palma where you will board your plane and return to Panama City. Upon arrival to the airport in Panama City you are transferred to your hotel. (B)
LOGISTICS
Weight restrictions apply to luggage in commercial and chartered flights within Panama. A maximum of 25 lbs. (11 kg) of checked luggage and 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) of carry-on per person is allowed. Arrangements can be made with your hotel or Ancon Expeditions to store luggage that will not be needed while away from the city. Excess baggage charges assessed by commercial carriers are the responsibility of the passenger. top
WHAT TO BRING
- Binoculars - preferably 7x35 or bigger
- Lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes
- Windbreaker, Rain gear
- Camera with extra batteries
- Bathing suit, Insect repellant, Sunscreen
- Flashlight with extra bulb & batteries
- Money in small denominations
- Hat, Day pack / dry sack
- Water bottle
- Toiletries & personal medications
- Sandals, sneakers, hiking boots
Why not consider a Panama Canal transist before or after this tour?
