Rainforest - see it while you can

While reading about the climate talks in Copenhagen, I realize how fortunate I am to have traveled to a number of places where rainforest is protected. JB Journeys is proud to offer travel opportunities to several of the world's most rich areas in biodiversity.  A few examples:

Panama - there is this big canal that runs through the middle of the country, maybe you have heard of it. The mechanics of the canal are fascinating - for each ship that goes through the locks, it must transition from salt water to fresh water. The fresh water comes from - you guessed it - the rainforest. Each transit requires 52 million gallons (yes that is 52,000,000) of fresh water, so you can see whay it is so important. The areas on each side of the canal are protected and are well-forested, to help retain water. This is the Canal Watershed, which in addition to being the principal source of water required for vessel transits, provides 95% of the drinking water for the inhabitants of the cities of Colon, Panama, San Miguelito and other parts of the country.  http://panamaboutique.com/alltravels/canal.htm

JB Journeys offers a partial or full transit on the canal to witness the marvel. Also, many day tours include a stop at the Miraflores viewing stands where you can watch it from land. Also you might consider doing a short boat trip into Gatun Lake, one of the lakes formed during the building of the canal, to see wildlife such as monkeys and toucans.

In Belize, we offer visits to a number of fabulous rainforest sites.  An excellent intro would be a visit to Lamanai Outpost. This wonderful lodge is not far from Belize City but is worlds' away. Set on a lagoon and adjacent to a Mayan ruin, Lamanai Outpost offers comfortable accommodations, delicious food, beautiful grounds, a lovely river setting, and excellent staff and naturalist guides. They are a very welcoming group and treat you like a visitor in their home. The guides know the area like their backyard. This is because it is their home. Many of the guides grew up right here in the Lamanai area and got to know the birds and butterflies and medicinal plants as young children. Truly, Lamanai Outpost fits the defination of eco-tourism, caring for the environment, employing local people, and enhancing the economy without damaging the environment.  http://jbjourneys.com/content/lamanai-outpost-lodge

While we realize that travel in and of itself contributes to climate change, JB Journeys offers you a variety of ways to learn and contribute to groups working to make it a better world.  We accept your donations which we will pass on in full to Panama Audubon, the Belize Zoo or Birders Exchange. To learn more, visit http://jbjourneys.com/content/lighten-your-carbon-footprint.  We have always been firm belivers that travel is an education. In the words of Mark Twain "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness".

Please join us on a journey to the rainforest and see what they are talking about over there in Copenhagen.