Our journey along the El Camino Real is a rugged, 4 day trekking Adventure. Our expert guide will relate the history of the area, and describe the fantastic flora and fauna inhabiting this wonderful environment. During our trek we will enjoy a visit to the old mining town of Santa Librada, and also discover 19th century trains, abandoned to the jungle. After 3 days we finally arrive at the crossroads of Nombre de Dios, completing our trek across the isthmus. On the Atlantic coast, we can enjoy a Caribbean style lunch, before we begin our return trip to Panama City. To complete our historic circuit, we will make a stop at the ruins of Portobelo.
Itinerary
Days 1: Camino de Cruces
Today you will have an opportunity to check out your gear in the Panamanian jungle before heading of to the Camino Real. This you will give a taste of what to except and gauge yourself in a climate which tends to wear many trekkers out quickly. This trail is 14 kilometers and will take most 6 hours to hike. Afterwards, we drive to the Chagres National Park and embark a dugout canoe to our overnight camp in a traditional settlement of the Emberá Indians. Overnight in Huts or Tents (D)
Days 2-3: Camino Real
During our trek on the Camino Real we will also find remains of an eerie scene of Railroad equipment lost in the battle to conquer the Panamanian Jungle. At night, we may hear the Jaguar off in the distance and awaken every morning by Howler monkeys. Each step on this historic trek will open your eyes to the many species of Birds this area has to offer. Some of the best primary forest can be seen here. Overnight in Tents Camps (B D)
Day 4: Nombre de Dios - Portobelo
Today we finally reach Nombre de Dios on the Caribbean side of the isthmus completing our Ocean-to-Ocean Trek. Very little of the original settlement remains as a result of repeated attacks by Sir Francis Drake and finally destroyed in 1596. We drive along the coast to Portobelo, the site of a Spanish settlement founded in 1601, visiting Fort Santiago and the Customs House Museum en route. There is time to browse among the local merchants before arriving at the Church of San Felipe, home of the Black Christ, where your guide provides an interpretation of this mysterious statue. Later, drive to Panama City. (B L)
NOTE: All participants should be in good physical condition in order to trek 6- 8 hours in the jungle and through water. All participants will get wet.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included
All ground and boat transportation within your trip, all accommodations, all park fees, all local tourism and services taxes, a PPA Professional Bilingual Guide, all activities as described in the itinerary and some meals.
Not Included
R/T transportation from your home city to Panama City, beer, liquor and bottled water, items of a personal nature (laundry, telephone, etc.), gratuities, travel insurance, international airport departure taxes.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Panama
Hiking & Trekking
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