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INTRODUCTION
The Chagres River is virtually unseen in the trek
trough the Chagres National Park due to the lack of access roads,
protection against settlers, and the previous non-existence of Aventuras
Panamá. This part of the river, characterized by currents alternating with
backwaters, is considered as
Class II, although several rapids are considered Class III by the
International Classification of River Navigation.
As a result of dense tropical forest that covers
the basin of the river, sedimentation is minimum; therefore, clear water can
be expected very often. The flora is typical of the tropical rain forest,
with more than three hundred species per hectarea. Although it is the
natural habitat of big mammals such as tapir and jaguar, tropical
rainforest animals , they are very seldom encountered. It is much easier to
spot several others samples of the fauna, such as monkeys of the
rainforest(spider, howler, whiteface capuchin , Geoffrey's Tamarin), sloth,
river otter, iguana, tucan, and plenty of fish.
Once in the virgin jungle of Chagres National
Park you will ask if this is the next tvshow survivor panama destination
ITINERARY
1st day: The Chagres Challenge
An early start at 5:00 am when you will picked
and taken in an all-terrain vehicle from your hotel to the remote village of
San Cristobal, which is past the mountains of Cerro Azul, northeast of
Panama City.
After enjoying a typical Panamanian breakfast, we will visit a campesino
survival agricultural farm within Chagres National Park.
Them you will hike for about 2 hours on a trail
within Chagres National Park up to Rio Piedras, a Chagres River tributary,
where you will get into rafts to float downstream (Class II-III rapids) into
the untouched jungles of the Chagres National Park.
From late february through early June we might
have to hike all the way to the Chagres River in a three hours hike because
Piedras River might be to low to raft on it.
After lunch by Chagres River, you will continue
rafting further downstream passing an impressive granite canyon with some
white water rapid action, and ending just before encountering Madden Lake
where you are expected by a "piragua" (native wooden canoe equipped with
outboard motor) that will take you further downstream to visit an Embera
Indian Village at the riverbanks where we will spend the night.
2nd day: Embera Village
After breakfast, we will share with the villager
and learn about their customs, believes and legends.
These natives migrated to Chagres River banks
more than 20 years ago, where they found the same habitat they were so
familiar with in the Darien Jungles.
The embera will display their handcrafts, danzes
and would invite us to their huts to appreciate its constructions and living
habits.
They will also take us to nearby areas in which
we will appreciate their cultural adaptation to the jungle and river and
enjoy the ride.
At the end of our journey, a "piragua" will take
us to the nearest road where a driver will be expecting to bring you back to
civilization, and to your hotel in Panama City
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ? All mentioned transportation,
rafts and gear, guides, trip's meals and camping gear. Our guides are
trained in white-water navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.
Lodging and catering:
1 night at tent/hut
2 breakfasts, 2 meal, 1 dinner
WHO CAN GO ? Any person from twelve to seventy years old,
in good health, ready to walk for about an hour and a half through an
irregular and muddy path. Minors must travel with a responsible adult.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ? Swimsuit or a pair
of short for navigating, sneakers or light boots with good soles, a cap,
sun-block, a light jacket or windbreaker (in case the weather turns chilly),
a towel and dry set of clothes for the trip back.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? Any object than can
be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc.
PRICES
US $ 350.00 per person
SEASON
The Chagres River has enough water to paddle year
around. It usually reach its highest water level by November, at the peak
end of the rainy season, and its lowest water level by May at the end of the
dry season.
The Chagres Jungle Camp can be offered year
around !
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