Camino Real Trek

"Centuries before construction began on the Panama Railroad and Canal, the 'path between the seas' was just that: a Spanish-built cobblestone thoroughfare winding 50 miles across the Central American isthmus. Beginning in the 1500s, mule trains laden with Inca gold followed the Camino Real (King's Road) from the Pacific to the Caribbean to meet galleons bound for Spain; buccaneers --Francis Drake and Henry Morgan among them-- conspired to relieve them of their cargo. Once wide enough to fit two passing horse carts, the Camino Real is now hidden, along with jaguars and three-toed sloths, in the dense jungles of the 300,000-acre Chagres National Park" -- McKenzie Funk, National Geographic Adventure

Travel with us through the Chagres National Park on this historic route, hiking and camping in the rainforest and experiencing native villages. Explore Portobelo and return to Panama City by riding the historic Panama Railway along the canal route. This is the perfect trip for those that want adventure while experiencing the intense culture and natural history of Panama.

2009 Departure Dates

• February 28-March 7, April 11-18, June 27-July 4, October 24-31, December 12-19 (and on request)
• All trips operate with a minimum of 4 passengers

2009 Prices:

• $1300 per person, double occupancy; + $150 single supplement
• Prices valid through Nov 30, 2009

Note: This is a fully escorted tour with specific departure dates. Private tours and trip extensions can be arranged on request. Latin American Escapes also specializes in designing custom itineraries.

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE TO PANAMA. On arrival to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City we will be greeted by an Ancon Expeditions of Panama representative and transferred to our hotel. Tonight we will meet with the Expedition Leader and the rest of the trip participants. Night at COUNTRY INN-PANAMA CANAL (no meals)

Day 2 HISTORIC PANAMA CITY — EMBERA VILLAGE Our morning begins with a thorough inspection of our equipment for the hike on the Camino Real. Afterwards, visit the ruins of Old Panama City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which holds historical relevance to the area that we will explore in the upcoming days. Early afternoon drive to Madden Lake, where we board our motorized dug out canoes in route to the Embera Village where we will spend the night. We are greeted by dances and sounds of the Embera people, who are proud to share their culture and heritage with visitors. Here we find the best opportunity to purchase fine handicrafts directly from the artists. Night at the village at the Embera Village in screened tents. (BLD)

Days 3 – 5 CHAGRES NATIONAL PARK – CAMINO REAL We bid farewell to our new Embera village and continue the adventure on foot within Chagres National Park. The park was created in 1985 to protect over 300,000 acres of rainforests as part of Panama’s conservation strategy and to conserve the watershed which provides over 50% of the fresh water needed for the operation of the Panama Canal, as well as the drinking water for the two largest cities in the country. We will encounter remnants of the Camino Real (King’s Road) used by the Spanish in the 1500s-1700s period and vestiges of late 1800s manganese mines, including railroad tracks and locomotives encroached in the tropical vegetation that is taken over these relics. Chagres National Park is also home to endangered species such as jaguars, mantled howler monkeys and anteaters. It is also a bird sanctuary for more than 560 species, including the harpy eagle -- the largest eagle in the world and Panama's national bird. Most of the trajectory of this trek will take place through mature primary rainforest. We cross the watershed divide of the Boqueron River as we head north toward the Caribbean Sea. 3 nights in TENT CAMPS (BLD)

Day 6 NOMBRE DE DIOS - PORTOBELO Today we will reach Nombre de Dios, the original terminus of the Camino Real on the Caribbean Sea. Most of the trade between Spain and the Americas in the 1500s came through here until the town was sacked and destroyed by Francis Drake in 1596. A short drive along the coast will take us to Portobelo for a tour of the Spanish forts and churches. Portobelo was founded in 1597 to replace Nombre de Dios as the terminus of the Camino Real. Set on a deepwater bay deemed easier to defend from the ravages of pirates, Portobelo was heavily fortified and for 150 years played host to the famous trade fairs, when the Spanish treasure fleet came to collect the riches that traveled across the isthmus on mule trains from Panama City and to leave merchandise brought from Seville for distribution throughout the Americas. Unsurprisingly, the wealth concentrated in the royal warehouses here was an irresistible target for the pirates who scoured the Spanish Main. We spend the night at a small lodge on the waterfront (BLD)

Day 7 BAY OF PORTOBELO – PANAMA CITY This morning there will be opportunities to go snorkeling or diving (optional) to look for Sir Francis Drake's lead coffin which is said to have been dropped in the waters of Bay of Portobelo. In the afternoon we will drive to Colon City to catch the train back to Panama City. The Panama Railway was inaugurated in 1856 and was the first train to cross from one ocean to the other. The completion of the trans-isthmian railroad was inspired by the Gold Rush when pioneers were in need of a fast and safe way to get to California. The train ride is 1 hour long from coast to coast and skirts the Panama Canal. A farewell dinner by the Bay of Panama on the Pacific side is prepared for this evening. Night at the COUNTRY INN-PANAMA CANAL (BLD)

Day 8 RETURN HOME. Transfer out to the airport to fly home (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

INCLUDED: Lodging, all land and water transportation within Panama. All airport/hotel transfers on scheduled arrival/departure dates, meals as specified in the itinerary (B - breakfast; L - lunch; D - dinner), camping gear (tents and eating utensils) entrance fees, porter fees, guide's services and expenses.

NOT INCLUDED: Tourist card ($5 per person purchased on arrival to Panama City airport), meals not specified in the itinerary, sleeping mat or sleeping bag, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.) or gratuities.

Trip Notes:

• This trip begins and ends in Panama City, Panama. Latin American Escapes, Inc. offers special contract airline rates to Latin America from most cities in the US, as well as special airpass rates for tickets with-in Latin America. Please ask for a quote based on your trip itinerary

• Panama Canal Transit post trip extension is offered for each departure date. Please consult us for details.

• TRIP CLASSIFICATION: Moderate. Expect full day treks of 5 to 7 hours per day over muddy, steep, slippery slopes. There will be exposure to variable climatic conditions. Plan for rugged traveling conditions and overnights in tents.

• Travel within Chagres National Park is accomplished with great preparation on the part of our staff to try to make our guests as comfortable as possible. Potential guests are expected to make themselves aware of the nature and demands of the experience and prudently judge whether or not they are suited to this type of an experience. A desire to experience the outdoors, a spirit of adventure, and willingness to sacrifice creature comforts are essential qualifications.

• Participants should be physically fit and able to hike at a moderate pace for up to eight hours in a day. Medical limitations and concerns should be brought to the attention of Ancon Expeditions of Panama several weeks prior to the program’s departure date.

• EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST: binoculars (preferably 7x35 or bigger), camera with extra batteries & film, flashlight with extra bulb & batteries, bathing suit, insect repellant, sunscreen, hat, day pack, water bottle, lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes, windbreaker, sandals, hiking boots (jungle boots preferred), sleeping mat or sleeping bag, rain gear, money in small denominations, toiletries & personal medications. A complete clothing and equipment list will be supplied upon confirmation.

To confirm reservations:

A deposit of $300 per person is required to confirm reservations. In addition, the following payment procedures apply:

Payment for airline tickets is due at the time tickets are issued, but no later than time of final payment.

Last Minute Bookings: Last minute reservations (less than 30 days before departure) will be accepted, subject to availability, if payment has been received, and documents can be delivered. Any special communication costs and delivery charges will be at the client's expense.

Revision Fee: Revision fees will apply once the initial deposit has been received. Charges will vary based on itinerary, and extent of changes, with a minimum charge of $50. Changes requested after documents have been issued (generally with-in 30 days) will incur a minimum $100 change fee, plus additional services requested.

International bookings: We gladly accept bookings from passengers outside the US. However, an additional surcharge of $50 per booking is applied to cover additional shipping charges.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS--At the time we receive written notification that you must cancel your trip, money will be returned less the following cancellation fees:

Note:  A change in travel dates is considered a cancellation

Trip Documents: Trip documents will be forwarded approximately 3 weeks prior to travel, and once all payments and completed application forms have been received.

Risk and Responsibility

In arranging these trips, Latin American Escapes, Inc. acts only as the agents for the owners, contractors and suppliers actually providing tour services for these trips with whom Latin American Escapes, Inc. has no legal connection or joint ownership. These local tour operators attempt to conduct these trips as described in the preceding itineraries. However, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, itineraries may vary from what is described. Participants are responsible for extra costs due to travel delay or itinerary changes for reasons beyond our control and assume all risks, whether identified in advance or unforeseen, as described under Limitation of Liability, and Trip Member Responsibility, located in our Terms and Conditions, which all travelers agree to sign. Traveler's insurance is not included, but is offered, and is strongly recommended. CST # 2023695-40.