Boquete Tour : Volcan Baru

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At 3,475 meters (11,400 feet), "el Volcan Baru" is the highest point of Panama. To get the most out of this hike, we invest two days to complete the 27 km to the top of the Baru Volcano and back to Boquete. In this way we are able to have an incredible camping experience, have a rest after the first 13.5 km up and then reach the Volcano's peak just in time to admire how a spectacular sky full of stars (and sometimes a full moon) gives away to a magical sunrise and if we are lucky enough, to the most incredible view of Panama's both coastlines.

We meet at a pre-arranged point to check that all the necessary gear and camping equipment is in place and start getting acquainted with the rest of our fellow hikers who will accompany us for the following 30 hours. Everybody is expected to have already had breakfast. A short security briefing is given by our tour guide and then we commence our journey.

Previously arranged transportation takes us on a 20 minute drive to where the real adventure begins. We start in the morning of the first day at the ranger station (where we also register by names and passports) at the entrance of "El Parque Nacional Volcan Baru" dressed comfortably to begin the hike with our backpacks full of food, water, extra clothing and with our bodies full of energy. If the group is of less than 6 hikers, then we also need to carry our tents, sleeping bags and stoves. If a large group we are going to do the hike we normally hire a driver and rent an ATV (Four Wheel All Terrain Vehicle) with a trailer attached to it to lighten our weight a bit. The ATV will transport all the camping gear (tents, sleeping bags and stoves) and extra water.

The scenery during the hike changes from rolling grass-covered hills to dense jungle to exposed rocky cliffs.

At the 9 km mark, there is a view of one of the craters, which is quite impressive. Extinct for nearly 500 years, the crater is completely covered with growth, as are the crater's walls. Some trails exist on the top, leading to either side of the crater. Other trails to smaller craters also exist, however, we are headed to conquer the Volcano's peak.

Timing depends on the amount of hikers and their physical condition. Expect from 4 to 7 hours until we get to the camping site known as "Los Fogones" at kilometer 12. Once we are there, we set up our tents, cook dinner and, make a nice camp fire. Some wine is poured around and we make a toast for a clear day and safe return. On full moon nights it is incredible. At just half an hour from the top, after the moon has set, on a clear night, you will be able to see more stars than you ever have seen before.

Next day, normally an hour before the sun rises, we hike the last kilometer and a half to the top. The morning sights are amazing. When the sun starts to rise, beautiful colors of purple, orange, pink and red appear. The sky slowly changes from black to blue while the clouds dissipate and re-form due to the temperature changes caused by the rising sun. This is the best moment to see the oceans. It is hard to put into words how amazing it is to watch this new day begin. You may have seen sunrises before, but surely few compare to one witnessed at the top of Baru.

On a clear day we can easily see the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Panama is the only country in the world in which you can do this. After delighting ourselves with the views, the cold normally makes us choose to descend.

After taking dismantling the camping site we head back to Boquete. It normally takes 1 hour less to hike back down. 

Camping Trip and Guided Hike

Price:

$ 175.00 per person

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Prices includes: bilingual certified guide, transportation from downtown Boquete to Baru Volcano National Park entrance and back to Boquete at the end of the hike, entrance fee at ranger station, extra water, sleeping bag, tent, head lamp, pair of gloves, warm hat, sweater, gas canister and portable stove. Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast for the next day are provided, as well as some fruits and snacks.

Itinerary

• 8:30 a.m. Meet at your hotel
• 9:00 a.m. Depart to entrance of the Volcan Baru National Park.
• 9:20 a.m. Register names and passports at the ranger station. Pay park fees.
• 9:30 a.m. We start hiking.
• 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Arrive to "Los Fogones" Camping Site and setup camp.
• 6:00 p.m. Start camp fire and begin cooking dinner.
• 7:30 p.m. Drink some wine, chill out, swap stories and count shooting stars.
• 10:00 p.m. Lights out.
• 5:00 a.m. Wake up and have something small to eat.
• 5:10 a.m. Start hiking the last part to the top of the Volcano.
• 5:55 a.m. Reach the top and choose your spot to contemplate heaven on Earth.
• 6:00 a.m. Contemplate.
• 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Head back to camping site.
• 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Prepare breakfast, get ready to return and rest a little bit.
• 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Start hiking back.
• 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Arrive to ranger station.
• 2:10 p.m. - 4:10 p.m. Ride back to downtown Boquete.
• 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Arrive to your hotel.

Note: schedule is subject to change. Times are approximate and depend on weather, group size, hikers physical condition and other factors.

Guided Trek Only

Price:

$ 89.00 per person

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Prices includes: bilingual certified guide, transportation from downtown Boquete to Baru Volcano National Park entrance and back to Boquete at the end of the hike, entrance fee at ranger station, head lamp, pair of gloves, warm hat and sweater. Two meals, fruit and snacks are provided

Itinerary

• 5 a.m. or 11 p.m. Meet at your hotel
• 30 minutes to reach the Volcan Baru's National Park.
• 5 minutes to register names and passports at the ranger station. Pay park fees.
• 4 - 6 hours to reach the top of the Volcano and choose a spot to contemplate.
• 1 - 2 hours to contemplate and have breakfast or lunch (depends on the time we leave).
• 3.5 to 5.5 hours to hike down the Volcano.
• 30 minutes to drive back to downtown Boquete.
• At the end of the excursion, 12 hours to rest properly... at least.

Note: schedule is subject to change. Times are approximate and depend on weather, group size, hikers physical condition and other factors.

What do you need to take?

• A backpack
• 4 liters of drinking water (at least)
• Snacks, chocolate bars, energy bars (meals and fruit are provided)
• Shoes in good condition for hiking
• A digital camera with enough batteries and memory space
• Rain coat or waterproof jacket
• A high level of stamina, eagerness to face the challenge and a huge appetite for adventure

Boquete Tour: Coffee Tour

Avaliable: From Monday to Saturdays
3 Hour Tour

Boquete is to coffee as Bordeaux is to wine. Panama's coffee has been considered to be the best coffee in the world for 3 years in row. So. it would be a little bit strange if you came to Boquete and you left without visiting a coffee plantation, don't you think? Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors!

At a coffee tour in Panama you will learn everything about the coffee process, from when the coffee tree is planted and starts growing, until the way coffee is brewed for you to drink it. You will be able to appreciate the importance of the Ngöbe Buglé indigenous that hand pick the red coffee berries when they are perfectly ripe. You will also have a glance of the shade grown technique which only allows the precise amount of sun on each coffee tree and protects the environment. And you will end with a cupping, in which you will sample different flavors and roasts.

If you visit Boquete between December and April you will be able to see them in their colorful dresses harvesting coffee in Ruiz's plantations and if you visit Boquete between October and March you will be able to see the coffee being processed.

For those interested, here is a list of some of Panama's best coffees that have been awarded top prizes in international events: Bambito Estate Coffee, Mama Cata, Carmen Estate Coffee, Kotowa Coffee, Café Ruiz, Santa Teresa Coffee Estate, Elida and El Burro Estate (from Lamastus Family Estates), Finca Don Pepe, Café Suárez, Hacienda Cafetalera, Café Sitton, Finca Lérida, Finca Hartmann, Cafetalera Las Marianas and Café Eleta.

The Specialty Coffee Association of America, the world's largest and most important coffee trade association has selected Panama's "Hacienda La Esmeralda" as the world's best specialty coffee for a record third consecutive year. This coffee is grown and produced in the Jaramillo region of Boquete and in 2007 during an online auction 1 pound of unroasted coffee sold for a stunning price of $130.

Price:

$  25.00 per person

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Chiriqui's Gulf : Island Tours

Whether you want to lie on the beach, snorkel a bit, swim in crystal clear waters or go wildlife watching underneath the rainforest canopy, there is something for everyone in this off-the-beaten-path destination!

After a 1.5 hour drive from Boquete we hit the Pacific coast. Our super panga is waiting for us in the small fishing village of Boca Chica, just outside of David. Our licensed boat captain finalizes preparations and we all hop in and begin our boat tour through the mangrove estuary of Laguna de Chiriqui.

It is very likely that at the end of this first leg of our journey we will encounter some dolphins, who will swim around our boat and playfully jump out of the water to our delight

Very soon we will enter the protected waters and uninhabited islands of Chiriqui's Gulf National Marine Park. With more than 14,000 hectares (36,000 acres) of extensive coral reef, mangrove swamps and marine meadows, this proteced area serves as a refuge for leatherback and hawksbill turtles, tiger-herons, large pelagic fish like white-tipped sharks, howler monkeys and scores of colorful exotic fish.

Nature then gives us a magnificent display as we contemplate how the sea's colors change. The dark blue tones which surround the mangroves near the shore give way to shades of turquoise and emerald wrapping white-sanded beaches on idyllic islands lined with slender coconut palms. This tropical exhibit is complimented by picturesque rocky outcrops sprinkled across the gulf. Talk about beauty, you will not want to leave!

Afterwards we will pass the late morning and better part of the afternoon exploring, swimming, relaxing in a hammock, lunching and playing on the white sand beaches of one of Chiriqui Gulf's tropical islands. Snorkeling gear is provided to explore the surrounding waters. At certain times of the year, whales are also passing by. If we are lucky enough we'll see them "spouting around".

The Islands of Gamez and Bolaños are our most popular destinations, although for those on a budget a closer trip to San José Island is offered. Your trip's final destination depends on weather and sea conditions. A major plus of this whole region is that the dry season tends to start earlier than in other parts of Panama, around November, and ends at about the same time, in May. The air out here is fresh and balmy, unlike the interior humid lowlands or the Caribbean.

If you think that just one day on an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Chiriqui just isn't enough, we also offer this beach trip as an overnighter to make this the highlight of your Panama experience!

Full Day Island Trip
Price:
$75.00 - $90.00 per person

Overnight Island Trip

Price:

$175.00 per person

* The above prices do not include Panama's Sales Tax.

Do you need to bring with me on the day of my Panama Island Tour

• Swimming cloths and beach cloths (flip flops and hat for example)
• Dry cloths and towel for after the boat trip
• Sun block
• Water bottle
• Any additional food or refreshments that you enjoy having while on the beach (but we'll have plenty!)
• Walking shoes to explore the islands
• Camera
• Snacks for at the end of trip (lunch is provided)
• Cédula or copy of your passport and of the page with Panama's entry stamp (in fact, you should always carry this while in Panama!)

Caldera Hot Springs

If you want to relax and chill out, on the path to Boquete lies a place famous for its natural hot springs renown for their healing properties. The hot springs are located within a private farm and four undeveloped pools of mineral water with different temperatures are easily accessible. With so many adventurous and physical demanding tours in Boquete, the Caldera Hot springs is certainly a place to come if you feel like soothing your aches.

Caldera, which means boiling pot, is a small town near the Caldera River and is half way between Dolega and Boquete. The river itself serves as a refreshing cool off after bathing in the hot springs. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the Río Caldera and marvel at the smooth and warm boulders and hot pockets of water within the river itself which can be located with the help of your guide.

Two of the four thermal pools are surrounded by man placed stones which give them a touch of intimacy and privacy. The temperatures in each hot water hole range from 38°C - 46°C. What travelers most like about this hot water site is that it is totally uncrowded. Most of the times, you will have all four pools for yourself or at least one for your entire group.

Itinerary

• Meet at your Hotel
• 30 minutes by 4 x 4 to petroglyphs location
• 5 minutes for walk to petroglyphs
• 10 minutes to observe petroglyphs and listen to speech
• 5 minutes to walk back to the 4 x 4
• 10 minutes by 4 x 4 to the Hot Springs Farm
• 5 minutes walking to the Hot Springs area
• 2 - 3 hours at Hot Springs
• 10 minutes to walk back to the 4 x 4
• 45 minutes by 4 x 4 back to downtown Boquete

Note: morning and afternoon tours can be scheduled to start at 8 a.m. or 2 p.m. Times are approximate and depend on weather, group size and other factors.

What do you need to take?

Towel

Bathing Suit (do not bring soap or any other cleaner, PLEASE!)

2 liters of drinking water (you will not exercise but the heat can make you thirsty!)

Some beers to cool off or wine to relax (snacks are included)

Digital Camera or Video Recorder

A complete change of cloths

A backpack to put everything in

Prices include: transportation to and from the Caldera Hot Springs (departing from Boquete), snacks, private farm entrance fee, guidance and explanation at petroglyph's site.

			Price: $ 25.00 per person BOOK NOW ! * The prices do not include Panama's Sales Tax.

Quetzals Trail Guided Hiking Tour

General Information & Facts about "El Sendero de los Quetzales"

Considered one of the most gorgeous paths in Central America, the Quetzals Trail is without any doubt the most popular hike in Panama's western highlands. Located within the Volcan Baru National Park, the "Sendero de los Quetzales" links the towns of Guadalupe, which is near Cerro Punta on the west side of the Volcano, with the town of Boquete which is on its east. The trail skirts the Baru Volcano on its north face and can be hiked in any direction, starting in Boquete and ending in Cerro Punta, or vice versa.

Hiking the 9.6 kms (total distance of 6 miles) of this path may take from 4 to 7 hours. Fluctuations in timing come from differences in hiking speeds, direction chosen to complete the hike (uphill or downhill), time spent contemplating the scenery and time invested "hunting down" one of the splendorous birds that gives its name to this path: the Resplendent Quetzal.

Boquete's altitude is 975 meters (3,200 feet) above sea level but the ranger station where the hike starts is at about 1,800 meters and Cerro Punta's altitude is 1,981 meters (6,500 feet) but the highest point in the Quetzals Trail is marked at 2,500 meters. This makes the shift in altitude around 500 meters for the entire hike. In this National Park temperatures range from 10° - 16°C (50° to 60°F).

At each end of the Quetzals Trail the ANAM (National Authority of the Environment) has a Ranger Station that marks the beginning and end of the hike. At the last part of the paved road, roughly 8 km from downtown Boquete, Alto Chiquero Ranger Station guards the entrance on the east side of the National Park. El Respingo Ranger Station is certainly closer from the town of Guadalupe, at only 4 km but the road is not paved on this side so the ride from Guadalupe to this ranger station takes longer and you need a 4 x 4 to make it.

Hiking the Quetzals Trail from Boquete to Cerro Punta

Hiking the trek in this direction demands more physical stamina and endurance than going downhill, but it does have a major significant advantage: you will be able to encounter more wildlife in the lower altitudes of the National Park, especially during the first hours of light. If you choose to make the uphill trek, then our guided tours aim to arrive to Alto Chiquero's Ranger Station in Boquete at sunrise (between 6:00 a.m. and 6:40 a.m. depending on the time of year). We can start before if you wish to.

Within the first hour you could find some Quetzals still roosting along the trail. The amount of birds rapidly decreases after the first hour, mainly due to the progression of day but also because of the increase in altitude.

Another point in favor of this option is that although the uphill hike is more strenuous, it can be gentler on the knees than a steep rough descent. And yet another advantage is that in Boquete it more commonly rains in the afternoons and in Cerro Punta it more commonly rains in the mornings, so you may stand a better chance of remaining dry if hiking in this direction. Truth told, in the rainforest during the rainy season, there is no such thing as a guarantee for dryness.

From Boquete's side, El "Sendero de los Quetzales" starts after Alto Chiquero's Ranger Station with three quarters of an hour hike (mostly downhill with a few ups) on a dirt road. At some point instead of continuing on the dirt/rock road we take a left and join the trail that immediately immerses us into the rainforest. After about an hour and a half or two of mostly flat terrain with only a slight pendent, the steep ascent begins.

Series of staircases scale the steepest terrains, and present the greatest obstacles. Ongoing exposure to moisture has rotted the wood, and steps are frequently missing and covered with moss.

Midway up the ascent we reach a picnic area with several wooden tables. Further up, about halfway along the trail, we arrive to "Mirador La Roca" which is approximately equidistant from both Ranger Stations and marks the trail's highest elevation at 3,100m. Depending our hiking pace, this part of the trail can be covered in 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. This resting area offers a viewing platform with almost 270° panoramas, a shelter, picnic grounds and a camping site. This is where we stop to have a nice lunch. An unnamed opening, several minutes before this spot, offers even greater panoramic views. In the Out and Back option we then return to Boquete.

The rest of the trail continues upwards into the cloudforest but with a less inclined gradient. It is certainly tough enough and after 2 - 3 hours we finally reach Alto Respingo Ranger Station where we will be picked up and taken to the town of Guadalupe where we'll have private transportation back to Boquete. For the overnight option, this will be our camping spot. Simply beautiful. Almost everybody agrees that this side of the trail is the most amazing and the next day even more wildlife watching early in the morning.

Out and back
Price:  $ 45.00 per person

               

Boquete to Cerro Punta                        
Price: $ 65.00 per person  

            
Overnight ( Boquete to Cerro Punta)  
Price:  $ 125.00 per person   

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Hiking the Quetzals Trail from Cerro Punta to Boquete

The major advantage about making the hike from west to east is that it is mostly downhill and for some hikers this might mean that it is now a doable hike. If you cannot make it uphill or do not like the idea of having an early start, completing the Quetzals Trail in this direction is certainly worth it.

Private transportation is provided from Boquete to Cerro Punta. From another point of view it is also a comforting idea to know that at the end of the hike, only after a 20 minute drive, you will be back in your hotel for a hot water bath, or in one of Boquete's many restaurants with a hot plate of food in front of you, as opposed to making a 3 hour road journey after the hike, first from Cerro Punta to David, and then from David to Boquete.

                                                             

Price:       $ 65.00 per person

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* The prices do not include Panama's Sales Tax.

Although an early start will not guarantee spotting one of the elusive quetzals, starting the hike just before dawn will dramatically tilt the odds in your favor. In a guided tour hikers have spotted up to 15 quetzals in a single day.

Our guided tour includes: bilingual bird watching guide and transportation arrangements to drop you off at a pre-selected Ranger Station and pick you up at its counterpart once the hiking tour is over. Hiking the Quetzals Trail in each direction has its own advantages and disadvantages, as it will be explained further on.

What do you need to take?

• Small backpack or rucksack (any extra weight only makes the hike more difficult: keep it light)
• Drinking water (at least 2 liters per person)
• Snacks (nuts, chocolate, energy bars, etc.)
• Shoes in good condition for hiking
• A digital camera with enough batteries and memory space
• Rain coat or waterproof jacket ("poncho")
• A soul at peace to contemplate nature's beauty (and a rested body for the hike)

Panama Rafting: White Water Rafting & River Tours in Chiriqui

Chiriqui White Water River Tours

Chiriqui has a rafting trip for everybody. Spectacular passages through mysterious gorges in the middle of nowhere, fun and scenic family runs, steep gradients that lead to boiling eddies and big drops, hidden waterfalls, strong hydraulics that produce wild waves and intense and crazy rapids. Are you ready for Panama rafting? And if you are looking to experience the biggest white water in Central America, the rivers of Panama get even wilder during the rainy season, specially from June to November.

Panama Rafting Trip Options departing from Boquete

How to choose the right rafting trip for you? Besides considering the difficulty of the river (which is known as the "Class") you also have to take into account the time you have. This is why we offer rafting trips of different lenghts:

• Full Day Rafting Trips: leave Boquete at 7 a.m. and return at 3 - 4 p.m.
• Overnight Rafting Trips: leave Boquete at 7 a.m. and return at 3 - 4 p.m. on the next day

Actual trip time on the water (2.5 - 4 hours) depends on how much water is in the river (the more rain, the faster the river, the shorter the trip) and on which sections can or cannot be rafted on a specific day.

If you can spare the time, we definitvely recommend investing a whole day on the river. In our opinion whitewater river rafting is simply the best outdoor adventure tour in the area, so why not make the most out of it?

On the other hand, an overnight rafting trip is a magical experience... swapping stories around a camp fire on the river's shore in the middle of Panama's virgin tropical forests is an experience that cannot be matched by anything else and it is simply too awesome to be put into words. Consider an overnight rafting trip as two full day rafting trips put together, linked by the most amazing camping experience.

                                                   

   

Chiriqui Viejo	Palon	III/IV	IV/IV+	Full Day or Overnight*	3 - 4 hours
Chiriqui Viejo	Sabo	III	III/IV	Full Day or Overnight*	3 hours
Gariche	Upper	n/a	II/III	Full Day	3 - 4 hours
Chiriqui	Witches	n/a	III/IV	Half Day*	1.5 - 2 hours
Caldera	Upper	n/a	IV	Toy Trip*	1 hour
Dolega	Lower	n/a	II/III	Half Day	2 - 2.5 hours
Majagua	Lower	n/a	II/II+	Half Day	1.5 hours
Esti		II	II	Half Day	2 - 2.5 hours

 * Double the rafting time for overnight trips. The half day rafting trip on the Witches section of the Chiriqui can be transformed into a Full Day Rafting Trip by adding a visit to the Caldera Hot Springs at the end of the run. During the rainy season a run down the Caldera River can be added to any half day rafting trip to make it a full day rafting trip (this is what we call Toy Trip), or we can also run this river two times, in which case it would also be considered a full day rafting trip      

Full Day Rafting Trips      

          $75.00 per person                  

Overnight Rafting Trips

$175.00 per person

                                            

  BOOK NOW ! 

Prices include: transportation to and back from Boquete (we can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel), rafting equipment, professional guides, drinking water and meals (lunch for full day rafting trips, and every meal for the overnight rafting trips).

Prices do not include: Panama's Sales Tax.

Note: A minimum of 4 persons is required for a full day rafting an overnight rafting trip.

The following list of items are suggested

• Shoes or sandals with a sturdy sole and connected to the heel (in other words shoes that will not fall off: no flip flops!)
• Towel and change of dry cloths
• Waterproof sun screen
• Cédula or copy of your passport and of the page with Panama's entry stamp (in fact, you should always carry this)
• Bands for glasses
• Waterproof disposable camera (only take to the river equipment that you can afford to loose)
• Snacks for at the end of trip (lunch is provided)

VIDEO : Widening The Panama Canal

It’s time to experience the Panama Canal Transiting.  the Panama Canal is a traveler’s “must do” adventure

Tour Suggested:

Panama Canal Partial Transit
Panama Canal Full Transit
Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
Panama Canal Helicopter Tour

BOOK NOW !


For more Tour Option : www.panamatourismtravel.com

About the Video : Extreme Engineering is a documentary television series aired on the Discovery Channel and The Science Channel which features futuristic and ongoing engineering projects.The show was renamed Build It Bigger in the US but retains its name when broadcast in Europe.

PANAMA NATIONAL ANTHEM

For Tour opcion visit: www.panamatourismtravel.com

 Lyrics by Jerónimo de la Ossa

Music by Santos Jorge

CHORUS

At last we reached victory
In the joyous field of the union;
With ardent fires of glory
A new nation is alight.

It is necessary to cover with a veil
The past times of Calvary and cross;
Let now the blue skies be adorned with
The splendid light of the concord.

Progress caresses your path.
To the rhythm of a sublime song,
You see both your seas roar at your feet
Giving you a path to your noble mission.

(Chorus)

In your soil covered with flowers
To the kisses of the warm clouds of dust,
Warrior roars have ceased;
Only fraternal love reigns.

Ahead the shovel and pick,
At work without any more dilation,
and we will be as such at work and gala
of this fruitful world of Columbus.

(Chorus)

VIDEO: History of the Panama Canal

It’s time to experience the Panama Canal Transiting. the Panama Canal is a traveler’s “must do” adventure

                                                                                   Part 1
                                                                                



Tour Suggested:

Panama Canal Partial Transit
Panama Canal Full Transit
Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
Panama Canal Helicopter Tour

BOOK NOW !

For more Tour Option : www.panamatourismtravel.com

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

See The Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks

Tour Avaliable
Panama Canal Partial Transit
Panama Canal Full Transit
Panama Canal Tour

For those wishing to see that “8th Wonder of the World”, but have little time, I suggest this tour. This two hour tour takes you to the Miraflores Locks where we will visit the Miraflores Visitor Center and see the great ships of the world transiting through.

Miraflores is the name of one of the three locks that form part of the Panama Canal and the name of the small lake that separates these locks from the Pedro Miguel locks upstream. In the Miraflores locks, vessels are lifted (or lowered) in three stages totalling 8 m, allowing them to transit to or from the Pacific Ocean port of Balboa (near Panama City). Ships cross below the Puente de las Américas (Bridge of the Americas) which connects North and South America.

Four exhibition halls constitute the heart of the Miraflores Visitor Center . The exhibitions include historic pieces, interactive modules, video presentations, models of the Panama Canal, and objects used in Canal operations.

The History Hall portrays the background, technological innovations, and sanitary initiatives that went hand in hand with the construction of the Canal. This exhibition hall honors the hundreds of men and women who made this achievement possible.

The Hall of Water: Source of Life emphasizes the importance of water, conservation of the environment and biodiversity, protection of the Canal Watershed, and the ACP’s commitment to the sustainable management of this resource and the interoceanic region.

The Canal in Action depicts in an amusing manner how the Canal operates and allows us the experience of being inside a navigation simulator and one of the lock culverts. A virtual ocean-to-ocean transit is also made possible through the use of a topographical model. This exhibition showcases Canal improvement, modernization, and maintenance projects.

The Canal in the World provides information on the importance of the Canal to world trade; describes the trade routes it serves; and identifies its main users, the various types of vessels that transit the waterway, and the commodities they carry. In addition, it presents an overview of studies conducted in order to guarantee the future competitiveness of the Canal and the benefits to the Republic of Panama.

What is the lowest toll paid for a transit through the Panama Canal ?

Tour Suggested:

Panama Canal Partial Transit
Panama Canal Full Transit
Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
Panama Canal Helicopter Tour

BOOK NOW !


For more Tour Option : www.panamatourismtravel.com

Swimming, whether as a hobby or a sport, is a very enjoyable activity and one that is relatively easy to engage in, as well as economical. As the works in the Panama Canal progressed, there were greater opportunities to find and furnish places for these enjoyments. Therefore, to prevent a disorderly use of these areas, in December 1913 Colonel George W. Goethals, President of the Canal Commission, published Circular Letter No. 515, whereby swimming areas were being restricted to prevent any interference with the works of the canal. A special site was reserved for the use of personnel stationed at Fort Elliot and Fort Otis. The Police and Prisons Division was authorized to specifically enforce these provisions. Those who worked with floating equipment (dredges, tugs, excavators, cranes, etc.) could bathe in the ocean or the lakes near their work sites in their off-duty time, as long as they observed existing provisions.

The desire to swim across the Panama Canal was expressed by many individuals, as soon as the works were nearing termination. On November 12, 1913, special permission was granted Captain Allan Borran and Hellen My Golding, to swim in the Canal, excluding Gaillard Cut, which was not yet completed. On November 22, beginning at Gatun Locks, Captain Borran swam a distance of some 20 miles from 5:20 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Two days later he resumed his swim at 10 a.m. to arrive at Balboa at 2:30 p.m. A total of thirty miles covered in 16 hours an 35 minutes, in addition to the resting period already stated.

Hellen My Golding swam from Cristobal to Balboa in several stages, although her attempt did not include a swim through the locks. To this time she is the only woman to have ever attempted such a feat.

The first ocean-to-ocean crossing of the canal was made by J. R. Bingaman and James Wendell Green who, upon requesting authorization, stated that they ought to be granted this honor, inasmuch as they were Canal Company employees. On August 18, 1914, barely three days after the official opening of the canal with the transit of steamship Ancon, they were granted authorization.

They initiated their journey on August 22, but because they were Canal employees, they were only allowed to swim on Sundays (their main argument). In this manner, on October 18, they concluded the 45-mile journey with a total of 26 hours and 34 minutes waters time. They were assisted by boats with food, timekeepers, and officials. They were authorized to swim the locks when these were not in operation; therefore, they had to climb or descend them by stairs.

 

The most publicized event was August 14, 1928, when Governor M. L. Walker agreed to the crossing by Richard Halliburton. The document read as follows:

Tivoli Hotel
Ancon, Canal Zone

In reference to our personal conversation today, I wish to inform you that Canal officials have no objection to your proposed swim from Colon to Panama.

To this regard, you are hereby cautioned that you will need a series of anti-typhoid vaccinations. We would also wish to inform you that alligators have been seen frequently in the Gaillard Cut.

Likewise, you are authorized to be accompanied by a boat carrying an expert marksman, a photographer, and a reporter. You are also authorized to swim the locks.

 

We wish to clarify that any expenses incurred by this expedition shall be borne by you and that the Panama Canal shall not be liable for any damages you may sustain.

Sincerely,
M. L. Walker
Governor

Halliburton swam through the locks, which were appropriately raised and lowered, as they would have for the largest vessel in a fleet. Based on his body weight (140 lbs.), he had to pay 36 cents. Halliburton’s journey lasted 10 days, with a total of 50 hours waters time. After his successful crossing, he wrote the book New Worlds to Conquer, published in 1929 by Bobs-Merrill & Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. The eighth chapter entitled "The SS Richard Halliburton" (page 90) is a very detailed and anecdotal description of his endeavor.

A new attempt to cross the canal was made by Marvin Beacham and Regis Parton in 1936, but the respective authorities denied their request, even though their preparations had been well under way. On June 22, 1950, Charles Mcginn swam from Gatun to the Miraflores Locks in 36 hours. The trip lasted six days, including rest periods.

Captain Robert F. Legge made the journey from Gatun to Miraflores in October 1958 in 21 hours and 54 minutes. He paid 72 cents for this crossing. Subsequently, Governor William Potter presented him with the Panama Canal Master Key in the grade of "Honorary Ship" in recognition of his achievement.

On May 12, 1959, Sergeant George W. Harrison swam from Gatun to the Miraflores Locks in 22 hours and 52 minutes, resting outside the water to take food, and apply oils and massages. However, he did not swim across the Pedro Miguel Locks, but rather walked across on its edges. (Panama Canal Review, August 1966, page 8).

On December 29, 1962, Albert H. Oshiver went from Gatun to Gamboa in a record time of 29 hours, without resting along the way. He paid 72 cents in toll. He arrived in Gamboa on the following day at 5 a.m. He was also presented with the master key of the Canal.

The last attempt to swim the entire canal, non-stop, was by the Hindi Mihir Sen, on October 30, 1966. However, he had to give up after 15 hours on account of strong stomach cramps, after having swum 12 of the total 45 miles of the route.

After this, no more authorizations of any kind were granted for these feats.

The use of the waters of the Big Ditch for diving, water skiing, aquaplaning, low-draft boats, hydroplanes, ferries, yachts, and other types of water vessels is well defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is reviewed annually. The Code consists of 50 Titles, each divided in chapters.

Book 35 contains provisions on the Panama Canal  It is interesting to note the drive and motivation of the ten individuals who engaged in this feat. Most of them did so to satisfy a desire, to reach a goal in their lives, and to overcome an obsession

Notes:

Richard_Halliburton Biography

Which was the first vessel to transit the Panama Canal?

 

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SS Ancon was an American steamship that became the first ship to officially transit the Panama Canal in 1914. The steamer began life as the SS Shawmut, built for the Boston Steamship Line in 1902. About 1910 she was purchased by the Panama Railroad Company to provide shipping required for the construction of the Panama Canal. The name was changed to Ancon after Ancon Hill and Ancon township in Panama, home to the head of the Canal Commission.

Ancon and her sister ship Cristobal played a crucial role in building the canal, bringing workers and supplies, notably massive amounts of cement, from New York to Panama for the construction project.

On August 15, 1914 Ancon made the first official transit of the canal as part the canal's opening ceremonies. (Her sister ship Cristobal had made the first unofficial transit on August 3, delivering a load of cement, while an old French crane boat Alexandre La Valley had crossed the canal from the Atlantic in stages during construction, finally reaching the Pacific on January 7.)

Ancon was acquired by the United States Navy from the US Army just after the end of World War I and fitted out as USS Ancon (ID-1467), a troop transport to return Americans home.

The Panama Railroad Company replaced SS Ancon in 1938 with a second SS Ancon, a larger steam turbine cargo liner which later saw considerable action as US Navy Transport USS Ancon in World War II.

Officially ,the SS Ancon was the first vessel to transit the Panama Canal on August 15, 1914. However, the first transit completed through the Canal was done as part of a work routine on January 7, 1914, when the crane Alexander La Valley crossed the Pacific locks without any type of ceremony

On August 15, 1914 marked the start of a revolution in global trade and transportation. It was on that day that a cargo ship called the S.S. Ancon made the first passage through the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal Locomotive

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The 290 HP locomotives are used to keep ships in the proper relation to the locks structures. They are essential for a safe and expeditious transit, and run on tow tracks along the lock walls from one end to the other.

A new generation of locomotives has now been incorporated into the Panama Canal, and they are expected to enhance Canal services for the benefit of world trade. Each locomotive weighs 50 tons, operates with two 290 HP traction units and has a towing capacity of 311.8 kilonewtons at 4.8 kilometers per hour, and of 178.2 kilonewtons at 8 kilometers per hour. They can move the same load at 3.2 and 4.8 kilometers per hour, respectively. Their maximum return speed is 16 kilometers per hour. They are lighter, stronger, and faster than the previously used models. Reduction in lockage time is among the benefits of their new design.

The original locomotives used in the Canal, or "mules" as they were also called, were built by General Electric. They weighed 43 metric tons and could pull 111.07 kilonewtons at a towing speed of up to 3.2 kilometers per hour. Their return speed was 8 kilometers maximum. As of 1964, they have been replaced with Mitsubishi locomotives that weigh 55 tons and tow up to 311 kilonewtons at their maximum towing speed of 4.8 kilometers per hour. They use two windlasses, and have a return speed of 14.4 kilometers.

In 1997, the Mitsubishi Corporation was awarded the contract for the manufacture of new locomotives. The first eight prototypes were delivered in August 1999, at a cost of $2.3 million each. After a 6-month test period, they began operating at Miraflores Locks.

The second group arrived in August 2001, at a cost of $1.9 million per unit. Sixteen of the 26 locomotives ordered are already in operation at Miraflores Locks. The remaining 10 arrived in March 2002 and joined the Miraflores fleet. The fleet has now increased to 100 units, and the full replacement of the fleet with this new type of locomotives is now under way.

The size of the locomotive fleet has grown over the years in order to cope with the increase in number and size of the vessels transiting the Canal. Most of the ships transiting the locks used to only require the assistance of four locomotives. Today, because of their size, some ships require up to eight of the new, stronger locomotives.

The ACP has also replaced more than 16 kilometers of existing tow track with a new design built to withstand current and future Canal traffic demands. This new track lowers maintenance costs, improves service and enables the locomotives to assist transiting vessels maintain position within the locks chambers. The project was completed in September 2007.

Birdwatching in Canopy Tower at Soberania National Park Tour

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Tour Options :
The Awakening of the Rainforest (6:30 am—Noon)

Dawn is the most active period of the day for most wildlife of the forest. You definitely want to be up early on the Observation Deck, 50 feet above the forest floor, to experience the peaceful sunrise over the Pacific, to hear the thundering bellows of the Mantled Howlers proclaiming their territory and to be amazed at the incredible diversity of birds as they begin their never-ending search for food! After a hearty deluxe breakfast, join one of our guides for a 3-4-hour guided walk along Semaphore Hill Road, where you will experience even more of the magnificent wildlife of the tropical rainforest!

Lunch on Top of the Hill (Noon—5:00 pm)

Mid-day is the best time to see birds of prey (raptors) as they ride thermals, soaring effortlessly high in the sky. In the Northern Hemisphere's fall and spring seasons, the Observation Deck offers an extraordinary vantage point to witness hundreds of thousands of hawks and vultures flying en masse on their annual migration. From the Observation Deck you may see Blue Cotingas, Keel-billed Toucans, Green Shrike-Vireos, Mantled Howlers, Geoffroy's Tamarins, Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloths or Brown-throated Three-toed Sloths and Green Iguanas basking on a Cecropia branch! Noon is also the best time to watch ships navigate the Culebra Cut. After a delicious lunch, join one of our guides for a 3-4-hour guided walk down Semaphore Hill Road. This popular nature walk provides a ground-level view of the rainforest. We often spot manakins, antbirds, tinamous, sloths, coatis, agoutis and an amazing abundance of butterflies and other insects. Along the road you will see 46 species of trees identified by scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, many having medicinal value and most producing food for birds and mammals. Time permitting, we may walk for a short distance along Plantation Road. At the end of the walk, the Rainfomobile or the Birdmobile will ferry you back to the Canopy Tower.

Note:

* Tours are led by experienced, bilingual, birding/nature guides who carry Leica binoculars and a   Leica 77 mm scope.

* Transportation ( round—trip), Include one delicious meal, entrance fee to Soberanía National Park, and use of the Canopy Tower's Observation Deck where our guides will help you identify wildlife.

About the Tower:

The Canopy Tower is a prime location from which to observe the birds and other wildlife of the forest canopy. Because the birds and mammals are at eye level, it is common to get fantastic views otherwise nearly impossible from the ground.

The Observation Deck

The Observation Deck, 50 feet above the ground, gives guests a grand view of the canopy and beyond. Many of the best photographs are taken from the Observation deck. In the morning, ardent bird watchers and nature lovers assemble here for coffee and crackers while enjoying the abundant action in the treetops just below.

"When I was building the Canopy Tower there were moments of doubts about the eventual success of the enterprise, when those moments appeared I'd go up to the Observation Deck and feel the wind, hear the howlers, see the birds and my fears would vanish".  Raul Arias de Para

Short History of The Canopy Tower:

The structure destined to become the Canopy Tower was built in 1965 by the United States Air Force to house a powerful radar used in the defense of the Panama Canal. By 1969, the site was jointly used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to control air traffic in the area, and by the Panama Canal Commission (PCC) as a communications tower.

In September of 1988, the radar tower received an important new assignment when it was activated as Site One in the Caribbean Basin Radar Network (CBRN). This network of radars was used by the United States government to detect airplanes suspected of carrying drugs from South America. The tower played this role until June of 1995 when it was closed and left vacant waiting for better days.

In November of 1996, the radar tower and the Semaphore Hill site, consisting of approximately 35 acres of rainforest within Soberanía National Park, was transferred to Panama in compliance with the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

In August of 1997, the government of Panama signed a long-term contract with Raul Arias de Para to transform the site into a center for neotropical-rainforest observation and ecotourism.

In January of 1999, the Canopy Tower was inaugurated and the rest, as they say, is history

The Tower Location:

Is located in impressive rainforest atop Semaphore Hill within Soberanía National Park, 35 miles north of Panamá City in the Republic of Panamá right in the center of the New World— and just 2½ hours from Miami!

Panamá's shape creates a natural funnel, concentrating migratory birds on a narrow isthmus— land that the birds desperately need for rest and to refuel before continuing their long journey. At peak times of the year, this migration is a spectacle rivaled by none in the World! An incredible 970+ species of birds have been recorded from this country that is not even the size of South Carolina!

FAQ's

What is the best time of the year to visit the Tower?

The best time for your visit depends on your interests, as there's always something interesting going on in the forest.

For example, if you visit us from early December to mid-January you will see the forest still lush and green as the rainy season has just ended. Some northern migrants are present as well as the resident species. The days are sunny and balmy. January, February and March is our "high season", there is a lot of sun and practically no rain (bring sun block), the birding is continuous from sunrise to sunset and, occasionally, into the evenings to look for owls and pottoos.

In mid-March to early May you'll find yourself in the middle of spring migration, a great time to see many different warblers and other neotropical migratory birds in fresh breeding plumage, as well as hundreds of thousands of raptors on their way north.

In May and June it is the start of the rainy season, and many resident birds will be starting to nest and vocalize more often. From June to August you will see the forest at its lushest, there is plenty of food out there and you will see immature birds being fed by their parents. There is usually a tropical shower in the early afternoon, "siesta" time anyway. After the shower the sun comes out, birding is restarted and life continues on. The nights are clear and cool. Migrants are gone, but you'll find plenty of resident species to keep you distracted. Our prices are heavily discounted at this time of the year because many of our customers prefer to come to the tropics during the winter months to escape the cold, so demand is slower. Click here to see birding reports at this time of the year.

In September we start getting the first fall migrants, and this number climbs and reaches its climax around the middle of October and extending until the first week of November. This is the fall migration, a fantastic natural phenomenon when hundreds of thousands of raptors fly over the Tower on the way to their southern wintering grounds. This is one of the most impressive natural spectacles of neotropical birding

What should I bring for my visit?

If you come during the period of May to early January, bring rain gear; an umbrella might also come in handy. Rubber boots are not necessary since we will not be crossing any streams, but an extra pair of sneakers or hiking shoes/boots is advised since some trails have plenty of mud. Insect repellent is also recommended for your walks in the forest. Hair dryers are provided.

A good pair of binoculars is a must, even if you are not a birdwatcher. There are plenty of other critters to look for. We recommend Leica equipment. Our guides use this brand and it is excelente. If you come during the rest of the year, a good hat to shade you from the near equatorial sun is a good idea as well as a pair of sandals to lounge around the Tower. In any case, bring earplugs (we also provide them at no additional cost). Sounds in the Tower travel easily and they might also come in handy: if your neighbor's snoring rivals the howls of the Howler Monkeys, you'll be glad you did! Finally, we have a Leica 77mm scope available on the top floor, but if you have one bring it anyway -- having an extra scope never hurt anybody.

Outdoor clothing, preferably made of cotton, of neutral colors to blend with the surroundings and facilitate wildlife observation. You may ask, what are neutral colors? Well, think of a Hawaiian shirt, the opposite of that is attire of neutral colors. For dinner, we like to dress up a bit, nothing fancy, very informal.

Will I be able to recharge my camera batteries? Do I need a special adapter?

There are plenty of electric outlets in your room. No adapters are needed; our electricity is the same as in the good-old-USA. This was, after all, a USAF military installation

I am not all that interested in birdwatching. What else is there to do?

The abundant bird life around The Canopy Tower may change your mind!

In any event, the rainforest surrounding the Tower offers endless interest. Many of the trees along Semaphore Hill Road have numbered tags that identify them to species level on a booklet prepared by botanists and biologists of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Mammals are also abundant around the tower: coatis, agoutis, and anteaters are commonly seen from the road, and howler and tamarin monkeys are sighted frequently from the tower. Due to "good seeing" resulting from few nearby lights at night, stargazing from the roof on a clear night can be delightful. At night, Panama City's lights are visible on the horizon, and lighted ships traverse the Canal. During the day you can see both the skyline of Panama City and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.

The Canal is itself of prime interest to many. Two sets of locks on the Pacific side of the Canal, Miraflores and Pedro Miguel, are a short drive from the Tower, as well as the Panama Canal Visitor Center. Panama City itself, with its museums, fine restaurants and shops, is only 30 minutes away.

Visit www.panamatourismtravel.com and book a tour like kayaking in the Panama Canal, an aerial tram, orchids and butterfly exhibits and fishing expeditions in the Gatun Lake, Monkey Island.

What is your policy regarding children?

Canopy Tower is not really a place for children younger than 13 years of age. The activities which we offer, and in which the Canopy Tower excels -- wildlife observation -- require silence and calm. Few young children can sustain these qualities while waiting to see a bird or a mammal. As you can imagine, a restless child can become a disturbance to other guests, while spoiling parental enjoyment of our extraordinary place.

What is your policy regarding smoking?

Canopy Tower is a smoke-free lodge. However, there are smoking areas in the Observation Deck and in the front patio.

At what altitude is the Canopy Tower?

The Canopy Tower is on top of Semaphore Hill at an altitude of 285 meters (940 feet) above sea level