Pack_100-10

100-10 The Chagres Challenge ( 2 nights)

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:
Arrival, Cerro Azul Mountains
You will be welcome by us at Tocumen International Airport, by Panama City, and transferred to a mountain lodge at the northeast of Panama City in the Cerro Azul Mountain and rest up.

At 07:00 pm we will meet for a briefing about next day expedition, The Chagres Challenge.
Lodging El Hostal** – dinner

2th day:
The Chagres Challenge
An early start at 5 am when you will picked and taken in an all-terrain vehicle 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, 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 River.

Then, you will continue rafting further downstream passing an impressive granite canyon with some white water rapid action, and ending just before encountering Madden Lake.

There you are expected by a “piragua” (native wooden canoe equipped with outboard motor) that will take you downstream to visit an Embera Indian Village at the riverbanks.

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.

Our “piragua” will take us to the nearest road where a river will be expecting to bring you back to civilization, and to your hotel in Panama City
Lodging Hotel Granada*** – breakfast, lunch

3rd day:
Departure
After your breakfast you will be transferred to Tocumen International Airport (depending on departure time)

If time allows it you can search for great buying deals at Los Pueblos Mall or visit ethnic cultural exhibition at Los Pueblitos, or visit Panama Canal Miraflores Locks (not included).
breakfast

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ? All mentioned transportation, rafts and gear, guides, trip's meals. Our guides are trained in white-water navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.

Lodging and catering:
1 night at Hotel Casa de Campo**, Cerro Azul, Panama
1 night at Hotel Granada***, Panama City, Panama

2 breakfasts, 1 meal, 1 dinner

Transfers:
Ground transfer from Tocumen International Airport to Hotel El Hostal, Cerro Azul
Ground transfer from Panama City to Tocumen Airport

Not Included:
International flights, Airport tax ($ 20.00/person), personal expenses, tips, meals not specified in itinerary, extras in hotels (laundry, room service, phone calls)

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 $ 295.00 per person in double room
US $ 395.00 per person in single room

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.

However, the Chagres Challenge one day tour, can only be offered when Rio Piedras, the tributary we put in, has enough water to paddle, usually from June through February. When there is enough water we paddle San Cristobal River into Rio Piedras River into Chagres River, 3 river in one day !