Chagres Challenge Overnight
What your day looks like
The Chagres River is virtually unseen in the trek through 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 Class II, although several rapids are considered Class III by the International Classification of River Navigation. As a result of the dense tropical forest that covers the basin of the river, sedimentation is minimal; therefore, clear water can be expected very often. The flora is typical of the tropical rain forest, with more than three hundred species per hectare. 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 other 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 TV show Survivor Panama destination. Our guides are trained in white-water navigation skills, first-aid, and CPR. Private tours are available upon request.
The experience, in brief
- Rafts to float downstream (Class II and III rapids) into Chagres National Park
- Visit a Campesino survival agricultural farm within Chagres National Park
- Hike for about 2 hours on a trail within Chagres National Park up to Rio Piedras
- Visit Embera Village and learn about their customs, believes and legends
Your day, step by step
Panama City
Transportation. 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.
Colon
Hiking at Chagres National Park. Then 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.
Colon
White Water Rafting at 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.
Panama City
Relaxation & Fun. Accommodation provided
Panama City
Local Flavor at Embera Village. After breakfast (shared with the villagers), we learn about their customs, beliefs, and legends. These natives migrated to the 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 handicrafts, dances, and will invite us to their huts to appreciate their 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.
What to know before booking
Included
Rafts and gear, guides and camping gear.
What to Bring
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.
Restrictions
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 not be brought: Any object than can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash, credit cards, etc. Group leader will go free for a group of more than ten persons.
Meeting & Pickup
Pick up at hotels within Panama City.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
What travelers are saying
What an amazing way to spend a weekend! The hike was gorgeous, the rafting was incredible fun with hilarious raft guides, and staying in the village was so cool. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone; best weekend spent in Panama so far on my three-month trip.