An exploration of the realm of the Harpy Eagle, the world’s most powerful bird of prey and Panama’s national bird. This unforgettable adventure takes place along the historic Gulf of San Miguel, where the Spanish discoverer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa became the first European to set eyes on the Pacific Ocean back in 1513. This trip is an amazing chance to see one of the most precious eagles of our world and escape the everyday stress of our lives. Be one with the nature during the amazing hikes through the realm of the Harpy Eagle.  

Day 1: Panama City – Punta Patiño Nature Reserve – Gulf of San Miguel
Early this morning you will be picked up by your Naturalist Guide at your hotel lobby. Enjoy a scenic 4 to 5-hour ride from Panama City along the Pan-American highway, east, to Puerto Quimba, Darien. Along the way, your Naturalist Guide will give you an introduction to your 4-day adventure while traveling from a vibrant cosmopolitan city to small farming towns and indigenous villages; from multi-lane highways to narrows country roads; from skyscrapers to simple houses along rivers with meadows and forests. In a small village along the way stop for a typical Panamanian breakfast where you will enjoy an arrange of local fritters, fresh fruits, freshly brewed coffee and more local specialties. You will arrive to Puerto Quimba in the late morning. Afterwards you will embark a motorized boat and go on an approx. 1,5-hour boat ride along the Tuira River and the Pacific Ocean to the private 65.000-acre Punta Patiño Nature Reserve. After a short hike to the lodge you may settle into your private rustic cabin. A light and refreshing lunch overlooking the Gulf of San Miguel will be served and after that you will head out on your first excursion of the trip. Lead by your Naturalist Guide you will hike into the forest in search of nature creatures and exquisite flora. In addition, you will learn about the work that the National Association for the Conservation of Nature (ANCON) is carrying out to protect the reserve and how the rainforest is regenerating. This evening you will take a short walk to the wetlands in search of the Capybara, the world’s largest rodent and the northernmost range being Panama. However, you will also look for caiman, owls and other nocturnal species and spend the night at Punta Patiño Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included). 

Day 2: Punta Patiño Nature Reserve
After a hearty breakfast you will hike the Piedra Candela trail where your guide will describe the importance of this tropical dry forest. This type of forest is quickly vanishing due to deforestation. After lunch the afternoon is open to continue exploring the area surrounding the lodge on your own, enjoy the view from the second floor veranda or take a siesta in one of the hammocks or at your cabin. Late this afternoon we board our boat for a coastal tour of the reserve and the sea bird’s nesting areas of El Morro. You will spend the night at Punta Patiño Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included). 

Day 3: The Harpy Eagle of the Mogue River
This morning you embark on a motorized dugout canoe and head for the Mogue River. You will look for the Roseate Spoonbill, Ibis, Osprey and Raccoons fishing along the river. The trip up river takes you through millenary mangroves making the boat ride extraordinary. You arrive at the village of Mogue where its inhabitants greet you. In search of the recently discovered Harpy Eagle active nest you will go on a 14 km hike (roundtrip, mostly even terrain). From a safe distance as not to disturb the chick or scare the mother you will have the opportunity to have one of the most unique encounters with nature. The Harpy Eagle, Panama’s National Bird and the most powerful bird of prey in the Americas is endangered. Controlled visits to the area are generating income to the nearby village, which in turns creates an interest for the protection of the birds and their habitat. You return to the village in the afternoon to mingle with the Embera people and learn about their customs and traditions. Tonight, you will sleep in the guesthause “Tambo” (thatch roof stilted house). Or you may opt to sleep in hammocks or screened tents with mats (provided) and spend the night at this Mogue village (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included).

Day 4: Return to Panama City
You say goodbye to your new friends early this morning as you head back to Panama City via boat/land. On the way you will stop for lunch along the Pan-American Highway at a local restaurant and arrive back at your hotel late afternoon. (Breakfast and Lunch included)

• 2 nights lodging at Punta Patiño Lodge 
• 1 night lodging at Embera Mogue village
• Meals as specified in the itinerary 
• All land/water transportation on the tour 
• Park and related entrance fees 
• Bed sheets and shower towel 
• Local guides’ services and expenses 

• Panama City hotel 
• Meals not specified in the itinerary 
• Alcoholic beverages 
• Toiletries 
• Gratuities and extras
• Travel insurances
  

• Prices and itineraries are correct at the time of printing, however they are subject to change due to tidal/weather or local conditions, availabilities or factors beyond our control
• Please remember that there is no cell phone reception or stores in most of the area you will be traveling to on this excursion.

Minimun number of travellers: 4

You do not have to present the minimum number. We will take your reservation and add it to others to create a group.

• Price per person:       929 €
• Single supplement: 140 €

There is no discount for children as this tour is not planned for children below the age of 12. From the age of 12 the full price is charged.

The trip contains moderate hiking from 2-4 hours with rolling and slippery hills. Nocturnal hikes are also included. The accommodations are rustic, but comfortable; basic camping at Mogue Village. 

We recommended the following equipment checklist: 

• Binoculars
• Camera with extra batteries and sufficient storage capacity
• Flashlight with extra bulb and batteries
• Bathing suit or bathing shorts
• Insect repellant 
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• 1 duffle bag / small suitcase 
• Water bottle
• Sandals, sneakers, hiking boots
• Lightweight and quick dry cotton clothes
• Rain gear
• Windbreaker
• Money in small denominations
• Toiletries
• Personal medications

The Punta Patiño lodge is located atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the South and surrounded by the natural splendour of the area. Its ten well appointed, very rustic cabins are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms. A dining hall and a chapel dating back to the early 20th century are all part of the lodge’s facilities. Electricity is only available after sunset to sunrise (approximately from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.)

• Cancellations made with more than 30 days notice are subject to a full refund of the deposit. 
• Cancellations made between 30 and 15 days prior to the first day of the tour are subject to a 50 % refund of the total cost of the tour. 
• Cancellation made within 15 days of the first day of the tour is not subject to refunds. 
• All cancellation requests must be done in writing.

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