Panama -- adventure, nature, and The Canal. Seeing the canal has long been on our "bucket list" and we finally made it. In addition to seeing the daily workings of the canal, it was a thrill to see the new locks under construction. The scope of these projects is almost beyond comprehension!
We began our trip in El Valle, a small town in the crater of an ancient volcano where we hiked, zip lined, biked around the town and markets.
Next, we moved to the Gamboa Eco Lodge on the shores of Gatun Lake, the lake formed when the canal locks were built. Visited the Barro Colorado Island, operated by the Smithsonian since the island was first created; scientists from all over the world come here to study tropical forests. For several days, we watched the canal life in action and had one of the most fun kayak trips ever in the backwaters of the lake. Wildlife galore!
Lastly, our itinerary took us into Panama City, a fast-growing, extremely modern city. I don't know quite what we expected the city to look like, but this wasn't what we had pictured! Toured the city, the "old city," which is getting a big facelift, and The Canal.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.