Eco Tourism Trips in Panama

Eco tourism is the new thing to be green. But, just hiking though a rainforest is not eco tourism unless the environment or people of the region benefit from your hike! If you raise awareness or funds to protect a watershed on a rafting adventure then your trip is considered an eco vacation. If you really want an eco vacation you need to ask if the trip improves and conserves the place you are visiting. There are many eco tourism opportunities found in Panama.

There are many areas in Central America and Panama specifically where one can fine virgin jungles and unexplored lands. Rafting on a whitewater river will give you a unique perspective to discover the tropical rainforest while experiencing the rush of a whitewater adventure. Rafting in Panama is a relatively new adventure and the rivers of Chiriqui are drawing rafters from around the world. Experts consider this region one of the most attractive whitewater rafting areas in Central America. Full day and overnight rafting experiences are offered. A day of rafting costs $90 per person and overnight trips are $160 per person with discounts for students available. Your price includes transportation, equipment, guides, water, CD with photos and meals. There is a three person minimum for day trips and four for overnight trips.

If hiking is more your thing Chiriqui offers eco adventures on the Quetzales trails. Trek the six mile trail of El Sendero de los Quetzales in Panama’s western highlands. The trail connects the towns of Guadalupe and Boquete. There is a difference of 1 km in altitude between the two towns but the altitude change of the trail is about 2 kms. Experience the cloud forest, rivers, streams and waterfalls of the Chiriqui wild. This hike takes about four to seven hours depending upon your pace and you can choose whether to hike uphill or downhill. Prices range from $45 to $100 per person and overnight trips are available.

Take a canopy tour on a zip line. Boquete offers the second longest zip line adventure. Travel at high speeds from platform to platform in the rainforest’s canopy. There are thirteen different canopy platforms that take you from one treetop to another. Encounter an unknown world as you glide through the trees. Appreciate wildlife that you discover along the way. See native flora and fauna. Prices are $55 for students and $60 for others.

If you want an exotic getaway where you can relax in Panama vacation in the uninhabited islands of the Chiriqui Gulf National Park. Choose from a motor boat trip to Bolanos or Isla Gamez or an all inclusive private island of Isla Paridita. You can snorkel and swim the turquoise waters and see fish and coral. Take a boat trip and see whales and dolphins. Relax on a hammock tied to coconut palm trees. If you dive you can take a private charter to world class sites. Go deep sea fishing or just lie on the beach in the sun. Priced from $225 to $1,250 per person.