Soberania National Park is the Jewel of Panama
Gamboa Rainforest Resort Provides Hospitality at Accessible Park
Apr 29, 2009
While it may seem like a fantasy to find a full-service luxury resort in the midst of a pristine rainforest, in Panama it's reality. The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is secluded within the Soberania National Park Rainforest, perched on the banks of the Chagres River and Panama Canal.
While it's off the beaten path, the resort is only 30 minutes from the nightlife of Panama City and an hour from the airport. Soberina itself is said to be the most accessible rainforest park in the world.
Visitors can relax among the resort's vistas in a large pool or watch birds within its vast tree-lined gardens. Ecological exhibitions provide guests with encounters with butterflys, snakes and orchids.
Aerial Tram at Gamboa Rainforest Resort Provides bird's-eye view
To get a bird's eye view of the rainforest an aerial tram takes guests on a tour of the canopy. At the summit of Cerro Pelado guests depart the tram to get a 360-degree view of the mountain and canal waterways.
The forest includes ceiba, cuipo, mahogany and guayacan trees as well as numerous bromeliads, orchids and royal palm trees. Hundreds of bird species inhabit the forest, including the endangered crested eagle and ground-cuckoo. Among mammal species are the jaguar and white-tailed deer as well as ñeques, raccoons and wild pigs.
Other activities offered are a kayak trip to Lake Gatun and Monkey Island. A speed boat takes guests through the wide Panama Canal to the kayak site. Fishermen will want to try they luck at catching the local fish, including sergeant, oscar and real shad.
Visit to Embera Village on Changres River Rewarding Experience
Those looking for a deeply rewarding encounter with a native tribe will want to visit an Embera Village. Although tours can be pricey, they are well worth it. First visitors take a botero (dugout canoe) up Changres River. Embera villagers ply the waters to ferry guests. If the river is shallow guests must periodically get out the botero to allow its progress.
Along the way is a refreshing stop. A nature trail leads to a waterfall and swimming pond. Embera villagers impress guests by climbing directly up the waterfall. Adventurous travelers can climb up the side of the waterfall to swim in an upper level pool.
The hour-long journey up the Changres ends with a warm welcome at the Embera village, a fresh-fish lunch, dancing and sharing of village skills, including basket weaving. The tightly woven Embera baskets can be purchased from village artisans. Overnight stays at the village are also available.
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