The Kuna are one of only a few indigenous peoples in the world to have successfully preserve their traditional, centuries old, of these interesting culture

This is reflected in a virtually autonomous form of government of the tribes and in formal observances and ancient rituals.The leaders of their local communities,sahilas, also compose regional assemblies and the Congreso General.

They establish community rules and have the responsibility to see they are observed. In socialistic style, both men and women are obliged to perform duties of a communal nature or pay a fine. Achutupu’s airport was built in this way, as was the recent dock extension. Women brush and clean the earthen streets.

There are number of public celebrations throughout the year. Among the most prominent are the elaborate rituals which mark the rites of passage for females, from birth to puberty. All of the community takes part, the fiestas last for several days and much chicha fuerte, a fermented corn brew, is consumed. These are the only times that liquor can be consumed. It is forbidden to bring in alcohol from the outside.

Kuna religious beliefs are based on the teachings of their ancient prophet, Ibeorgum who stressed the need for each individual to contribute to the wellbeing of the whole. The chapman, medicine man, is another revered authority in Kuna society. His power is unquestioned by those who seek his potions to cure sickness, to banish the cause of their fears or to ensure a happy marriage. In Kuna belief, natural objects are endowed with spirits, good or evil; they avoid certain places in the rainforest said to be inhabited by marauding ghosts.

If you are in need of a place to relax, free of pressure from the outside world, then our resorts have the answer

What better than to lie in a hammock among the palms , reading a favourite book or taking time off to savour a cooling drink in the shade of the thatch-roofed bohio.

At sunset take your steps to the shoreline to admire the sky’s brilliantly coloured panorama. After dinner, look up from an inviting hammock and star gaze, there is no ‘light pollution’ here and under a clear night sky the shining fermanent can be seen in all its glory.

The artistic women on the island of Achutupu are well known for the exceptional quality of their world renowned molas

The people visit this community usually on their first morning to witness the inhabitants’ traditional daily life and to see how the molas are made. The womens’ talents are not limited to the mola, additionally their creativity finds expression in the originality of bird and fish-bone necklaces and bracelets.

It is also obvious in the colourful daily dress which distinguishes the Kuna woman featuring the mola blouse, red and and gold head.

Scarves and in the patterns of intricately – beaded winies, leg and arm bracelets.

Both men and women in Achutupu display their prowess in the weaving of “hats” palm-straw and baskets.

Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the warm Caribbean ocean

Explore the fascinating and colourful underwater world of coral and marine life.

Enjoy this underwater experience in one of the best areas for snorkeling in Panama addition to navigate up on these pristine waters.

Travel on small boats northbound on the canal for 25 minutes

Where you might come close to some of the big ships that transit the canal daily. Slowly you will motor along the forested banks of Gatun Lake, a protected area.

Look for wildlife such as Capuchin Monkeys, 3-toed sloth, Howler Monkeys, various kinds of Toucans and other bird life. This is a place to observe the raw regenerative power of the forest as it struggles to claim what was once wild.

What are the rainforest animals doing at night?

Search for them on a night tour in a Gamboa open air tour bus to find out. It is possible to see tapirs, capybaras, alligators , rare tropical opossums, and two –toed sloths. An extra bonus of this tour is that you will get to know the extent of the resort grounds and learn interesting facts about the area.

Important Note: This tour is only available for clients staying at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Duration: 2 hours

Includes: Transportation from and to Gamboa Resort, English- Speaking naturalist tour guide, Drinking water

Bring: Sneakers or hiking shoes, long pants, camera, binoculars, insect repellent.

Glide through the treetops of century-old forests

High above the pristine rivers and waterfalls that make up the incredible collection of natural landscapes bordering the National Park La Amistad and the famous Baru volcano. Tarzan, 21st century! Who would have thought that a technology utilized hundreds of years ago by our indigenous people and later perfected by botanists and naturalists to observe and study the behaviors of wild creatures in their natural habitat, would be transformed into one of the most revered extreme sports.

A harness, an ultra-resistant steel cable and gravity are the only elements necessary to suspend and propel the fearless rider in this incredible adrenaline rush.

Los Quetzales trail unites the two communities of Boquete and Cerro Punta

and is one of Panama’s most visited and popular hikes, named for a particular species of bird called the Resplendent Quetzal. Quite elusive, these birds are a magnificent and rare treat to observe and are a favorite among many birding enthusiasts. In addition to the Quetzal, there are more than 220 other bird species native to the area.

From Cerro Punta to Boquete, the 10 km trail climbs steadily (roughly 800 meters) as you pass from tropical rain forest to tropical cloud forest and takes approximately 4-6 hours of hiking to complete.

The tour starts with a two hours drive from Boquete to Cerro Punta where your hiking adventure on the Quetzal Trail starts. Please note that there are two options of transportation available: A normal a/c motorcoach taking you to the park entrance or a strong 4×4 vehicle that takes you to the ranger station in the park. Chosing the 4×4 vehicle means about 2 hours less hiking, the most challenging part of the trail (uphill at the beginning and downhill at the end) will be done by car.

Duration: 10 hours

Includes: Roundtrip transportation from Boquete, English speaking ornithologist guide, picnic lunch

Bring: Hiking shoes, long pants, rainjacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, water.

Travel the countryside on ancient Indian trails

Saddle up and head out from the Caldera Spring for a casual ride through the lush mountainside. Your horse knows the way, so you can enjoy the sun in your face, the wind in your hair, and maybe a Toucan overhead. The Caldera Hot Springs are natural hot springs produced by the emergence of geo-thermally-heated groundwater from the earth’s crust. There are 3 hot baths, of varying temperatures, at the Caldera Hot Springs.

Ample time is provided to lounge in the hot spring, lavish your body with volcanic mud, bake in the sun, and rinse off in the cool waters of the Caldera River. Iguanas, Jesus Christ Lizards (named as they can run across water), Toucans, and an occasional boa can sometimes be spotted.

Duration: 5 hours

Includes: Transportation, English speaking guide, entrance fee, snacks

Bring: Hiking shoes or sneakers, long pants, bathing suit, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, water.

For the Baru Volcano Hike you will be picked up at 6 a.m. at your hotel.

You will enjoy a lovely drive uphill to the Volcan Baru National Park Ranger Station. From there you will start the challenging hike to the highest point of Panama. Depending on your level of fitness you will reach the top between 4 and 6 hours. If the wheather conditions are good, you will be able to see both oceans from the top of the volcano. On the summit you will enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon you will hike back down, this takes between 3 and 5 hours. After the tour you will be dropped of at your hotel.

While hiking up the volcano you will encounter 6 different climate zones: humid mountain forest, low humid mountain forest, low humid mountain rainforest, mountain rainforest, very humid mountain rainforest and pre-mountain rainforest. The average annual temperatures vary between 20°C at the Park Ranger Station to under 10°C on the top of the volcano.

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