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El Camino Real
With
Adventures in Panama
Departing from
Panama
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Panama
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Prices from around $499
“From the late 16th century until 1904, the Camino Real was the only semblance of a continuous roadway across the isthmus. Peruvian gold and other natural products were transported from Panama City to Portobelo by mule train along El Camino Real. The products were then held for an annual trading fair that lured Spanish galleons laden with European goods.
“This concentration of wealth naturally attracted the English, French, and Dutch pirates who roamed the Caribbean. To ward off attack, the Spanish built large stone fortresses at the Mouth of the Rio Chagres; those at Portobelo and Fuerte San Lorenzo can still be visited today. These fortifications were not enough. In 1672, famed Welsh buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan overpowered Fuerte San Lorenzo, sailed up the Rio Chagres, and crossed the isthmus. His forces sacked Panama City and made off with its entire treasure, returning to the Caribbean coast with 200 mules laden with loot. The city burned during Morgan’s stay, but no one knows for certain whether it was his men, or fleeing Spaniards, who put it to the torch.”
Our journey along the El Camino Real is a rugged, 3 day trekking adventure. Our expert guide will relate the history of the area, and describe the fantastic flora and fauna inhabiting this wonderful environment. During our trek we will enjoy a visit to the old mining town of Santa Librada, and also discover 19th century trains, abandoned to the jungle. After 3 days we finally arrive at the crossroads of Nombre de Dios, completing our trek across the isthmus. We are then transferred to La Guaira, on the Atlantic coast, where we board a boat bound for festive Isla Grande. Here we can enjoy snorkeling or simple relaxation until lunchtime. After a Caribbean style lunch, we begin our return trip to Panama City. To complete our historic circuit, we will make a stop at the ruins of Portobelo.
**Day One** Hiking Distance: 12.4km
08:00 Transfer to the ruins of Panama.
09:00 Transfer to Puerto Vigia
10:00 Arrive in Puerto Vigia and board dugout canoe for transfer to the Boqueron River.
10:45 Begin hiking to the small village of Santa Librada. Here we can appreciate the friendliness of the country folk who have remained in the time capsule of this old mining town.
12:00 Lunch break near the scenic Boqueron River.
16:00 Camp near the Boqueron River
**Day Two** Hiking Distance: 14.7km
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Hike toward Cerro Johnson. The trail becomes more difficult, much of the time in the river.
12:00 Lunch break. We enjoy the refreshing waters near the Boqueron falls. This 25-meter cascade marks the start of the old railroad, laid in 1850 by the Panama Mining Company.
13:00 Continue hiking to Camp Two, near Nombre de Dios River.
16:00 Camp on the Chagres River
**Day Three** Hiking Distance: 10.4km
07:00 Breakfast.
08:00 Begin hiking towards Nombre de Dios.
09:30 Arrive at the crossroads of Nombre de Dios. Ground transfer to La Guayra, where we will be transferred by boat to Isla Grande. Enjoy snorkeling or simple relaxation until lunchtime.
12:00 Caribbean Lunch such as Red Snapper, Calamari, Cambombia
15:00 Start out for Panama City, with a stop at Portobello.
18:00 Arrive in Panama City
NOTE: All participants should be in good physical condition in order to hike 6 - 8 hours a day through the jungle, mud and water. All participants must be capable of carrying their personal items. For an additional fee, porters can be hired to carry your pack.
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| Tour Category:
Trekking
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| Fitness Required: Moderate |
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| Company :
Adventures in Panama
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| Days: 3 |
| Departs :
Panama
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| Budget Tours:
North America
>
Panama
>
Panama
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