Panama

January 3, 2012

Five Fabulous Family Multi-Sport Adventures

Surf's Up!

When we talk about Multi Sport Adventures we mean something active with plenty of variety. This helps kids – and parents and grandparents too – to try new activities, learn new skills – and maybe discover a new passion to pursue. What have our kids loved best for lots of action to compliment the cultural and wildlife opportunities? In alphabetical order….

1) Baja. A true adventurer’s paradise, Baja is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking. Get out there with our expert instructors for some exciting action, then replace those calories with some awesome Mexican food.

2) Belize. Mayan ruins for climbing, river caves for tubing (sometimes scary for the younger set!), barrier reef for snorkeling and diving. Paradise!

3) Costa Rica. Not boring! Rainforest, beaches, volcanoes and monkeys. Rafting, zip lines, kayaking, canyoning, SUP (know what that is??), surfing.  You can try just about everything here, and meet some of the nicest people ever.

4) Galapagos. Between the highlands of mainland Ecuador and the volcanic Galapagos Islands your family can try horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, biking, snorkeling – and real camping for a couple of nights too! Seeing that Southern hemisphere sky from your beach front campsite is about as awe-inspiring as it gets.

5) Panama. The canal, of course, and the great story that goes with it. But also a fascinating native culture to learn about. Then rafting, zip lines, awesome snorkeling and pristine beaches, birds and wildlife galore, biking … and the thrill of going someplace not many have been before. Come discover Panama!!



May 10, 2011

Top Ten Panama

land crab in Panama

Want something comfortable but different? Avoid the tourists – even if you are one – and come to Panama. Why? Because:

1) Panama is still unspoiled and undiscovered. Fancy hotels? Nope, but what a delight to explore a land not many know.

2) Climate: perfect all year round. A warm getaway in chilly December or frigid February. An exotic escape in the summer, when you can see the humpback whales migrating through. There’s a good reason to go in any month.

3) Our guides? Priceless. Make the most of your time; discover secrets and learn more fascinating things than you ever would on your own.

4) Wildlife – not just hundreds of species of mammal, reptile and amphibians and almost 1000 species of bird, but 125 animal species found nowhere else in the world.

5) The Panama Canal!  Such amazing history and engineering brilliance. You don’t have to be a mathematician or scientist to appreciate this marvel. Come watch the ships glide through the locks.

6) Comfortable transportation: The roads are sophisticated  like the canal, thanks to the construction years. Well paved, making for a smooth ride.

7) Casco Antiguo (AKA Casco Viejo) and the streets of historic Panama. Built as a walled city to protect the early settlers from marauding pirates (yes, pirates!!), today it is a World Heritage site representing the diverse cultures and architecture of Panama City.

8) Beaches, and with great snorkeling too. On pristine Isla Iguana you’ll find sugar white sand, dry tropical forest, and coral reef; red throated frigate birds and five kinds of turtle, brilliant colored crabs, lizards and – of course – iguanas too.

9) Wowie Zipline: Here someone else controls the speed so you can actually enjoy the moment. Pause mid-zip in front of a waterfall for a good look – and a great photo opportunity.

10) The Embera Tribe. Still living a traditional life, just up river from the modern canal, you can visit this indigenous tribe and learn about how they live off the land. Your kids can write ahead to pen pals who live here too. Want to get a tribal tattoo, albeit a temporary one? You can do so here.

11) One more! Fresh and delicious Food: Though Panama is not known for its gastronomy, it does offer excellent fresh fish and fruits. Enjoy ceviche, empanadas, tamales, fried yuca and plantains. Plenty of hot sauce available too!

Beach and Water



January 4, 2011

A Man, a Plan, a Canal – a New Family Adventure!

Land Crab in Isla Iguana - there are tons of them!

In August Beth went to Panama to check out some new ideas for 2011. We’ve been showing families the beauties of Panama for years, but we are always looking for the fresh perspective, and the places waiting to be discovered.  So we decided to check out some new directions. Like  El Valle de Anton, inside the crater of the world’s second largest extinct volcano. (Whoa!) And for beaches and snorkeling along with fascinating wildlife we explored the Azueros Peninsula with its artisans and  Spanish influenced villages.

After witnessing troops of howler monkeys swinging through the trees, humpback whales breaching, and tropical land crabs swarming the beach, Beth feels pretty confident that we’re on the right track for a unique and wonderful new family adventure. Add to that: meeting a Diablo mask maker, pen pals with the local Embera kids, a walking tour of Casco Viejo, the old part of Panama City –  and of course the Panama Canal. The perfect recipe for an awesome adventure for all generations.

Call us now to book! We have space for your vacation week in February, March and April       800-262-6255