panama - Holbrook Travel

PANAMA
Brown-throated three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus)
Photo by Greg Basco
PANAMA
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
February 23 - March 5, 2017
At the junction of two continents and the gateway to
two oceans, Panama has long been appreciated for
its strategically important canal, but the country’s
extraordinary natural riches are quickly making it
a popular destination for travelers. On this 10 day
expedition with the Natural Resources Foundation of
Wisconsin, you’ll learn about ongoing conservation
efforts for the unique birds, butterflies, amphibians,
and marine wildlife that call Panama home. Expand
your knowledge with the help of Smithsonian
researchers. Discover the splendor of a tropical
ecosystem at Barro Colorado Island—the largest
forested island in the Panama Canal waterway. Spend
time birding on the Pipeline Road, tasting the cocoa
at an area chocolate farm, and relaxing in the trees at
the Canopy Lodge. For a country a little smaller than
South Carolina, Panama offers so much!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
•
Learn about sea turtle research in Bocas del Toro at the
Smithsonian field station.
•
Enjoy birding, kayaking, snorkeling, and even a visit to an
area chocolate farm.
•
Visit Barro Colorado Island, one of the most important
tropical research sites in the world.
•
Look for neotropical birds on the Pipeline Road, a premier
birding destination home to 400+ species.
•
Discover the important conservation work being
conducted in Anton Valley, a caldera of an extinct volcano.
•
Stroll through Panama City and learn about the many
cultural influences that shaped its history.
•
View firsthand the engineering marvel that is the Panama
Canal with a tour of Miraflores Lock.
holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111
ITINERARY
BLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
FEBRUARY 23 - PANAMA CITY
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to
your hotel. Overnight at Crowne Plaza Hotel.
FEBRUARY 24 - GAMBOA
After breakfast this morning depart for Costa del Este marshes
and then enjoy a visit and lecture on current research at
the Smithsonian Punta Culebra marine exhibition center
where you receive an introduction to marine science and
education, conservation and interpretation of marine coastal
environments. The center includes an open air museum,
touching pool, aquaria room, nurse sharks, turtle pond and
interpretive displays. There are two trails through a tropical
dry forest, a typical ecosystem of the Pacific side of central
America which is almost extinct today. After your exploration
visit the Miraflores locks where you will have lunch and learn
about the operation of the Panama Canal. Settle into the
Gamboa Resort later this afternoon. Overnight at Gamboa
Rainforest Resort. (BLD)
FEBRUARY 25 - GAMBOA
This morning depart early for a boat journey to Barro
Colorado Island in Gatun Lake, the largest forested island
in the Panama canal waterway, where you will have the
opportunity to discover the splendor of a humid tropical
forest. The island has been administered by Smithsonian
Tropical Research Institute since 1923. Before returning to
the field station for lunch and a lecture by a Smithsonian
investigator, enjoy walking the trails to observe plants,
mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects and learn
about the fascinating research going on here. Overnight at
Gamboa Rainforest Resort. (BLD)
FEBRUARY 26 - GAMBOA
Spend today with early birding on the Pipeline Road and
Rainforest Discovery Center in neighboring Soberania
National Park. Then travel to the Summit Botanical Gardens
and Zoo to meet with conservation staff. Ride the aerial
tram at Gamboa late this afternoon. Overnight at Gamboa
Rainforest Resort. (BLD)
FEBRUARY 27 - ANTON VALLEY
After breakfast head to one of the many productive birding
trails in the area. After lunch visit El Nispero Zoo and the
Anton Valley Amphibian Conservation Center for a visit and
a lecture about their conservation work. Overnight at Canopy
Lodge. (BLD)
FEBRUARY 28 - ANTON VALLEY
This morning after breakfast visit Aprovaca; founded in
2001, Aprovaca is a private organization dedicated to the
conservation of native Panamanian orchid species in danger
of extinction. Learn about conservation efforts and explore
the facilities. Next visit a second private organization,
Butterfly Haven. This community based project is dedicated
to teaching best practices for gardening and yard maintenance
to support local butterfly populations. Return to the Canopy
Tower Lodge for lunch and afternoon of birding at the lodge.
Overnight at Canopy Lodge. (BLD)
MARCH 1 - BOCAS DEL TORO
Depart early for the two hour drive to the Albrook Airport
and the flight to Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival at the airport
you will be met by your naturalist guide from Tranquilo Bay
and transferred to the dock to board a boat for the transfer to
the lodge. This afternoon learn about area sea turtle research at
the Smithsonian field station from a staff member. Overnight
at Tranquilo Bay Lodge. (BLD)
MARCH 2 - BOCAS DEL TORO
Morning excursion to Isla Popa to look for plentiful birds
and mammals. Return to the lodge for lunch and a siesta
before the afternoon walk to a winding spring creek, a favorite
spot for late afternoon hummingbird bathing. Overnight at
Tranquilo Bay Lodge. (BLD)
MARCH 3 - BOCAS DEL TORO
Visit an area chocolate farm. This afternoon there will be
time for optional activities, including birding, kayaking or
snorkeling. Overnight at Tranquilo Bay Lodge. (BLD)
MARCH 4 - PANAMA CITY
Travel to the Bocas del Toro airport this morning for the
midday flight back to Panama City. Afternoon visit to
Metropolitan Park and the Canopy Crane. Early farewell
dinner with folkloric dancing at Las Tinajas. Overnight at
Crowne Plaza Hotel. (BLD)
MARCH 5
Transfer to the airport for flights back to the U.S. (B)
PROGRAM PRICING
$4,150 (12 participants)
Cost includes accommodations, activities and in-country
transportation as mentioned in the itinerary, entrance fees, meals
including non-alcoholic beverages, internal flights, full-time
guide for duration of program, $300 donation to NRF, and
carbon offset.
Cost does not include items of a personal nature, gratuities, or
international airfare. International airfare from Madison, WI is
estimated at $875. Other departure cities are available.
THE FINE PRINT
Price is based on double occupancy; single rooms may be available
at an additional cost of $1,150. A $200 per person deposit and
enrollment form is required to secure your space on the trip.
This deposit is refundable until November 20, 2016 excluding
a $100 cancellation fee. Final payments are due no later than
November 20, 2016. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly
recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800243-3174. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL:
Contact Debbie Sturdivant Jordan at debbie@holbrooktravel.com or 866-748-6146
Visit holbrook.travel/nrfpanama