Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Humedal de San-San Pond Sak
These relatively undiscovered wetlands (admission US$5) are located a mere 5km north of
central Changuinola, yet they harbor an incredible variety of tropical fauna. In addition
to sloths, river otters, white-faced monkeys, caimans, iguanas, sea turtles and poison-dart
frogs, the fresh waters of San-San are also one of the few known Central American habit-
ats for the manatee. It is well worth a visit to check out the manatee viewing center ,
which has somehow gone under the radar of the general public.
This protected area is administered by Aamvecona ( Click here ), a conservation or-
ganization consisting mainly of volunteers that works in close conjunction with ANAM.
Onsite, a free visitors center at the beach at the mouth of the Río San-San has displays
on wildlife. Prices for day tours vary. A manatee tour costs US$15 per person, but the
boat costs an additional US$60 (for up to 10 passengers) for a day tour. If you can, form
a group to keep costs down. There's basic lodging (US$20 per person) and lunch (US$5).
To arrange a trip, stop by the Changuinola ANAM office (Autoridad Nacional de Ambiente;
758-6603) or contact Aamvecona directly and speak with Kherson Ruiz.
Although it's possible to visit the wetlands in a day trip from Changuinola, the best
way to appreciate the area is to stay overnight. Located inside the park on a stunning wil-
derness beach is a rustic house on stilts, which has three simple rooms, cold-water
showers, a flush toilet (fed by rainwater) and a cooking area. However, the biggest perk
about staying here is that guests are allowed to accompany the rangers at night to observe
the turtle nesting sites.
Bring your own food and drink, as well as a sleeping bag or blanket - bedding is not
provided. You will also want to bring a mosquito net and bug spray as the sand fleas and
mosquitoes show no mercy.
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Parque Internacional La Amistad (Wekso)
The 4070-sq-km Parque Internacional La Amistad was established jointly in 1988 by
Panama and Costa Rica - hence its name, La Amistad (Friendship). In 1990 La Amistad
was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site and later became part of the greater Meso-
american Biological corridor. In Panama, the park covers portions of Chiriquí ( Click
here ) and Bocas del Toro Provinces, contains seven of the 12 classified life zones, and
serves as a refuge for a great number of endangered flora and fauna.
 
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