Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ADVENTURE IN NASO COUNTRY
On the border of Parque Internacional La Amistad and the proposed Naso reserva-
tion, a unique jungle lodging and sustainable tour operator is a recommended step
person day tour US$90, 2-day all inclusive package per person US$140)
, guests stay in stilted
thatched huts, eat traditional foods and immerse themselves in Naso culture.
The project, spearheaded by an ex-Peace Corps volunteer and her Naso hus-
band, has been lauded by travelers. It was created to offer the Naso people an al-
ternative income, bolster cultural self-esteem and protect natural resources in the
face of a massive hydroelectric project which is changing the nature of the area. A
highlight is a three-day trip up the Teribe river to the village of the Naso monarch.
There are also trips to San-San Pond Sak to see the manatees and search for
hatching turtles.
From Changuinola, it's a 30-minute taxi ride to the village of El Silencio, from
where there's river access to the lodging.
Sights
Before the US invasion of Panama in 1989, Wekso was named Pana-Jungla, and served
as a US-run survival school that trained Panamanian and international troops in jungle
warfare. Although it was disbanded in 1990 following the ousting of General Noriega,
the
ruins
of the old structures remain scattered around the Wekso grounds. Highlights in-
clude the barracks, mess hall, chapel, armory and the serpentarium.
Activities
Although most of Parque Internacional La Amistad is inaccessible, the park is home to a
recorded 90 mammal species (including six cat species) and more than 400 bird species
(including resplendent quetzals and harpy eagles).
Visitors can hire local guides for US$20 to US$30, depending on the length of the
hike. A 3.5km loop trail at Wekso cuts through secondary and virgin rainforest, with
good opportunities for wildlife-watching. You can also take a dip in the river (the current
is too fast for crocodiles), though be careful of the current. A network of trails link vari-
ous Naso communities together, though it's best to tackle these with a guide.
From Wekso, it's a five-hour hike into the Parque Internacional La Amistad. The
Caribbean side of La Amistad is much less developed than the Pacific side. You will
need to hire the services of local boaters and guides, and you must be completely self-
