Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Once on the river you'll pass hills blanketed with rainforest and intermittent water-
falls. The backdrop is the glorious Talamanca range and the jungle comes all the way
down to the river. After about 45 minutes on the river, a sign on the right bank announces
your arrival at Wekso.
WORTH A TRIP
TURTLE PATROL IN SAN-SAN POND SAK
There are only eight sea-turtle species in the world and half of those can be found
nesting in the Archipiélago de Bocas del Toro, primarily on the long beaches on the
northern side of Isla Bastimentos. The loggerheads appear from April to Septem-
ber, the leatherbacks in May and June, the hawksbills in July and the greens in July
and August.
Sea turtles leave the water only to lay their eggs. Two months after the eggs are
laid, the hatchlings break loose from their shells, leave their sandy nests and enter
the sea - if they are not stolen or first eaten by raccoons, birds or dogs. Many
hatchlings, which are guided to the sea by moonlight, die because people using
flashlights unintentionally steer the tiny turtles into the rainforest, where they may
be preyed upon, get lost or die from starvation.
Human predators and the encroachment of development may be their greatest
obstacle. Throughout Panama, many communities still eat turtles and their eggs,
greatly contributing to turtles' dwindling populations.
The community-based organization
Aamvecona
(Association of Friends & Neighbors of
the Coast & its Environment; 6494-5001;
www.aamvecona.org
)
, based in the Humedal de
San-San Pond Sak, is working toward turtle preservation, with projects active
between February and July. This location is known as the most important nesting
ground for leatherback turtles in the entire southeastern Caribbean. Aamvecona
accepts volunteers on turtle nesting and hatching projects. It also offers nature
tours and has inaugurated a small cabin for visitors.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Las Delicias
Set in rainforest hills, the small indigenous community of Las Delicias lies along the
Sixaola River, 20km from the Costa Rican border crossing at Guabito. The community
has shifted its income source from harvesting and logging to preservation and ecotour-
ism. Visiting is one way you can make a positive contribution. Attractions include water-
