Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 6438-3130;
www.jungletreks.com
)
Run by a veteran naturalist guide, this recommended
outfitter specializes in expedition-style travel for groups of six or more. Destinations in-
clude Río Sambú and the Pacific coast. Custom trips are possible, with a three-day min-
imum. English-speaking.
Ancon Expeditions guided
TOUR
( 269-9415;
www.anconexpeditions.com
)
The sole operator in the Darién for many years,
Ancon is highly recommended for the quality and professionalism of their tours. Trips
run from four days to two weeks. Destinations include Ancon's private lodge in Punta
Patiño on the Pacific coast, the Río Sambú area and remote indigenous communities.
Special programs for bird-watchers and hikers are excellent.
Panama Exotic Adventures
TOUR
( in Panama City 223-9283;
www.panamaexoticadventures.com
)
With an ecolodge in Metetí
and longtime experience in the region, this French-run outfit offers three- to eight-day
trips with hands-on visits to indigenous communities, kayaking and outings. Ask about
tailor-made trips.
Information
Printed information on the Darién becomes rapidly outdated. Always seek up-to-date in-
formation, usually best from a guide who leads frequent trips to the area.
Local Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente (ANAM; National Environment Authority)
offices in towns such as Yaviza or La Palma can provide some information on the park
and potentially help you find guides (usually rangers with days off). Travelers must also
check in with the police in these towns before heading out into the jungle.
Panama City's Instituto Geográfico Nacional usually sells topographical maps for
some regions of the Darién.
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
The greatest hazard in the Darién is the difficult environment. Trails, when they exist at
all, are often poorly defined and are never marked. The many large rivers that form the
backbone of the Darién transportation network create their own hazards. Any help at all,
much less medical help, is very far away. If you get lost, you are done for. To minimize
these risks, it's recommended that you explore the Darién either as part of an organized
tour or with the help of a qualified guide.
Dengue and malaria are serious risks. Consult your doctor before you go about neces-
sary medication, and cover up as much as possible, especially at dawn and dusk. Areas of
