Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TROPIC STAR LODGE
Overlooking Bahía Piña on the Pacific Coast, near the southern tip of the Darién,
4-night per person nonfishing/fishing package from US$2280/3550; )
boasts the most
International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world records. No expense has been
spared in creating this remote luxury lodge. With everything done just right, there's
a sense of camaraderie among guests, many of whom are professional sportfish-
ers, millionaires and celebrities.
Stand-alone cabins have modern conveniences and satellite TV. Immaculate
grounds with dramatic ocean views invite guests to lounge in manicured gardens,
wade in the palm-shaded pool and dine on the catch of the day in the sophisticated
bar-restaurant. There's even a 'palace' built onsite by a Texas oil tycoon as his
home away from home in 1961.
Of course, all of this shouldn't distract you from why you're really here - to fish.
The lodge's fleet of 31ft Bertrams, the Ferraris of sportfishing boats, are outfitted
with top-notch gear and manned by some of the best captains in the world.
Packages include the use of a boat with a captain and mate, all meals, and fish-
ing tackle and leaders. Rates vary according to the number of people on the boat.
Cost increases in winter (December to March).
Tropic Star arranges charter flights (extra) to and from Panama City.
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Río Sambú
The mouth of the wide, brown
Río Sambú
is 1½ hours by boat south of Punta Patiño.
Boats pass through spectacular jungle, gliding past traditional Emberá and Wounaan vil-
lages. Fortitude is a must. You will have to deal with hours on board under a broiling
tropical sun with leaking gasoline cans onboard. Minor hardships include a lack of
showers and toilets, and the abundance of creepy crawlies and biting insects. But a trip
up the Río Sambú offers true adventure.
It is essential to bring gasoline from La Palma to fuel the canoe that you'll hire up-
river. At night, you can make camp with a tent or a jungle hammock or arrange to sleep
on the floor of an Emberá or Wounaan family home. If you can speak Spanish, finding a
host family for the night isn't difficult, and even getting a hot meal is easy. Rates will
start at around US$10 per person for shelter and US$5 for a meal.
If you speak Spanish, boats and guides can be hired in La Palma, but once you reach
the Río Sambú, you'll need to hire another guide and a separate, smaller
piragua
to nav-
