PORTOBELO NATIONAL PARK SAN LORENZO PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AND PROTECTED FOREST
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Ways 1- Camino Real 2- Der Graben 3- Water tunnel of love Bommunity 4- Portobelo Beach 5- Huerta 6- French 7- Puerto León 8- Isla Mamey 9- Isla Grande 10- Blanca Cooperative 11- COTMIGRA 12- COTAPUL,R.L. 13- COOPTRASANTI,R.L. 14- Portobelo und Escuelita del Ritmo
6 identified organizations related to the sustainable Tourism development of these 2 PAs (2 in BPPP SL and 4 in PNP).
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Presentation
Green tourism is an opportunity to promote the appreciation and value of our protected areas and to generate economic benefits for the communities with the cooperation of the private sector. It also increases revenues in protected areas so that they can be reinvested in conservation and management, as well as in the prevention and mitigation of negative impacts that may be generated. In addition, it can be a dynamic element for the rural communities of the country, mainly for the benefit of young people and women. The mission of green tourism is sustainable and a low impact development that supports conservation efforts and optimizes the socio-economic benefits of the population, ensuring tourism competitiveness under shared and effective leadership. The vision up to 2026 for Panama is to become a regional leader in responsible green tourism and a catalyst of the private sector and the communities surrounding the protected areas. This is one of the specific objectives of the Green Tourism Action Plan 2016-2026. These communities are part of four Green Tourism Destinations; aside from the destinations discussed in this catalog, the other three would be: Canal Area, Highlands and Archipelagos. The Central Caribbean is a Green Tourism Destination where virgin nature mixes with the world historical legacy of the drums and flavors of the Congo and Rural Culture. It is located in the San Lorenzo Protected Landscape and Protected Forest (BPPP SL) and Portobelo National Park (PNP). Both Protected Areas were declared Cultural and Historical World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. In the BPPP SL are located the San Lorenzo Castle which dates from 1597, a section of the French Channel and the Real de Chagres (River). In the Portobelo National Park there is a cluster of 13 Historical Monuments being the most important ones the Royal Custom House, the San Geronimo Fort, the Ruins of the Castles of Santiago de la Gloria and San Felipe, as
1 well as several houses of what used to be the colonial city inserted in a bay full of history and Congo culture and currently the Rural Culture. In San Lorenzo Protected Landscape and Protected Forest, there are 12 different types of forests with almost 600 species of vertebrates, one third of all that are known in Panama, including 430 birds and 81 mammals. Regarding forest cover, a third of the area of the Portobelo National Park corresponds to natural forest vegetation and an equal area to mature forest (33%), a minimum part of intervened forest (5%) and a third part of open areas and three types of vegetation namely forests, mangroves and flood areas (29%). There are 158 species of mammals in 34 families, 310 species of birds in 55 families, which include 53 migratory species. The people who live in these areas are very happy, warm, hospitable, sincere, simple and helpful. Its gastronomy is very varied, cocada de la reina, enyucado, yucca pie, tuna, marshmallow, meat croquette, tuna sandwich, fish ceviche, empanada, Pati and Pan bon, all kinds of Caribbeanstyle seafood, pickle, sao, coconut rice, coconut and pigeon pea rice, pigeon pea rice, patacones stuffed with seafood, patacones, vegetable salads, coconut water, saril, chicken sancocho, chicken rice, potato salad, temptation banana, jerky, fried and smoked pork, fried yucca, tortillas, and pastry
2
Content Protected Areas that make up the Central Caribbean (General Description) Protected Forest and Protected Landscape San Lorenzo (BPPP SL). National Park Portobelo (PNP). Access How to get? and Transfer Times vs. Distance
3 3 3 3 4
General Rules of Behavior in Protected Areas.
4
Establishments with Sustainability Certification
6
Accommodations
8
Restaurants.
8
Tour Operators.
8
Air Transport.
8
Certified Tourist Guides.
8
Organizations of the Social Economy.
8
Tourist activities.
9
Walking trails.
9
Contact with Local Culture.
13
Tours, Circuits / Routes, Itineraries.
14
How to prepare your backpack to do ecotourism.
19
Emergency numbers.
20
Protected Areas (APs) that form the Central Caribe Coast (General Description) San Lorenzo Protected Landscape and Protected Forest (BPPP SL) • Created in 1997, it protects 12,000 hectares and is part of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Canal Forest (Tropical Humid Forest). Located in the province of Colon, Costa Abajo, it has 12 different forest habitats: it is home to 436 species of birds, as well as some large mammals in danger of extinction, such as the jaguar and the mountain male. The suggested carrying capacity for the trails in the Protected Areas varies from 10 to 15 people; however, certified guides handle groups of up to 9 people as per recommendation. Depending on the path, there should be 30 minutes to 1 hour between groups and this should be consulted with the Park Ranger. Group flows should be every 30 minutes to 1 hour, consulting with the Park Ranger, depending on the path. • San Lorenzo Castle date from 1597, Section of the French Canal and El Real de Chagres (River) was declared a Historic and Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. • Defense batteries of Panama Canal, former Sherman military base of the US Army, which operated on the site from 1911 to 1999 •
It has trails such as: El Pavón (Observation Tower), Tortuguilla, path to the San Lorenzo Pier, El Trogón and Achiote Road (Record number of 357 species of birds in a single day), Local Gastronomy and Achiote Community
• Annual rainfall ranges from 1,850 to 3,400 millimeters with an average annual temperature of 26°C • Summer from December to April and Winter from May to November
3
Access How to get there? Travel time vs Distance Panama City: Take the North Corridor by Route 9. Before the Tinajitas exit turn right and continue until entering Alberto Motta Highway. When in Ciudad Colon take the route to Sherman, cross the Panama Canal Lock and get the Ferry that goes by Gatun Lake. It is located approximately 2 hours from Panama City and is 99 kilometers away Portobelo National Park (PNP) • It was created in 1976 and covers 35,929 hectares in Colon Province, Costa Arriba. Its beautiful coastline of 70 kilometers long starts in San Cristobal Bay at north, and ends in Buenaventura Bay at south. There are important coral reefs, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and beaches of important landscape value where 4 species of marine turtle nest every year. • It was declared Historical and Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980; it has a cluster of 13 Historical Monuments being the most important ones the Royal Custom House, the San Geronimo Fort, the Ruins of the Santiago de la Gloria and San Felipe castles, as well as several houses of what used to be the colonial city inserted in a bay full of history and Congo culture and currently the Rural Culture. • Devils Festival, Congo Pollera and Religious Activities related to the Cristo Negro and the Jesus de Nazareno Sanctuary • There are different trails, namely La Trinchera and Camino Real in Isla Grande. Beaches as Huerta, Puerto Francés, Blanca, Mamey Island. Places like the Love Tunnel, selling of handicrafts, local gastronomy and Portobelo town
4 • Annual average rainfall is 3,644 millimeters and average annual temperature of 26.5°C
• It is forbidden any action that violates the natural condition of the site
• Historically, February and March are the most dry months and October – November the most rainy
• The visitor should follow the instructions given by person in charge for keeping order and safety in the beach. This person should wear uniform and identification
• During 19 consecutive years, it reached world records that culminated in the year 1996, when in a single day 525 species of birds were counted. Among them is the presence of the threatened crested eagle (Morphnus guianensis), the spectacular red-backed parrots (Amazona autumnalis) and different species of colorful trogons such as the violet trogon (Trogon violaceus). • With an annual average temperature of 27ºC and a precipitation of 2,000 millimeters per year.
Access How to get there? Travel time vs Distance Panama City: Take the North Corridor by Route 9. Before the Tinajitas exit turn right and continue until entering Alberto Motta Highway up to Route 3, Boyd Rooselt road in the Sabatinas Cross turn right to Portobelo Road. It is located approximately 2 hours from Panama City and is 95 kilometers away.
General Rules of Behavior in Protected Areas • General Recommendations • Opening hour for visitors is from 08:00 to 16:00 hours • Visitor should remember that this is a protected area of great ecologic, cultural, and historic value and that minimum regulations for its preservation should be respected • Allowed activities: sun bathing, swimming, snorkeling (only in places authorized for such purpose) and wildlife watching • • Visitors to follow instructions of tour guides • Visitors to use biodegradable sunscreen when entering the water and performing aquatic activities
• It is not allowed to collect or extract natural resources from the beach, namely seashells, snails, sand and stones or extracting pieces with historic archeological value as these are National Heritage
5 • Bonfires are forbidden • Fishing from the beach is forbidden • As the surrounding ecosystems are fragile and the space is limited no playing football or volleyball is allowed • Radios or making noise that might disrupt the environment and drive away wild animals is forbidden • It is forbidden to touch, manipulate or feed wild animals • In certain beaches and during spawning season of marine turtles the access to the beach during the night is forbidden except for tours organized by qualified personnel for observing the spawning. • Any action that disturbs the natural condition of the place is forbidden • It is not allowed camping or spending the night in the beaches • Litter is forbidden. Visitors to dispose of their waste in places designated for this purpose • It is forbidden to bring and consume alcoholic beverages and drugs • The beach site should have lifeguards duly certified in rescue and first aid.
6 Venues with Sustainability Certificates Sustainable Tourism concept states that “are those tourism activities that respect the natural, cultural and social environment as well as the values of a community that allow the enjoyment of a positive exchange of experiences between residents and visitors; the relation between tourists and community is fair and the benefits of the activity is shared equally where visitors have a participatory attitude in their travel experience
Sustainable Tourism concept states that “are those tourism activities that respect the natural, cultural and social environment as well as the values of a community that allow the enjoyment of a positive exchange of experiences between residents and visitors; the relation between tourists and community is fair and the benefits of the activity is shared equally where visitors have a participatory attitude in their travel experience
7
8 Accommodations 33 Accommodations (14 hotels, 2 boarding houses, 3 cabins, 10 hostels, 3 Bungalows and 1 shelter
Restaurants 71 Food and beverage facilities
Tour Operators 13 Travel agencies and 4 tour operators.
Air Transport Currently the Enrique Adolfo Jimenez Airport is not operating
Certified Tourist Guides 12 guides in the province (11 general ones and 1 specialized)
Social Economy Organizations 6 organizations related with sustainable tourism development have been identified (2 in BPPP SL and 4 in PNP) San Lorenzo Protected Landscape and Protected Forest There are 2 organizations related with the development of sustainable tourism, the Centro de Estudio y Acción Social Panameño (CEASPA) and the Grupo Los Rapaces.
9 Portobelo National Park There are four organizations related with the development of sustainable tourism, the Cooperativa de Transporte Acuatico Santiago de la Gloria R. L (COOPTRASANTI, R. L), Cooperativa Taxis Acuatico de Puerto Lindo, R. L (COTAPUL, R. L.,) Cooperativa de Transporte Marítimo de Isla Grande (COTMIGRA R. L) AND Fundación Bahía Portobelo – Escuelita del Ritmo, which promote Portobelo cultural development and related communities
Tourism Activities Walking trails Camino de Cruces National Park Sun and Beach San Lorenzo Protected Landscape and Protected Forest There are several beaches, as Tortuguilla, but no swimming is allowed because of the strong currents and narrowness of continental platform Portobelo National Park Blanca Beach: It takes 25 minutes to get there after taking a boat in Santiago Fortress and sometimes there is a tour around the Isla del Padre. The water in the beach is turquoise green and so clear that it is constantly visited mainly by local tourists. There is no water or toilets. Adequate for snorkel but you have to bring along your equipment. French Port. It takes 15 minutes to get there after taking a boat in Fuerte de Santiago. This a turquoise water beach with slight waves, fine and white sand an a nearby forest where you can see howlers and white face monkeys. It is bird watching paradise. Huerta Beach. It takes 10 minutes to get there after taking a boat in Santiago Fortress. It is on the other side of the Portobelo Bay, quite little and with clear green and turquoise water. It is
10 surrounded by a dense forest and there is space for camping. Great for snorkeling and watching eels, barracudas and morays. Bring along your equipment Mamey Island. To get to this beautiful island you have to go to Puerto Lindo passing by Portobelo and Nuevo Tonosi villages. In the Nombre de Dios Crossing park your vehicle and take a boat to the island. The beach is approximately 100 meters long, with white sand and green turquoise water. Adequate for snorkel but bring along your equipment. Love Tunnel. Take a boat in Puerto Lindo and travel approximately 40 minutes. A mangrove ecosystem that looks like a tunnel can be observed, hence its name. You pass Puerto Lindo to Cacique and return by sea to Mamey Island beach.
Hiking San Lorenzo Protected Landscape and Protected Forest El Pavón Trail. (Observation Tower) This trail is located in the first 4 kilometers of the road to El Castillo to the left. It is 1 km long and reaches a high part where there is an observation platform of the landscape. There is a picnic area. It is mostly flat exception made of the last 100 mts of 3 to 4 meters high which demands a medium physical effort. The forest area is relaxing and adequate for environmental education, bird watching and contemplation of wildlife. Ideal for family groups and students. Tortuguilla Trail. Former secondary military gravel road. Approximately 5 kms after the entrance to AP and to the right there is a road to San Lorenzo Castle. It is 3 to 4 meters wide and 1.4 km long ending in Tortuguilla Beach. The condition of the trail is regular as there are some holes. It descends to the beach and the return demands a medium level of physical effort. El Trogon Trail. Its total length is 950 meters in a number 8 shape. It has two 600 meters circuits and another of 350 meters. The trail demands maintenance and the surrounding area has
lost tree cover. Serious efforts are made for its preservation. It demands a low physical effort to cross it. Achiote Trail. Ornithologists groups use this trail for bird watching in a 2 km path. It starts near the Escobal Cross and Achiote Community. It demands low physical effort. It still does not have sidewalks for greater safety Portobelo National Park Camino Real Trail. It is located after Nuevo Tonosi Settlement then at the left you pass the Corozal Fonda and at approximately 100 meters to the right you turn to a rural road for agriculture access. If riding a 4 x 4 you can cover only 3 kilometers and at that point you should ask permissioon for parking in nearby farms. Walk 3 km up the Casacajal River. At the right there is a group of perfectly placed rocks, one near the other forming a line along the trail showing the evidence of the road. The route is on this river and you need adequate shoes that will get wet and walking over stones. The round trip takes 4 hours and it demans a high physical effort. La Trinchera Trail. Entrance to this trail is at the end of the Street that takes to the Health Ministry in Portobelo, just behind Captain Jack´s Lodging. Distance is 0.8 km. Difficulty level is medium and ends in a viewpoint (220 masl) where can be seen the cannons used to protect the Bay from the attack of pirates and corsairs. Climbing takes approximately 45 minutes
Bear in mind the following regulations for practicing this activity The route can only be made with credited local guides specialized in the biodiversity of the zone. No person shall enter on his own account nor shall be separated from the groups. Visitor to bear in mind that is entering in a protected area of great historic cultural ecological value and that should respect some minimum regulations to preserve the environment.
11 Tours are only limited to authorized trails. It is forbidden to abandon the trail It is forbidden to scratch tree trunks or rocks in any area of the public use zone Visitors to observe instructions received from the guides It is forbidden any action that violates the natural condition of the site It is forbidden to enter and consume alcoholic beverages and drugs. Smoking is forbidden Natural resources cannot be collected or extracted.
Please take note of regulations for the performance of this activity a) Snorkeling to be made in areas designated for this purpose b) Only four groups per day are allowed in snorkeling zones at 8:00, 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 c) In each area there will be points designated by level of experience. Those less experienced should visit less fragile and more impact resistant sites. d) Tour operators, boat operators, guides and instructors using dive and snorkeling zones of AP should be formally registered in a data base. e) Boats should compulsorily use buoys and avoid using anchors
No radios or making noises that can disturb the environment and scare wild animals are allowed.
f) Groups per site should not be over 12 persons including the guide
It is forbidden to touch, manipulate or feed wild animals
g) Schedule for public is from 08.00 to 16:00 hours
Signs, benches, viewpoints and other elements of public use should be taken care Littering is forbidden. Visitors to place waste in places designated for this purpose It is forbidden to touch, manipulate, bother or feed wild animals
Snorkel
h) Each group can only remain at the most for two hours. i) Visitors should have the ticket bought in the entrance check point or from corresponding park ranger which can be used only once for entering each destination j) Those engaging in snorkeling should attend an introductory talk given by the guide of the tour operator which shall emphasize the use of good practices for minimum impact due to those activities
Portobelo National Park
k) Good practices include the following
Snorkeling is allowed in Blanca, Puerto Frances, Huerta Beaches, Mamey and Isla Grande Islands
• Not standing on the coral reefs • No touching, removing or taking any aquatic organism either
12 alive or dead • No touching, manipulating or walking on coral reefs and keep a 1.5 meters distance from coral formations • No flapping when at less than 25 cm from the bottom to avoid removal of deposits and direct impact on organisms
Please take into consideration the following regulation for this activity a) The route can only be made with credited local guides specialized in the biodiversity of the zone. b) No person shall enter on his own account nor shall separate from the groups.
• Do not use gloves or knives • Only use biodegradable suntan or protection lotions when immersing
Visit to historic and archeological sites
c) Visitor to bear in mind that is entering in a protected area of great historic cultural ecological value and that should respect some minimum regulations to preserve the environment . d) Only authorized trails can be toured. It is forbidden to leave the trail e) It is forbidden to scratch trees or rocks in any public use zone
San Lorenzo Protected Landscape and Protected Forest f) Visitors to follow instructions given by guides Visit to San Lorenzo Castle. This is a defensive point located in the Chagres River mouth which dates from 1597. It has undergone different changes. It was used as a military fortress until Spaniards left. This structure along with 22 cannons kept in the site is an example of the Spanish military architecture used at that time. It is located 7 km away from the AP entrance. Riding a vehicle is allowed up to the parking lot. Afterwards there is a 45 minutes walking, a low physical effort.
Portobelo National Park Visit to Portobelo Settlement and a Cluster of 13 Historical Monuments (CMH). The main Portobelo attraction is the cultural one and it was declared in 1980 as a World Heritage mainly for the Cluster of Historical Monuments (CMH) formed by: 1) San Geronimo Fortress and Battery 2) Santiago Fortress House, 3) Alta Battery 4) Bajas Batteries, 5)San Fernando Fort House, 6) Ruins of the primitive Santiago Fort Trench, 7) Buena Aventura Batteries, 8) Farnesio Ruins of the Trench in the Gunpowder House, 9) Custom House, 10) San Cristobal walled Bastion and other ruins. Additionally, the Jesus de Nazareno of Portobelo Sanctuary.
g) Any action hat harms the natural condition of the site is forbidden. h) Carrying and consuming alcoholic beverages and drugs is forbidden i) Smoking is forbidden j) No natural resources can be collected or extracted k) It is forbidden the use of radios or making noise that can disturb the environment and drive away wild animals m) It is forbidden to touch, manipulate or feed wild animals n) Take care of the public use facility, namely signs, benches, viewpoints and others o)No littering. Visitors should carry their waste and dispose of it in places designated for this purpose
13 Contact with local culture San Lorenzo Protected Landscape and Protected Forest This contact can be made in nearby communities (Cuipo and Escobales) and particularly in Achiote Community where the Los Rapaces group can be contacted for bird watching; they are duly trained for this purpose Portobelo National Park There is a direct contact with members of the Settlement when visiting the Cluster of 13 Historical Monuments of this AP. You will also have contact with members of the Cooperativa de Transporte Maritimo de Isla Grande (COTMIGRA) which has 55 members, Cooperativa de Taxis Acuatico de Puerto Lindo, R. L. (COTAPUL, R. L) which has 25 members or with the Cooperativa de Transporte Acuatico Santiago de la Gloria R. L (COOPTRASANTI, R. L ) which has 21 members Additionally, the Casa Congo Museum and the Portobelo Craft Workshop, Portobelo Bay and the Escuelita del Ritmo can be visited. This last project is unique in the country for children interested in using their artistic abilities
Please bear in mind following regulations for this activity. a) Find out local customs and traditions prior visiting the Community b) Find out if there are celebrations, traditions, or anniversaries in which you can participate prior visiting. c) Follow the instructions of the guide regarding how to behave. d) Before and during the visit ask regarding behavior rules and allowed or not allowed behavior of the visitors e) Pay heed to guide’s instructions regarding behavior to observe during the visit
f) Keep a respectful attitude regarding local customs and traditions g) Interact in community environment with a positive attitude and a nice smile h) Pay heed to behavior guides shown in signs i) When uncertain what to do please ask if the action can be taken as a lack of respect j) Keep a respectful, participative, and observant attitude and do not express value judgment or criticize situations which world view you are not familiar with k) Always respect and protect cultural attributes that make these destinations an unique place and mainly cultural expressions of religious, musical, artistic, arquitectonic and gastronomic aspects l) Alwas ask permision to take pictures
14 Tours, Circuits, Routes, Schedules Name of the Circuit / Route
Visit the trails of the San Lorenzo Protected Landscape and Protected Fores, Achiote Community, Summit Municipal Park and Trails of the Camino de Cruces Natiolnal Park
Specifications
Detail
Hours
Duration (days)
1 day
12 hours
Link with others
15 Circuits / Routes (5 of 2 days, 10 of 1 day, departing from Panama) - Destination Canal Zone, Destination Highlands and Destination Archipelagos Departure from Panama City and transfer to Colon
5:00 - 6:00 a.m.
Itinerary
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Arrival at BPPP SL
(Circuits / Routes)
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Visit to Castillo de San Lorenzo. An incredible view of the past.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 pm.
(L) Lunch. Typical food of the area.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Visit to CEASPA, Way and Community of Achiote. Contact with local culture, visit to trails and observation of flora and fauna (birds).
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Transfer to Panama City Protected Forest and Protected Landscape San Lorenzo (Hiking), Contact with Local Culture (Comunidad de Achiote). Tour of the Summit Municipal Park and Path of the Camino de Cruces National Park Viewpoint of the Panama Canal. Identification of the Park
8:00
Visit to Pavón and Tortuguilla Trails. Where you can see birds, wildlife and part of the 12 types of ecosystems in the area.
10
3:00 pm. - 5:00 pm.
15 National and attributes
Guide, B (1), L (1), Income to Parks, Other income and Land Transport. Level of Physical Effort Low - Medium.
Nota: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch y D = Diner
Name of the Circuit / Route
Visita a los Sitios Arqueológicos e Históricos y Playas del Parque Nacional Portobelo
Specifications
Detail
Hours
Duration (days)
1 day
12 hours
Link with others
15 Circuits / Routes (5 of 2 days, 10 of 1 day, departing from Panama) - Destination Canal Zone, Destination Highlands and Destination Archipelagos)
(Circuits / Routes)
Departure from Panama City and arrival in Portobelo
5:00 – 7:00 a.m.
Itinerary
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Tour of Historic Monumental Complex and the Town. Where you can take a look at the past.
8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Visit to Beaches (You can choose: Playa Blanca - Playa Puerto Francés or Playa Huerta or combine - 6 hours with Lunch) (L)
10:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Return to Panama City of Panama
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Identification of the National Park and attributes
National Park Portobelo (Contact with Local Culture), Visit to Archaeological and Historical Sites, Visit to Beaches and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno
Number of people (including guide)
10
16 It includes
Guide, B (1), L (1), Income to Parks, Other income and Land Transport. Level of Low Physical Effort.
Nota: B = Breakfast y L = Lunch. Name of the Circuit / Route
Visit to the Archaeological and Historical Sites and Beaches of the Portobelo National Park
Specifications
Detail
Hours
Duration (days)
1 day
13 hours
Link with others
15 Circuits / Routes (5 of 2 days, 10 of 1 day, departing from Panama) - Destination Canal Zone, Destination Highlands and Destination Archipelagos)
(Circuits / Routes)
- Playa Puerto Francés or Playa Huerta or combine. All of them with calm and crystal clear turquoise waters and islands full of vegetation.
Departure from Panama City and Transfer to Portobelo
5:00 – 7:00 a.m.
Itinerary
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Route of the La Trinchera Trail. Where you can see the bay of Portobelo, the Valley of the Media Luna, the bay of Buena Ventura, from the viewpoint and you will go back to the past.
8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Tour of Portobelo, La Aduana, Battery of San Jerónimo, Casa Fuerte de Santiago. Sites of protection of the Spaniards of corsairs and pirates, by the commerce and the gold that was stored and transported from that area.
11:00 – 12:00 p.m
Beaches of Portobelo (You can choose: Playa Blanca
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Salida y retorno a Ciudad de Panamá
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
17 Identification of the National Park and attributes
National Park Portobelo (Contact with Local Culture), Visit to Archaeological and Historical Sites, Hiking, Visit to Beaches and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno
Amount of people
10
(Including guide)
Guide, B (1), L (1), Income to Parks, Other income and Land Transport. Level of Average Physical Effort
It includes
Name of the Circuit / Route
Visit to the Archaeological and Historical Sites, Trails and Beaches of the Portobelo National Park
Specifications
Detail
Hours
Duration (days)
2 days
37 hours
Linking with others (Circuits / Routes)
15 Circuits / Routes (4 of 2 days, 10 of 1 day, departing from Panama) - Destination Canal Zone, Destination Highlands and Destination Archipelagos)
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Panama City and arrival at PNP
5:00 - 7:00 a.m.
Typical breakfast in Portobelo. (B)
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Route of the Camino Real Trail (L) Lunch on site.
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Transfer to Isla Grande, visit to the path of the Lighthouse, where you can see a spectacular view of the island and Costa Arriba de Colon, then return to bathe in the crystal clear and calm waters of this island. And you can appreciate a dream sunset.
2:00 p.m. onwards
18 (D) in Hotel or restaurant of the locality with seafood specialties.
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Day 2: (B) In Hotel, typical and international food.
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Transfer to Puerto Lindo, travel through the Tunnel of Love (you will appreciate a natural shape of a tunnel in the middle of mangroves) and visit to Playa and Isla Mamey, enjoy a magnificent beach with crystal clear waters, turquoise green and lush island vegetation.
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch (L) in Portobelo. With seafood specialties with a Caribbean flavor.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Visit to Huerta Beach. In these beautiful crystalline, turquoise green waters, you can practice snorkeling.
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Return to Panama City
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Identification of the Park
National Park Portobelo (Contact with Local Culture), Visit to Archaeological and Historical Sites, Hiking, Visit to Playas Huerta, Mamey, Isla Grande and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno
National and attributes
10
Amount of people
Guide, B (2), L (2), D (1) Income to Parks, Other income and Land Transport. Level of Medium - High Physical Effort.
(Including guide) It includes
19
How to prepare your backpack for ecotourism General recommendations
a) Clothing - Comfortable and light that is fresh cotton, with colors of easy (2 or 1 day as appropriate), camouflage, not to scare the animals and do not use denim clothes. b) Shoes - With which you feel comfortable with anti slip sole and good traction, with ankle support. c) Bag type camel bag for water - it is the most comfortable and recommended for walks. d) Binoculars (optional) - Every good observer of nature must have it as an essential tool to enjoy the experience. e) Sandals, hat and sunglasses. f) Sunscreen and repellent. g) Camera or video and cell phone. h) Sheltered to cover the cold air conditioners. i) Poncho or raincoat. j) Backpack. k) Focus - preferably of those that are placed on the head. l) Medicines for personal use. m) Clothing to change.
20 Access and Mobility of the Protected Priority Areas ACCESS AND MOBILITY OF PRIORITY PROTECTED AREAS 400000
500000
600000
700000
4
59 .14
Colón
San Lorenzo Protection Forest
Caribbean Sea 16
.56
8 12.9
Colón
46.62
15
Camino de Cruces National Park
Comarca Emberá Wounann
25.5
6
.0
53
Veraguas
900000
5
80.0
30.06
21.3
98.3
9
4
88.5
Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park
900000
7
Darién Comarca Emberá Wounann
Pacific Ocean
Coiba National Park
800000
Ya la
.61
1
6
na
.2
13.1
Ku
19
2
43.59
25.4
Coclé
rca
Panamá
Soberania National Park
128.2
2
7.44
49.9
18
61.03
Comarca Ngäbe Buglé
Chiriquí
National Park Oeste 8 .1 Altos de 22 Campana
3
.41
35
1
8
.4
Panamá
General National Division Park Omar Torrijos Herrera
.55 105
Volcán Barú Nationalpark
7 30.6
.1
28
9
ma
15
.2
40.41
Co
.7
La Amistad Internationaler Park
79
18.3
.37
. 23
Distance from protected areas to Panama City in (Km) Volcano to Panama City Cerro Punta to Panama City Boquete to Panama City Boca Chica to Panama City Puerto Vidal to Panama City Puerto Mutis to Panama City GDOTHNP to Panama City
Access roads (km) Panamerican Highway Other Roads 300000
400000
500000
600000
501.1 511.78 481.14 417.25 334.87 270.71 207.96
PNAC to Panama City Protected landscape from San Lorenzo to Panama City San Lorenzo protection forest to Panama City Portobelo National Park to Panama City Chagres National Park to Panama City Soberanía National Park to Panama City Camino de Cruces National Park to Panama City
700000
+507 475-7031 911
Fire Department
103
Emergency Phones Red Cross *455 Social Security 503-2532 o 503-6000 Mi Colon Regional environment for protected Forest and protected landscape San Lorenzo +507 442-8346 and National Park of Portobelo
Sinaproc *335 o 316-3200 Colon Province, Colón District, Sabanitas Corregimiento, Via Transístmica, PH Sandinistas Building, next to Mc Donalds, Panama.
800000
Republic of ColombiaA
900000
Protected areas in the four (4) green tourism destinations
Central Caribbean Catalog Columbus Police Ambulance
69.54 110.57 113.14 126.74 34.94 28.43 17.03
800000
7
´
ChagresNational Park 2
0.8
15.3
900000
4.4
15
1000000
Bocas del Toro
6 23.2
Republic of Costa Rica
Protected Landscape San Lorenzo
800000
National Park Portobelo
1000000
300000
1:2,000,000
0
25
50
100 Km
Date WGS 1984, UTM projection zone 17N
Circuit 1: destination Panama Canal - Chagres National Park - National Park Soberanía - National Park Camino de Cruces
Circuit 4: Eastern Highlands - Altos de Campana National Park and Biological reserve - General National Park of the Division Omar Torrijos Herrera
Circuit 2: target archipelagoes - Coiba National Park - Marine National Park of the Gulf of Chiriquí
Circuit 5: Destination Highland West - Amistad International Park - Volcán Barú National Park
Circuit 3: Destination of the central Caribbean coast - Protected forest and protected Landscape of San Lorenzo - National Park Portobelo
21
