Darien Gap Panama
Darien Gap Panama
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
20 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
jeffthemann
Auckland, New Zealand9 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
I joined a group of randoms lead by the instantly likable Rick Morales and his highly competent team to go trekking into the abyss of the darien jungle...The journey took us into natures extreme - steep hard contour, dense, yet ever changing jungle landscape and in some cases stretching a hundred metres above us and miles from civilization. We were fed the very best local delicacies one could imagine on such a journey. Ricks team caught fish from the rivers, bought wild pigs and chickens from local tribes and or sourced and prepared amazing range of meals including vegetarian options every day.This was all topped off with mountain fresh drinking water and the very best panamanian coffee combined with a fun spirited group of people. We slept like babies in the jungle in hammocks specially designed for these conditions, or we were so dog tired, it didn't matter!! And just when we thought we had had too much of the jungle experience, we arrived to a coastal oasis with cold beer, beach volleyball, friendly locals and even more great food. OMG, that's paradise - right there.
This is a once in a lifetime experience that you should not worry whether you can handle it or not - you should just do it and put a very large tick in your bucket list.
This is a once in a lifetime experience that you should not worry whether you can handle it or not - you should just do it and put a very large tick in your bucket list.
Written September 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana G
Rockford, IL17 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
Going into the Darién? Definitely, definitely use a guide! There's a lot going on here that you don’t want to be involved with. Through some research, we located Isaac Pizarro, a local guide, who planned our overnight stays, coordinated food, mosquito netting, and all the transport we needed for our trip. He knows how and where to spot the birds, his specialty. He liaisoned with Senafront for our permits, smoothed our passage through checkpoints, and led us through the Darién National Park safely! He knows the people, the animals, the pathways. His calm and easygoing manner, never pushy, was a bonus. We can’t say enough about this wonderful, knowledgeable man! You will NOT be disappointed if you use his services! He is well worth his small fees! Stay safe! Book with Isaac Pizarro! He is a licensed guide through the Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá, #10962. You will not be disappointed!
Written February 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
XplorMor
California171 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
We spent two weeks trekking the Darien Gap, encountering Embera Indians (an indigenous people), cutting our way through dense forest, climbing rocky mountains, sleeping in hammocks and bathing in shallow rivers. This is not for the faint-hearted, nor for someone who cannot handle high humidity, strenuous hiking and complete isolation from the world. I found it invigorating, and would go again someday. And, I would recommend exploring with a group as the area has many dangers, especially for the solo traveler.
See more pics and read more info: http://www.xplormor.com/darien-gap-trek-to-the-monkey-stone-aka-yarre-mongara/
See more pics and read more info: http://www.xplormor.com/darien-gap-trek-to-the-monkey-stone-aka-yarre-mongara/
Written May 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Soleniska
New Haven CT USA13 contributions
My wife and I booked a tour with Ancon Expedition to the Darien Gap. Little did we know that it's considered one of the most dangerous placing to travel. Sure we had heard stories of Columbian Rebels kidnapping American tourists and holding them hostege for ransom. We were also warned by friends about the dangers of traveling to this section of Panama, but just brushed it off as unfounded rumors. We went there to experience what a true jungle was like with all of its creatures and fauna. Unfortuately, we mostly saw a wide variety of birds,insects, and lush vegitation. I later discovered that much of the wildlife had vanished due to years of uncontrolled hunting. The animals that remain have gone deeper into the jungle, into areas unsafe to venture. Our guide Mario, was well informed and spoke very good English. He was quite knowledgeable about all aspects of the jungle but on several occasions reminded us that the secondary jungle was only 13 years old. Prior to that, it went through deforestation and was brought back by the volunteers who devoted many summers planting new Mangrove trees. Unfortunately, the animals have yet to return. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of our time in the "Gap" was how well we were protected. No, no one was walking around with M16s but those who watched over us every step of the way was sure prepared for whomever might decend upon us. During one solitary stroll along the beach I had the faint awareness that I was being watched from the jungle for my protection. The Pacific is fished by local Choco and Embera Indians along with some commercial fishermen who sell their catch in Panama City. The sight of a loud custom built boat traveling at 70 nots sure stands out and screams drug trafficing, confirmed by our guide. Overall, I'd say the four days spent there was worth the experience but it may not be what one originally has in mind. How often do you get to walk on a beach for several Klms, or walk in a vast untamed jungle and not see another sole? Darien's Punta Patina is in transition. Thanks to those who care about the environment, it may some day be filled once again with those who rightfully deserve to be there-the animals that roam the jungle.
For those who wish to have a Darien expereince, never go it alone. Several have tried and were never heard from again. Even the most adventurous, or well seasoned traveler should not give into their ego and think that they can go it alone. It's way too easy to get lost in its vastness, or fall prey to those who hide in its uncontrolled boundlessness. I've been all over the world and hiked in untamed wilderness but this is a world unto its own.
Hiring a guide from Ancon Expedition is not an easy way out, it's a safe and intelligent way to have a true experience of the Gap.
Stephen W. New Haven CT
For those who wish to have a Darien expereince, never go it alone. Several have tried and were never heard from again. Even the most adventurous, or well seasoned traveler should not give into their ego and think that they can go it alone. It's way too easy to get lost in its vastness, or fall prey to those who hide in its uncontrolled boundlessness. I've been all over the world and hiked in untamed wilderness but this is a world unto its own.
Hiring a guide from Ancon Expedition is not an easy way out, it's a safe and intelligent way to have a true experience of the Gap.
Stephen W. New Haven CT
Written August 30, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally J
Martinsburg, WV636 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
Ancon has not had a trip to Darien National Park for 2 years, although they still advertise it. They waited til we booked the trip and then swapped it for something else.
Written April 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeff k
Denver, CO1 contribution
Apr 2015 • Solo
Excellent trip from beginning to end. The pre-trip booking and preparation by Secret Compass was well defined and complete. The checklists and information provided was spot-on and all details were handled professionally, promptly and pleasantly by Kerry at Secret Compass
The trip into The Darien exceeded my expectations. Rick Morales ( Jungle Trek Adventures) is an easy going guide and a wealth of knowledge on Panama in general and The Darien in particular. Rick seemed know about everything we encountered ( birds, insects, snakes, trees and plants etc.) along with the colorful history of the Darien and the people who live and travel through the area.
The Darien Jungle is a wonderful ecosystem, alive and vibrant and almost sporting it's own personality.
Best of all, this trip was fun!!! Rick had pretty much everything thought out and planned with contingency plans if needed so we spent the entire trip doing what we came to do and not having to worry things like food or bad equipment.
For people in decent shape and a desire to travel to beautiful places where there is a minimum impact by mankind, I can't think of a better trip.
Hats off to Kerry at Secret Compass and Rick at Jungle Trek Adventures. This is truly a great team!
Jeff
The trip into The Darien exceeded my expectations. Rick Morales ( Jungle Trek Adventures) is an easy going guide and a wealth of knowledge on Panama in general and The Darien in particular. Rick seemed know about everything we encountered ( birds, insects, snakes, trees and plants etc.) along with the colorful history of the Darien and the people who live and travel through the area.
The Darien Jungle is a wonderful ecosystem, alive and vibrant and almost sporting it's own personality.
Best of all, this trip was fun!!! Rick had pretty much everything thought out and planned with contingency plans if needed so we spent the entire trip doing what we came to do and not having to worry things like food or bad equipment.
For people in decent shape and a desire to travel to beautiful places where there is a minimum impact by mankind, I can't think of a better trip.
Hats off to Kerry at Secret Compass and Rick at Jungle Trek Adventures. This is truly a great team!
Jeff
Written May 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
latinagirl327
Fort Lauderdale, FL8 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
Fabulous itinerary arranged by Jungle Treks. Very well organized and implemented. Overnights in a rustic lodge, Embrera Indian villages, and jungle camps. Be prepared for a physically demanding but exhilirating experience.
Written August 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mirjam_mvw
Bern, Switzerland12 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
This three days of jungle adventure and meeting the Emberas was just stunning! Theres no words to describe the kindness of the people in that peaceful place.
Guides are well prepared, all speaking English and Spanish, working close with the natives.
Yes, this adventure has its price because you will travel on the off-beaten track, equiped with a boat, special phones for the Jungle, food, comfortable hamoc-tents, security equipment, ...
Feel in good hands with these guyes - they now what they do and they Love what they do!!
This is going to be your life-time-experience, dont hesitate and go for it!!!
Guides are well prepared, all speaking English and Spanish, working close with the natives.
Yes, this adventure has its price because you will travel on the off-beaten track, equiped with a boat, special phones for the Jungle, food, comfortable hamoc-tents, security equipment, ...
Feel in good hands with these guyes - they now what they do and they Love what they do!!
This is going to be your life-time-experience, dont hesitate and go for it!!!
Written October 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PCBillie
Houston, Texas45 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
Took small wooden boats to visit a very primitive tribe of Indians living in the Darien Province. As we landed, the whole village rushed down to greet us ...Shaking hands, giggling & laughing & children with wonder & joy on their faces. They fed us chicken, rice & beans
And Performed dances & showed us their crafts. A wonderful experience!!
And Performed dances & showed us their crafts. A wonderful experience!!
Written March 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IntrepidWoods
UK5 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
This is a once-in-a-lifetime jungle trip, fuss free and without any home comforts. It isn't an easy trip - the early morning flight is often delayed because of poor conditions and the boat crossing can be really scary. You'll need to wade from the boat with water at thigh-level to reach the shore and the huts (accommodation) are a steep walk up to the top of a bluff, which can be tough in the midday heat. But the views are tremendous and the surrounding forest, even though much of it is restored secondary forest, is beautiful. Treks out into the primary forest yield incredible rewards if you are there to see amazing wildlife - we spotted puma on day 1. Rustic, basic and incredibly remote, it feels like you're in unmapped wilderness and off-the-radar - which isn't that far from the truth. Few mainstream travellers make it anywhere near. Ancon need a minimum group of 4 to run this trip usually, although I was lucky enough to go 1:1 with a guide.
Written July 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you recommend a guide for Darien?
Written November 29, 2016
Isaac Pizarro, +507 6245 3606, Local Guide, licensed by the Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá, #10962 - available through FB and on WhatsApp
Written February 20, 2018
Hi there!
Wondering what company you went with or how this person and crew you speak so highly if can be contacted. Thanks!
Written January 10, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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