Rumble in the Jungle - Panama Adventure

Embera Villagers in Panama
Hiking Tours and Adventures in Panama
Sea Kayaking Tours Panama
Monkey in Panamanian Rainforest Boquete
Panama Cultural Tours Embera Village
Biking and Cycling Tours Panama
Rumble in the Jungle - Panama Adventure
Duration:
9
Days
Priced from:
3199.00
USD

Rumble in the Jungle - Panama Adventure

Trip Overview

(Biking, Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkelling & Zip Lining)  Panama is a name familiar to many. Yet, few visitors take the time to explore or get to know this Central American gem beyond its century old engineering marvel. This 9-day Rumble in the Jungle adventure tour immerses you in Panama's impressive blend of nature, adventure and culture as you zig-zag from the Pacific to the Caribbean on your own sweat and steam as you hike, bike, kayak and more.

On this Panama multi-sport adventure tour, we bike on trails that twist through fertile valleys while watching ships transit through the Panama Canal. We hike through tropical rainforests abundant with exotic wildlife and zip through a forest canopy, bolting between wooden platforms perched in the trees. We snorkel in translucent seas filled with tropical marine life. We spend two nights camping on an island in the Pacific Ocean, filling our days with sea kayaking and fishing. This Panama adventure package is charged with active thrills and distinctive Panamanian culture.

WOW FACTORS

  • Bike along steamy jungle trails in the Panama Canal zone, an area known to have some of the best bird watching in the country
  • Hike the Quetzal Trail in search of wildlife including over a hundred species of birds, howler and white face monkeys and sloths
  • Snorkel and go island hopping by sea kayak in the Gulf of Chiriqui, camping overnight on a  tropical island

Difficulty Level

Have
Questions?

Itinerary & Map

Day 1

Panama City
Arrival
Upon arrival, transfer to the comfortable hotel we have arranged for you in the city. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Panama City. In the evening at the hotel, you will receive more information about the next day's starting time for the adventure that lies ahead.

Meals: None

Day 2

Soberania National Park - Cocoa Plantation Trail
Biking
After a Panamanian breakfast feast at the hotel, your guide will meet you at the hotel and welcome you on the adventure. You will begin a drive to Soberania National Park for a day of biking. The park is part of the Panama Canal Watershed. We’ll unload our bikes and set off pedaling, keeping an eye out for agouti, howler monkeys and three-toed sloth. The terrain is a double track dirt path, with good stretches of climbs and descents and through a humid climate. We’ll ride for approximately 3 hours before returning back to our van. We’ll make it back to the van in time for a picnic lunch and then head to the Panama Canal in the afternoon to watch the steady stream of big ships passing through the locks. Overnight in Panama City. 

Biking: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3

Embera Village - Boquete
Hiking
We start early this morning. From the hotel, we’ll drive for 1.5 hours to the port of El Corotu on Lake Alajuela. From here our Embera guides from the village of Drua, will pick us up in their handmade dug out canoes. Our journey by canoe travels through the rainforest of Chagres National Park, which is the largest of the National Parks protecting the Panama Canal Watershed. Upon arrival at the Embera village we will be greeted with dancing and music. We’ll learn about the Embera customs and their relationship with nature. There will be handicrafts available for sale and we’ll have a chance to be painted with the traditional jagua, a natural dye the Embera use to adorn their bodies. After a traditional lunch of fish, plantain, and fresh fruit, we’ll hike to a nearby waterfall where we can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Chagres River before heading back to Panama City. We will then transfer to the domestic airport for a flight to David. Upon arrival we’ll transfer to a comfortable hotel in Cerro Punto. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4

Quetzal Trail - Cerro Punta - Boquete
Hiking
Considered one of the most gorgeous paths in Central America, the Quetzals Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Panama’s western highlands. Located within the Volcan Baru National Park, the “Sendero de los Quetzales” links the towns of Guadalupe, which is near Cerro Punta on the west side of the Volcano, with the town of Boquete which is on its east. Hiking the 9.6 kms/6 miles of this trail will take us from 5 to 7 hours. The park is abundant with native wildlife including over a hundred species of birds, including the Resplendent Quetzal, howler and white face monkeys and sloths. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Boquete. 

Hiking: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

Boquete
Biking & Ziplining
We start the morning with a good breakfast and then transfer to the canopy area. Here we start with a short hike into the forest before a dose of adrenaline. We’ll glide through the treetops of century-old forests, high above the pristine rivers and waterfalls that make up the incredible collection of natural landscapes bordering the National Park La Amistad and the famous Baru Volcano. After this exciting adventure we will get on our bikes for a short downhill ride to Boquete. We’ll pass by coffee farms, rivers, waterfalls and plantation fields. In the town of Boquete, we will enjoy a Panamanian lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the day is free to explore Boquete. Overnight at same hotel in Boquete. 

Biking: 8.5 km / 5 mi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

Gulf of Chiriqui
Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling
After an early morning breakfast we drive to Pedregal to begin our 2-day sea kayak adventure. We start by covered motorboat first, for a one hour journey to the Golfo de Chiriqui. We’ll motor past twisted mangroves, coral reefs, white sand beaches and uninhabited islands. If we’re lucky we’ll encounter playful dolphins along the way. These protected waters of Panama are teeming with marine life! Upon arrival on a small island, we’ll have lunch and take a bit of time to relax in hammocks while our guide sets up camp. In the afternoon we’ll head out for a group paddle and also have plenty of time for snorkelling in the sea. For those interested in fishing, there will be dusk and dawn opportunities. We’ll spend the night in tents, camping beneath brilliant skies filled with stars.

Sea Kayaking: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Gulf of Chiriqui 
Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling
Same activities as yesterday. Then, we’ll return to Boquete around 5pm today and check back into our same Boquete hotel. 

Sea Kayaking: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 8

Hacienda Mamecillo
Hiking & Coffee / Agrocultural Tour
Your guide will pick you up at 8am this morning and drive you a privately-owned reserve called Falling Waterfalls, and into remote virgin cloudforest of the Chiriquí Highlands. This cloudforest surrounds the perimeter of Volcan Baru National Park. From here we will start hiking.  The trail parallels the La Zumbona River, a gorgeous river that is spilling into the Rio Caldera. With more than a hundred species of birds native to the area, birding opportunities abound. There are also opportunities to observe the white-headed Capuchin monkeys in this forest. We'll eventually break for a picnic at the base of one of Boquete's most exquisite waterfalls, and rejuvenate with an invigorating shower.  After 3 hours of hiking through primary forest,  we'll end at the main house of Rolando's farm to replenish with a delicious farm to table lunch. Afterwards you'll head out on a walking coffee tour through his plantation to learn about the production of coffee. We'll end roasting the coffee and of course, with a good cup of Panamanian brew. Late afternoon, we’ll transfer you back to David to catch a domestic flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred back to your comfortable hotel in Panama City. The remainder of the night is free to enjoy your last night in Panama. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9

Panama City
Departure
This marks the end of your adventure with us. After breakfast, at your leisure, you can arrange your own transfer to the international airport or elsewhere.

Meals: Breakfast

Note:  Internal flights are not included. We will book the internal flights for you and quote you the internal flight prices at time of booking.

What's Included

TRIP INCLUSIONS:
All accommodation (twin shared), meals as indicated, internal transportation (excluding 2 internal flights), mountain bikes, camping gear and English-speaking guides.

TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
International airfare, airport departure taxes, airport transfers*, internal flights**, gratuities, meals not indicated and items of a personal nature.

MEALS:
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 1 Dinner

ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel: 7 Nights
Tent: 1 Night

*We can arrange airport transfers on your behalf as an add-on. Let us know at time of booking and we can arrange a quote for you. 
** We will book the internal flights for you and quote you the internal flight prices at time of booking.

Trip Facts

Weather in Panama

Panama has a year-round wonderfully pleasant tropical climate and an average temperature of 27 degrees Centigrade (or 80 degrees F.) Nights, however, are generally fresh, especially in mountainous areas. The country has two seasons; rainy and dry. The former lasts from May to December, and despite of the rainfall it is a rare day that the sun fails to show. During the dry season, called "summer", the nice trade winds constantly blow.

Weather in Pacific Coast Region (includes Panama City)

December to April: Dry season. Sunny and Humid.
May to November: Wet season. Days vary with cloud and intermittent sunshine. Humid and Hot.

Weather in Caribbean Coast Region

January to March: Short dry season. Humid and Hot.
April to December: Long wet season. Hot and Humid. Daily downpours are heavy but short.

Travel Documents

Canadian, US and British citizens are required to purchase a $5 US tourist card issued by the airline carrier. You must also hold a current passport valid for six months beyond your date of departure.

Food and Water

Panama has a rich tradition in the culinary arts. Due to its location the country is home to a vast array of fresh and tasty fruits, herbs and vegetables. Combine this with influences from the Native Indians, Europeans and other Latin American countries and you have some great food in Panama. Recommended dishes include hojaldras (Panamanian donuts), sancocho (chicken soup), ceviche (sea bass chopped up and added to lemon juice served cold) and plantain (similar to banana, fried and served as a side dish). Panama City has the purest potable water in the world, which you can drink directly from the tap. Sanitation standards are very high and milk is pasteurized. For your safety, you should check on the status of smaller towns and their water supply, as standards outside Panama City can change.

FAQ

How big are BikeHike's groups?

Our adventures are built for small groups, with a maximum of 12 travellers on each guided tour. Each group is diverse, comprised of men and women of many different nationalities and ages. By travelling in small groups we leave minimal ecological impact, cause less disruption to the native life and are able to gain a better appreciation for our surroundings. Small numbers also allow greater flexibility and spontaneity: a dinner in a local home, an impromptu village wedding invite and any such experiences that can become among the most memorable experiences of your BikeHike adventure.

How fit do I need to be to join this trip?

We understand that people come in many fitness levels, so we've graded our trips accordingly. There are four difficulty levels on our trips: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Strenuous.

This is a “moderate” trip. These trips include 4-5 hours of physical activity throughout the day, with many breaks along the way. The biking portions of BikeHike Adventure’s trips are the most cardiovascular portions of the trips, but there are always support vehicles available on our BikeHike trips. During the biking section, our travellers don’t have to carry anything on their backs as any packs can be carried in the support vehicle.  During the hiking portions of the trip, the most you would have to carry on your back is a daypack.

 

Has this trip been run before?

BikeHike Adventures has been operating since 1994.

The logistics of organizing tours to remote corners of the world can be very complex. Our trip development department spends long hours researching destinations, routes, ground operations and equipment. All itineraries are screened without clients before they are added to our growing repertoire of adventures. Nothing is untested.

Can you tell me about your typical BikeHike travellers on this trip?

Our travellers share a common love for outdoor adventure. Most are looking for a physical adventure in an unfamiliar destination. A typical trip is comprised of men and women in good physical condition, who exercise regularly and are invigorated by a personal challenge. As well, the age range on this trip is typically from 35-60, although we occasionally get younger and older travellers as well. 

This trip is marked as 'Family Focused.' Are all of the groups families or do any others typically book this trip?

This label just means that this trip is quite suitable for families, but anyone can book it. In fact, the listed group dates usually fill up with a good mix of couples, friends and singles. When families book with us, they usually choose to customize the trip and choose private dates. Our group dates over Christmas are typically the ones the fill up with families.

Which airport do we fly in and out of for this trip?

Panama City. You can arrive anytime on day 1 of the trip and depart anytime on day 9.

What is the best time of the year to go on a trip to Panama?

Panama is suitable year round. Panama has a year round wonderfully pleasant tropical climate and an average temperature of 27 degrees Centigrade (or 80 degrees F.) Nights, however, are generally fresh, especially in mountainous areas. The country has two seasons; rainy and dry. The former lasts from May to December, and despite of the rainfall it is a rare day that the sun fails to show. During the dry season, called "summer", the nice trade winds constantly blow.

Can I take this trip if...

I am a solo traveller? How does solo accommodation and costing work?

Many of our travellers (both men and women) join as singles. On average, BikeHike groups are 75% single travellers and 25% couples. Unlike many adventure travel companies, we don't charge single supplement fees to solo travellers. Instead, we pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If we can't find you a roommate, you get your own room at no additional charge. A single private room supplement fee is only required if you specifically request a confirmed private room for the duration of the trip. Learn more about solo travel with BikeHike

I have special dietary requirements?

We will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), but ask that you please discuss your request with us when signing up for a trip.

I am travelling with children? Is this trip child friendly?

While most of our trips are created with adults in mind, this trip is suitable for strong older children and teenagers. However, we do offer other Family Focused trips too, some of which are able to accommodate children as young as six.

More about this trip...

Does this trip have E-bikes?

Panama does not have availability for E-bikes at this time.

What is the biking like on this trip?

The biking on this trip is varied. There is a mix of dirt roads, gravel roads and paved roads with some undulating hills. On average expect to be cycling 3-4 hours a day. You are encouraged to bike at your own speed. 21-speed bikes are supplied.

Is there a support vehicle?

Yes. The support vehicle will carry all the necessary equipment like bikes, drinking water and all our personal equipment. You will have access to the support vehicle throughout the trip.

What is the hiking like on this trip?

The hikes are all day hikes. You’ll only be required  to carry a daypack with water, snacks, camera and rain gear. Expect some hills and slippery conditions.

What is the sea kayaking like on this trip?

The sea kayak portion of the trip takes place in single kayaks on the Pacific Ocean. Expect to be riding on gentle rolling swells although variable weather patterns in the green season (May-Nov) can make the seas a little rougher. Paddling experience is not necessary. We will have a motorboat following us closely for anyone wanting to catch a lift. Duration of paddling is totally dependent on the group and individual. Gage on 1-3 hour time frames as an estimation.

What is the zip lining like on this trip?

We move from tree to tree and platform to platform using pulleys on horizontal traverse cables, sailing through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy and over the trails far below. Expert guides assist you in this exciting journey through the different layers of the virgin rain forests and explain what is happening all around you, from the time you leave the ground until you rappel back down to the forest floor.

What is the night of camping like?

Camping on this trip does not involve pitching your own tent. Your guide will be setting up the tents for you while you relax in hammocks. The experience isn't quite "glamping" but it is certainly less rustic than traditional camping. The location is a preset one and rather exotic.  You'll have access to a toilet tent and lots of hammocks to relax in. This is an incredible experience, as you'll be tenting in paradise!

Accommodation

Most of our trips include comfortable mid-range accommodations. This includes accommodation that provides a clean and comfortable experience in characterful surroundings that reflect the destination. To build stronger connections with the communities and support the local economies, we avoid using large international chain brands on BikeHike trips. 

This trip includes the following types of accommodation:

HOTELS

In an effort to keep money in the communities we visit around the world, BikeHike prefers small hotels, bungalows, and haciendas that showcase the character and local flair of each destination.

CAMPING

Camping on this trip does not involve pitching your own tent. Your guide will be setting up the tents for you while you relax in hammocks. The experience isn't quite "glamping" but it is certainly less rustic than traditional camping. The location is a preset one and rather exotic.  You'll have access to an outdoor washroom and lots of hammocks to relax in. This is an incredible experience as you'll be tenting in paradise! 

Click HERE for more information about accommodation styles.

Adventure Dates

  • Mar 16 - Mar 24, 2024
  • Apr 06 - Apr 14, 2024
  • Jul 27 - Aug 04, 2024
  • Nov 16 - Nov 24, 2024
  • Jan 11 - Jan 19, 2025
Don't See Dates That Work for You?
Create your own custom trip

Price

(Land only, based on twin/shared room) *Internal flights not included.
3199.00
USD
per person

* Internal flights not included. We will quote you the current internal flight prices at time of booking.
** No single supplement fees
*** Guaranteed departures on two travellers

Are You Organizing a Group Trip?
Discover our private group discounts

Add-Ons

  • It's easy to add days before and after your tour.  Just ask! 
Day Destination Activity
Duration
Distance Lodging Meals
1
Panama City
Arrival
Hotel
2
Soberania National Park - Cocoa Plantation Trail
Biking
3 hours
Hotel
b,
l
3
Embera Village - Boquete
Hiking
Hotel
b,
l
4
Quetzal Trail - Cerro Punta - Boquete
Hiking
5-6 hours
Hotel
b,
l
5
Boquete
Biking & Ziplining
8.5 km
5 mi 
Hotel
b,
l
6
Gulf of Chiriqui
Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling
3 hours
Tent
b,
l,
d
7
Gulf of Chiriqui
Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling
3 hours
Hotel
b,
l
8
Hacienda Mamecillo
Hiking & Coffee / (Agrocultural Tour)
Hotel
b,
l
9
Panama City
Departure
b

Reserve a Spot on This Adventure

Reserve Now

Trip Reviews

Overall Rating

Have You Experienced This Trip?

Submit a Review

Submit a Review

*
*
- Optional
*

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
- Optional
JP
Judy P
March 1, 2021
5

Our Panama trip was such a unique experience that profoundly affected me and my husband and I are so thankful to have found this trip. We are not organized tour people per se but felt that in Central America a tour would be the way to go.

Given our different activity levels and outdoor expertise, I was thrilled to have found a trip that was flexible enough to accommodate us both. Each day was a new adventure and I found myself accomplishing goals that I would have thought too difficult for me to tackle.

We were also very fortunate to have a wonderful group of people to share our experiences with."

Brookline, Maine
LM
Louisa M
May 4, 2018
5

I had an amazing experience with the Bike Hike group in Panama - Rumble in the Jungle. We hiked to a waterfall with a local guide and learned about the local plants, animals, snakes and insects; Zip-lined through a cloud forest canopy; biked to ruins and had a history lesson; kayaked and snorkelled; and enjoyed a variety of accommodations and excursions ... including a rafting race, and a visit to an animal rescue shelter. I celebrated a birthday during our trip and Trish made sure I had a cake and card ... it was a thoughtful touch and greatly appreciated. There is a reason BikeHike has a loyal client base - excellent trips with a personal touch.

Victoria, Canada
MG
Mike G
April 2, 2018
5

Awesome all around. So many things! A local guide that knew all the "ins and outs" who was also a genuinely nice person. Rolando is outstanding. If an "11" was available, Rolando would get it in every category. The trip had lots of physical activities during the day, hot shower and comfortable place to stay at night. The cultural element (visiting a local native Panamanian tribe) was also awesome. Everything functioned like "clockwork". The rides to and from hotels/airports, and the internal flight were perfect. No one compares to BikeHike!

New Jersey, USA
DC
Dean C
September 15, 2017
5

What made this trip special: the diversity of activities and the total competence and pleasure of being with Rolando - the best guide we have ever had on our various trips. He sensed the interests of our group and made small adjustments to schedules that made it seem like a custom trip just for us. We made him part of our group at meals so the exchange of information was awesome. He was knowledgeable, accommodating and also an enterprising entrepreneur. One won't forget the Quetzal Trail in the rain forest or sea kayaking in the Gulf of Chiriqui, where we were lucky and saw close up several humpback whales with their young calves. We soon just left everything to Rolando to sort out a series of memorable experiences.

Alexandria, VA, USA
JH
John H
August 11, 2012
5

Our Tour Guide, Rolando, stopped at NOTHING to make sure that we were well accomodated and comfortable. He even helped me make changes to my travel plans so I could stay in Panama longer. What a great guide!

Oregon, USA
LB
Laura B
May 24, 2012
5

Enjoyed the trip. Liked best the sea kayaking, snorkeling and both days of mountain biking

Texas, USA
Load More