The Chagres Challenge
The Chagres River
The Chagres River is virtually unknown in its run through the Chagres National Park due mainly to the lack of access roads, the protection against settlers. In it's path, the river is characterized by alternating currents and ponds. It is considered as level II, although there are few rapids level III, in the international scale of white water classification.
As a result of the dense tropical forest that covers the basin of the river, sedimentation is minimum; therefore, clear water can be expected very often. The flora is typical of the tropical rainforest, with more than three hundred species per hectares. It is easy to spot several samples of the fauna, such as otters, iguanas, monkeys, hawks, tucans, and plenty of fish.
The Chagres Challenge begins by picking up guests in Panama city at 5:00 A.M., to take them on a FWD vehicle to a remote village called San Cristobal, beyond the mountain town of Cerro Azul.
After a light breakfast, around 8:00 A.M. the tour proceeds with a hike, for about hour and half, on a narrow trail that takes us deeper into the jungle until reaching an afluent of the Chagres, called Piedras River.
At aproximatelly 11:00 A.M., we will start an exciting five hour rafting tour in the Chagres virgin jungle, all the way to Madden Lake, reaching it around 4:30 P.M. We will have a fine meal somewhere along Chagres River.
We will raft by several rainforest tribes conformed by the Embera.
Close to Madden Lake, the rafts would be towed by an outboard motorboat, for about half an hour, to the nearest road. Finally, our guests will be taken back to the original pick up site around 7:00 P.M.
Includes: All mentioned transportation, horses,rafts and gear, guides and meals. Our guides are trained in white-water navigation skills, first-aid and CPR (Cardio-Pulmonar Resuscitation)
Who can go?: Any person from twelve to seventy years old, in good health able to horse-back ride or if not, ready to walk for about an hour and half through an irregular and muddy path. Minors must travel with a responsible adult.
Length: 8 hours
Tour Program (1 Day)
Starting in: Panama City
Ending in: Panama City
Guaranteed departures: Every day
Valid: January 1 – December 31, 2018
Departure: Your hotel in Panama City
Reserve Tour
Check availability and make a reservation:
Rates
The Chagres Challenge
All year
Price per person
Starting at: US$
