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.Water levels can vary greatly during the rainy season. We have access to over 35 runs in the Chiriqui province and our itinerary will vary according to water levels. Tarkio’s Intermediate trip will consist of runs in the class II-III range.
LOCATION: We will be in the highlands of western Panama in the Chiriqui Province (bordering Costa Rica and the Pacific Ocean). The trip is based out of the small mountain town of Boquete, famous for raising coffee and flowers. Boquete is located on the slopes of Volcan Baru (the highest point in Panama at about 11,400 feet). The area receives over 100 inches of rain each year, with nearly all of that falling during the rainy season from May until December.
In addition to the abundant rainfall, the temperature varies from the mid 80’s during the day to the mid 50’s at night. There are an abundance of rivers to run during the rainy season. To date, over 35 runs have been cataloged in the Chiriqui province alone.
SAMPLE ITINERARY (please remember to remain flexible)
Day 1 (October 9th): Please plan on arriving into Panama City Airport sometime on October 2nd. You will be met at the airport by a shuttle service in the baggage claim area. Look for someone with a sign saying “Tarkio Kayak Adventures” (or your name).
You will then be transferred to a hotel in Panama City where you will spend the night at the Las Vegas Hotel. *If possible please book your flight to arrive in Panama City no later than 10:00pm.
Day 2 (October 10th): You will be transported from your hotel in Panama City to the airport to catch an early flight to David. David is the provincial capital of Chiriqui. From there, we will drive toward Boquete to outfit our boats and do a warm up run on the Witches section of the Rio Chiriqui. This section is class III/IV with one large class IV rapid at the very end.
Day 3 (October 11th): We will get up early and drive about 20 minutes to the Rio Cochea. This river starts out as a small creek and gradually picks up volume over the next ten miles. It is a continuous class IV run in a deep gorge.
Day 4 (October 12th): Steppin’ it up. We head to the Frijoles section of the Rio Chiriqui. This run is a classic steep boulder garden. We will do plenty of scouting. There are a few class V rapids on this section, but they are “portagable”.
Day 5 (October 13th): Something different, off to the Rio Piedra. This river is the definition of “continuous”. Depending on the put-in, we may drop over 2000 feet in about 12 miles. At some points on the run, we will be able to look downstream and see the Pacific Ocean off in the distance.
Day 6 (October 14th): Time for a short day. We head to the Rio Caldera in Boquete. For those looking for a challenge, we can put in above town and run a very continuous class IV+ creek. For those wanting to take it easy, we can put in further downstream on the class III/IV section. This is a roadside run and close to home.
Day 7 (October 15th): We head to the Rio Chiriqui Viejo to do the Palon section. This is classic big water run with class IV whitewater….gorgeous and continuous.
Day 8 (October 16th): This is our last day of paddling. We will do the class IV section of the lower Rio Los Valles. The section is short, but it is full of steep and challenging class IV boulder gardens. After taking out, we will head back to lodge, pack our bags and catch an afternoon flight back to Panama City. (Once in Panama City we will be transported from the domestic airport to our hotel).
Day 9 (October 17th): You will be transported from the Las Vegas Hotel in Panama City to the international airport, leaving the hotel tentatively at 6:30am for your return flight home. Please book your departing flight to leave no earlier than 9:00am, but in the A.M. part of the day if possible. *If you would like to depart from the hotel at a different time you will need to make your own arrangements (via taxi or shuttle).
Trip Preparation
FOOD AND WATER :Panama has excellent food and water. You can drink the tap water anywhere you will be on our adventure. We also feel very comfortable eating uncooked vegetables, etc. The meals during the trip will be a combination of eating out at restaurants in Boquete and the surrounding areas and meals prepared back at the lodge/coffee plantation.
GENERAL PACKING: We will not need camping gear on the Panama trip as we will be lodging at a coffee plantation outside of Boquete. When packing consider climate and temperature. It is warm and humid during the day and cools off in the evenings so be prepared for it all. Refer to our Panama Pack-list document for guidance.
KAYAKING GEAR: Our Panama outfitter will provide the kayaks on our trip. Review the boat list for details.
Guests should provide their own PFD, skirt, helmet, paddle and any other personal gear.
LODGING: We will be staying at a beautiful coffee plantation while in the Boquete area. The setting is spectacular and peaceful. The rooms are bunk style, (double occupancy) with their own bathroom.
There is a common kitchen/dining and covered porch area. Great areas for dining but they are also for socializing, playing games, relaxing, reading a book and/or indulging in adult beverages after a day of paddling.
*If you are not comfortable in a double occupancy situation please let us know and we will make other arrangements for you.
(Please note additional fee will be necessary).
HEALTH and TRAVEL INFO:Traveling in Panama is safe and easy. Compared to most of Latin America, the roads and transportation system are in amazingly good shape. In addition, the food and water is safe to eat and drink just about anywhere in the country.
To travel to Panama, you will need a passport. In addition, we recommend that you visit the US Center for Disease Control website to see what vaccinations are recommended before you travel. You will be in the provinces of Panama and Chiriqui.
Just a reminder, Panama uses the U.S. dollar, so no need to be concerned with exchanging money.
AIRLINES and LUGGAGE: As we all know, the airlines have become pretty tight on the amount and the weight of luggage they allow you to travel with. We suggest packing light and efficiently. *Please check with your airline for baggage restrictions. They often impose fees for larger bags (such as paddle bags) during this time of the year.
In addition, the local airline, Aeroperlas, (Panama City/David flights) limits each person to one 30lb. pound checked bag and one 10lb. carry-on. There may be a charge for extra baggage or for oversized/overweight baggage. (Even with an over-weight fee, 70lbs. is the maximum weight of Aeroperlas allows). We suggest using a ski (or paddle) bag for your checked bag and packing everything in if possible with “left-overs” going in your carry-on. The airline does allow each person to travel with one pair of skis. So remember, you are traveling with skis! |
