Panama and The Canal Day 4
Panama and The Canal
Day 04 - Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - Rain Forest Hike-Chorro Macho Nature Trail & Natural Springs/Visit Nearby Market Town
The sun was actually shining for a few minutes as we were having breakfast in our Solarium Terrace. The hotel is relatively new, open only 10 months in operation. The staff is very helpful and accommodating as we are the only group here.
At 8:00 we set out to explore this tropical paradise. Our quest today was El Valle, a dormant volcano valley high in the mountains in central Panama. This is the home of the Ngoble Bugle Indian Tribe in the rain-forest.
Gustavo explained several of their cultural customs including having multiple wives. Men in this tribe challenge each other with physical battles for wives.
Our route through the mountains took us through very narrow switch backs bordered by well kept homes, gardens, and small orchards. The red clay is great for making pottery so there are many little artisan shops along the road sides.
Winston stopped at Las Margaritas for a panoramic view of the valley and the ocean front where we are staying. The altitude was 1700 feet with a temperature of 72º and humidity of 74%.
As we made our way on the road, I spotted an animal in the tree. Winston stopped the bus and we all walked back to investigate. Much to our delight it was a three-toed sloth sunning in the top branches of the tree.
In the city of El Valle we had a morning break and stop and shop. Gennie bought a few post cards and I found a grocery store near by. I bought fresh suspiros, a meringue cookie that I fondly remember my Mother making for the holidays.
Our nature adventure for the morning was a hike though the rainforest. We saw marvelous views of Macho Falls in El Valle de Anton, Canopy Adventure. The rugged paths and rope bridges were slippery in the rain, but the canopy really did shelter us from most of the moisture.
We saw several blue morpho butterflies, a praying mantis, gecko, and another three-toed sloth. We walked from the falls back to the town. It was great to get out and get a little exercise.
After our walk, lunch was served in Restaurante Rincon Vallero, a local restaurant. The outdoor garden setting was exceptional. We made a 30 minute stop back in the town where Gustavo gave us a lesson in the local vegetables, many that we have had in our meals so far.
The descent from our height of 2506 feet to Coronado Bay and our hotel took about an hour – time for a nap! Back at the resort at 4:15 we took a trip to the top of the Coronado Beach Tower Condominiums to enjoy a panoramic view from the 24th floor.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent looking at photos and writing the journal as usual. At 5:30 I went back to the Towers to see if I could capture the sun as it sank into the Pacific Ocean.
Dinner was on our own so we walked to a small grocery shop near the hotel. They had no bread, cheese or fruit so we opted to go to the hotel and shared a salad and chicken wrap.
After finishing the journal and getting organized for the travel day tomorrow, we were already looking forward to a new adventure in the morning.
Accommodations: Hotel Solarium - - - Meal: B, L
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Comments
Three Toed Sloth (0:33)
Solarium Hotel Pool
Mountains from Las Margaritas
Walking Through Macho Falls Path
Garden at Restaurante Rincon Vallero
View from 24th Floor
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