Beaches and Bluffs

Following breakfast, we will leave the facility for a 15-minute boat ride to the beautiful palm-covered beach called Punta Vieja. From here we will take the Casa Cayuco Trail beneath the canopy of the lowland coastal forest.

Once we reach the windward side of Isla Bastimentos, we will continue down the secluded beaches toward Playa Larga.  Ferns, bromeliads and other epiphytes cover branches hanging over the beach.

We will cross several cool fresh water creeks that drain from the hills of the forest. There are tall rock bluffs with incredible views of the forest, barrier reefs, and rock outcroppings protecting the front of the Island. The trail will dart in and out of the jungle to avoid impassable sections of rock cliff coastline.

Lunch will be served on the beach under the shade of an almond tree. After relaxing on the beach or a refreshing ocean swim, we will head back to Punta Vieja to meet the boat. 

Departs - 9 a.m.

Duration - 3-5 hours

Hike Distance - 3-6 miles

Level of Difficulty - Easy

Terrain - Lowland coastal forest, tropical rainforest, steep and rolling hills, white sand beach, rock formations

Cayo Agua

Following breakfast we will leave the facility for a 25-minute boat ride to the stunning island of Cayo Agua. Lined with crescent-shaped beaches and rock cliff coastline, this island has some of the most dramatic views in the archipelago. Some of the geological formations expose numerous fossils. Spectacular rock outcroppings topped with coconut palms line the outer edge of the barrier reef. Much of the beach is shaded with palms, almonds, and sea grapes.

We will explore the white sand beaches, flora and fauna, and rock formations as we walk down the stunning windward side of this island. The beach leads to a spectacular rock bluff where we will take in the panoramic views of the coastline. Following a picnic lunch in the shade, enjoy a refreshing swim before we hike back to the boat.

Departs - 9 a.m.

Duration - 2-4 hours

Hike Distance - 2-5 miles

Level of Difficulty - Easy

Terrain - Lowland coastal forest, white sand beach, small fresh water creeks, rock outcroppings

Punta Vieja

Following breakfast, we will leave the facility for a 15-minute boat ride to a beautiful palm-covered beach called Punta Vieja. From here we will take the Casa Cayuco Trail beneath the canopy of the lowland coastal forest.

Once we reach the windward side of Isla Bastimentos, we will continue down the pocket beaches towards Punta Vieja.  Ferns, bromeliads and other epiphytes cover branches hanging over the beach. Small tannin-stained freshwater creeks back up as they approach the beach and provide excellent wildlife observation points. Observe the marine life of patch reefs just off the beachfront. This trail passes by several home sites and is well maintained. The hike is below the hills of the forest, so the terrain is mostly flat. Once we complete the loop we can take a swim in the calm waters of Punta Vieja or just relax on the beach before returning to Tranquilo Bay for lunch. 

Departs - 9 a.m.

Duration - 2-4 hours

Hike Distance - 1-3 miles

Level of Difficulty - Easy

Terrain - Lowland coastal forest, white sand beach, small fresh water creeks

Punta Valiente

Following breakfast we will leave the facility for a 50-minute boat ride to Punta Valiente, the eastern rim of the archipelago. This dramatic peninsula is covered in dense tropical forest and starts its rapid descent to the ocean from around 700 feet.

After crossing the beautiful Bahia Azul, we will enter a small indigenous village where the trailhead begins. A 15-minute walk through the jungle will take us to the longest stretch of white sand beaches in Panama. The Coastline of this peninsula is simply dramatic. We will hike down these beautiful beaches as the trail darts in and out of the jungle to avoid impassable sections of rock cliff coastline. Jungle and trees cascade over the cliffs and continue growing down the damp rock faces. Ferns, bromeliads, orchids and other epiphytes invade the cracks in the moist cliff face and cover tree branches hanging over the beach. Just off the beach are several stunning rock outcroppings known as Plantain Cayes. We will enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade before we hike back to the boat.

Departs - 8 a.m.

Duration - 4-6 hours

Hike Distance - 4-8 miles

Level of Difficulty - Easy

Terrain – Tropical rainforest, white sand beach, small fresh water creeks, rock outcroppings

Hiking Types:

To enhance your experience, we plan our explorations into the rainforest with three distinct variables, each providing a different experience...  Each excursion may include elements of each variable or may be completed using one variable alone.

A naturalist hike will slowly and quietly move beneath the canopy actively searching flora and fauna such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, hardwoods, forest palms, vines, bryophytes, ferns, bromeliads, orchids, and other epiphytes. This type of hike generally consists of a short, brisk walk to reach an area of interest. Once there, the pace slows and there is more observation and learning than hiking.

All ages and fitness levels can enjoy this casual and invigorating hiking experience. We have plenty of books in our library so you can study up on your favorite plant and animal species, or discover new ones.

A destination hike is more of a cardiovascular workout and can be paced to meet the group's needs. This hike's main objective is to move toward the primary target, such as a waterfall, beach, or cave perhaps, while observing the jungle through a "wide angle lens".

The pace is brisk and distance longer. Short rests will be taken at areas of interest, such as poison dart frogs or blooming orchids. These hikes require a moderate level of physical fitness, and are not suited for children younger than 10.

Extreme hiking is for the cardiovascular workout enthusiast. The primary goal is to cover as much varied terrain as possible. Because of the long distance covered, topography and habitat changes are abrupt and frequent.

You might run down the beach as the trail slips in and out of the jungle, or scale an oceanfront rock face -- the only barrier between you and the next beach.

There will be many hills of steep grade and the terrain variable. When the hike is done you should be wet, dirty, and completely satiated. High fitness levels required, keeping in mind that the distance can be shortened.