Palo Seco Forest Reserve

Following breakfast we will leave the facility for a 50-minute boat ride across Laguna de Chiriqui to the town of Chiriqui Grande. From here we will take a 25-minutes truck ride up into the Talamanca Range and the Palo Seco Forest Reserve. This reserve is part of a contiguous 1,400,000 acre land preserve which includes Amistad National Park and is the single largest remaining tract of virgin forest unit in Central America. It is an explorer’s dreamland.

Tropical rain forests have covered most of the area since at least the last glaciers, about 25,000 years ago. The area still supports jaguars and the world’s most powerful bird of prey, the Harpy Eagle, both of which require enormous amounts of territory to survive.

The beautiful grounds of Willy Mazu Nature Ranch will serve as our day camp and starting point for our excursions. There are a multitude of hikes and destinations to choose from, or feel free to enjoy the mountain streams, waterfalls, rock pools, groomed trails, wildlife and hammocks on the facility. We will enjoy lunch from a beautiful wildlife observation point next to the stream.

Departs - 8 a.m.

Duration – 6-8 hours

Hike Distance - 1-8 miles

Level of Difficulty – Multiple options (Easy, Intermediate, Difficult)

Terrain – Tropical rainforest, waterfalls, streams, bouldering, groomed trails

Willy Mazu Nature Ranch

This beautiful nature ranch lies on 20 acres bordering the Palo Seco Forest Reserve. There is a large and very relaxing palapa, with all the necessary facilities, which serves as a wildlife observation station.

Incredible tropical flowers surrounding the palapa attract many different species of birds. Relax in one of the hammocks as hummingbirds streak through the palapa chasing off unwanted competitors. There are several groomed rock trails throughout the property surrounded by lush rainforest, mountain streams and tropical flowers. After exploring the facility, take a refreshing dip in the cascading rock pools.

Sendero de los Tucanes

Foot trail set high in the Talamanca Range. In this lush cloud forest, the diversity of the flora and fauna are incredible. There are many plants and animals here that you will not find anywhere else on earth. They are endemic to the Talamanca Range, and some specifically to the Caribbean slope.

We will walk beneath the canopy along the continental divide as we watch the cool mist of clouds blanket the forest, saturating ferns, bromeliads, orchids and other epiphytes, which thrive in the canopy with the abundant moisture. The trail passes along the crest of the divide as we hike up and over peaks in the mountain range. Before the clouds move in, panoramic views of rainforest canopy and the Caribbean Sea below are stunning.

Waterfalls

The steep Talamanca Range produces many spectacular waterfalls. A unique jungle experience will take us to many of these falls. Hiking, bouldering and wading, we will travel narrow rock gorges which shed the mountain’s spring water, as they ramble and climb through untouched primary rainforest.

Jungle and trees cascade over the steep banks 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 and vines hanging over the stream.

Exotic tropical birds and other animals use these watersheds as a flyway or game trail, while feeding on the rich and abundant flora and drinking from the stream. While hiking up the streams, we will climb rocks, waterfalls, and wade across crystal clear pools.

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.