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Some
140 species of frogs live in Panama, including poison frogs and
rare golden (Atelopus zeteki) frogs
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By Joe Rubin
Special to ABCNEWS.com
Already, Panama's forests and coastal areas are a dream
destination for the more adventurous ecotourists. Among the highlights:
In and Around
Panama City
The Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side of the canal are a fascinating
place to watch giant ships traverse the canal with only a few
inches to spare on either side. The awe-inspiring locks were
at one time the largest manmade structure in the world.
It's easy to forget that you are only 20 miles from Panama City
when you're hiking through Soberania National Park serenaded
by howler monkeys and birds. You'll see more rare birds than
tourists-the world record bird count for a 24-hour period was
established on the park's "Pipeline Road" in 1985.
Barro Colorado
Island
At the Smithsonian's tropical research center on Barro Colorado
Island (BCI), about a hundred scientists study everything from
leafcutter ants to five species of monkeys. The flora and fauna
on BCI is so numerous and diverse, it's been dubbed the "Tropical
Galapagos." Despite the fact that BCI is the kind of place
you'd normally only see in a National Geographic documentary,
travelers can visit the island.
The Smithsonian just finished construction of a beautiful visitors
center and offers day trips. But you need to plan well ahead
if you want to take the tour; there is a yearlong waiting list.
If you don't have that kind of time before you want to go to
Panama, Ecotours tour company has its own tour of the island
that takes last-minute reservations.
[UPDATE October 2001
Reservations for BCI tours can now be made directly through STRI’s Visitor Services Office, or one of the numerous tour operators (not just Ecotours!) in Panama that work with the Institute. Reservations can be made any day prior to the visit, and are given on a space-available basis, but these days
waiting lists are nearly gone.
For reservations made through the Visitor Services Office, the number is +(507) 212-8026 or
fax +(507) 212-8148. The Visitor Services Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.]
Darien Gap
The Pan American Highway manages to wind its way all the way
from Tierra del Fuego in Argentina to Alaska, but the Darien
Gap is one 80-mile stretch of intense jungle where the road just
stops. The Darien's pristine jungle is a fascinating place for
both naturalists and anthropologists. The population is mostly
indigenous, with three major tribes living in the area: the Kuna,
Embera and Wounan.
Getting around the Darien requires resources, skilled guides
and some means. Right-wing paramilitary groups, left-wing guerillas
from neighboring Colombia, and drug smugglers have all taken
to hiding in the jungles. There are only a few risky areas, however,
and guided trips will help steer you away.
San Blas
Islands
If you're of the opinion that there is no place left in the Caribbean
to discover, you might want to check out the San Blas Islands,
about 350 islands off of the southern Atlantic coast of Panama.
These islands offer paradise-like surroundings and cheap, rustic
accommodations in a truly unique setting.
You'll be a guest of the Kuna Indian nation, which has achieved
a rare balance of maintaining its cultural traditions while welcoming
tourists. You can get there on a $40, one-hour flight from Panama
City.
Bocas del
Toro
Bocas del Toro is a region in northern Panama with a Caribbean
influence, unspoiled beaches, rugged 10,000-foot-high mountains
and some of the best coral reefs in the Western Hemisphere. While
there are a few small hotels, for the moment Bocas del Toro,
like the rest of Panama, is pretty much undiscovered.
There are actually only about 10 miles of roads and 75 vehicles
in Bocas-most of them collective taxis that will take you anywhere
you need to go for 50 cents. Of course most places of interest
are only accessible by boat, but there is no shortage of boats
for hire, as well as guides to take you to deserted islands and
coral reefs.
Bocas is also a great place to sample a wonderful variety of
seafood and homegrown calypso music. A one-hour flight from Panama
City will run you $50 .
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