A Rainforest Resort

Wednesday July 18, 2007

Like many of you, I'm pretty familiar with what the rainforest is like. I've seen rainforest exhibits at the zoo, watched specials on TV, and contributed to organizations that work to save the rainforest. But staying in the middle of a rainforest? That was something I had to try.

I headed down to Panama to see the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Right where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, the resort had some amazing views, especially from the atrium-style lobby and from the balcony of Corotu Restaurant where I enjoyed the buffet breakfast every morning.

My favorite view had to be from the hammock on my balcony. Whenever I got the chance, I stretched out with a pillow and a good book. Inevitably the book was ignored, as I was fascinated by the birds that played in the tree just outside my balcony and soared over the Chagres River (over 300 species have been spotted on the grounds of Gamboa Resort and nearby Pipeline Road).

Activities at Gamboa are all centered around the rainforest and wildlife. My favorite was a hike and canoe ride to the Embera Indian tribe. We were there during dry season (January through March), so the river was as low as ankle-deep in some spots. Our guides, and later the rest of us, had to get out and push the canoe over the shallow spots. Once we landed, it was a short hike to a waterfall, where everyone could cool off with a swim before continuing in the canoe to the Embera Indian Village.

The Embera Indians were waiting for us (despite their primitive lifestyle, the chief has a cell phone, so tours can be arranged), and greeted us with music and cheers. They prepared a delicious yet simple lunch of fresh fried fish, plantains and fruit served in huge leaves.

Through an interpreter, the chief explained the tribe's way of life and it differs from their ancestors (they aren't allowed to hunt anymore since they live in a national park, so they fish and farm instead). After lunch the tribe danced -- we were invited to join in -- and we had a chance to purchase some of their crafts before taking the canoe back. (The crafts, though beautiful and unique, were fairly expensive, and the tribe only takes cash, so keep that in mind if you're planning to buy a souvenir.)

On another day we took out kayaks, where we paddled around exploring freshwater Gatun Lake before circling an island inhabited by a family of Capuchin monkeys. As we watched, one of the monkeys came down to a tour boat close enough to take a treat out of the hand of the guide. We also spotted a sloth, sleeping high up in a tree.

The Aerial Tram Tour on the resort's grounds takes you about a mile through the canopy of the rainforest, up to the base of an observation tower with a birds-eye view of the Panama Canal. Included in the tour was access to Gamboa's own ecological exhibits, like the butterfly and reptile houses and the orchid garden. Just try to take a picture of one of Panama's famous blue butterflies. Because of their bright colors, they are expecially attractive to birds, so they rarely land -- and when they do, they close their wings. You have to be very quick to catch them on film.