The Chagres Challenge - a full day jungle expedition from sunrise to sunset
5
The Chagres Challenge - a full day jungle expedition from sunrise to sunset
By Adventures Panama
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 9-65, max of 15 per group
Duration: 14–16 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Rafts and gear
- Professional guide trained in white-water navigation skills, first-aid and CPR
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Entry/Admission - Chagres National Park
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:Traveller pickup offered.Pickup details
- We pick up from any hotel within Panama City. Also some outside Panama City with an extra transportation fee.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 34942P12- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- A minimum of 4 people per booking is required
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 34942P12
From
£154.24
per adult
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Itinerary
- 1Start at 5am after your picked and taken in an all-terrain vehicle from your hotel to the remote village of San Cristobal. After enjoying a typical Panamanian breakfast, visit a campesino survival agricultural farm in the Chagres National Park. Next, hike for about 2-hours up to Rio Piedras. This area is a Chagres River tributary, where you will get into your rafts and begin to float downstream, (Class II-III rapids) floating into the untouched jungles of the Chagres National Park. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as monkeys, sloth, river otter, iguana, toucan and fish. From late February through early June you might have to hike all the way to the Chagres River (which takes 3-hours) because Piedras River might be to low to raft on. After lunch, continue rafting further downstream passing an impressive granite canyon with some white water rapid action, and ending just before encountering Madden Lake where you met by a "piragua" (native wooden canoe equipped with outboard motor). Ride in the piragua further downstream to the nearest road where a driver will be expecting you and ready to bring you back to civilization, and to your hotel in Panama City around 7pm.Pass byEmbera Drua VilliageEmberá Purú VillageComunidad embera TusiponoCentro De Salud Cerro Azul
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 224sarahc0 contributionsMagical Experience!This tour was spectacular! I highly recommend it. The cave itself was gorgeous w/ many interesting formations and shapes, and there were multiple pools where you could swim. There were many dark parts where you used a headlamp and also areas where there were holes and natural sunlight came through-I enjoyed the juxtaposition. There are also lots of bats at a certain part of the cave but they do their own thing. It felt truly magical. It's also not super challenging, but does make you work a little which sweetens the experience. Before you get to the cave, you take a boat across Bayano Lake which was also beautiful. At the end of the cave tour, you get some delicious homemade fish and platonos! Don't miss this tour!Written 12 January 2025
- Doug D0 contributionsGreat outing!We had a great evening out. Great guide and experience! It was a bit rainy but nice and warm. Tour was about an hour and seemed about right amount if time.Written 5 December 2024
- jeffcL4223UP0 contributionsAmazing Mamoni River-Just Book it!The trip was everything we were hoping for and more. Javier is an excellent guide and a wealth of knowledge all things Panama and adventure. We saw and heard three separate troops of monkeys along the river, iguanas, bats, and lots of birds. The white water was incredible and had the adrenaline pumping through all the waves, drops, and maneuvers!!Written 22 October 2024
- pascalpD1266WN0 contributionsBayano CayoningThis was one of the best experience of my life. The guide, Javier was amazing and I really recommend other people to try it!Written 19 October 2024
- Sightsee411573268670 contributionsBest tour in Panama!We went on the Bayano Canyoning tour with Javier and his companion. It was the best tour I've been on in a while. How often do you get to walk through a water cave with thousands of bats flying over you? Javier and his companion were very experienced. We felt perfectly safe throughout the whole tour. The hike wasn't to bad. It took us about 1 hour to get to the other side of the cave and only 30 mins to get back. I highly recommend to wear good hiking boots. Because it's dark and slippery in thr cave. After the hike we got to enjoy a delicious meal made by the local villagers. I'm definitely coming back for another tour next time I'm visiting Panama!Written 17 February 2024
- CarlG15040 contributionsI checked a "Bucket List" boxJavier and his team were spectacular! It is a challenging hike, and the rafting was the perfect complement for the day. The scenery was awe inspiring, and the power canoe ride at the end gave the experience a very authentic flair. I would highly recommend this tour for families, team building or a once-in-a-lifetime experience!Written 28 January 2024
- benjohansson7770 contributionsTHE BEST!Adventures Panama is everything we hoped and more! We had a wonderful experience with them climbing chame, seeing beautiful views, learning some history of Panama, and seeing lots of wildlife! Our tour guide was very informative and friendly and went above and beyond to make sure we were having the best time. We are going to do the sunset kayaking with them tomorrow and definitely will book with them again! If you are looking to really experience Panama and all that it has to offer, these are the people you want to book with!Written 8 April 2023
- V4620VDbriank0 contributionsBayano Canyoning Mar 2023We went on the Bayano Cavern trip with Javier. Javier was very responsive and flexible with our needs. The whole trip was very smooth, well organized and safe. Both the lake and the caves are an amazing place to visit. On the boat trip to the caves, we got great views of the lake and lots of birds including cormorants and ospreys. Entering the cavern, we waded through the river and saw the beautiful formations inside. Walking in the water over the slippery rocks takes some care and getting used to, but is not particularly difficult for people used to hiking. Hiking boots are a good idea, and the water temperature is cool. We saw lots of wildlife including frogs, fish and many bats inside the cave. In some places it is dark and requires headlamps, in other places the light passes through the tops illuminating the cave with cool light. At the end of the cavern we swam in the clear water of the lagoon, where we also saw a toucan and hummingbirds. We returned to the entrance on the same route, and then ate a delicious lunch before getting back on the boat to return to the car, change clothes (and watch some monkeys), then drive back. The caverns are a unique and beautiful place and there's great opportunities to see wildlife. Javier is experienced and responsible and knows the area very well. Overall the trip was a great experience.Written 30 March 2023
- melissamlasko0 contributionsMelissa MlaskoThe guide was great! The bats were amazing and in the millions. Hard walk and climb but worth it. Don’t let the time commitment overwhelm you, it goes by fastWritten 26 February 2023
- 144daanv0 contributionsChagres challenge overnightDid the Chagres challenge overnight with guide Javier. We where with a grouping 8 friends and had a really good time! He really easily adapts to the group and really made it a good trip! We would definitely recommend doing this to anyone visiting Panama!Written 22 January 2023
- Patrick M0 contributionsGreat rafting will appeal to beginners and experienced!Excellent rafting - beautiful to float down the river and the only way to see the jungle but also some real adrenaline inducing rapids. I’m experienced but it was my brother and nephews first time and we all enjoyed it. Compares very well with rafting I have done anywhere!Written 11 July 2022
- F35hhyffghhnkkgyubcf0 contributionsGreat time on the Chagres!Raft the Chagres with Javier and his crew and you will not be disappointed. A beautiful river, an experienced guiding team, and plenty of great food along the way. You’ll have the river to yourself and camp under the stars each night. Most importantly, you’ll see firsthand how Adventures Panamá has worked with local communities for the past 30 years of responsible operation. Thanks, Javier!Written 14 February 2022
- saintp20200 contributionsMost rewarding and enjoyableThe Tour Coordinator Javier made a custom tour for my group which included the canal on the Atlantic side, the city tour and lunch at excellent restaurants. I had a group of 58 persons and we were able to tour and enjoy safely with the assistance of the coordinator and his friendly assistance. This company is excellent with service and friendliness and price.Written 29 July 2021
- X8972WFpaulw0 contributionsManomi River Raft Adventure. Fantastic tripFantastic day with Adventuras Panama. This was not your normal lazy river rafting trip. Class 3 and 4 rapids as well as some hiking around water falls. Javier and Fabian were fantastic. Such a wonderful day and fantastic country. Everything was taken care of and we felt safe the entire time. This is a fantastic tour if you are looking for adventure. Can't wait to come back. #adventuraspanamaWritten 29 July 2021
- Cari G0 contributionsIncredible - highly recommendedGoing through the Bayano Caves was an amazing experience. Our guide was delightful, he arrived on time, was very knowledgable, and even pulled over once so we could look at some monkeys in a tree. This tour stopped at a wonderful family cabin where we left some of our things while in the cave and have a wonderful fish lunch after. The cave itself was really interesting and beautiful, though nowhere is more beautiful than the canyon on the other side. Nobody else was signed up for the tour yesterday, so it ended up being a private tour for my husband and I, which was really nice. Note - this tour is not for everyone. It requires a fair bit of physical fitness and a little bravery. You need to be able to navigate over invisible rocks underwater, do a small amount of rock climbing, and you may have to swim a bit. It is worth it, but if you have any mobility issues at all, this likely isn't your best activity.Written 15 February 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
20 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Katie H
Washington DC, DC4 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Phenomenal day! It really is a challenge, but we loved it all. Started at 5am with pick up from our hotel, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast before switching to a 4x4 for the drive into the jungle. Led by Alberto, we hiked for about 2 hours to the river - it was steep and muddy, but great fun, so good hiking-water shoes are essential. We managed to beat the horses bringing the equipment to the river, so we relaxed until the raft was ready. Fabian and Alberto guided the raft and made sure we all had a fantastic and informative (and safe) time. We saw some amazing wildlife such as a huge iguana and many birds. We did not see a single person from the beginning of the hike til the end at the Embera village - it was sublimely peaceful and beautiful on the river with the rainforest all around us. The rapids were exhilarating and so much fun! You will definitely end the day soaking wet!
Lunch was simple but perfect, at a convenient stony beach on the river.
We ended at an Embera village and we were taken back to the van by a motor canoe, which was a lovely end to an exhausting but amazing day.
Cannot recommend this highly enough. Our children aged 13 and 11 thought it was amazing. Thank you so much to Javier and the team!
Lunch was simple but perfect, at a convenient stony beach on the river.
We ended at an Embera village and we were taken back to the van by a motor canoe, which was a lovely end to an exhausting but amazing day.
Cannot recommend this highly enough. Our children aged 13 and 11 thought it was amazing. Thank you so much to Javier and the team!
Written 28 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much Katie for your excellent review, and trusting Adventures Panama with your precious vacation time.
Written 29 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard
1 contribution
Feb 2020
book this tour as it will be the best tour you will do in Panama. my wife and i went on this in February 2020 and it was an amazing day. you hike in the jungle, wade across beautiful streams, raft down the Chagres river and then get picked up by an indigenous tribe and taken back to a waiting pickup across a lake. Javier is a great guide - he really knows the jungle and the river. If you want a truly memorable holiday - book this tour. you will not be disappointed. it really was fantastic. Javier runs the only tour to do this so you have the river to yourself. I cannot recommend this trip enough - its a long day but you will keep great memories forever. this deserves to be on your bucket list of things to do in your life!
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your Excellent Review on our Chagres Challenge.
It is definitely my favorite trip. Guest where I am spending an overnight tomorrow ? I kick that bucket as often as I can (-:
I am looking forward to show you more about our hand pick places in Panama.
Written 15 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Familia F
Panama City, Panama1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Friends
Amazing experience. Incredibly organized. You can tell the years of experience because everything was thouroughly thought of ahead of time.
The Rafting was easy enough, the 2.5hr hike was not too tiresome and had beautiful sights.
The Rafting was easy enough, the 2.5hr hike was not too tiresome and had beautiful sights.
Written 13 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was a lot of fun taking your family in this expedition across Chagres National Park. Thanks !
Written 14 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tessa A
Escazu, Costa Rica4 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
Honestly, the most fun and exciting expedition i have been on, from 5am until 7pm! I saw another part of Panama I didn’t know existed however all in a days trip from PC. A big thank you to Javier for his expertise and incredible organisation skills.
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your excellent review ! It was a lot of fun sharing with you. Panama is an amazing coutry, so small an so diverse !
Written 29 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Francisco M
4 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
The Chagres Challenge was an exciting experience where we were able to hike up through the panamanian Rainforest and then raft down the Chagres river, all within a day. We saw different animas, learned about the history of the National Park, rafted through some Class III rapids and even enjoyed lunch by the river. A must for anyone visiting the city.
Written 3 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your Excellent review. It was a great day sharing it with you.
Written 7 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yvette R
Prairieville, LA5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Javier was a wonderful guide. He takes safety measures seriously. The hike was physically challenging but it was well worth it. It is every bit of a 14 hour day. The rapids were not as scary as I thought they would be. The virgen jungle and river were spectacular. It was the highlight of my tweens’ Panama trip. They will remember it forever. It was the whole jungle experience in one day.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was great to host your family in our trip. I am looking forward to your next visit and next adventure with Adventures Panama. Thank you for your excellent review !!!
Written 7 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sean C
3 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Very challenging and rewarding adventure. Admittedly, it kicked my butt, but I am super glad I finished with my family and friends. Please remind Javier to bring his canteens and water the day prior to the trip as we had to improvise and get containers and coconut water from the locals.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much Sean for trusting Adventures Panama. Now you know me, I will do my best to make it happen !
Written 7 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tricia S
7 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
What an amazing close to our fun filled family vacation in Panama. We did it all during our visit and this was the whole families favorite day (ages 11, 15, 17). Javier has put together an experience that would be hard to replicate anywhere. the personal time and energy he puts into this is incredible. The thrill of being deep in the jungle, eating mangos off the trees, swimming in the refreshing waters, battling the rapids, it was absolutely perfect. We made our way back to the van via the Embera people using their canoes constructed from the trees of the jungle. This is not an 'easy' tour by any stretch and not for everyone. Be sure to know your parties fitness level as I have many friends that would not have enjoyed the three hour hike to start the journey, we LOVED it!! We were not prepared with water proof bags for our phones so left them behind, Javier helped us capture some memories, but next time I would have my camera (strapped on, of course). Thank you Javier for a trip of a lifetime!!
Written 16 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your Excellent Review on our Chagres Challenge, a trip I really love as you verifyed it yourself.
I was very happy on being able to meet your family and all participants. It was a very memorable day !
Written 17 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ARbenedetti
3 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Awesome! Due to the river’s history and wild and scenic beauty, rafting the Chagres has been on my bucket list for quite some time and the experience has left me seriously stoked. Our guides were on point with safety throughout the journey and all our transport transitions were smooth and on time, along with the celebratory cold ones at the end!! Thank you Aventuras Panama very much for making this such a memorable adventure.
Written 21 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your excellent review !!! It was great to have you doing our Chagres Challenge. Now looking forward to have you doing our Chagres Challenge Overnight. Thank you for putting together such an awesome group !
Written 22 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shaniqua P
9 contributions
My boyfriend & I did the Chagres Challenge.
Pros:
-get to see a lot of great relaxing scenery
-learn lots of information about Panama and it's rainforest
- you get to see other small villages with indigenous people
-white water rafting experience was fun and safe
-the hike is a great workout
Cons:
-the white water rafting was 5 hours which was too long so it took away the excitement because the day just dragged.
-although the hike is a great workout but you have to be very careful because in most of the rainforest it's muddy so its slippery. Bring bug spray because there's lots of trees, etc.
- there is no real breakfast to fill you up for the long hike just water, or small yogurt smoothie, and cofee along with a banana, Apple or pear. As for lunch we expected something more filling in between the 5 hour white water rafting but were served a ham and cheese sandwich with water and Pringles to share.
Pros:
-get to see a lot of great relaxing scenery
-learn lots of information about Panama and it's rainforest
- you get to see other small villages with indigenous people
-white water rafting experience was fun and safe
-the hike is a great workout
Cons:
-the white water rafting was 5 hours which was too long so it took away the excitement because the day just dragged.
-although the hike is a great workout but you have to be very careful because in most of the rainforest it's muddy so its slippery. Bring bug spray because there's lots of trees, etc.
- there is no real breakfast to fill you up for the long hike just water, or small yogurt smoothie, and cofee along with a banana, Apple or pear. As for lunch we expected something more filling in between the 5 hour white water rafting but were served a ham and cheese sandwich with water and Pringles to share.
Written 7 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Than you very much for your "Very Good" review on our Chagres Challenge.
I apologize for the food brought that day. I never received and observation on it before, and when I reviewed your feedback we took immediate action to avoid the mistake on that day with the food supply to ever happen again.
Yes, it is a long day, from sunrise to sunset. There is no shorter way to do it, except to fly in helicopter to river put it. We also offer this option.
Best regards,
Written 20 February 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Will this
be available in week of March 14 to do rafting in jungle
Written 24 January 2020
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