Panama journey: quetzal and a dream island

You arrive in Panama, capital of the country of the same name. “City” or “la Ciudad” is added to be more precise. Panama City conjures up a contemporary, modern city, its buildings — towering masses of steel and glass — standing proudly against the ocean. Panama la Ciudad, on the other hand, evokes Panama Viejo, built on pre-Columbian remains, a first-rate colonial outpost. Destroyed by a slave revolt, a fire, an earthquake and a pirate attack, the city was rebuilt near the mouth of a river that would become the entrance to the Panama Canal. A strategic choice. Today, the Casco Viejo has nothing to envy in Havana, a symbol of colonial splendour.

Visit the Panama Canal Museum, which traces the history of the construction of this engineering marvel. You then go on to admire this 20th-century feat of engineering at the Miraflores Locks. From there, you have a front-row seat to the spectacle of cruise liners and the enormous cargo ships known as Panamax passing through.

You continue on to Chiriqui province on a flight with the national carrier.
In the Guaymi language, Chiriqui means “valley of the moon”. With the Barù volcano (3,475m) and the nearby La Amistad International Park, this region is not only the highest in the country but also the most varied in terms of landscape. Mountains covered in greenery, white sand beaches, trails scattered with flowers — everything is here to satisfy even the most demanding traveller. Thanks to its climate, fruit and vegetable farming is particularly important and varied here. So while in the mountains you can sample local cheeses, excellent coffee or oranges reputed to be the best in the country, at lower elevations banana plantations and sugar cane fields will delight lovers of exotic flavours.
The province’s main draw, however, remains mountain hiking, the cool climate being ideal for this activity. Whether climbing the Baru volcano, trekking through the rainforest in search of the resplendent quetzal, or simply walking through flower-filled valleys crossed by small rivers, there is no shortage of options for those keen on excursions.
Along with Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui province is also one of the few regions in the west of the country where you will meet many Amerindians, the Guaymies. The villages of Boquete and Volcan are indeed famous for their production of coffee and flowers of all kinds, including the renowned orchids.

Departure with your private driver to Boca Chica, where you board the lodge’s boat to reach Isla Palenque.
At the heart of the Gulf of Chiriqui, Isla Palenque is a sanctuary — a forgotten island where extraordinary wild nature is preserved. There is only one accommodation on this island.
The eco-resort is founded on principles of natural and cultural conservation. Set off on an adventure in a fully comfortable lodge, and unwind in the wild embrace of this untouched island.

Isla Palenque is characterised as a refuge, and this goes far beyond the experiences currently on offer on the island.
Long ago, the island was revered by indigenous tribes as a place of sacred significance: they called it “Palenque”, meaning sanctuary.
The island covers around 400 hectares, with 8km of coastline and more than 2.5km of soft volcanic-sand beaches, ranging from a large crescent-shaped beach facing the setting sun to numerous private, hidden and secluded beaches known only to those who explore the island.
The beauty of Isla Palenque does not stop at the coast — the island offers an incredibly lush and varied natural environment. Climb spectacular cliffs through verdant rainforest, enjoy the view from rolling hills, pass alongside lagoons, or study the mangroves. The Isla Palenque nature reserve offers kilometres of trails to explore. It is a wonderful habitat for a wide variety of native plants and animals — and for discerning travellers!