(La Misión Panameña) Day Trips Within 90 Minutes of Panama City.
Canopy zipline, horseback riding, hiking and river tubing; located just over an hour from Panama City in Maria Chiquita, Colon you will find Panama Outdoor Adventures, an eco-friendly tourist facility located on 69 acres (28 hectares) of lush tropical rainforest. This is a perfect escape from the noise of the city to enjoy a day surrounded by nature, friends and adventurous activities for everyone. One of the great things about this place, is there is no age limit, they have had children as young as 2 years old ride the cables while connected to one of their experienced guides. The River Tubing tour is also accommodating for children of all ages, the tubes have a bottom inside the tube so that children or any loose objects can not fall through into the river and they also have a locking device so you can connect your child’s or partner’s tube to yours so you will not be separated. There are various rope swings located on the shores of the river along the way for those seeking a little excitement. The facilities have a large covered common area with tables and chairs, bathrooms and changing rooms, and hammocks for relaxing.
For more information: www.PanamaOutdoorAdventures.com
Panama Rainforest Discovery Center: located on the border of the Soberania National Park, just past the town of Gamboa, and within 40 minutes of Panama City, you will find the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, an ecotourism and environmental educational project dedicated to bird conservation in Panama. This eco-friendly center uses solar panels, rain collection systems and the structures were built from recycled materials. The visitor center has a small store to purchase drinks, snacks, souvenirs and even binoculars to rent. They have well manicured hiking trails with resting areas along the way, and an observation tower that is located 100 feet (32 meters) above the rainforest’s floor. The Panama Rainforest Discovery Center has recently introduced 3 new tours; Sunrise tour, Sunset and Night time tour, and lastly Bird Watching classes to learn and practice the basics to bird watching. The center also offers a free environmental education program to school groups of 12 to 18 years of age.
For more information: www.PipelineRoad.org
Taboga Island: also known as the “Island of Flowers”, located about 12 miles (20 km) from Panama City in the Bay of Panama, the island is reachable by ferry which takes around 45 minutes one way and leaves daily from La Playita, Amador Causeway. The island is also reachable by a smaller, faster motorboat that leaves from Balboa Yacht club and takes about 15 minutes. With its close proximity to Panama City and daily transport to and from the island, this is the perfect daily beach escape from the city, and perhaps best of all, no driving required! Taboga Island’s beach is completely protected from the constant crashing waves most beaches on the Pacific are subject to, thus making it perfect for kids and adults who wish to relax in the cool water. There are hotels, restaurants, shops and small grocery stores for basic needs. The island does not have any ATM machines so be sure to take cash. There are also hiking trails scattered across the island, hike up the cross on the south end of the island for the best view!
