ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Lugares | Disponibilidad |
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Isla Cañas, Los Santos y Playa Mata Oscura, Veraguas | Junio – Noviembre |
Who is it for?
Volunteer programmes or participation in environmental activities, ideal for social services and other activities in the field.
Sea turtle conservation projects
There are eight species of sea turtles in the world, five of which lay their eggs on our coasts. The beaches of Azuero are one of the few in the world where thousands of turtles can be seen in the rainy season coming to lay their eggs in the sand.
According to experts, turtles seek this area of the Azuero Peninsula because the continental shelf is shorter and the waters near the coast are deeper, and the darkness of these places facilitates nesting.
We offer programmes where participants can support communities in conservation activities for these species, such as beach patrols, beach cleaning, turtle egg counting and nesting, among other activities related to protection projects.
Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO PANAMA |
Transfer from Tocumen airport to hotel |
Rest
Lodging in Panama City hospedaje en hotel |
Dinner at Local Restaurant |
DAY 2: TRANSFER TO MARIATO |
We moved to Mariato located in the province of Veraguas. |
Check in the Eco-ruta Project |
Group dinner at the Eco Ruta. |
TURTLE PATROLLING EXPERIENCE AT MATA OSCURA BEACH
Location: Mata Oscura Beach, Mariato. Located 50 minutes from Playa Reina. Duration: 6 hours. Available: Every day under reservation In the afternoon we will travel to the community of Mata Oscura to live one of the most beautiful experiences, We will be able to respectfully observe these great turtles during the nesting season. Sometimes we can observe eggs hatching in the hatcheries that are in the site. Sea turtles fulfill important ecological roles in ecosystems as diverse as coral reefs and seagrasses. We will make a tour of approximately 1.2 km, in the event that a person finds a turtle we will proceed to take data and relocate the nest to the hatchery. The experience culminates with a dinner with local dishes in support of the community of Mata Oscura. |
DAY 3: MANGROVE DAY |
VISITOR CENTER IN MATA OSCURA
EXPERIENCES IN MARIATO – TORIO – DARK FOREST KAYAK RIDE IN THE MANGROVE SWAMP DURATION 2 HOURS INCLUDES: MANGROVE GUIDE, PADDLING, KAYAK ROUND TRIP. Following the path of streams and rivers that flow into the sea, this trip becomes a magical journey through the mangrove forest, where we can observe the curious aerial roots and adaptations to the environment. During the tour it is possible to see some birds and other typical mangrove animals. Without the use of fuel or pollutant oils, you enjoy a relaxing and peaceful tour at your own speed, accompanied by a guide from the community. The tour lasts between 1 to 2 hours. In the area where the kayaks are taken you will get your feet wet, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes that you can get wet |
SIX WATERFALLS
The corregimiento of Quebro, receives its name from the broken topography, showing beautiful waterfalls in its ravines and rivers. On this walk, through a private farm, through the gallery forest, you can choose between visiting 3 to 6 beautiful waterfalls, with the option of bathing in its refreshing waters and enjoying its scenic beauty. It is a tour that connects you with nature, accompanied by a local guide, with whom you will pass hills and small ravines. It is recommended to bring water to drink. If you want to bathe, the guide can wait for you up to 30 min. The total journey (round trip) can last between an hour and a half to 2 hours. |
Snacks in Fundación |
Transfer to Palo Seco Port – 30 min |
LECHERIA MAMACITA DAIRY |
In this farm you will be able to learn more about the daily work of the field, milking cows, animal husbandry, crops. Doña Digna and her family will guide you through their farm, where you will feel like the main guest. Visitors can milk a cow if they wish and also enjoy tasting milk by-products, such as cheese or artisan yogurt. This tour begins in the community of Rusia de Quebro (5 min by car from Mata Oscura beach), the same area, where there is the mangrove trail, kayaking and 6 waterfalls. Come and enjoy the simplicity of country life and share their daily work with friendly people. This tour lasts approximately 45 minutos. |
GRINDING DOÑA HILDA
In this tour, Doña Hilda, her husband Virgilio and their family, show you how the sugar cane is cut, then the process of grinding it in the trapiche (2-roll mill), to extract the juice, where, if you wish, you can spin it to make the experience more fun. Finally, she explains how they make cane honey, which is highly appreciated as a sweetener, as well as being natural and organic. More than a commercial and prefabricated tour, it is to insert yourself into a real experience of the activity that this family develops. When you finish you can sit down to taste cane juice, honey and coconut. This tour lasts about 45 minutes and is in the Mata Oscura community, a 15-minute walk from the beach. |
DAY 5: |
HATCHLING RELEASE
This activity is also part of the work of the Fundación Agua y Tierra in Mata Oscura beach, and visitors are allowed to be part of it, observing the hatchlings of turtles on their journey along the beach, towards the sea, during its travel, is necessary to be attentive to reach the water safely. The learning and satisfaction of participating in the race for life, together with these species, is incomparable. This process is the final stage of previous arduous conservation work, which is why it is very important to follow the instructions of the project staff to enjoy this activity to the fullest and responsibly. Children of any age can participate. This activity thakes place at 6:00 am (they must arrive 15 minutes before to sign up and make the payment). This activity lasts one hour maximum. PRESENTATION OF FOLK DANCES The children of the Morrillo community folk group present Panamanian dances with their typical dresses. It is regularly offered at the farewell dinner, and 4 dances are presented. The payment is fully delivered to the dance group to support their cost of costumes and practices. The presentation is made at Mata Oscura beach and lasts approximately 40 minutes. |
DAY 6:ROAD TO PTY CITY |
Transfer from MARIATO to Panamá city
Rest Lodging in Panama City |
DAY 7: |
City Tour: PANAMA CANAL – PANAMA LA VIEJA – OLD TOWN
Excursion to visit the ruins of the archaeological site of Panama La Vieja and the Museum of Panama Viejo, we will continue the tour visiting the old town; Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 1982 enjoying its architecture, squares, the National Theater and the cobblestone streets that defy the relentlessness of time, it is the magical opportunity to have an encounter with more than four centuries of history. We will continue our tour to visit the Old Town of Panama, a World Heritage Site since 1982, enjoying its architecture, squares, the National Theater and the cobblestone streets that defy the relentlessness of time, it is the magical opportunity to have an encounter with more than four centuries of history. Last will go to the Miraflores visitor’s center, and we will be in front of the eighth wonder of the world The Panama Canal, we will explain the operation of the locks while watching the transit of the huge ships. |
Dinner in Sabroso Panamá |
DAY 8: |
DEPARTURE BY YOUR COUNTRY |