Panama Canal, Monkey Island, and Indigenous Village Tour
About the Tour - Panama Canal, Monkey Island, and the Indigenous Village Tour with Barefoot Panama
Booking the Adventure
Before even setting foot in Panama, I had my heart set on the Panama Canal, Monkey Island, and Indigenous Village Tour. Initially, I found the tour on Viator for a hefty $150, but a stroke of luck led me to book directly with Barefoot Panama for a much friendlier $120. Kevin, their rep, was incredibly responsive, confirming my booking and sending multiple reminders about the pickup location.
Nico - My Wonderful Guide
On the day of the tour, I met my friendly guide, Nico, at my hotel promptly at 7:15 AM. Joining me were three other travelers from Florida, who were enjoying a house swap in the Canal Zone. After a scenic 45-minute drive, we arrived at the marina, where our local captain was waiting to whisk us away.
A Tour to Remember
This tour was an absolute highlight of my trip! Nico was an exceptional guide, clearly passionate about the well-being of the monkeys. In fact, this tour easily cracked my top five all-time favorite experiences. The day was divided into four incredible parts: a boat ride through Gatun Lake, a playful encounter with three different monkey species, a cultural immersion in an indigenous village, and a delicious lunch at the local gem, El Trapiche.
Panama Canal, Monkey Island, and Indigenous Village Tour - Table of Contents
- About My Tour of the Panama Canal, Monkey Island, and the Indigenous Village
- Gatun Lake: A World of Its Own
- Monkey Island Magic
- A Glimpse into Indigenous Life
- A Jungle Adventure in the Chagres Rainforest
- Lunch at El Trapiche Restaurant
- Panama Canal, Monkey Island, and Indigenous Village Tours and Packages
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Gatun Lake: A World of Its Own
As we set off on our journey to Monkey Island, we entered Gatun Lake, a man-made marvel that serves as a crucial component of the Panama Canal. Almost immediately, a thrill ran through me as I spotted a massive crocodile. Unfortunately, my camera lens was still fogging up from the humid air, and by the time I managed to find my phone, the elusive reptile had disappeared beneath the water.
The Giants of the Panama Canal
Shortly after our close encounter, a colossal container ship emerged on the horizon. Our skilled captain expertly maneuvered the boat, allowing us to capture stunning photographs of this maritime giant.
This was the first of three enormous ships we would witness during our tour.
Bridge Trouble
Below, you can see a bridge that connects the non-canal part of Gatun Lake to the Panama Canal section. There’s a noticeable repair job on the bridge, a stark reminder of an incident involving a ship that lost power and careened out of control, crashing into the structure. Nico explained that these massive vessels require an incredible distance—about one to two miles—to come to a complete stop.
Canal Traffic Control
To prevent another Suez Canal-like catastrophe, every ship passing through the Panama Canal is accompanied by at least two tugboats. It’s a crucial safety measure to ensure smooth navigation.
Wildlife Watch on Gatun Lake
As we drew closer to Monkey Island, the wildlife began to make its presence known.
We spotted two types of birds, the Anhinga and the Cormorant, drying their wings in the sunlight.
A large iguana basked in the warmth, while a family of bats found refuge in the branches of a nearby tree.
Monkey Island Magic
Monkey Island is actually a cluster of islands home to various monkey species. Our adventure brought us face-to-face with three captivating primates: Geoffroy’s Tamarins, White-Faced Capuchins, and Mantled Howlers. It’s important to note that most of these monkeys are rescued from the illegal pet trade or poaching. Each one has a unique name and personality, adding a touch of individuality to our encounter.
Monkey Island Etiquette
Nico shared some essential guidelines for interacting with these fascinating creatures. While they eagerly accept food directly from your hand, it’s crucial to resist the urge to pet or hug them. Additionally, if a monkey is eyeing your treat, avoid hiding it or offering it to another monkey.
To keep the monkeys healthy, Nico explained that we should offer only small amounts of food, primarily banana chips and peanuts, followed by a lemon or lime rub. Overfeeding can lead to sluggishness and unhealthy sleep patterns for these typically energetic animals.
Tamarins and a Capuchin Friend
Our first stop was Tamarin Island. To our surprise, a Capuchin named Minion had been adopted by this lively troop. The Tamarins were quick to snatch up the banana chips, while Minion relished the peanuts.
In a heartwarming moment, Nico noticed Minion was thirsty and the clever Capuchin quenched its thirst by drinking directly from the hand of one of our group members.
I was eager to capture these precious moments on camera, but unfortunately, my GoPro’s awkward angle resulted in mostly unusable footage.
Capuchin Chaos
Leaving Tamarin Island, we arrived at the Capuchin domain. It took a few moments for these playful creatures to emerge, but once they did, the excitement was palpable. One particularly daring Capuchin even leaped towards the boat, eager for a peanut reward.
We spent about 15-20 minutes immersed in their world, watching them swing through the trees and observing a tender mother-infant bond.
Howler Symphony
Our final stop was Howler Monkey Island. Unlike the other species, these elusive creatures preferred the treetops. Nico explained that no guide had ever managed to coax them down to the boat. Undeterred, our captain revved the engine, prompting a chorus of howls in response.
A Glimpse into Indigenous Life
After our enchanting encounter with the monkeys, we embarked on a journey up the Chagres River towards an indigenous village. Home to 49 inhabitants, this community offered a unique blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. Despite embracing technology—smartphones, modern attire, and virtual schooling for their children—the villagers maintained a strong connection to their ancestral roots.
Village Life and Leaf Cutter Ants
As we stepped onto the village grounds, we were greeted by a bustling colony of leafcutter ants. These industrious insects tirelessly carried leaf fragments uphill, a mesmerizing spectacle. Nico explained that they cultivate a specific fungus using these leaves, showcasing their remarkable farming abilities. The complex hierarchy of the colony, with worker ants and quality control specialists, is a testament to their intricate social structure.
Meeting the Villagers
The villagers welcomed us with open arms, encouraging us to capture their homes and handicrafts in photographs. The absence of men, who were working in Panama City, allowed us an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of the women and children. We gathered in the main hut where Nico provided insights into their culture and showcased their handcrafted treasures—intricate carvings, woven baskets, and textiles.
While there was no pressure to purchase, I couldn’t resist acquiring a basket, a wooden monkey carving, a colorful textile, and a unique stone iguana.
A Taste of Village Life
The village was a vibrant tapestry of life, with nearly a hundred chickens roaming freely. Before our departure, we were treated to a captivating ceremonial dance performed by the women and a young girl, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of a drum.
We also made a furry friend, a charming dog named Scott, whose appearance inspired his unusual moniker. Scott earned his name because it reminded the villagers of the color of Scott Brand toilet paper.
The indigenous village has a futbol (soccer) field and indoor restrooms with running water. We were able to use the restrooms before leaving the village.
A Jungle Adventure in the Chagres Rainforest
Our rainforest trek was a muddy but exhilarating experience. The previous night’s rain had transformed the dirt path into a slippery challenge. Our guide, Nico, focused on introducing us to the diverse plant life during our 20-minute journey.
Nature's Wonders
One fascinating discovery was the Gumbo Limbo Tree, humorously nicknamed the “tourist tree” due to its constant shedding of bark to ward off parasites.
Nico’s vivid comparison to sunburned tourists brought a smile to everyone’s face.
A tiny frog, blending seamlessly into its surroundings, caught our attention. Nico explained that, unlike their brightly colored poisonous counterparts, camouflage is this frog’s survival strategy.
Our exploration continued, revealing an array of unique plants and creatures.
We encountered trees contorting for sunlight, a swift lizard darting through the undergrowth, an ant nest mimicking a wasp hive, and the distinctive Black Palm Tree resembling a porcupine.
A Lifesaving Discovery
The most astonishing find was a hollow tree brimming with water. Nico emphasized its potential to sustain our group for weeks if stranded, underscoring the rainforest’s ability to provide for those who understand its secrets.
After completing our loop, we returned to the boat and headed to a local Panamanian restaurant to recharge with a delicious meal.
A Panamanian Feast - Lunch at El Trapiche Restaurant
Our final stop was a culinary adventure at El Trapiche, a local restaurant specializing in traditional Panamanian cuisine. Nico’s recommendations were spot on! I indulged in the Fiesta Panama, a tantalizing sampler of local flavors, accompanied by a beef empanada and a chorizo link.
The Fiesta Panama was a gastronomic journey through Panama. It began with a comforting chicken soup, followed by a flavorful combination of rice with chicken, shredded beef, plantains, and a hearty shredded chicken stew. The crispy pork rinds and fried yuca added delightful textures to the meal.
To cap off this culinary experience, we indulged in a sweet treat at a nearby shop—delicious chocolate churros. The Fiesta Panama and churros were both unforgettable highlights of the trip. With a full belly and a heart brimming with memories, our tour concluded as Nico dropped me off at my hotel.
Panama Canal, Monkey Island and Indigenous Village Tours and Packages
If you are interested in booking this tour or a similar one, you can do so with the links below. Please note that as an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you book using one of my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of July 2024.
 5 Hour Combo - Panama Canal Eco-Cruise with Monkey Island and Rainforest Walk - $105.00 In this tour that departs from central Panama City you will get up close with the Panama Canal and the abundance of wildlife on its shores. You will take a cruise in a boat right next to the transiting ships and visit islands in Gatun Lake that are full of wildlife. |
 Private Tour Panama Canal, Railway and Monkey Island - $165.00 Day tour to the Atlantic side of Panama in a tour mixing the amazing structures of the Panama Canal and the beauty of the rainforest with the experience of riding The Panama Canal Railway. Small groups. |
 Full-Day Monkey Island and Indian Village Tour from Panama City, Panama - $149.43 Small group tour of Lake Gatun and Soberania National Park, searching for wildlife and visiting an indigenous village. This is a great combo of 2 popular tours, wildlife viewing where you can see up too 3 different types of monkeys as well as a real Indian village. |
 Monkey Island and Panama Canal Eco Tour - $75.00 Enjoy the exciting adventure of being inside the Panama Canal and get to know with all your senses the operation, history and biodiversity around it, an stunning experience surrounded by wildlife and rainforest. |
 Monkey Island Tour from Panama City - $54.52 This 4-hour tour is the easiest way for you to have close-up contact with monkeys such as white-face, howlers and geoffrey´s tamarine. |
 Private Monkey Island Boat Tour at the Panama Canal - $255.00 You will be in a lake, that was the largest man made in the world and on top of that, you will be so close to the huge ships transiting from Atlantic to Pacific or viceversa... simply: Espectacular. |
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