Wild Darien

Darien National Park

An expedition to the Darien offers the rare opportunity to witness the beauty of untamed jungle and the traditions of its indigenous peoples.

This is Central America’s wild southern frontier, thick with primeval forest and exotic wildlife.

Many of the region’s residents are Chocóe-Embera and Chocóe-Wounaan, with some still hunting with the barbasco poison dart method.

Darien’s Kuna Communities

Kuna communities are also found in Darien, both on the Caribbean Coast and the inland lakes.

The mighty Interamerican (or Panamerican) Highway submits to the power of nature in Darien, degrading to a muddy track before giving up altogether near the tiny town of Yaviza (125 miles south of Chepo, six hours from Panama City).

Along the route, Kuna and Embera villages welcome intrepid travelers with food, dance, and traditional crafts.

Through Pinogana, El Real and Pijivasal—to Pirre Station

South of Yaviza, terrestrial transportation routes are reduced to river and hiking trail, leading through Pinogana, El Real and Pijivasal to Pirre Station.

This area marks the northern border of Darién National Park, a world-class wildlife viewing destination.

More than 450 avian species populate this region, including:

• Varieties of Macaws
• Tanagers
• Kites
• Falcons
• Jacamars

The eight-mile canoe trip and hike from El Real to the Pirre Station requires both a guide and permission from ANAM (La Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente)—the rough Panamanian equivalent to the U.S. National Park Service.

Accommodations at Darien

Accommodations in this riverside Eden are bunkhouse basic. Accordingly, provisions must be packed to the station.

From Pirre Station, a short trail ends in a chain of waterfalls.

Boca de Cupe

A longer hike leads to Boca de Cupe (four hours), on to Cana (a rusty, former mining town), and the ANCON station on the cloud-forested eastern slopes of Cerro Pirre (two days).

Established in 1980, Darién is the largest national park in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its territory covers more than 2,200 square miles, protecting mangrove swamps, mountains, lowland rainforests, and Pacific beaches.

Wildlife Watching and Birding

Marquee species include:

• Harpy Eagles
• Five Types of Monkey
• Jaguars
• Pumas
• Peccaries
• Baird’s tapir

The deeper reaches of the park can be accessed by air (airstrips at Boca de Cupe, Pucuro and Paya), hiking trail, and river.

Experienced guides and ANAM permission are both required at Darien National Park.

We can help you with both.