DARIEN GAP
EXPEDITION
USD $2499 per person - All inclusive
December 10 - 12 2026
Difficulty - Intermediate
4-10 Participants
What draws people to the Darien Gap? Perhaps it’s the overwhelming biodiversity, the vast sweep of untouched jungle, or the pull of one of the world’s last true wilderness frontiers. While most visitors only scratch the surface—perhaps visiting a riverside village near the Pan-American Highway—this expedition goes much further.
Led by expert guides, this 8-day, 7-night journey takes you deep into the heart of the Darien. You’ll navigate winding rivers by boat and dugout canoe, trek through dense rainforest and across the Serranía El Sapo mountains, and finally arrive at the remote Pacific Coast. Along the way, you’ll experience a side of Panama that few outsiders ever witness.
This expedition is designed for those seeking real adventure—where effort, resilience, and respect for nature are rewarded with unforgettable scenery, meaningful cultural encounters, and the profound stillness of the jungle.
These photos were taken by those who’ve walked the same path—real moments from real adventurers on this expedition. Thanks: Jens Hübbers, Marco Freivogel, and more!
Expedition Outline
Your adventure begins early with hotel pickup in Panama City, followed by a scenic 5-hour drive along the legendary Pan-American Highway into the northern reaches of the Darién Province. From Puerto Quimba, we board a motorized boat for a 3-hour journey through winding jungle waterways leading to the Sambu River. There, we transition into traditional dugout canoes for another immersive 3-hour ride deep into one of the world’s most remote and biodiverse regions.
From Days 2 to 6, we trek through dense rainforest and ascend the Serranía El Sapo mountain range, gradually making our way to the unspoiled Pacific Coast. Awaiting us is the Embera village of Playa Muerto—modest, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful—where we spend two nights recovering from the trek, enjoying the beach, and connecting with the local culture.
On Day 8, we begin our return with a 3-hour boat ride back to Puerto Quimba, followed by a 5-hour drive that brings us full circle to Panama City—physically tired, perhaps, but undeniably transformed.
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This expedition is rated at an Challenging difficulty level.
Fitness level: A good level of general physical fitness. You are expected to carry your own backpack and belongings. Depending on the season, the hiking can be very irregular, wet, and muddy. Relative humidity is always very high, exposure to the sun can be very energy-draining, and rainstorms are unpredictable. Trekking poles are mandatory.
This trek is better suited for people with prior trekking experience or beginners in exceptional physical shape. People with poor balance, low stamina, or overweight are recommended to consider a more moderate activity.
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8 days / 7 nights (does not include international arrival and departure days)
1- Panama City - Condoto Village
2- Condoto - Dos Bocas camp
3- Dos Bocas - Vejiga Camp
4- Vejiga - Alto Piñas Camp
5- Alto Piñas - Zero day
6- Alto Piñas - Playa Muerto
7- Playa Muerto - Rest Day
8- Playa Muerto - Panama City
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Minimum group size: Four (4) people
Maximum group size: Ten (10) people
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Your guide is fluent in Spanish and English
Your Guides
Rick Morales
Expedition Leader & Jungle Guide Instructor
Rick Morales is one of Panama’s most respected jungle guides and expedition leaders, with over 20 years of experience exploring the country's wildest and most remote landscapes. As the original route-finder of the 700 km-long TransPanama Trail, Rick’s deep knowledge of the jungle, its history, and biodiversity makes every expedition an immersive and educational experience. He is passionate about conservation, Indigenous collaboration, and inspiring the next generation of jungle leaders.
Read more about Rick
Cesar Gonzalez
Expedition Leader & Certified Jungle Guide
Cesar Gonzalez is a seasoned expedition leader and Certified Jungle Guide with over a decade of experience guiding in some of the most remote and biodiverse regions of Latin America. Known for his deep knowledge of the jungle, calm leadership style, and passion for sharing Indigenous knowledge, Cesar brings unmatched expertise and cultural respect to every journey. Whether navigating dense rainforest trails or teaching essential survival skills, Cesar ensures every expedition is both safe and unforgettable.
Read more about Cesar
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Lodging: Hammock, lodge.
Learning content (optional/typical): Expeditions skills, team building, climate change, indigenous issues, geography, history.
Modes of transportation: Trekking, Canoe, Boat, Vehicle.
Common hazards: Blisters and bruises from hitting rocks and branches if too little paddling experience, blisters from trekking if shoes are new, spines in hands from grabbing palm trees. General cuts and scrapes.
Dietary Requirements
Due to the remoteness, the environmental conditions, and the limited variety of foods in the area, we cannot accommodate very strict dietary regimes. At the villages we eat local fresh food, and in the jungle we eat freeze-dried meals and your own lunch snacks. Anyone with a strict diet please get in touch with us before booking.
Travel
Participants are required to provide own flights, any applicable visas, travel documents and travel arrangements to/from Panama City, Panama. (Tocumen International Airport - PTY)
Accommodations and travel outside of expeditions dates will be at participants own expense. This can be discussed with your expedition leader prior to booking flights as part of the registration process, if required.
International and in-country travel is unpredictable: lost luggage, bad weather, minor accidents, or transport limitations can all cause delays. It is therefore advisable to arrive in Panama City a few nights before the trek, and to not schedule an international flight immediately after a trek. Give yourself at least a day to explore around Panama City at leisure. Should there be any delays coming back from the jungle, at least you won’t miss your next flight.
The Darien is a controversial part of the world. An area that is quiet and normal today could become a high-risk zone tomorrow due to natural disasters, political unrest, or other disturbances. In such instances we reserve the right to modify our itineraries partially or completely, both in terms of length of time, distance or specific locations within the Darien Gap.
Expedition Intent
This expedition is more of a high reward physical challenge, and not a nature tour in which we search for wildlife and frequently stop to take pictures. We do come across local people and sometimes also have random encounters with wildlife, but this is not our main goal or purpose for being on this expedition. In other words if we do see an animal, we enjoy the moment, we might take a picture, but we don’t expect that to be an integral part of the trip.
After Registration
Once registered, participants can expect the following steps:
Release of liability waiver
Invoicing and payment
Any further required documentation required, such as sending us your emergency contact details, travel insurance details and equipment lists if applicable, and dietary requirements
A conference call meeting with your guide to both meet, and to prepare you with any final information, equipment checks and other relevant information prior to arriving in country.
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- Experienced IAJG expedition leader / Instructor.
- Guide and Porters
- All meals in local villages.
- Breakfast and dinner while trekking (Freeze-dri)
- Internal transportation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Special permits and permissions needed for this trip.
- Jungle Hammocks / Shelter
- Remote safety monitoring by sattelite.
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- International flights or travel.
- Visa for Panama (If required).
- Insurance of any kind.
- Prophylaxis, as discussed with your travel doctor.
- Alcohol.
- Soft Drinks and alcohol not included with meal.
- Personal trekking gear and equipment.
- Snacks or lunches while trekking.
- Gratuities for local (Darien) staff.
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Jungle Guides International – Terms and Conditions
(Effective June 2025)These Terms and Conditions govern participation in any course or expedition offered by Jungle Guides International (JGI). By registering for a JGI program, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined below.
1. Jurisdiction and Legal Framework
Jungle Guides International is a Canadian organization, and all agreements, disputes, or claims related to our services shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada, and applicable Canadian federal law.
Participants and guides agree to abide by these Terms regardless of their country of origin or location of the expedition.
2. International Association of Jungle Guides (IAJG) – Global Protection
Guides certified through the International Association of Jungle Guides (IAJG) operate as independent professionals within the JGI network. These Terms provide a framework for mutual respect, risk awareness, and fair conduct, ensuring appropriate protection for all guides operating under the IAJG framework worldwide.
3. Participant Responsibility
Participants agree to the following conditions before joining any JGI course or expedition:
Travel Insurance: Participants are required to purchase and maintain valid travel and medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation, accident, and repatriation coverage. Proof of coverage may be requested.
Travel Documentation: Participants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents, including passports, visas, vaccination records, and permissions to enter Panama or any other destination.
Emergency Contact Information: Participants must provide emergency contact details prior to departure.
Liability Waiver: All participants must sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement prior to travel. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program without refund.
4. Health and Physical Fitness
Participants must disclose any medical conditions or limitations that may impact their ability to safely participate. JGI reserves the right to decline participation if there is reasonable concern regarding safety, health, or group risk.
5. Cancellations and Refunds
Our cancellation and refund policy is designed to protect both participants and the local guides who invest significant time and resources preparing for each program.
Cancellation Policy:
More than 30 Days Before Expedition Start:
Full refund provided.15–30 Days Before Expedition Start:
25% of the total cost will be retained by JGI to cover preparation costs your guide may have ensued in preparation for your expedition. The remaining 75% will be refunded to you, along with any of the 25% retained, not otherwise used for any incurred costs.Less than 15 Days Before Expedition Start:
50% of the total cost will be retained by JGI. Of this, 25% will be paid directly to the guide, along with any costs ensued in preparation for your expedition. The remaining 50% will be refunded.Last-Minute Cancellations:
Managed on a case-by-case basis, in conversation with the lead guide. A minimum of 50% of the total cost can be retained.No-Shows:
Participants who fail to arrive on the agreed start date without notifying JGI in advance will forfeit 100% of their payment. No refunds will be issued.
6. Program Modifications or Cancellations by JGI
JGI reserves the right to cancel or modify any program due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to safety concerns, natural disasters, political instability, or insufficient participant numbers. In such cases:
A full or partial refund may be issued, or
An alternative program or date may be offered.
JGI is not responsible for non-refundable travel expenses incurred by the participant.
7. Assumption of Risk
Participants understand that jungle expeditions and wilderness travel carry inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, illness, delays, environmental hazards, wildlife encounters, and limited access to medical care. Participation is voluntary, and participants assume full responsibility for all associated risks.
8. Respectful Conduct
JGI promotes a respectful, inclusive, and culturally sensitive environment. Participants are expected to act respectfully toward guides, local communities, and fellow group members at all times. Failure to adhere to behavioral standards may result in removal from the program without refund.
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Jungle Guides International
Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement
IMPORTANT NOTICE: By submitting payment for participation in any Jungle Guides International course, expedition, or training, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions outlined below. This agreement affects your legal rights. Please read carefully.
1. Assumption of Risk
I understand that participating in wilderness-based training, expeditions, or travel programs with Jungle Guides International (JGI) involves inherent risks and hazards. These include, but are not limited to:
Illness or injury in remote locations with limited access to medical care
Interaction with wildlife, insects, or plants
Slips, falls, or injuries from rugged terrain, rivers, cliffs, or natural disasters
Exposure to extreme weather, physical exertion, dehydration, or environmental challenges
Delays, cancellations, or disruptions due to weather, political, or logistical factors
Risks during travel by foot, boat, vehicle, or air
Cultural misunderstandings or variable health and safety standards
I freely accept and fully assume all such risks, including the possibility of personal injury, illness, death, or loss of property.
2. Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability
By participating, I waive any and all claims I may now or in the future have against Jungle Guides International and all affiliated parties, including but not limited to:
Directors, employees, contractors, volunteers, agents, and training partners
IAJG-certified guides operating globally
Heirs, successors, and assigns
This includes claims for negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any legal duty of care, and applies to any loss, injury, or damage sustained in connection with my participation.
3. Indemnity
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless JGI and its affiliates from any and all third-party claims, liabilities, or expenses resulting from:
My participation in any JGI program
My conduct during the course or expedition
Any inaccurate medical or travel documentation provided by me
4. Medical Fitness and Insurance
I confirm that I am medically and physically fit to participate. I understand that:
I am solely responsible for ensuring I am healthy and adequately prepared
I must secure personal travel insurance, including coverage for injury, illness, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation
I am responsible for all costs related to medical care, evacuation, or repatriation
5. Legal Compliance and Cultural Respect
I agree to abide by all local laws and respect Indigenous communities, wildlife, and the guidance of certified expedition leaders. I understand that disrespectful or unsafe behavior may result in removal from the program without refund.
6. Photography and Media (Optional)
Unless I notify JGI in writing, I grant permission for any photographs, videos, or written feedback collected during my participation to be used by Jungle Guides International for educational or promotional purposes without compensation.
7. Governing Law
This agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada, and the applicable laws of Canada. Any disputes will fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nova Scotia. This waiver applies internationally to all participants and is intended to protect JGI and IAJG-certified guides wherever they operate.
8. Agreement by Payment
By making payment to Jungle Guides International for any course, expedition, or training, I confirm that I have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to the above terms.
This agreement is binding and enforceable without signature, and is deemed accepted upon payment.