Horseback Riding Vacations in Panama

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Panama: the country that emerged from the sea

One of the most attractive and unknown countries in Central America is Panama. When we think of it, what comes to mind is its famous Canal de Panamá.

However, Panama is much more, with idyllic beaches, colonial cities, fabulous gastronomy and the presence of seven different ethnic groups.

The official name of the country is Republic of Panama and is located at the southernmost part of Central America. It shares borders with Costa Rica and Colombia.

It is a narrow bridge of land that connects North and South America.

Its capital, Panama City, is the main jumping-off place for other destinations inside and outside the country. Today it is the most modern city in Central America.

Geography

Three million years ago, the Isthmus of Panama emerged from the sea and changed the world forever. It divided the ocean and connected two continents, which caused one of the world’s most important natural evolution events.

Several mountain ranges run through Panama. The Sierra de Tabasará enters the country from the west. Its average altitude is 1,525 m, and its highest peak, Barú, an extinct volcano, reaches 3,475 m.

To the east of the canal, the lower San Blas Range and the lower Serranía del Darién have an average altitude of about 915 m and are almost entirely located in the interior of the country. The region between the two mountain ranges consists of hills, well-watered fertile valleys and plains. Numerous rivers flow down from the two ranges to the Pacific or the Caribbean Sea.

The narrow strip formed by Panama widens to the south centre on the Azuero Peninsula, which closes the Gulf of Panamá. It is home to the Pearl Islands, which consists of about a hundred small islands.

Panama has a tropical climate with annual average temperatures ranging from 23 ° to 27 ° C in coastal areas. In the interior, at high altitude, the average temperature is 19 ° C. The rainy season lasts from April to December.

Flora and Fauna

In Panama, there is a staggering number of plant and animal species.

Its wildlife includes numerous and magnificent species that inhabit the Panamanian rainforest. It is world famous for the abundance of monkeys, pumas, jaguars, ocelots, armadillos, wild pigs, anteaters, rabbits, deer and other animals that are native to the American tropic.

Due to its geographical position, Panama is a rest point for several migratory bird species, when they migrate south or the other way round.

We find more than 1,000 different bird species. Among the most beautiful are the toucan, the macaw and the quetzal.

Since its shores are washed by two Oceans – the Pacific and the Atlantic – Panama is rich in marine life. On the Pacific coast, from July to September, you can watch humpback whales, which pass by these coasts every year on their way to their breeding sites.

In Panama, lush vegetation is a true paradise. The magnificent trees and plants that can be found throughout the country become an explosion of colours between April and June.

There are different types of orchids and the "Holy-Ghost Orchid", with its white petals that resemble a dove, is Panama’s national flower.

Finally, its variety of forests and species of trees are highly valued in the forestry sector.

Choosing an Equestrian Tourism Outfitter in Panama

If you like adventure, Panama will be your paradise. You’ll be able to practice some thrilling horseback activities that will make your heart beat faster!

Boquete Outdoor Adventures and Panama Horseback Adventures are two companies that offer several routes and we recommend taking a look at them.

Boquete Outdoor Adventures

Located in the highlands of the province of Chiriquí, in Boquete, this adventure tourism company offers a variety of activities, such as white-water rafting, hiking, bird watching and horseback riding.

Boquete is a charming mountain village settled in a fertile valley and a mecca for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, bird watchers, backpackers and people seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Its rides

Small enough to see on foot, Boquete has a lot to offer when it comes to horseback adventures, trails, sidewalks and corners with a lot of history.

They offer 2 different horseback tours. Before the ride, you will have a small orientation talk about horse handling and riding safety, and they will select the most suitable horse for you.

The Caldera Valley Ride (Caldera Highlands)

• This 1-day route is perfect for families with children, beginners or experienced riders.
• This ride takes place around the mountains and lowlands of Caldera, which is generally warmer and sunnier all year round.
• Spend your horseback riding day meandering through green rolling hills, wading through pristine streams, and enjoying panoramic valley views.
• Participants must be in good physical conditions and know how to handle the horse.

The Chiriqui Province Ride (Totally Chiriqui)

• This 5-day tour combines different activities. There is a different activity each day: white-water rafting, hiking and horseback riding.
• You will also visit the islands of Panama and a coffee farm.
• Gorgeous photo-taking opportunities are endless on your fun and adventurous day in the sunshine and hills.
• Each tour takes place in a different area in five days on horseback. You can say that you got to know the people, the incredible landscapes and the history of this place.

For more information, go to their website: www.boqueteoutdooradventures.com.

Panama Horseback Adventures

They are located on the San Cristobal Island in the beautiful archipelago of Bocas del Toro. It was founded by Dave Hopper and his wife, Molly, in 2009.

Dave has extensive equine knowledge and experience and can organize horseback rides on the island for groups.

Dave has recently added a new distance tour for expert riders that goes from the front side of San Cristobal through to Dolphin Bay. This will be an adventurous day with unique experiences in the middle of the island’s Untouched Nature.

Individual lessons can be organized. There are discounts on all treks of 10 or more riders. English and Spanish speaking tours also available.

Its rides

They have 4 one-day rides, in different parts of the island:

• Half-day tour: Pickup from Bocas Town. The tour includes 2 hours of riding in the jungle and views of the islands from different overlooks with incredible vistas. Ideal for novices and children. 3 people minimum.
• Full-dayTour: This tour includes transportation with pickup from Bocas Town. The tour goes to the local indigenous Indian village where we have lunch at the very nice and clean village restaurant. We also visit the Artisan Centre. 2 people minimum.
• Horseback tour of Isla San Cristóbal:It includes boat transport from the town of Bocas. You will ride through the jungle and the beautiful countryside of the island.
• Expert Rider Tour: Discover the heart of Isla San Cristobal's jungle. We ride to Dolphin Bay for lunch at waterside restaurant, El Valle de Las Ranas in a local Indian community. Boat transportation and lunch are included.

How you can see, a day out with Panama Horseback is a genuine jungle adventure.

For more information, go to their website:www.panamahorseback.com.

In Panama, nature must be discovered. And if you do it on horseback, you can enjoy its hills, its mountains, its more than 500 rivers and the paradisiacal views of its seas. Discover this country’s natural wonders, a myriad of birds and rainforest animals.

Thinking about a horse riding holiday but don’t know how to book it?

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