Peninsula of Pacific Perfection
Destination
Panama
Duration
8 Days
Activity Level
Gentle
Comfort Level
Superior
After a historical introduction to Panama and the famous Panama Canal, you’ll enjoy a cultural journey by road to the Azuero Península, located in the province of Los Santos and also known as the heart of where Panamanian folklore and the national Pollera dress have its origin. Learn about the cultural and natural wonders of the area before you continue further South to the Pacific shore of the Azuero Península. These numerous beaches, some of them are world-known for top-class surfing, are ideal for fishing, snorkeling, whale watching, sea turtles, and horseback riding.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Panama
On arrival at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Casco Viejo, the historic part of Panama City.
Lodging
American Trade Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Panama City and Canal - Sunday
This morning start your city tour by experiencing the Panama Canal visitors center at Miraflores Locks where large ships can be seen transiting the canal. A presentation by the Panama Canal Authority on the history of the Panama Canal will be provided. Marvel at the workings of this feat of human engineering and enjoy the different exhibition halls. Continue with a drive through the former Panama Canal Zone, including the town of Balboa and the old US Amador Army Base.
You will then visit the Biodiversity Museum, designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. As a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, the Biodiversity Museum serves as a gateway to new information about the biodiversity and natural history of the Isthmus of Panama. Scientific experts from both the Smithsonian Institute and the University of Panama oversee the contents of the museum and aim at teaching visitors about eco-awareness, conservation and Panama’s extraordinary natural treasures in various unique exhibition galleries. Did you know that the Isthmus of Panama has more bird, mammal, reptile and plant species than the US and Canada together in just 75,990 Km2 (approx. 29,000 square miles)?
After having lunch at a Panamanian restaurant in Casco Viejo (the old city compound), enjoy a historical walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Casco Viejo is home to the Presidential Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theater, the French Plaza and several other iconic landmarks that offer testament to the city’s rich history, culture, and heritage. From the top of old city’s wall enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean dotted with local fishing boats near the port and massive ships lined up waiting to cross the Panama Canal as well as the impressive skyline of modern Panama City. Return to your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
American Trade Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 Panama City/Chitre, Herrera
This morning you will be picked up by an English speaking guide in your hotel lobby. Today you will be going on a journey following the footsteps of the Spanish Conqueror Badajoz. Badajoz was sent out by the Spanish Crown in 1515 to conquer Central Panama. On his way from Panama City towards Natá and the Azuero Peninsula, Badajoz faced heavy resistance by the Indian Chief Paris who defeated the Spanish, reclaiming the largest treasure obtained in America for that time. You will discover the indigenous heritage and the Spanish influence by visiting the archaeological site of El Caño – named Panama’s El Dorado by the National Geographic Magazine – as well as two of the oldest churches on the American Continent: Natá and Parita. Lunch at a local restaurant en-route included.
Mid afternoon you will arrive to the Azuero Peninsula, a large peninsula in southern Panama, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. The Peninsula, except for the quickly developing cities of Chitré and Las Tablas, feels isolated from modern Panama, frozen in an idyllic past, with lots of charm and natural beauty. Its lands encompass small hills with semi-arid savanna vegetation, fertile river courses and coastal marshlands offering many opportunities for cultural, eco and adventure tourism.
Azuero’s numerous colonial villages are the wellspring of Panama’s favorite folkloric traditions – beautiful traditional clothing, such as the stunning Pollera, and handicrafts, such as ceramics based on pre-Columbian designs, that originated and are still made here. The same is true of some important musical and literary traditions. Even Panama’s most popular drink, the sugarcane liquor known as “Seco”, is produced in Azuero.
Your hotel, Cubitá Boutique Resort & Spa, is an exciting new project determined to rescue and preserve the roots, heritage and traditions of the Azuero Peninsula. The name Cubitá is borrowed from the indigenous people who once inhabited the banks of the La Villa River on the Azuero Peninsula. This unique boutique hotel offers you a first class experience with a lot of attention to details in a colonial environment. After checking in and freshening up, enjoy a short guided tour through the hotel’s own museum with permanent exhibitions of pre-Colombian and Colonial pieces from the Azuero Peninsula to get a better understanding of the area and its treasures.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Cubita Boutique Resort
Day 4 Herrera Highlands
After being picked up at the hotel this morning you’ll be on your way to explore the Herrera Highlands, another area profusely inhabited by indigenous groups in the pre-Columbian era. This area also contains the most important wildlife refuge in the province. You will visit a local family to know the variety of orchids that are found in the fresh climate of Las Minas, home to Panama’s national flower, the Holy Ghost Orchid. You will then continue with a hike in the El Montuoso Forest Reserve, known as “The Lung of Azuero”, to discover mysterious petroglyphs as well as the origin of the La Villa River where you will take a refreshing swim. A traditional lunch is served in the small community of Chepo de Las Minas.
For the active and adventurous, an optional activity of horseback ride and wet rappel in the area of Guazán may be added to the tour: Your guide will provide you with all the necessary instructions for this adrenaline-filled experience. Then you will saddle your horse and on a half-hour’s horseback ride you will reach the Guazán Falls. At 800 meters above sea level, on the ride you will enjoy amazing views of the surrounding hills and even the ocean, overlooking the Montijo Gulf. Prepared for the adventure, you will then start your descent by rappelling down the steep walls of the Guazán Falls. You will descend approximately 25 meters to reach the bottom of the waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim in the creek.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Cubita Boutique Resort
Day 5 Made in Herrera & Azuero's Folklore Tour
Journey this morning to discover the manufacturing process of the traditional products of the Herrera Province: sugarcane, salt, clay, and bread. Experience the many uses of sugarcane – from refreshing sugarcane juice called “Guarapo”, traditional cooking of sugarcane honey to the production of artisanal sugarcane liquor. See the extraction of salt from the Pacific Ocean, visit the production of handmade clay pottery and learn how the famous La Arena bread is baked. After a traditional lunch learn why Azuero is considered by many “the cultural heart of Panama”. You will see in detail the handcrafting of the pollera, one of the most beautiful costumes in the world, by visiting a group of ladies that have dedicated their lives to the typical dress of the Panamanian women. You will also visit small studios of local artisans who produce the colorful devil’s masks, the drums used in local music and the gold ornaments that are part of the traditional Panamanian culture.
After the tour, you will be taken to Playa Venao for the next two nights. Playa Venado, also referred to as Playa Venao by locals, is shaped by a crescent moon bay. The eastern end of the four-kilometer beach is nestled behind El Morro, a beautiful piece of jungle-covered rock that is an island at high tide and is attached to the mainland by a long stretch of sand during low tide. El Morro breaks the Pacific swell to offer tranquil waters and a quiet place for strolling or horseback riding. Playa Venao’s beaches are surrounded by many streams, rolling hills, and remnants of a dry tropical forest that once extended across the entire peninsula. The nearby forest is home to many species of animals like howler and spider monkeys, the local deer, iguanas, and gato solos to name a few. With no nearby ATMs or cell phone coverage and only a few cabanas and people, Playa Venao is a great spot to completely let loose, relax and just enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding rolling hills, the swells of the pacific ocean, long stretches of beaches and laidback beachside atmosphere. There is a small convenience store with basic supplies, beach bar, and restaurant as well as a few surf hostels and surf shop within walking distance from your hotel resort.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Playa Venao Beach Resort
Day 6 Playa Venao Options
Enjoy a free day at Playa Venao or book one of the following optional activities in advance:
1. Agricultural Tour
Visit a local farm and learn about the agricultural aspect and importance of the Azuero region.
2. Horseback Riding in Oria Arriba
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Orio Valley, just a little outside Pedasí. On a horseback, you will ride through the lush mountains and rolling hills along the Orio river where you can even take a swim.
3. Sport Fishing
The southern coast of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula is also known as the “Tuna Coast”. The deep-sea offers a great variety of big fish such as red snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, marlin and sailfish. Enjoy half a day of a full day of sportfishing in Panama’s Pacific Ocean.
4. Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge (available from June to November)
Isla Cañas is a small peninsula and wildlife refuge West of Playa Venao. The area is known as one of the biggest nesting sites of sea turtles in the months from June to November. From the village of Cañas, you will be taken to the wildlife refuge by boat and then visit the narrow beach strip by horse and carriage. With a bit of luck, you will be able to see the huge turtles putting their eggs in the sand.
5. Isla Iguana Snorkeling & Beach
Isla Iguana is a wildlife refuge approximately 5 miles from Pedasi featuring beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, fantastic coral reefs known to be the best-preserved, the home of multiple species of birds which makes it great for bird watching, and the largest nesting grounds for frigates. It also harbors a variety of other animals and marine wildlife. To get there, an open fiberglass boat known as a “panga” leaves from Playa El Arenal and takes the tour group to the island. Once there, ocean lovers can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving and enjoy seeing fantastic marine life. Hiking trails are also on the island, and you will be able to see iguanas running all over while you get to know more about the island at the Visitors Center.
6. Surfing or Stand-up Paddle
Take advantage of your vacation and learn to surf or stand-up paddle. An instructor will give you the right tips so you become an expert really quickly.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Playa Venao Beach Resort
Day 7 Pedasí/Panama City
This morning enjoy at leisure. Early afternoon your representative will pick you up at the hotel for a 30-minute drive to Pedasí where you have the option to stop at the local Bakery or nearby café to enjoy some local pastries and delicatessen before you will be dropped off at the domestic airstrip.
Your return flight back to Panama City takes approximately 50 minutes and upon arrival, you will be met by your local driver and transferred to your hotel in Panama City.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Toscana Inn
Day 8 Departure
At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home or consider extending to the San Blas Islands to learn about the Guna Indians.
Meals
Breakfast
Dates & Price
Dates
Custom & private on your dates. Contact an Adventure Specialist to create your dream trip! Schedule a call or tell us more about your dream trip!
Best Time of Year to Visit
After a historical introduction to Panama and the famous Panama Canal, you’ll enjoy a cultural journey by road to the Azuero Península, located in the province of Los Santos and also known as the heart of where Panamanian folklore and the national Pollera dress have its origin. Learn about the cultural and natural wonders of the area before you continue further South to the Pacific shore of the Azuero Península. These numerous beaches, some of them are world-known for top-class surfing, are ideal for fishing, snorkeling, whale watching, sea turtles, and horseback riding.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
Land Cost from
$3150
Single Supplement
+ $700
Rates Per Person -
The cost quoted is the Land Cost and is subject to change. This covers accommodations, transfers, activities, touring, guide services and meals as described in Journeys’ Trip Notes. The quoted Land Cost will apply when group size falls in the specified range and when travel is on the indicated dates.
Need to Know
The cost quoted is the Land Cost and is subject to change. This covers accommodations, transfers, activities, touring, guide services and meals as described in Journeys’ Trip Notes. The quoted Land Cost will apply when group size falls in the specified range and when travel is on the indicated dates.
We are happy to have you participate in a Journeys International program!
Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly. They contain information that will be important to your planning and guide how we will handle any circumstances that may change in the midst of planning or while a program is underway. If after reading our materials and talking with our staff you decide to participate in a Journeys International program, please send us your deposit along with your completed Reservation Form and Explorer Information Forms. Important: Your booking is only complete once we receive your deposit, completed Reservation Form, and completed Explorer Information Form, and once we have confirmed that space is available.
Pricing and Payment
We will confirm your reservations once we receive a non-refundable booking deposit, a Reservation Form signed by each person responsible for payment, and an Explorer Information Form signed by each participating adult or the guardian for each participating child, and if space is available. Custom programs during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to confirmation. The deposit contributes to non-recoverable costs of holding space and servicing your booking through the stages of preparation, execution, and follow-up and cannot be refunded if you choose to cancel.
We charge an additional planning fee of $250 per program for preparing customized proposals. This fee may be credited to your total cost upon booking, but it is non-refundable if you choose not to finalize your reservation.
Prices are stated in U.S. Dollars, based on double room occupancy, unless otherwise noted. We will send an invoice for your total estimated cost when we send your reservation confirmation. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to your program start date regardless of whether any arrangements are still pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and/or other circumstances attendant to the challenges of adventure.
Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your program participation and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure, then your reservation may be canceled subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available are not available toward bookings made through third-party travel agencies, advisors, or planners.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Paying by credit card offers you certain consumer protections, including the ability to initiate a chargeback if you believe we have committed consumer fraud. You may not use credit card chargeback as an alternative to compliance with your agreement with these terms and conditions.
Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some programs and flights fill several months in advance. We can confirm your space once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation and Explorer Information Forms. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a program’s start date, additional fees may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your program materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days in advance of your program’s start, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Program Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your custom program, and we aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, we charge a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested less than one week before your program’s start, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a program has begun, the change fee is $200.
Journeys International reserves the right to change or reprice any program due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control. Journeys International cannot guarantee conformity with the provided program plan at any point in time. Among other things, if necessary Journeys International may change the scheduled dates of a program; omit or alter sections of the plan; substitute lodgings, leaders, or conveyances; or change meals, activities, or waypoints; all without notice and without allowance for refunds and with participants bearing the responsibility for increased costs, if any. Should this become necessary, Journeys International will not be liable for extra costs that participants may incur as a result of changes, including but not limited to flight change fees, additional meal costs, or additional accommodations. We strongly recommend that participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, adequate to cover such costs.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before your program begins, please notify Journeys International in writing by emailing info@journeysinternational.com or writing to your adventure specialist directly. You may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some programs require additional non-refundable payments beyond this schedule, as noted in the program description. In the case of cancellation, such amounts are withheld in addition to the amounts listed here.
Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation Penalty |
---|---|
61 or more | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable |
31-60 | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable, plus 50% of total land costs above amount of initial deposit |
0-30 | 100% of total land costs |
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, lodging, and ticketed tours and activities is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and is not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption and that may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra expenses should a circumstance force you to cancel or interrupt your participation.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the program start date as indicated on the program description, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel according to the local time observed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the participant. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, program days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
If Journeys International cancels or postpones a program before the program starts for reasons completely within its discretion, such as but not limited to insufficient group size, all money for services described in the program description will be refunded in the form of credit towards a future program with Journeys in the same location originally planned, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, or the client may submit a written request for a refund to the original form of payment. If a program’s cancellation is necessary due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, credits and refunds will be issued according to the standard cancellation schedule, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, without regard to whether client or company initiates cancellation or postponement. Once a program begins, there are no refunds for unused goods or services.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements for Journeys International programs. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International and/or the airfare consolidator may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group programs, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as program dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur additional fees to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we may help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times. If you arrange your own flights, we can book ground transfers to meet you on arrival in your destination if you wish, and you agree to pay additional costs, as applicable.
Transfers Between Programs
You may transfer between some programs upon written request. More than 60 days before your program start date, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or ground service providers. 60 days or fewer before the program start date, full cancellation penalties from the original program apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a program, you may transfer the full amount of your payments to another program without penalty, subject to availability.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated total costs include the costs of all guides, leaders, facilities, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, costs of described activities, food as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the activities described in the itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in program descriptions; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a program must be modified due to medical emergency, acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, then the participant may incur additional costs that are not included in the program price. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, to cover these risks.
Travel Insurance
Journeys International strongly recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan, or travel insurance, sufficient to protect your investment in travel, personal assets and health during your program. Doing so will mitigate a significant amount of financial risk and decrease your need to worry about things beyond your control. We do not require you to purchase such travel insurance; however, we know many travelers who have benefited from purchasing travel insurance because the insurance carrier assumed risks that would otherwise have been the risk of the traveler. Travel Protection Plans often cover things like theft, baggage loss, trip interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, emergency medical treatment, flight delay or cancellation, airline or service provider bankruptcy, jury duty, personal or family sickness leading to cancellation, U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings about terrorism issued for the destination, and other risks as described in the insurance policy. In particular, consider the availability of higher-cost “Cancel for Any Reason” and/or “Interrupt for Any Reason” policies that may allow policy-holders to recoup a significant portion of trip costs under a much wider range of circumstances than standard policies may allow; we have seen travelers benefit from this selection when public health crises, personal turmoil, and civil unrest arose in their destinations. Please note that while we at Journeys will do our best to help you to have a pleasant and successful experience, Journeys International assumes no liability for many of the types of losses described above. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance and you suffer a loss, then you will be responsible for the associated costs.
For your convenience, we will provide a recommendation for an insurance carrier that offers competitive rates and has proven reliable, fair, and prompt in responding to claims, but we can offer no guarantee that our recommended carrier will meet your needs and you are welcome to contact any insurance carrier that you prefer. It is important to obtain insurance immediately upon signing up for your program in order for problems arising from pre-existing conditions to be covered.
All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy that covers you while in your travel destination for the duration of your trip. For some individuals or for some destinations, it may be advisable to purchase a supplemental policy. Contact your provider for coverage details.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many programs are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. In some cases, it may become necessary to increase prices depending on the size of the group. We do everything we can to make a program operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups vary from program to program. When pricing for a group program is based on the number of participants, staff and guests of Journeys International (such as topic experts, journalists, photographers, leaders-in-training, or others) are not included in the numbers counted to determine the price. Final decision to cancel a program due to insufficient signups is made at least 60 days prior to departure.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations, if desired. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases, we may have to book and confirm equivalent-standard accommodations. In rare cases it may become necessary to make same-day or out-of-class substitutions.
If you are joining alone for a group program but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo participants. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. For some programs it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Assumption of Risk
Throughout any program of Journeys International, certain risks and dangers may arise. These include, but are not limited to, travel by train, foot, automobile, aircraft, raft, boat or other means of conveyance; the hazards of traveling in rough or mountainous terrain; high altitude; undeveloped areas; the forces of nature; civil unrest; terrorism; labor interruption; close proximity to fellow program participants; exposure to illness or virus; and accident or illness in remote areas without means of rapid evacuations or availability of medical supplies and facilities. The unique nature of adventure programs entails inherent risks that may be involved in unique program activities and travel away from home and, in fact, the specific nature of these activities is often a reason for participation. Even if a trip or program is rated “easy” these dangers and risks are present. Journeys International and its agents and operators will have no liability regarding emotional distress, equipment, access to, or adequacy of medical care, evacuation plans, or emergency supplies that may be provided. When you sign the Explorer Information Form, you agree to participate in these activities with full knowledge of the dangers and risks involved and agree to assume all risks, including trauma, sickness, injury, and death.
While Journeys International intends that your experience be safe and comfortable, Journeys does not have legal or operational control or ownership of facilities, staff, services, or transportation providers and acts only as agent for the owners of such facilities, staff, services, and transportation. Journeys International is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act by any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any third party not under its control.
In consideration of the right to participate in Journeys International programs and the service arranged for you by Journeys International and its agents and representatives, you unconditionally and fully assume all risks of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, and/or theft, however caused, including those mentioned above, as a result of participation, and release Journeys International, its agents, and its representatives from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, demands that you may have, including for bodily injury, death, or property damage, loss of income, and other claims.
Fitness to Join
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s programs. It is your responsibility to select/design a trip appropriate to your own abilities and interests. You are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake your trip, and for consulting with your physician for medical advice regarding travel. On some Journeys International programs, participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all programs, especially those involving hiking or trekking. Most programs require some walking. By signing the Explorer Information Form, participants certify that they are fit for rigorous activity and do not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking. We assume no responsibility for medical care, and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health for some programs.
Journeys International’s or the individual group leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a program. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation to anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a program or certain activities. Once a reservation has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their participation. Proof of such coverage may be required.
Personal Conduct
You are responsible for acting in a manner considerate and respectful of fellow group members and local culture in areas visited.
You are responsible for reading all health-related information provided in advance of the program, adhering to all guidance given by guides and site staff, and conforming to the established standards of personal hygiene to minimize risk of disease. This may include a requirement to wear a face mask when in proximity to other people, whether indoors or outdoors, or other measures intended to limit the spread of disease; failure to do so when requested may result in your dismissal from the program.
Certain activities included in your program may require specific safety precautions. You are responsible for listening to instructions, adhering to guidance, and following the protocols provided for safety throughout the program. If you are unsure about safety precautions, you are responsible for seeking advice. If guides or staff perceive your behavior as risky, uncooperative, or otherwise unsafe, they may remove you from an activity for the safety of yourself and others.
Smoking or vaping are not permitted in buses, cars, below decks on boats, in tented camps, in designated non-smoking areas, or during guided tours and activities. Participants agree not to consume cannabis for the duration of the program and understand that possession or use of cannabis may be illegal and subject to severe punishment in some destinations. Participants agree to follow all local laws in the jurisdiction(s) where the program takes place and acknowledge that Journeys International cannot be responsible for ensuring participants’ compliance nor for any costs or consequences of non-compliance.
Sexual harassment or misconduct of any sort by Journeys program participants is not tolerated. You may not make jokes or sexually suggestive comments or gestures regarding the bodies or bodily activities of fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program. You may not touch fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program unless invited. You may not solicit sexual services during the dates of your participation in a Journeys program.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations. Tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ program participants. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Participants who choose to make this donation may also be eligible to claim a tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Recording
Journeys International may take photographic, audiographic, and videographic recordings during your program, and may use your image and voice for promotional and commercial use without compensation.
Planning & Preparation Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit, we will send you a planning packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. About 3 weeks before your program begins, we will send you a final notes packet including last-minute reminders and contact information for your program. You are responsible for reading all information provided, and for bringing all clothing and equipment noted on the packing list. If you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you in case any details change in the days immediately prior to your program’s start.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Duration 8 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost. The total number of days includes the time required to travel between the USA and the destination country.
Group Size 2 - 10
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Superior
Activity Level
Gentle
Extensions
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.