Who: John and Peggy Gonder of Denver with two boys from the village of La Chunga. The paint they are wearing acts as a natural insect repellent.
Where: Choco Indian Village in the remote Darien Jungle, reached via a two-hour motorboat ride up the Sambu River from the Pacific Coast. This stop was part of a two-week cruise and driving trip to Panama and Costa Rica.
Best meal: At the beautiful Gamboa Resort overlooking the Chagres River and Panama Canal. We enjoyed delicious fresh pineapple, melons and papayas at every stop, including great meals on the Yorktown Clipper.
Best deal: Baskets woven by the Choco women and rosewood carvings of animals made by the men of the village.
Best time to go: Late November to early March during the dry season – few mosquitos and less rain.
Best travel tip: It is hot and humid in the tropics. Bring clothing that will wick away moisture – the shirts have a layer of netting beneath a loose-fitting top that can unsnap to increase air circulation. Hiring a guide makes it possible to see much more wildlife; they know the birds and other animals and carry a spotting scope that brings views and photos much closer. We saw two- and three-toed sloths, howler and white-faced monkeys and scores of colorful birds in the wild, including the resplendent quetzal and keel-billed toucans – the “Fruit Loops” bird!
