Tag: Howler Monkeys

Panama Rainforest Discovery Center

Posted in Animals and Birds, Canals, Day Trips, Great Fun For The Kids, Hiking, Incredible Vistas, Panama, Travel, Visitor Centers, ZoosTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Yesterday I went on a group adventure to the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center which is located approximately 45 minutes outside Panama City near Gamboa. Built as an educational center, it allows people to experience jungle life with the numerous birds, insects and animals who survive and thrive within its boundaries.

Within minutes of our arrival we heard the howler monkeys (monos aulladores) voices echoing from the treetops. It is hard to believe that an animal of such a small stature can make such a big noise! Later on one of the many hiking trails, we spied them sleeping as a group in the trees.

Howler Monkeys

The Panama Rainforest Discovery Center is known as one of the premier bird watching locations in the world. In fact, in 1985 the Audubon Society held a bird count and an amazing 385 different species of were spotted…a new record for the greatest variety of birds seen within a 24 hour period. Birdwatchers advise getting to the center at opening time (6 am) to get the most out of your birdwatching experience.

One of the educational offerings is the hummingbird observation area at which you can see numerous different types of hummingbirds. Unfortunately, when we were there we only saw a few which I believe was a result of the size of our group and the time of day. Because my photos did not turn out very good so I am posting a picture that is found at the center which shows the types of hummingbirds that you can observe in the area.

The Discovery Center has numerous groomed hiking trails throughout its boarders and they range from easy to slightly more difficult. As you hike along you will hear bird songs which range from soft and sweet to slightly jarring. There is nothing like a good bird song to delight the ears! Click the picture below to hear one very happy bird.

Click to hear the birds

Another interesting feature of the park is the Observation Tower which takes you high above the jungle canopy. There are numerous steps to the top but it is a relatively easy climb and you are well rewarded by the incredible vistas. There is a slight sway to the tower but don’t worry it is a completely normal.

View from the top

There is also a small lake named Largo Calamita with benches to sit and enjoy local waterfowl such as jacanas and egrets. Park rangers say you might even spy a crocodile or two.

Lake Calamito
Termite Nest

If you are a tourist there is a rather hefty entrance fee to get into the park but between the possible encounters with monkeys, birds, sloths and anteaters I think it is worth it. In addition, to get to the Discovery Center you have to pass on the other side of the Panama Canal which gives you an up close view of the boats passing through. That alone is worth it in my opinion.

For now, I leave you with more photos of the day which I hope leaves you wanting to visit the incredible nation of Panama and its many forms of diversity.

A Day Trip To The Mayan City Of Lamanai- Belize

Posted in Architecture, Belize, Federal, State and City Parks, Foreign Lands, Historical, Religious Shrines, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

One of my favorite day trips EVER was the time we joined a small tour headed for the ancient city of Lamanai in Belize.

The first part of the trip was by jeep which covered miles upon miles of rutted roads . This is where we really were able to see and experience life in the back country of Belize. The poverty was immense and all encompassing. Children dressed in rags ran out of their small houses to wave at the strangers passing by with smiles taking up the majority of their sweet small faces. They were delighted to have something to see and break up their day.

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It was also during this ride that I saw my first ever cashew tree. Colorful cashew apples dressed in yellow and red  hung from narrow branches and swayed in the breeze. A single prized cashew nut protruded from the bottom of this apple which would soon be collected and roasted. The oil from the shell is caustic and can burn the skin so handling the nut is not advised unless you know what you are doing.

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After a two hour ride we finally arrived at the New River where we took a small boat and headed for Lamanai. Along the way we saw crocodiles, jacanas, hawks and many different types of waterfowl. Little boys in dug out canoes were everywhere fishing and delighted to show off their catch from the safety of their boats. As the river meandered along we were surprised when we saw a family of Amish along the river. Seems that there is a colony of the sect living in the area. It was amazing to see people whom I had seen in Pennsylvania Dutch country all the way out in the wilds of Belize.

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Finally we arrived at Lamanai. Ancient Mayan temples surrounded us but it was the errie  never ceasing cries of the howler monkeys hidden in the trees that got our immediate attention. Never in my life had I heard such loud screams and haunting howls! We watched the monkeys scamper in the trees for a time before heading over to the High Temple.

The High Temple (N10-43) climbs 108 ft from the jungle floor allowing for never-ending views along the river. It was the highest building at Mesoamerica at that time it was completed. Construction began in 100BC and the temple was built over an existing neighborhood that dates back to 300 BC. But it is the opulent Central Stairway that is really the star of this show. It is a tough climb to the top when you are encased in the sticky humidity of the jungle.100_6147 2

The Jaguar Temple (N10-9) was given its name due to the two jaguar masks that lie at its base. It is one of the newer temples and was constructed during the 8th century. One interesting fact is that the niches in the jaguars eyes, ears, nose and cheeks were where the native peoples left offerings to the Jaguar God.

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In all the site contains 8 Ceremonial Plazas along with five Temples and an ancient harbor. Other original buildings include Stella-9 and The Mask Temple(9N-56). The site also offers a small museum in which pottery and other ancient artifacts from the area are displayed. Even more amazing is that only 5% of Lamanai has been excavated. Oh, the hidden treasures that are waiting to be found. Makes me want to go back to college and study archeology!

This is one trip that I will never forget. While I cannot remember the cost I can say that every penny was worth it!