View from the Top
From Ziplines to Cerro Ancon, Panama Ranks High
September 27th 2011

Panama, home to the famed canal, lush landscapes and toucans has been catching the eye of many. When we say Panama, however, it`s hard to come up with a singular image. And judging from this article, we aren`t the only ones.

First off, there`s the highlands in the area where Boquete is located. The lush land and cooler climate allow for delectable coffee to be grown. It is home to incredible birds and thus, bird watching chances to catch sight of the rare quetzal. Activities abound in this area, and besides horseback riding and biking, you can fly through the air and catch a bird`s eye view while zip lining. But then again, there`s Panama City. Contrasting the natural flora of Boquete is a concrete jungle home to artisan markets and of course, the Panama Canal. Viewing the canal is a must, as you can see the Miraflores Locks and boats transporting goods. Ironically, the city itself may be seen from yet another side of Panama. The islands are home to a number of indigenous cultures. Amazingly, this contrast is pronounced in the way that, if you look the right way through the palm trees on certain islands, you can even see the starkly prominent skyscrapers in the background. Nothing could be more different than the down to earth vibe and lifestyle of, say, the Kuna Yala people of the beautiful San Blas region. (See here)

From the mountains, to the cities, and the sparkling blue waters, Panama has a lot to be experienced. Our Explore Panama Family Vacation, which could also be for couples or friends, allows you to see the many beautiful facets of Panama to give you a complete picture.

Tagged in: Langford Tropical, Panama Multi Adventures, Explore Panama Family Adventure

SWIM WITH SHARKS
The Ultimate Eco-Adventure
August 18th 2011

Need we say more? Swimming with sharks speaks for itself... but we’ll give you the awesome details anyway.  At Langford & Company, whenever we hear about a cool, one-of-a-kind adventure, our ears perk up. So when we heard about swimming in Baja, Mexico right alongside whale sharks (which can be as big as 40 feet!) we jumped (or dived?) at the chance!

We are happy to introduce our new Whale Shark Trip!

There are incredible parts of this trip that go beyond swimming with the beautifully spotted whale sharks in one of the only locales where they are consistently found. There’s also the opportunity to go snorkelling with sea lions nearby. You can take out a sea kayak or a sailboat to explore the other island coves. There’s incredible desert hiking, bird watching and freshly prepared Mexican cuisine. Our new trip is fully-inclusive with flights from San Diego, meals, all beverages (margaritas anyone?), and a unique chance to stay at Las Animas Wilderness Lodge. Staying here allows you to enjoy the gorgeous crescent shaped coast with your private yurt directly on the edge of the Sea of Cortez.  Your solar powered accommodation is complete with patio and private hammock. So, forget the fear Jaws instilled on you from an early age. Check out an awesome video to see just how close you can get to whale sharks and then call us at (800) 794-9660 so you get there yourself!   

Tagged in: Langford Tropical, Adventures in Baja: From Beaches to Desert, Whale Shark Trip

Panama City? More like Panama Islands

July 20th 2011

Paris, London, New York. These places have cities that people will travel to, year round. When we think of Panama, however, we think red sunsets over white sand beaches and crystal clear water full of tropical fish. How do you conceive of a trip to Panama that matches this vision without missing such sights as the famous Panama Canal? Since we’re in the process of creating new, exciting trips, we’ve been thinking about it a lot.

Apparently, we’re not the only ones. The New York Times just ran an article entitled In Panama, a Respite for People and Pelicans  where they discuss that, “Taboga’s [an island’s] proximity to Panama City, a boomtown of almost Dubai-like proportions, creates the greatest sense of disconnect. From the island, the city’s vertical skyline is at once stunning and mystifying...”. The contrasts don’t end with the landscapes, but with the people and their cultures. The article compares beach-chair-touting city people with locals who fish in cayucos, a canoe-like boat and share the land and its secrets with the local “aves comicos” (comical birds, the pelicans).

In the San Blas region of Panama, islands number in the hundreds and also come with vast amounts of cultural exposure. While you enjoy the incredible snorkelling in the area (complete with rays and parrot fish swimming near sunken ships), you also have the chance to stay in thatched-roof bungalows run by the local people. The Kuna community is still very much untouched by the ways of the Western world. Come on our brand new Explore Panama Family Adventure and go by the local Onmaked Nega (congress house) and hear the Saila (group leader) sing the history of the Kuna Yala people, perhaps followed by a lunch of succulent seafood caught earlier that very day. 

Tagged in: Langford Tropical, Panama Multi Adventures, Explore Panama Family Adventure