ABOUT CANOPY ADVENTURE -  in their own words:

Canopy Adventure is located in a beautiful valley (El Valle) not far from Panama City, the capital city of Panama. This exciting new ecotourism opportunity allows visitors to enter and explore the rain forest canopy using safe modern climbing techniques.

The Canopy Adventure is located in a private refuge in the cloud forest in the foothills above El Valle. Near el Chorro Macho, the waterfall at the center of the refuge, the wildlife, especially the birdlife, and the flora are especially rich and diverse, because the area has been a wildlife refuge for many, many years.

Over the years our principle purpose, apart from the obvious task of keeping the refuge free from poachers and loggers, has been to provide sustainable, nature-based employment to 8 young men who would otherwise be cutting down the forest through slash and burn agricultural methods in order to survive and raise their families. The refuge is a way to keep the forest ecosystem whole while providing employment, which is a perfect example of what economists call "sustainable development".

After an invigorating short climb to the top of the ridge through a bird-rich forest, you strap in and soar through the treetops, where you see a wealth of unexpected natural beauty and activity. Swooping from platform to platform high among the sturdy cloud forest trees, you pass over the stream and waterfall not once, but twice.

Well-trained guides help you get into your harness and explain how to control your speed as you soar through the treetops.

The last segment of the Canopy Adventure swoops across the face of the waterfall from high in the Canopy -- a great photo opportunity (if you can keep your mind off swooping through the treetops!) From the end of the tour, visitors return to the road along a well-constructed trail through the pristine refuge.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• What is the best day/time to do the Tour?
  There are advantages and disadvantages to each alternative. For example, during the week there are very few people, and so you can stay longer on each of the platforms -- you will have the place practically to yourselves ...but you miss the Sunday Market, an activity in the center of El Valle which brings artisans from all the surrounding communities to offer their products. Early in the morning (7am) is the best time to see wildlife, but you have to leave Panama City very early to get to El Valle in time. In conclusion, every day and time is good, and your choice will depend on what is important to you. Call us for help making your decision.

• What should I bring?
  Long pants, sneakers or hiking boots, a small towel and an extra shirt (in case in rains.) Of course, bring your camera. We provide insect repellent.
  
• What times are the tours?
  The tour opens at 6AM and remains open until about 5PM. After this time it gets a little dark inside the forest. We are open every day of the year.
  
• How long does the tour last?
  The duration of the tour is about 1.5 hours, depending on how many people are in your group and how fast you want to get to the first platform. The first part of the tour is a guided hike through the rain forest up the mountain to platform #1. This hike can take 30-45 minutes, depending on your condition and your desire to go slow and see all that the forest has to offer. People seeking the thrill of "flying" through the forest may go faster, while others will enjoy the opportunity to learn about our cloud forest from our experienced guides. If you want the best learning experience with the most time in the forest and in the platforms, it is best for you to come during the week when there are fewer visitors and the guides can give you more of their time.

• I understand I will be in a harness swinging from cables strung between trees high in the air. How safe is this?
  This is one of the safest adventure rides in the world. We impose a weight limit of 200 pounds to protect the trees. The cables hold 6 tons and the harnesses are rated for 2 tons.