Panama Monkey Tour

 Monday January 9, 2023 4:51 PM

                                                                       Aztec Ant Nest


This mornings Monkey Cruise got off to a slow start. With two gargantuan cruise ships docked side by side and about 3000 excited tourists that is to be expected. David, our new friend Missy and I were among the last to be called. We meandered through the bowels of our ship the M.S. Volendam to the Gateway and down the plank to the bus. It is about a 45 minute drive to the river boate and we could see more Howler Monkeys, Capuchins and Jeffrey’s Tamarins.

Once we arrived we had time for a quick potty break before boarding our small boat where David struggled to adjust his life jacket. I wasn’t sure he would need it as it would make it more difficult for a crocodile to swallow him in case I decided to toss him overboard.

Among the first things we encountered were the nest of the Aztec Ants and Black Bees. Our guides took us around some coastal areas where he would expect to see the monkeys, he would clap and crinkle paper to draw them in but Al’s, no Mikey’s gets, just some jungly looking Black Vultures who looked David over as potential food but then he moved .

It wasn’t long before we found the sweet spot and sure enough a Capuchin Monkey jumped onto our boat, made a quick run around the boat then hopped off and quickly disappeared back to the jungle. We were told DO Not Touch or smoke at the monkeys as if they see your teeth they take that as a threat and will bite. The jungle lead filled with Royal Panama Pals which are still used to make thatch type roofs particularly in the indigenous peoples villages.

We saw many Indian Nutlet trees which are used by the indigenous peoples use the bark of this tree to mix with the bath water when they bathe their babies. We also saw a Snail Kite which is a small hawk-like bird that uses its hooked bill to extract the snail meat.  In Florida there is a very rare and endangered subspecies called the Everglades Kite of which is very rare. Here we were told it is among the most common of birds having benefited from the fresh water expansions provided by the creation of the canal.

As we returned we were treated to a downpour of rain. Having a seat on the edge of course I was drenched. Overall it was a lovely tour, we didn’t get to see any crocodiles or caiman and the Jeffries Tamarin didn’t care to come see us. We sped past a few cargo ships headed toward the locks of the canal. The tour company provides us with a cupcake and small bun with sliced Turkey.

I also wanted to note that both Panama and Costa Rica did not feel like what I imagine a ‘third world ‘ country to be. They were both clean and modern, Panama in particular was far cleaner and modern appearing than most of the USA.  The Panama City skyline is very impressive and although we didn’t make it to the city on this visit I would enjoy coming here again.

                                                                   Royal Panama Palm
    


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