When I started planning our Panama trip this past fall, I knew that going into the jungle would have to be part of our experience. I loved staying in the Amazon in Peru and my aunt is a huge birder (it’s her job as a biologist!) so we had to go. Visiting Gatun Lake ended up being the right choice!
I started researching different places to stay and found Jungle Land, and I’m so glad I did! Jungle Land is seriously an awesome experience like nothing else. There are so many things that make it unique, and I’m so grateful that we got to stay two nights there.
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Jungle Land is so much more than just a place to stay. It’s truly an action-packed, adventurous experience. Since I’ve visited, they have changed from being a floating lodge to a hidden eco-lodge nestled along the tranquil shores of Gatún Lake, near the village of La Represa. The floating lodge is still used for some of their trips like the kayaking day trip.
They still have their floating lodge they use for day trips and spending time here is still one of my favorite travel memories. I could also go on and on about the amazing staff and fun activities they have.
It truly is one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed. I’m excited to share all the details, so keep reading to find out why this is an amazing jungle experience on Gatun Lake.
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Disclaimer: Thank you to Jungle Land for hosting me while we visited your lodge. As always, all thoughts are my own.
The Location on Gatun Lake
Gatun Lake is a freshwater artificial lake about 1 hour’s drive from Panama City. At approximately 26 m above sea level, it forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships 33 km of their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. It was created on June 27, 1913, when the gates of the spillway at Gatun Dam were closed.
Surrounded by untouched nature, this rustic yet comfortable retreat offers a unique way to immerse yourself in the beauty and adventure of Panama’s tropical rainforest.
This secluded spot is perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking, SUP, and bird watching. My phone stopped working, and I was forced to listen to the sounds of parakeets, toucans, and monkeys as we relaxed with snacks and drinks waiting for us. I love that you go off the grid while still knowing that everything will be taken care of as you take in a beautiful view.
Gatun Lake is protected land in Panama because of the canal. Since it is so protected, it is teeming with wildlife. While there, we saw more than I ever expected because the land is so well preserved and cared for. It is truly beautiful, and unlike anywhere I have been!
The Activities at Jungle Land
There are so many different things that you can do while there and the wonderful staff gives you so many options you will never get bored! You are also free at any time to just stay and relax at the lodge. All the activities are included and you are with a guide at all times.
This means safety is kept a priority and you are left to worry about nothing. You can access some of the activities with a day tour at Jungle Land, but staying at the lodge is the best way to experience everything you want to do because you will only have time for two things if you do a day tour!
Activities include:
- hiking
- fishing
- swimming
- kayaking to waterfalls
- bird watching
- animal spotting boat tour (monkey island tour)
- swimming
- SUP
- night safari
I did all the activities because that is the kind of person I am! I love staying busy on vacation and trying new things so it only made sense I did it all. My mom and aunt sat out on a few activities and relaxed at the lodge, swimming and hanging out in hammocks while the day tour groups were out. My favorite activities were definitely the monkey island tour, night safari, and kayaking to waterfalls!
The night safari takes place on a boat along Gatun Lake. During the night safari you get the chance to experience a while different set of wildlife that awakens at night. It’s so fun to try and spot different creatures at night!
You also get the chance to see so many stars and experience a darkness that is completely different. We saw capybaras, 4 sloths (up close in one night!), tons of birds, caymans, crocodiles, tarantulas, and more. Wear bug spray while doing this activity! This is an experience you can only get if you stay overnight.
There are two waterfalls you can kayak to. There is only one you can go to on the day tour, but if you stay overnight, you get the chance to go to both! We did a private tour to the second waterfall and it was just beautiful. I loved jumping and swimming in such a secluded and beautiful spot.
The monkey island tour was amazing because we got up close encounters with monkeys. Many of which are rescued and have been rehabilitated in the area after being pets. Several have gone through mistreatment and are now living happy, healthy lives! It was special to see how Jungle Land and others are helping animals live happily in their natural habitat.
The activities are available for those who stay at the lodge or those who just want to explore the area for the day. It makes a great day trip from Panama City, especially for families.
Options for day trips include:
- Monkey island
- Kayaking adventures
- Fishing day trips
- Full day eco-tours
The Lodge on Gatun Lake
You can do a day tour here, but I highly recommend staying overnight. With an overnight stay, you get so much more.
We were able to go on almost-private tours (with other overnight guests) and choose activities unavailable to day guests, such as night safari, hiking, and early-morning birdwatching. The personalization from the guides was incredible and made it a really fun experience.
There is something really special about falling asleep and waking up in the jungle on Gatun Lake. You would think the sound is straight from a sound machine (but it’s the actual thing), and the sunrises and sunsets are beautiful.
The Food
The food is almost all locally sourced, and they provide different options daily. It was honestly some of the best food we had on our trip! The lunch is traditional Panamanian cuisine, and dinner offers many different choices. Everything is created on-site in the kitchen downstairs by locals.
Some options included chicken, steak, tilapia, vegetables, lentils, pasta, rice, and more. It was all really delicious, and different drinks are available at every meal. They are able to accommodate most diet restrictions, and we traveled with vegetarians who were very pleased with their options.
We were able to take drinks with us on all excursions from the lodge, which made things even more fun. In the afternoon, there is “happy hour,” where snacks are also served. We were never thirsty or hungry! Jungle Land does a great job keeping you well-fed and happy.
The Staff at Jungle Land
I cannot say nicer things about the staff and guides at Jungle Land. Before our stay, communication was excellent, and everything was confirmed and explained with ease. This is a huge plus because we went into the experience with confidence that things would go smoothly. During our stay, we had three guides with us.
Matt, Julia, and Shane were all incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. From the moment we arrived, they were ready to help us and give us an unforgettable experience. I could go on about how much fun they were to have as guides, so I will just a little…
They had a ton of knowledge about the area and were ready to help us do everything we wanted while there. They were kind and friendly as we hung out at the lodge and went on different excursions. My aunt is a biologist and had tons of questions; this was not intimidating to them at all. They worked to answer all of her questions and gave a wonderful insight into the area.
We also loved our boat driver, Luis, who was so good at pointing out different animals that we never even saw. He was so good at steering the boat and making sure he stopped whenever he saw something we would want to see.
If you aren’t convinced this is an incredible experience yet, I’m shocked! I loved Jungle Land, and it’s gone to the top of my list of experiences you’ve got to have while in Panama. Gatun Lake is amazing, and you won’t find anything else like this.
Ready to book your stay? This amazing jungle experience in Panama won’t disappoint. Head to Jungle Land Panama’s website for the best available rates for your overnight stay or day excursion.
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Look for the most unique experience on the Panama Canal? Stay in this amazing all-inclusive jungle experience in Panama with Jungle Land.
What time of year did you go here. Do they have green & dry seasons? Thanks , very helpful information
We went around New Years! Panama is near the equator and is tropical, hot, and humid year-round. It does have a rainy and dry season, but is green year round.