While in Boquete, we took an adventurist excursion - a canopy tour of Panama's forest, the Boquete Tree Trek! Also called ZipLine. Not for the faint in heart and certainly not for those deathly afraid of heights! This is an adventure where one will glide through tall trees and encounter a breathtaking view of the forest and waterfalls beneath your feet.We signed up for the 8am adventure. After a short ride up the mountain, to the "Introduction" area - we suited up in harnesses, helmuts and gloves. The group leaders gave us a 20-minute introduction and safety speech (in English). We were all prepared for 12 platforms of an adrenaline rush!
Oh, its a good idea to dress warmly. Though it may be summer temperatures in Panama, it was quite chilly up the mountain.
It was painful to see someone in our group dressed in a t-shirt and shorts - and frigidly shaking.
If you're an outdoor adventurist - this activity is for you!
3 kilometers in total length divided into 12 different zip line cables. You will glide through the trees and encounter a world unknown ... a fascinating perspective of life that you'd never believed existed.
This is a tour traversing a cloud forest of century-old trees and waterfalls where at anytime you may encounter fog and gentle rain we call bajareque. The wildlife within the treetops id immense and varied making it possible to appreciate our native species of small animals and birds; with a bit of luck you may even get the chance to see monkeys and the famed quetzal. In addition, you can marvel at sights of great variety of orchids and wildflowers that you will find throughout the area.
After the 4th platform - I was breathing heavily and my adrenaline was pumping. It was heartracing but i was loving it! One of the leaders told me to calm, breath and try to enjoy the view. I took his advice. It made all the difference.
Oh - here is something interesting - for our safety, they recommend the maximum weight for men to be 113.4 Kg (250 pounds).
But for women, maximum weight is 77.2 Kg (170 pounds)
Hmmm, why?
The cable line would support a 250 pound man but not a 170 pound woman??? What 's this about? Had to ponder about that.
We found out later that it had nothing to do with the harness or cablewire but the upper body strength of the person.
As you are suspended 100 to 200 feet above the ground and travelling across the zipline, your left hand is grasping the harness, your right hand is on the line acting as a brake. Depending on how fast you are going, you would need to brake as you approach the platform.
I am guessing that a woman above 170 pounds would not have enough upper body strength to brake and slow down.
So come to Boquete and take a ride on the Tree Trek!
You will not forget this adventure.
