MOLA TOUR
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itineraries
The 2011 MOLA TOUR itinerary is now available, and early reviews proclaim it to be our best tour yet! We've included all of the activities that have made MOLA TOUR a memorable experience for past participants -- exploring the less-traveled corners of Panama City, ample time in Kuna Yala to experience as much of Kuna culture as possible, and our popular mola making classes -- while incorporating some exciting new places to go and things to do!The main MOLA TOUR, which will run from February 17 through 26, will begin in Panama City, which is actually four cities: a bustling and modern community with a thriving banking industry, the former Canal Zone where American military and their families lived during the first 90 years of the Canal's existence, the Colonial City -- a World Heritage Site -- built by the Spanish and French in 18th and 19th centuries, and the Spanish ruins of Old Panama, the first city located on the Pacific coast. Along with exploring these four unique areas, we'll be able to witness history in the making: on a partial transit of the Panama Canal, we'll get an up-close look at the historic construction widening the existing channel of the canal.
Then we'll be off to the islands where, during our stay on a Kuna island, we'll not only be a part of everyday life the the community but we'll also join in the annual celebration of Kuna Independence, which commemorates the Kunas' 1925 struggle for recognition and autonomy from the Panamanian government. Young men and women in several communities reenact scenes from their history with passion and enthusiasm -- and lots of fake blood! Along with the festivities, we'll have plenty of time for our mola making classes, a highlight of last year's tour, which gave us a chance to not only learn a lot about sewing but form some wonderful friendships.
We are also offering two extensions to the main MOLA TOUR for those who would like to experience other regions in Panama. Before the main tour, those who want can join us in the QUETZALS AND CONCH SHELLS extension, where we'll explore the "interior" and western highlands of Panama, including the cloud forest where the beautiful and elusive quetzal -- the bird of kings -- can be found. We'll also visit the largest craft, produce, and flower market in Panama and the secluded beaches of the western Pacific coast.
Our INTO THE DARIEN extension, which will immediately follow the main tour, will journey to the least developed province of Panama. The Darien is home to a number of indigenous people, and for this extension we will enjoy a two day visit to the Wounaan community of Puerta Lara. The people here are famous for their handwork, including spectacular baskets and carvings, and for their hospitality. Like many indigenous people, the residents of Puerta Lara are facing challenges in the 21st century as they attempt to balance their traditonal lifestyle with the encroaching world. This is a rare opportunity to be able to witness -- and appreciate -- a culture and a lifestyle that is rapidly disappearing.
If all of this sounds like your idea of a wonderful journey, we'd love to have you join us! Please contact us for the complete itinerary, including dates and prices. In order to maximize the cross cultural experiences that we offer, we strictly limit our group size to 9 participants for the MOLA TOUR and 5 for the extensions. Everyone is welcome to join us -- you're never too young or too old or too inexperienced to enjoy celebrating life with friends both old and new!
