How to hike through a jungle
How I did it: If you want to see rain forests, but you're apprehensive about traveling, go to Panama. Panama is one of the (if not the) wealthiest, safest places in Central America. People often say that going to Panama is like going to Miami... except with less crime and fewer hurricanes.
A lot of Panama is fairly built up, but there are still some extraordinary national parks and wildlife reserves.
Gamboa is great as far as wildlife goes. There's all sorts of trails and tours. It's right on the Panama Canal/Chagres River. They have made a very conscious effort to keep things natural and preserve as much of the forest as possible. You can see all sorts of things without even looking!
If you really want to see the forest, without any of the people, Darien National Parque is probably your best bet. Be careful if you're going there though, it can be dangerous. Certain areas are hotspots for narco-traffickers or Columbian paramilitary troops.
That being said, the Darien is absolutely phenomenal! People have gone there and seen more in three days than in three weeks in the Amazon. It is forest so dense that they could not pave a road through it. The Darien Gap accounts for the only break in the Panamerican Highway between Alaska and Tierra del Fuego. It is some of the densest jungle in the world! ('Though more and more of it is being cut down every day, sadly.)
Bottom line? If you want to go to the Darien, by all means do! But make sure you do your homework first. Know where you're going and what to expect. Enjoy it for what it is. Take precautions and be safe.
Lessons & tips: Wear comfortable shoes.
Wear comfortable, lose-fitting clothing.
Take and drink plenty of water.
Keep your eyes opened.
Be quiet. Don't scream when you see an animal, just watch it.
Be patient.
Go with a guide; they know the flora and fauna and will be able point out a lot of things that you would likely miss otherwise.
Make sure to get all necessary vaccinations before you go.
Resources: The Darien Gap
Almanaque Azul: Playa de Muerto
Gamboa
