Outfitters

Mario Urriola, a biologist who runs the Serpentario, is an excellent nature guide, and he heads a group of bilingual bird-watching guides and conservationists who can put together hikes and other outdoor activities. Birding tours cost $25 (£13) per person for a half-day; hiking tours cost $30 (£15) for a half-day for up to five guests (tel. 6629-3722; chombond1@latinmail.com).

The Panama Explorer Club operates out of the Crater Valley Adventure Spa , where they have an "Adventure Center" with a rock-climbing wall and obstacle course, plus bike rental and organized tours available to the general public (tel. 983-6942 in El Valle, or 213-2330 in Panama City to talk to someone who speaks English; www.pexclub.com). Their half-day excursions include rappelling down a waterfall ($20/£10), mountain-bike tours ($10-$33/£5-£17), and kayaking and rafting nearby rivers ($88-$116/£44-£58), one of which is Class I and suitable for kids.