Mario Must Read!!!!!!!

[palmtre2]

Check out the website http://www.myfriendmario.com

[bksreader]

How much was this tour?

 

 

We had 19 in our group so we paid $50 not including tips.

 

Jena

[damman]

We're just back from Panama, and took the tour with MyFriendMario on April 10. Mario arranged for our clearance to exit the ship at the Gatun Yaght Club, and was waiting for us at the pier when we arrived.

 

First We went to the Panama Canal visitor's center and got an up-close look at the canal.

 

Then it was then on to the Chagres river, where we went approx. 6 miles upstream in a dugout canoe to a beautiful isolated waterfall/swimming hole. The waterfall is about a 1/4 mile walk into the jungle.

 

And then back into the canoe, on to the Embera Indian village. After the village welcoming committee came out to greet us, we were excorted to the chief's hut. Mario translated for the chief as he told us of the tribe's history and way of life. The Chief's wife cooked us a meal of fried plantains and talapia. The Talapia was caught fresh from the river just hours before.

 

The tribe then performed some native dances for us, and before long we were asked to participate(which we happily did!). There was then an opportunity to buy crafts produced by the tribe.

 

 

Mario then took us to a local store where we were able to buy Coffee, Real Vanilla Extract, and Liquor at prices much cheaper then what was being charged near the cruise dock.

 

Mario then dropped us of at the ship with plenty of time to share.

 

We found Mario to be professional, informative and reliable. We were transported in a late model air-conditioned SUV. Mario supplied the cold water, soda, local beer, and a small snack.

 

It should also be noted that the Embera Village that Mario takes you to is the REAL DEAL. This is where these people live. When you take the cruise ship's tour you are going to a simulated indian village, that has been built close to the cruise ship dock, where the indians are shipped in for your benefit.

 

MyFriendMario gets my highest recommendation!

[palmtre2]

What most need to realize about this excursion is that the indian village is in the interior of the country and therefore a rather long (almost 2 hours) bus ride. Several on our bus did not know this and were a bit unhappy to be spending all that time on the road. We also tried to get to the locks that day and while we did manage to make the stop it was very rushed. All in all, it was a good day and we enjoyed the village and the tour. For the price, you couldn't beat it.

[flashdog_1]

I went to the website and did not see the San Lorenzo tour listed. Was this something you arranged with Mario independently? How much was it? I also noticed that this tour is not listed on the cruise ship's shore excursion, either. Anyone know why? I imagine you could arrange this tour at the dock. Has anyone done that? Thanks.

[2Xayear]

Just got off the Zuiderdam from our Panama Canal transit and wanted to comment on My Friend Mario. Loved the tour by the way!!

 

Our group of 4 were met at the dock by Mario, and we headed off to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Panama. (Not available to tour buses due to their size) Headed off to the Miraflores Locks and were impressed a second time, seeing them from ground rather than from the ship.

 

Headed off to the Indian Village. Climbed into dugout canoes and started up river to the waterfall. Water level was low so we had about a 25 minute hike into the falls but they were BEAUTIFUL!! Swam, took a few photos and then back to the canoes. Cruised downriver to the village. The Embera tribe met us on shore and escorted us to their village. Gave us a first hand history lesson, fed us fish and plantain, described the process behind their crafts and generally answered any questions we had. (Again...there is only the four of us here) Performed their dances and yes...the group joined in. Very impressed with the authenticity of this village. I have heard also that the village the ship's shore excursions do is not nearly as "authentic".

If you go, pre-purchase a bag of candies for the kids in the village. Mario had the bag out and the kids and many adults were excited for the treat. I would take something along if I have the chance to go again.

 

Bugs were not an issue at anytime on the tour.

 

Arrived back at the ship 30 minutes before "all aboard".

 

Yes it's about an hour drive to the canoe dock.

Life jackets are provided...seats have no backs.

The walk to the waterfall was hot but even my wife who was concerned about this hike, had no problems and the Indian guides from the canoe were happy to assist if required. The swim was great.

Bathrooms at the canoe dock are the last "bathrooms" you will see until returning. We used them to change into swimsuits before the canoe ride.

Don't expect North American standards...this is Panama.

Paid the asked prices for souvenirs at the village. Feel pretty bad haggling a basket down from $20 to $15, when I don't seem to have an issue with a $5 beer aboard ship. I generally pay the asking price in situations like this. Yes I know I overpay but better they get a little extra out of me.

No time for shopping except when we were in the Indian Village.

Met us at about 8:30 or 9 at the dock and had us back at 4:00, so that gives you an idea of the tour length.

 

All things considered...we had a GREAT time and would heartily endorse Mario.

[2Xayear]

Two photos...

[cruise-wife]

We were on Mario's tour in April from the Carnival Legend. We rode the bus to the canoes and rode up the river to have a National Geographic experience ride to the rainforest where we hiked to a beautiful waterfall and swam for about 45 minutes. we then hiked back to the canoes and rode downstream to the Embera Indian village where we bought their handicrafts, ate their fish and fruit, and watched their dancing and music. We then returned to the canoes for a short ride to the buses and rode to Colon where we continued to the Gatun locks. We were able to see 2 ships go through the locks. Even though we were at the locks only about 20 minutes, it was adequate to see the canal and have "the canal experience". We did NOT want to be late for the ship. We would not have wanted to miss a minute of the rest ot the tour. It was the highlight of the cruise. We highly recommend it. In fact we are booked with Mario 2 more times, in October and again in March if anyone wants to join us!