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Rat Race Panama Pirate Test Pilot

I took part in Rat Race’s Panama Pirate Test Pilot expedition — a coast-to-coast crossing of Panama by foot, bike, and kayak, following the route taken by Henry Morgan when he sacked Panama City in 1671. The trip forms part of Rat Race’s Project Jungle, raising awareness and funds to purchase a strategic tract of rainforest.On a personal level, this was also something of a test. I had previously completed a jungle expedition with Rat Race in the Darién region and really struggled with it. Ever since, I’d wondered whether that was down to a lack of specific training, carrying too heavy a pack, poor hydration… or whether there was simply something about the jungle environment that didn’t suit me.This expedition answered that question and finally put it to bed: the combination of extreme heat and humidity just isn’t for me.Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed the Panama Pirate experience, and at all times felt safe in the hands of both Rat Race and the local guides and support crew.Kayaking the Chagres River and Lake Gatún was a standout — incredible scenery and a completely different view of the jungle from anything I’d experienced before.The jungle hammock camping was, as always, both challenging and memorable. A particular highlight was staying in a small riverside village accessible only by boat. We were made to feel genuinely welcome, and were treated to excellent fish and chips in the evening and eggs and bread for breakfast the next morning.If Rat Race ever turn this into a regular event, I’d definitely recommend it as a more accessible and less intense introduction to the jungle than the Panama Coast to Coast expedition

Date of experience: Nov 24, 2025