Do you want to hang out with monkeys? That's truly what I was asked. But the point of these travel shows is to get away from my colleagues at the office. Zing! Fortunately for me, Barefoot Panama offers a great visit to Gamboa where you can meet native animals and people on its Monkey Island and Indian Village tour.

Guests are picked up and taken to Soberania National Park. We get into a boat and cruise along Chagres River. Along the way we pass boats travelling the Panama Canal. (Our boat is tiny compared to the vessels on the water!)

The beauty of untouched land and water as we head into tucked-away areas gives you a new appreciation for Panama's nature.