Panama extends from the western highlands of Chiriqui, to the biodiverse lowlands of Darien, its eastern-most province. The relatively narrow Isthmus is flanked by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans – and it is possible to visit both in the same day! Of course, when one thinks of Panama, perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is the world-famous Panama Canal. This incredible feat of engineering is on full display and is, rightly so, a source of pride for the country. However, it is this country’s natural wonders that truly shine. Panama is home to over 1,000 species of birds that inhabit a wide array of environments, from lowland rainforests and cloud forests, to open savannas, lagoons and coastal mangroves. Some of the iconic birds found here include Keel-billed Toucan, Golden-collared Manakin, Blue Cotinga, Resplendent Quetzal, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Rufous-crested Coquette, Crimson-backed Tanager, Ocellated Antbird, and Harpy Eagle.
Trip Details
Tour Type
Customizable
Private
Shared
Thematics
Birdwatching
Photography
Wildlife
Itinerary
DAY 1
Tocumen (Airport) - Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is an exceptional destination, located in the heart of the mystical Soberania National Park, where the Chagres River and the Panama Canal meet. It is here that modern comforts combine with warm a...
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is an exceptional destination, located in the heart of the mystical Soberania National Park, where the Chagres River and the Panama Canal meet. It is here that modern comforts combine with warm and fascinating adventures to offer the best opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the Panamanian rainforest. Just 30 minutes from Panama City on 340 acres overlooking the Panama Canal, you can commune with nature in pristine surroundings that explorers and pirates once trod. Each of our well-appointed eco-lodge style rooms and suites offers an authentic and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle and distractions of everyday life.
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L, D
Gamboa Rainforest Resort (or similar)
50 min
DAY 2
Metropolitan Park & Discovery Center
Day trip to a natural area not far from the capital, the Parc Métroplitain and Discovery Center. Its trails are well-maintained and you can observe many species of wildlife as you climb the hill, with birds and butterfli...
Day trip to a natural area not far from the capital, the Parc Métroplitain and Discovery Center. Its trails are well-maintained and you can observe many species of wildlife as you climb the hill, with birds and butterflies along the way. There are several trails to choose from, and a suitable route will be selected according to the conditions and expectations of the customer. Over the course of the day, we’ll be able to observe many species of birds, as well as monkeys and sloths. We recommend that you bring: comfortable walking shoes and cool clothing.
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B, L, D
Gamboa Rainforest Resort (or similar)
DAY 3
Gamboa - Panama Canal
LAKE GATUN BOAT TOUR: Depart this morning for the village of Gamboa, to board a speedboat for a cruise through the famous waters of the Panama Canal, a maze of islands and lakes, and observe its rich biodiversity as we r...
LAKE GATUN BOAT TOUR: Depart this morning for the village of Gamboa, to board a speedboat for a cruise through the famous waters of the Panama Canal, a maze of islands and lakes, and observe its rich biodiversity as we rub shoulders with the giants of the seas transiting from one ocean to another. On the way back to the marina, a stop on Monkey Island will allow us to spend some time with the Capuchins before returning to the hotel.
CABLE CAR TOUR AND SLOTH SANCTUARY: Climb aboard the cable car and discover the rainforest as you’ve never seen it before. We take the cable car into the forest, up into the treetops and into the heart of forest life. The opportunity to see various monkeys, sloths and other birds endemic to the region while remaining in the gondola. Once there, we find ourselves at the foot of a 30m-high observation tower. From the top, we enjoy a 360-degree view of the Panama Canal and Soberania Park. We then head for the Sloth Sanctuary, an area created for the conservat
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B, L, D
Gamboa Rainforest Resort (or similar)
DAY 4
Darien, tropical forest
The Darien, a tropical forest located between Panama and Colombia, is one of the most inaccessible places in the world. It’s the only place where the famous and mythical Pan-American Highway linking the entire American c...
The Darien, a tropical forest located between Panama and Colombia, is one of the most inaccessible places in the world. It’s the only place where the famous and mythical Pan-American Highway linking the entire American continent cannot pass. Set off on an extraordinary adventure in a region almost untouched by man, untouched by any recent civilization, in search of a majestic species: the Harpy eagle. Early departure by private transfer to reach the Chucunaque Lodge and the Darien region, where we spend the night. We make a few interesting stops along the way. In Bayano, we may see some of these species: Jet Antbird, White-tailed Kite. Our lunch break will be an opportunity to see some hummingbirds. Once we arrive at Chucunaque Lodge, we can venture out on the few trails in the vicinity to observe the various bird species present in the area. We also take the jaguar trail, which can be seen in the area.
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B, L, D
Chucunaque Lodge (or similar)
DAY 5
Searching for the Harpy Eagle
After breakfast, we hit the road with today’s objective: the harpy eagle. To reach this site, we first have to take our private transport, a boat and then another transport to the Embera community of Pijibascal. After a ...
After breakfast, we hit the road with today’s objective: the harpy eagle. To reach this site, we first have to take our private transport, a boat and then another transport to the Embera community of Pijibascal. After a 2 km walk, we finally arrive at the eagle’s nest. Let’s make the most of this magical moment and take all the time we need to admire this marvellous animal. After the picnic organized on site, we open our eyes and prepare our lenses in case other species cross our path. Dinner and overnight in the community of Pijibascal. Lodging: community
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B, L, D
Chucunaque Lodge (or similar)
DAY 6
Pijibascal Community
This morning, we immerse ourselves in the habits and customs of the Pijibasal community, enjoying their dances and handicrafts. After lunch, we’ll head back to Chucunaque Birding & Lodge.
This morning, we immerse ourselves in the habits and customs of the Pijibasal community, enjoying their dances and handicrafts. After lunch, we’ll head back to Chucunaque Birding & Lodge.
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B, L, D
Chucunaque Lodge (or similar)
DAY 7
Birdwatching Chucunaque
After the breakfast, we take our jumelles and our camera to go observe the birds inside the property. We set off on trails along the Chucunaque River, then board a pirogue to admire the different birds living along the r...
After the breakfast, we take our jumelles and our camera to go observe the birds inside the property. We set off on trails along the Chucunaque River, then board a pirogue to admire the different birds living along the river. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
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B, L, D
Chucunaque Lodge (or similar)
DAY 8
Chucunaque - Panama City - Boquete
Back to Panama City: After breakfast, we drive back to the capital.
Transfer from David airport to Boquete, approx. 1 hour depending on traffic. We’ll watch Quetzals on the Pipeline Trail, then head down to the village...
Back to Panama City: After breakfast, we drive back to the capital.
Transfer from David airport to Boquete, approx. 1 hour depending on traffic. We’ll watch Quetzals on the Pipeline Trail, then head down to the village for lunch and finish the afternoon at Finca Lerida to observe hummingbirds and other species in the gardens. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. This will depend on your arrival time at David airport. Target species: Silver-throated Tanager, Scintillant Hummingbird, Slaty Flowerpiercer, Black cheeked warbler, Yellow-thighed Brushfinch, Talamanca hummingbird, Sulphur-winged parakeet and many more!
NOTE: the lodge has 3 cabins. For a group of more than 6 people, a development will be necessary with a tent accommodation.
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B, L, D
Boquete Tree Trek (or similar)
DAY 9
Birdwatching Boquete Tree Trek
Boquete Tree Trek and Volcan Baru (optional). Around our hotel, we spend the morning birdwatching and have lunch on site, or take a packed lunch to eat on the way to the volcano (volcano excursion optional). We return to...
Boquete Tree Trek and Volcan Baru (optional). Around our hotel, we spend the morning birdwatching and have lunch on site, or take a packed lunch to eat on the way to the volcano (volcano excursion optional). We return to the village to take the authorized 4×4 transport up to the summit. We make 4-5 stops along the way to look for birds and arrive at the summit to watch the sunset while we have dinner and wait for nightfall to look for the Barn Owl and Unspotted Saw-whet Owl. This excursion will give us the opportunity to reach the habitats of many endemic birds of western Panama and Costa Rica found at higher altitudes, as well as the Resplendent Quetzal. We return to the hotel at night. Target species: Resplendent Quetzal, White-throated Mountain Gem, Golden Browed Chlorophonia, Prong-billed Barbet, Northern Emerald Toucanet, Volcano Hummingbird, Volcano Junco, Sooty Thrush, Black-capped Flycatcher among others.
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B, L, D
Boquete Tree Trek (or similar)
DAY 10
Birdwatching Boquete Tree Trek
Another early start; it will take us just over an hour to get to Birding Paradise, where we can have breakfast and watch the birds at the same time. This place has over 300 recorded bird species and is excellent for phot...
Another early start; it will take us just over an hour to get to Birding Paradise, where we can have breakfast and watch the birds at the same time. This place has over 300 recorded bird species and is excellent for photography, especially of hummingbirds. We can also have lunch here and go hiking on the various small trails on the property and on some of the outdoor areas close to the property. The place is famous for the Fiery billed Aracaris that usually arrive in the morning or late afternoon at the feeders, as well as for the large number of endemic birds and hummingbirds. Target species: White-throated Mountain Gem, Charming Hummingbird, Orange Collared Manakin, Black Hooded Antshrike, Riverside Wren, Fiery billed Aracari, Chiriqui Foliage-gleaner, parrots and parakeets among others.
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B, L, D
Boquete Tree Trek (or similar)
DAY 11
Bocas del Toro
Early departure from the hotel to arrive in time at the first birdwatching site on the Continental Divide. About 2 hours drive, then we continue towards the Caribbean and stop in the area known as Willy Mazu to continue ...
Early departure from the hotel to arrive in time at the first birdwatching site on the Continental Divide. About 2 hours drive, then we continue towards the Caribbean and stop in the area known as Willy Mazu to continue birdwatching for an hour or so, then down to the coast for lunch in a local restaurant, then on to the port where you will take the boat to your next destination. Target species: Gartered Trogon, Blue and Gold Tanager, Black Bellied Hummingbird, Azure-hooded Jay, Orange bellied Trogon, White-bellied Mountain Gem, Lattice Tailed Trogon, toucans and sloths.
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B, L, D
Tranquilo Bay en cabaña deluxe (or similar)
DAY 12
Bocas del Toro - Soropta Beach
Today we’ll spend a leisurely day birdwatching by boat in several lush coastal wetland habitats. The San San Pond Sak wetlands are classified as a Ramsar site and form part of the UNESCO La Amistad Biosphere Reserve. The...
Today we’ll spend a leisurely day birdwatching by boat in several lush coastal wetland habitats. The San San Pond Sak wetlands are classified as a Ramsar site and form part of the UNESCO La Amistad Biosphere Reserve. The area is rich in habitats, including Atlantic lowland wetland forests, Raphia palm swamps, freshwater river courses, seashore and mangroves. Access to this verdant area is by boat, via the historic Snyder Canal, as the birds fly easily through the gallery forest in either direction of the waterway. If you’re lucky, you may spot monkeys, raccoons, coatis, otters, manatees and dolphins. Soropta Beach, important for migratory and resident shorebirds, is also a nesting ground for sea turtles, iguanas, lizards, boas, caiman and crocodile. The river mouth and shoreline could be home to Parasitic and Pomarine jaegers and Roseate Spoonbill. In the afternoon, sea conditions permitting, we pass just two miles offshore from a breathtaking reserve and rookery known as Swan’s Caye.
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B, L, D
Tranquilo Bay (or similar)
DAY 13
Birdwatching & Wildlife on Popa Island
Each of the islands in the Bocas del Toro archipelago boasts interesting wildlife and high levels of endemism, but Isla Popa, the second largest island in the chain, has more bird and mammal species due to its proximity ...
Each of the islands in the Bocas del Toro archipelago boasts interesting wildlife and high levels of endemism, but Isla Popa, the second largest island in the chain, has more bird and mammal species due to its proximity to the mainland. A two-kilometre boat trip takes us to a dense gallery forest surrounded by the rich mangrove lagoons of nearby Isla Popa. We’ll bird this phenomenal area by boat, peacefully enjoying the flights of Keel-billed and Black-mandibled toucans, Crimson-fronted Parakeets, Brown-hooded Parrots, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Golden-hooded Tanager, Red-legged Honeycreeper. Plumbeus and Swallow-tailed kites, Pale-billed, and Lineated woodpeckers, Mangrove Cuckoo, American-pygmy Kingfisher and, with a bit of luck, we’ll see male Snowy Cotingas sunning themselves. This mangrove lagoon has beautiful sea turtle grasses where we can observe sponges, starfish, sea urchins and jellyfish.
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B, L, D
Tranquilo Bay (or similar)
DAY 14
Bocas del Toro Airport - Albrook Airport
Transportation to the airport and Domestic flight to Panama City.
Transportation to the airport and Domestic flight to Panama City.
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Hotels
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
|
$$$
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the Soberania National Park rainforest. It offers a wide array of nature activities and a spa.
Air Conditioning
WiFi
SPA
Boquete Tree Trek
|
$$$$
Boquete Tree Trek features rustic cabins in the cloud forest of Boquete, known for its canopy zip line tours and coffee plantation tours.
Air Conditioning
WiFi
Tranquilo Bay
Ecolodge
|
$$$
The interior of each of our nine accommodations is comfortably appointed with air-conditioning, local hardwoods, tile floors, fine linens and a calming color palette to welcome you at the end of your adventure each day.
Each unit features a king or queen bed or two double beds, handcrafted for Tranquilo Bay from local hardwoods with an orthopedic mattress. Each spacious bathroom includes a large walk-in shower with hot water.
A covered porch with a hammock and Adirondack chairs awaits to help you escape the "every day" that you left behind when you enter the grounds at Tranquilo Bay.
Air Conditioning
WiFi
SPA
Price Details
Included
Accommodation in first class hotels
Not Included
International flights
Domestic flights
Additional drinks and meals
Tips
Minimum Deposit
30% (The last payment must be completed 45 days prior to the start of the trip.)
Terms & Conditions
The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information .
Spotted Species
Here is a non-exhaustive list of Animal Species you can spot during this tour
Roseate Spoonbill
The roseate spoonbill is a large wading bird native to the Americas. It has a...
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White-necked Jacobin
The White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) is a rather large, spectacular hummingbird of humid tropical lowlands...
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Harpy Eagle
Harpy Eagles (Harpia harpyja) are among the world's largest and most powerful eagles. Their rear...
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Blue Dacnis
The Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) is a small active warblerlike tanager with sharply pointed bill....
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Golden-hooded Tanager
The Golden-hooded Tanager (Tangara larvata) is a neotropical species that inhabits humid forest and forest...
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Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth
The Brown-throated Sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is a cat-sized mammal, typically weighing 8-9 pounds, has a...
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Keel-billed Toucan
The Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) has a black body, a yellow neck, chest, and throat,...
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Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog
The Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus) is a captivating amphibian native to southeastern Nicaragua,...
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Panamanian White-faced Capuchin
The Panamanian white-faced capuchin (Cebus imitator), also known as the Panamanian white-headed capuchin or Central...
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Bay-headed Tanager
The Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola) is a vibrantly-colored, tropical bird that occurs in Costa Rica,...
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Gartered Trogon
The Gartered Trogon (Trogon caligatus) is relatively small and compact yellow-bellied trogon of tropical lowland...
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Red-legged Honeycreeper
The Red-legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus) is a small, warbler-like tanager of tropical lowlands. Favors forest...
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Silver-throated Tanager
The Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala) found in Central and South America's humid forests; characterized by...
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