Best of Panama: Wildlife and Birdwatching

Gamboa Rainforest Reserve 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

After breakfast, we head back to the capital of Panama City.