Panamá, Metropolitan Park & Discovery Center
Birdwatching | Photography | Wildlife

Best of Panama: Wildlife and Birdwatching

Overview

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 ToucanGolden-collared ManakinBlue CotingaResplendent QuetzalCinnamon WoodpeckerRufous-crested Coquette, Crimson-backed Tanager, Ocellated Antbird, and Harpy Eagle.

From 1.838 USD 8 Days / 7 Nights Walking Grade: Moderate
  • Day 1: Tocumen - Gamboa
  • Day 2: Metropolitan Park & Discovery Center
  • Day 3: Gamboa - Panama City
  • Day 4: Darien, tropical forest
  • Day 5: Searching for the Harpy Eagle
  • Day 6: Pijibascal Community
  • Day 7: Birdwatching Chucunaque
  • Day 8: Back to Panama City

Trip Details


Country

  • Panama

Group Size

  • 8 Travelers Max

Schedule

  • Normal

Tour Type

  • Customizable
  • Private
  • Shared

Thematics

  • Birdwatching
  • Photography
  • Wildlife

Itinerary

Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus) © Wild Expedition @ Mathieu Perrot Bohringer
DAY 1

Tocumen - Gamboa

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 ...

B, L, D Gamboa Rainforest Resort (or similar) 50 min
Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
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...

B, L, D Gamboa Rainforest Resort (or similar)
Panamanian white-faced capuchin (Cebus imitator)
DAY 3

Gamboa - Panama City

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...

B, L, D Gamboa Rainforest Resort (or similar)
White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
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...

B, L, D Chucunaque Lodge (or similar)
Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) © Wild Expedition @ Mateo Bohringer
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 ...

B, L, D Chucunaque Lodge (or similar)
Pijibasal community
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.

B, L, D Chucunaque Lodge (or similar)
Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) © Wild Expedition @ Mathieu Perrot Bohringer
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...

B, L, D Chucunaque Lodge (or similar)
Golden-hooded Tanager (Tangara larvata)
DAY 8

Back to Panama City

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

B

Hotels

Central Hotel

| $$$

Hotel Central, located in Panama City, offers a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences, being a restored landmark in Panama City's historic district.

Air Conditioning Swimming Pool Restaurant WiFi Bar SPA

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 Swimming Pool Restaurant WiFi Bar SPA

Gallery

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.)

Price

  • 1.838 USD per person

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

White necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)

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 (Harpia harpyja) © Wild Expedition @ Mateo Bohringer

Harpy Eagle

Harpy Eagles (Harpia harpyja) are among the world's largest and most powerful eagles. Their rear...

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Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) © Wild Expedition @ Mathieu Perrot Bohringer

Blue Dacnis

The Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) is a small active warblerlike tanager with sharply pointed bill....

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Golden-hooded Tanager (Tangara larvata)

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 - Wildexpedition - ©mateobohringer

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 (Ramphastos sulfuratus)

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 (Dendrobates auratus) © Wild Expedition @ Mathieu Perrot Bohringer

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 (Cebus imitator)

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 (Tangara gyrola) © Wild Expedition @ Mathieu Perrot Bohringer

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 (Trogon caligatus)

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 (Cyanerpes cyaneus)

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 (Tangara icterocephala) © Wild Expedition @ Jose Ivan Cano

Silver-throated Tanager

The Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala) found in Central and South America's humid forests; characterized by...

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Your Tour Guide

Natalia Sarco

Languages:English, Spanish
Guiding since: 2010
Specialties: Birdwatching, wildlife conservation, Indigenous comunity
Learn More
Mathieu Perrot Bohringer
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