Birds of Panama
If you are a birder and you haven't been to Panama, you don't know what you're missing. Panama boasts 954 bird species, more than the US and Canada combined. Further making Panama a birders dream-come-true is the easy access to most of the bird-rich locations.
Location: Province of Panama, Colon and Chiriqui
Difficulty: Easy
Price: $1,750.00*
Duration: 10 Days
Availability: Year Round
Day 1: Arrive in Panama City
Upon arrival in Panama City, you will be met not just at the airport but at the gate for a VIP reception. Don't worry about your bags or customs we take care of all these little inconveniences as soon as you arrive. While you're waiting for your baggage enjoy your favorite beverage in the Royal Saloon.
Overnight in Panama City
Day 2: Pipeline Road
The protected area of "Pipeline Road" boasts outstanding biodiversity and is a major part of the Panama Canal watershed. With nearly 400 species, the birdlist is so extensive that the Panama Audubon Society has set world record bird counts here. Look for howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys and three-toed sloths. After lunch, you will visit the Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo, known for the world's only Harpy Eagle aviary.
Overnight in Panama City (B, L)
Day 3: Old Gamboa Road - Plantation Road
In the morning you'll explore Old Gamboa Road looking for Spectacled Owls, Fasciated Antshrike and Blue-crowned Motmot. You'll search at the Summit Ponds for Kingfishers and nesting Boat-billed Herons. Lunch at the Summit Gardens. In the afternoon we'll go to the Plantation Road, this dirt road goes under tall evergreen forest and follows a small creek. The road is well known for Blue-crowned Manakin, Golden-crowned Spadebill, leaftossers and many others.
Overnight in Gamboa (B L)
Day 4: Rainforest Discovery Center
Today you will visit the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. You will have spectacular views of canopy birds, such as the Blue Cotinga and The Brown-capped Tyrannulet. You will also explore the Discovery Center grounds and trails looking for White-necked Jacobin, Golden-hooded Tanagers, Cinnamon Becards and more. Lunch at the Center. After lunch you will explore the north side of Pipeline Road looking for the Great Jacamar, Streak-chested Antpitta and Brownhooded Parrots.
Overnight in Gamboa (B L)
Day 5: Chiriqui Highlands
Today, we depart for the Highlands of Chiriqui. Upon arrival in David we drive to the foothills of Volcan Baru in search of the Silver-throated Tanager and Speckled Tanager. Along the way we make several stops for local food and take advantage of several great areas of birding. After lunch, we climb higher to Cerro Punta and visit Finca Dracula.
Overnight in Volcan (B L)
Day 6: Finca Hartman
Today you will visit Finca Hartman near the small town of Santa Clara. This is a shaded-grown coffee farm, under remnant rainforest trees, and pre-mountain and highland forest that serve as a buffer zone to Parque Internacional La Amistad. At elevations between 4,000-6,000ft there are a number of accessible dirt roads that pass through many habitat types that are excellent for birding. This is a good place in Panama to find the Turquoise Cotinga, White-crested Coquette, Fiery-billed Aracari, White-tailed Emerald, Spot-crowned Euphonia and many others.
Overnight in Volcan (B, L)
Day 7: PILA (La Amistad International Park)
La Amistad International Biosphere Preserve, the reserve shared with Costa Rica, this park contains seven of the 12 classified life zones, with great biodiversity and numerous endemic species. Quetzal and harpy eagles reside here. It is also the home to members of three Indian tribes and is a World Heritage Site. Access from Cerro Punta Changuinola and Bocas del Toro (407,000 hectares). After an early breakfast, we will begin our search for the resplendent Quetzal.
Overnight in Volcan (B L)
Day 8: Los Quetzales Trail
Today you will explore the area of Finca Spaulding and El Respingo. This area is good for Resplendent Quetzal, Black and yellow silky flycatcher, volcano hummingbird, and more. From here you will hike most of the Los Quetzales Trail, which unites the two communities of Boquete and Cerro Punta, and is one of Panama's most visited and popular hikes. Cerro Punta resides on the western slope of Baru Volcano, whereas Boquete is situated on the volcano's eastern side. The trail cuts through some of the province's most pristine, protected forest, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Los Quetzales Trail is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and is home of the rare and beautiful Resplendent Quetzal. The hike from Cerro Punta to Boquete on Los Quetzales Trail takes about 8 hours. Late afternoon visit the Neuvo Suiza, look for black chested jay, emerald toucanet, ruddy foliage gleaner, olivaceous piculet and many more.
Overnight in Volcan (B L)
Day 9: Chiriqui Highlands
Travel to the western region of Santa Clara. This new birding destination offers great birding in a transitional area between the highlands and the lower foothills of the western mountain range. After lunch, return to David for your flight back to Panama City.
Overnight in Panama City (B L)
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to the international airport at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. (B)
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Seasonal Climate: Panama has a tropical climate with high temperature and humidity, the average temperature 30°C. The rainy season is from May to November and the summer from December to April. The rainfall is of a tropical nature, falling for 1-2 hours in the afternoon.
Required Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens are strongly encouraged to have a passport which is valid for six months from the date of entry. Travelers are required to purchase a $5 tourist card (provided by the airline) for entry into Panama. UK, CAN, USA, NZ and AUS citizens do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Other nationalities should consult their consular office.
Vaccinations & Protection: Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Malaria, Typhoid, Infectious Hepatitis and Polio if you are traveling to Jungles of Darien, Bocas del Toro or San Blas. Special Note: Visa and Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP
A recommended list of clothing and personal gear will be provided before your trip. Here we make a few specific recommendations with regard to your Package.
Luggage: One main piece of luggage and a daypack. Total allowance: 44lbs /20kgs.
Clothing: Pack essentially for Hot Conditions. Lightweight clothing is essential though a warmer sweater is advisable in A/C settings. A rain jacket is recommended during the green season. Footwear: A pair of lightweight shoes or sandals are recommended. They should be comfortable and broken in before coming to Panama.
Equipment: We recommend a sunhat, a Flash Light/torch, insect repellent, umbrella during the Green Season. Binoculars are very useful for bird and animal spotting and a camera.
Included
All ground, train and boat transportation within your trip, all accommodations, Canal and park fees, local tourism taxes, Bilingual guide, all activities as described in the itinerary and some meals.
Not Included
R/T transportation from your home city to Panama City, beer, liquor and bottled water in hotel rooms, items of a personal nature (laundry, telephone, etc.), gratuities, travel insurance, international airport departure taxes. The Panama Canal is one of the modern wonders of the world. Many people would like to see more than just the locks. Some take a Canal Transit with hundreds of people and the experience is less than intimate. Experience the Canal in a unique way that will transport you back in time where you can hear the voices of the past tell a fascinating stories of how man divided the a strip of land to unite the world.
*5% ITBMS government tax not included.
Note: Hotels are subject to change.