🔭 Panama: Cloud Forests, Canal Zone & Coastal Wetlands

Join us as we travel to Panama for an unparalleled “hands-on” nature and cultural experience. Enjoy birding and wildlife viewing along the famous Pipeline Road, explore the colonial heritage of incredible Panama City, paddle a dugout canoe on the Chagres River to visit an Embera Indian village, hike in the cloud forest, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean! Don’t miss this opportunity to discover Panama. Explore one of the world’s most bird-rich countries with expert guides, beautiful lodging, and front-row seats to rare and colorful species.

Dates: Year-round. Custom dates available.

Cost: Starting at $2,899

Highlights:

City Tour of Casco Viejo (Colonial Panama): Explore the historic district and enjoy a partial transfer through the Miraflores Locks in the Panama Canal.
Hike in an Ancient Cloud Forest: Walk along the world-famous Pipeline Road, part of Soberania National Park, an important watershed within the Panama Canal.
Boat to the San Blas Islands: Swim in the crystal-clear waters and observe Guna (previously known as Kuna) women creating traditional “molas,” colorful reverse-appliquéd cotton dresses.
Dugout Canoe Adventure: Paddle on the Chagres River to visit an Embera native village in the rainforest of Chagres National Park for a unique cultural experience.
Journey Through the Cordillera Central Mountain Range: Discover 11,000-foot peaks and some of Central America's best whitewater rivers.
Visit Summit Botanical Gardens and Harpy Eagle Aviary: See the national bird of Panama, the Harpy Eagle, one of the strongest birds of prey in the world.
Tour the Downtown Financial District: Experience modern Panama City.
From the City to Rainforest and Mountains to the Sea: Panama offers an incredible adventure for every traveler.

Day 1 – Welcome to Panama

Arrive in Panama City and settle in at your comfortable hotel near the famed Canal Zone. You'll meet your local birding guide and fellow travelers over a welcome dinner, where we’ll preview the exciting habitats ahead. (D)

Overnight: Panama City

Day 2 – Legendary Pipeline Road & Rainforest Discovery

Start your adventure in Soberanía National Park, one of the most iconic birding destinations in the Americas. Spend the day along Pipeline Road, known for its dense concentration of neotropical species. We'll climb the canopy tower at the Rainforest Discovery Center for sweeping views and a chance to spot toucans, parrots, and raptors from above. (B,L,D)

Overnight: Panama City

🌿 Highlights: Trogons, manakins, antbirds, puffbirds, canopy views

Day 3 – Metropolitan Park & Canal Wetlands

Wake up to birdsong in Metropolitan Natural Park, a rare tropical forest in the heart of Panama City. This urban oasis is alive with species like Lance-tailed Manakins and Keel-billed Toucans. In the afternoon, visit the Miraflores Locks to witness ships crossing the Canal—and scan the nearby wetlands for herons, wattled jacanas, and snail kites. (B,L,D)

Overnight: Panama City

🌿 Highlights: Urban birding, wetland waders, cultural immersion.

Day 4 – Highland Species in Cerro Azul & Cerro Jefe

Today we escape the lowlands and head into the cloud forests of Cerro Azul and Cerro Jefe, just outside the city but worlds apart in elevation and habitat. Here, hummingbirds whir at every feeder and you may spot elusive birds like the Yellow-eared Toucanet or Speckled Antshrike. A birder’s paradise in a cooler, misty climate. (B,L,D)

Overnight: Panama City

🌿 Highlights: Highland tanagers, hummingbird feeders, lush montane forest

Day 5 – Transfer to El Valle de Antón

Journey to the cooler highlands of El Valle de Antón, a picturesque town nestled in an ancient volcanic caldera. Along the way, we’ll stop at wetland sites where shorebirds, swallows, and raptors patrol the skies. Arrive in time for late-afternoon birding in forest edges and hotel gardens known for motmots and euphorias. (B,L,D)

Overnight: El Valle de Antón

🌿 Highlights: Wetland stopovers, foothill species, volcanic vistas.

Day 6 – Cloud Forest Trails of El Valle

Enjoy a full day in El Valle’s varied birding sites—from forest ridges to shaded creeks. We’ll explore Cerro Gaital, home to sought-after species like the Orange-bellied Trogon and the uncommon Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo. In the afternoon, we’ll visit La Mesa for mixed flocks of tanagers, flycatchers, and warblers. (B,L,D)

Overnight: El Valle de Antón

🌿 Highlights: Forest trails, endemic species, chance for quetzal sightings.

Day 7 – Pacific Wetlands & Return to Panama City

Head toward the Pacific Coast to explore tidal flats and salt ponds teeming with migratory shorebirds. We’ll look for Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, and Mangrove Warblers. After a picnic lunch, we’ll return to Panama City for a celebratory farewell dinner and checklist wrap-up. (B,L,D)

Overnight: Panama City

🌿 Highlights: Shorebirds, herons, mangrove specialties.