Central and South America

Panama | Between Two Continents: Birding in Panama

Activity Level:
MODERATE
Duration:
8 Days
Price:
From $3,625
Interests:
Birding
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Black-breasted Puffbird
Birding in Gamboa Rainforest
Lance-tailed Manakin
Carmiol's Tanager
Miraflores Locks
Gamboa Rainforest
Volcano Baru
Northern Emerald-Toucanet
Crested Guan
Organize This Trip
Organize This Trip

About this trip

When it comes to birds, Panama boasts the highest diversity of species in Central America; the country’s advantageous location at the convergence of two continents makes it the prime respite for migratory birds from both North and South America. Spend time birding in two distinct regions—the tropical rainforests bordering the Panama Canal, and the midlands and highlands of Chiriquí Province in western Panama—for the chance to see a multitude of species at varying elevations. On this 8-day adventure, you’ll explore public and private reserves, visit noteworthy birding hotspots, witness the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks in action, and spend eight days immersed in the country’s inviting culture and natural landscapes.

Highlights

  • Hike the world-famous Pipeline Road, where target species include Black Hawk-Eagle, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Masked Tityra, and hundreds of others.
  • Scale the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center’s 130-foot tower for the chance to see upper canopy species, including the coveted Blue Cotinga.
  • Search for Resplendent Quetzals in Volcán Barú National Park and on the Pipeline Trail in Boquete, near the border with Costa Rica.
  • Visit Panama’s highest elevation natural wetlands at Las Lagunas, 4,000 feet above sea level, where you may see Masked Duck, Chiriquí Yellowthroat, and Crested Guan.

Activity Level 3: Moderate 

In a region of birding superlatives, Panama boasts the highest diversity of avian species in all of Central America. Both novice and seasoned birders will appreciate this chance to experience its richest hotspots. Your 8-day itinerary visits two different locations for three nights each, followed by one night in Panama City. Daily birdwatching excursions traverse lowland tropical rainforest, highland montane forests, and wetlands for 2 to 3 hours at a time. The longest walk is four miles along a paved, mainly flat road. Other trails have inclines and can be muddy or uneven. At the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, you can ascend a 130-foot observation tower (172 steps) into the canopy. Panama is warm and humid, with a dry season that runs from December to March, and a longer wet season from mid-March to December. Even during the wet season rains can be short and intermittent, with a lush effect on the landscape and excellent birding. There’s one internal round-trip flight; land transportation is aboard private, air-conditioned motorcoaches.

9 Travelers

$3,625

Land Cost

Group size

Book 8 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What makes us different

Scopes

All of our birding guides carry scopes to improve your chances of spotting even the most hard to find species

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Carbon offsetting

As part of our commitment to sustainable travel, we partner with ClimateSafe to offset the carbon emissions from each journey

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Top birding guides

Our in-country birding guides are experts in bird identification and behavior, providing rewarding experiences for everyone from novice birders to ornithologists

Meaningful experiences

We believe travel should be more than just a vacation – it should enrich and inspire

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Gamboa
Day 1
Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport, meet your guide and travel to the hotel.
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Gamboa
Day 2
Start the day with breakfast and an orientation at the hotel restaurant, then depart for the Rainforest Discovery Center, located at the world famous Pipeline Road. Begin at the visitor center, observing up to 14 species of hummingbirds that have been recorded at the feeders. Continue along the trails observing birds of the undergrowth such as manakins, anteaters and trogons. Ascend the 130-foot tower to observe birds in the canopy layer such as the Mealy and Red-lored Parrots, Keel-billed and Yellow-throated Toucans, Blue Cotinga, Masked Tityra, and Green and Red-legged Honeycreepers. Continue birding along Pipeline Road, looking for Crested Eagles and Hook-billed Kites. Golden-collared Manakin, White-bellied and Blue-throated Antbirds, and Pheasant Cuckoo may also be seen. Return to the hotel for lunch then journey to Plantation Road. This old, graded dirt road passes along a mature forest and is approximately four miles long. Go birding along the road in search of interior forest birds, such as Spotted, Bi-colored and Ocellated Antbirds, Gray-headed Tanagers, and Plain-brown, Northern Barred and, if you're lucky, Ruddy Woodcreepers following army ant swarms. Be on the lookout for the Hook-billed Kite, while Golden-crowned Spadebills are regulars around the creek, and White-breasted Wood Wrens, tinamous and leaftossers are easy to spot. (Temperature: 72°-90° F - Hot/humid - Elevation: 100-400 feet - Lowland tropical rainforest, tropical secondary forest, lagoons and rivers with floating vegetation.)
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Gamboa
Day 3
Today, head out for birding at Metropolitan Nature Park, perhaps the only forest reserve within a major capital city in Latin America. Despite proximity to Panama City, it boasts rich avifauna. Enjoy a picnic lunch then travel to the Panama Canal's famed Miraflores Locks for exploration of the museum, hopefully seeing a ship passing through the locks. Before dinner this evening, meet with a member of the local Audubon chapter for a lecture on the birds of Panama.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Boquete
Day 4
Travel to the airport for the flight to David, Chiriquí. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then travel 3,900 feet above sea level to the highlands of Boquete. Spend the day seeking out Quetzals on the Pipeline Trail. These magnificent birds, with their emerald green two-foot tails flowing behind them, are exceedingly rare in Central America. Your chances of seeing them here are excellent.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Panamonte
Boquete
Day 5
Depart for the nearby Los Quetzales Trail in Volcán Barú National Park. Established in 1976, the park is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor and is home to over 250 species of birds including quetzals, Volcano Junco, Yellow-thighed Finch, Black-and-White Hawk- Eagle, Black Guan, skulking Wrenthrush, Silvery-throated Tapaculo, White-naped Brushfinch, and mixed flocks containing a wealth of colorful tanagers and warblers. Return to the hotel for lunch, before departing for the Volcán Barú summit. Ascend the volcano to its peak at 11,398 feet on a 1.5 hour drive. Expect cold temperatures around 32° F. Common species to be seen are Volcano Hummingbird, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Flame-throated Warbler, Sooty-capped Chlorospingus, Sooty Thrush, and Timberline Wren. Enjoy the sunset, hot chocolate, and a picnic dinner at the summit. This evening look for owls as you descend the volcano.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Panamonte
Boquete
Day 6
Today, travel to the Chiriquí midlands, south of Volcán, in search of species such as the Red-headed Barbet, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Emerald Tanager and Rufous-browed Tyrannulet. Stop at Birding Paradise, located in an intermediate zone providing species of birds from both the highlands and lowlands, more than 20 species of hummingbirds can be found here. To follow is a stop at Macho de Monte Canyon to spot Fiery-billed Aracari, Riverside Wren, Orange-bellied Trogon, and Orange-collared Manakin. Have lunch in Volcán at La Carbonera. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to spot some of the species that can be found at Las Lagunas ("the Lakes"), Panama's highest elevation natural wetlands that sit 4,000 feet above sea level. Search for the Masked Duck, Chiriquí Yellowthroat, Blue-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Crested Guan and more. Afterward, journey to Janson Coffee Farm for additional birding opportunities and some snacks before returning to Boquete.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Panamonte
Panama City
Day 7
After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel back to David, Chiriquí to board the flight back to Panama City. Check into your hotel, and then explore the Panama Bay Mudflats, designated a wetland of international importance or Ramsar site, as well as a site of hemispheric importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN). The Bay of Panama is an important wintering habitat to thousands of shorebirds including Western Sandpiper, Semipalmated and Black-bellied Plovers, Willet, Whimbrel, and Short-billed Dowitcher. Additionally, explore the Panamá Viejo ruins and Costa del Este areas. Resident raptors of interest may include the Gray-lined Hawk, Crested Caracara, Merlin, and Peregrine Falcon. Travel to Casco Antiguo historic district for a walking tour before your farewell dinner with folkloric dancing at Las Tinajas (dancing is only available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays).
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Radisson Panama Canal
Departure
Day 8
Travel to the airport for the flight home.
Breakfast- included
9 Travelers

$3,625

Land Cost

Group size

Book 8 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What's Included
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
  • Carbon Offset
  • Full time expert birding naturalist guide for duration of program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Tips
  • Items of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Rates are based on double occupancy for participants.

Prices are valid for travel from Jan 1, 2024 - Dec 31, 2026. Holiday surcharges may apply.

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Panama. Passports must be valid for at least three months after the date of entry.

A visa is not re­quired for visits up to 180 days.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Panamanian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

U.S. citizens entering Panama by commercial flight may be charged a $5 tourist fee if Holbrook does not make your air reservations.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Panama unless you are arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk.

Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Panama, primarily east of the area surrounding the Panama Canal. The CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling to these areas. Consult your physician for more information.

Though not required, the CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Panama.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to certain areas of Panama may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. There is no vaccine to protect against malaria. If you are visiting areas where malaria is present and choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your doctor for a prescription. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin.

DENGUE FEVER & OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES

Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported in Panama. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with dengue and are spreading it to people. In addition, locally transmitted cases of Zika virus, leishmaniasis, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported in Panama.

The CDC recommends that travelers to Panama protect themselves against insect bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary. You may find many of these items in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities. Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection; jeans tend to be uncomfortable in hot and humid conditions, but are fine in the cooler highlands.
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt (or heavier weight if visiting high-elevation areas)
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s) for the beach, if applicable, plus many hotels have pools
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs. If your itinerary indicates muddy hikes with rubber boots provided on-site, pack a few pairs of knee socks to prevent blisters.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more rugged itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re whitewater rafting or visiting the beach, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or Buff-style headwear

MISCELLANEOUS

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Personal toiletries
  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Chargers for electronics

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

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