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.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. and Canadian 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.
Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Panama.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Central America 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. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
CHIKUNGUNYA
In June 2014, El Salvador reported locally transmitted cases of chikungunya in Central America. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. Local transmission of chikungunya is now being reported in other countries in Central America. CDC recommends that travelers to the Central America area protect themselves from mosquito bites.
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.