Central and South America

Panama | Between Two Continents: Birding in Panama

with Laura Vanderlei
Date:
Jul 7 - Jul 15, 2027
Activity Level:
MODERATE
Duration:
9 Days
Price:
From $4,395
Interests:
Birding
Join This Trip Print Itinerary
An Orange-collared Manakin perched on a branch extends its wings
Ship crossing through Miraflores Locks in the Panama Canal
Angled view of a Masked Tityra in a tree surrounded by leaves
A three-toed sloth sits in a tree branch surrounded by leaves
A Red-legged Honeycreeper perches at an angle on a piece of plant material
A Red-capped Manakin perches on a small branch
Resplendent Quetzal on a tree
Volcano Hummingbird perched on a branch
A slightly-curved, wide gravel road leads through an empty forest
Join This Trip
Join 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 9-day adventure, you’ll explore reserves, visit noteworthy birding hotspots, witness the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks in action, and spend nine 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

Participants should be able to ascend or descend 60 stairs consecutively, plus walk for at least 3 hours over some steep slopes, uneven, and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty. Physical activities typically last for 3 or more hours at a time. 

Land Cost

$4,395

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $675

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

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

Cultural Discovery

Put culture in context as you discover the history and traditions of your destination

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Gamboa
Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport, meet your guide and travel to the hotel. Check in starts at 3 pm.
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Gamboa
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel restaurant followed by a welcome orientation in one of the hotel conference rooms. 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, antbirds 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 often encountered along the forest floor. Each night before dinner, join your guide for a daily birding checklist review. (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
Today, head out for birding at Metropolitan Nature Park, perhaps the only forest reserve within a major capital city in Latin America. Despite its 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. After dinner, join your guide for a night walk.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Gamboa
Take a boat trip for birding on Gatun Lake this morning. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or participate in optional activities at the hotel. 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
Travel to the airport for your 1.5 hour flight on board a Boeing 737 to David, Chiriquí. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then make your way to 3,900 feet above sea level to the highlands of Boquete. Spend the day seeking out Resplendent 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. After dinner, join your guide for a night walk
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Panamonte
Boquete
An exciting day awaits you! You can choose from one of two options; one that is for those that feel comfortable with more strenuous, high altitudes, and the other for those that feel comfortable at lesser altitudes and comfortable pace. Higher altitude - Early morning departure from the hotel for the Volcán Barú summit. Ascend the volcano to its peak at 11,398 feet. Common species to be seen are Volcano Hummingbird, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Flame-throated Warbler, Sooty-capped Chlorospingus, Sooty Thrush, and Timberline Wren. Enjoy sunrise and a picnic breakfast at the summit. The summit activity includes a 4x4 vehicle drive up the mountain on rocky and rugged terrain. At the top of the mountain the temperature can be chilly but blankets are provided. Lower altitude - For those who are interested in a less strenuous option, birding in Boquete Tree Trek has been arranged. Part of the Río Cristal nature reserve, venture to 1,500 fasl on the edge of La Amistad International Park within the Talamanca mountain range. Explore the lush flora and fauna of the area, where more than 150 bird species have been found, many of them endemic. Tanagers, nightjars, and swallows are some of the most commonly observed, not to mention the resplendent quetzal, which has made this impressive forest one of its favorite nesting sites (December-April). Everyone will gather together in town for lunch, then visit 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.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Panamonte
Boquete
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
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, a Ramsar site, designated a wetland of international importance, 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.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Radisson Panama Canal
Departure
Travel to the airport for the flight home. Check out is at 12 pm.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$4,395

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $675

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Full time expert birding guide for duration of program
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Gratuities for all guides, drivers, meals and porters
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Water refill station during transfers
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Gratuities for housekeeping
  • Travel Insurance
  • Items of personal nature
  • Alcoholic drinks
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 8 participants in double occupancy.

A deposit of $350 per person is required to reserve your place on the program. Reservations received after the final payment deadline must be accompanied by full payment. Should you need to cancel your reservation, the following per person fees will apply: 120 days or more before departure: $100 cancellation fee. 119-96 days before departure: $350 cancellation fee (full deposit). 95 days or fewer before departure: 100% of the total program cost is non-refundable. In most cases, any applicable refunds will be issued to the original form of payment.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider

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, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

DENGUE FEVER & OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES

Other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur in Panama, including dengue fever, Zika virus, leishmaniasis, and others. Travelers to Panama should protect themselves against insect bites using the measures described above.

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.

Liability Waivers

Please note you may be asked locally to sign liability waivers in order to participate in certain activities. If you would like to receive a copy of any required waiver in advance, please contact Holbrook Travel.

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 the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to pack one or two slightly nicer, “smart casual” outfits if your itinerary includes dinners out, museum visits, city tours, or similar 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.

For birding programs, pack muted colors such as khaki, olive, and forest green.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection
  • 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 – You’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes or boots suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. 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 to wear around the hotel. If you’re 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 neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant, etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and to be considerate of your fellow travelers.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – While small bars or liquid soap are usually provided, washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap; most hotels provide a hair dryer
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent (also, see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you'll be in the ocean, we strongly recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed, as it may not be available at all roadside stops
  • Face masks
  • Hand sanitizer

Your local guide will carry a basic first-aid kit. However, you may also wish to pack a small medical kit for personal use. 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, powdered electrolyte packets to prevent dehydration, aloe vera gel to treat sunburn, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, COVID-19 self-test kit, 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.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with the pesticide permethrin to deter biting insects and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

MISCELLANEOUS

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

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable) – Packing medications in the original bottles/packaging with pharmacy labeling is recommended.
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Portable (rechargeable or battery-operated) handheld or neck fan
  • 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
  • Powdered electrolyte packets – The Darién region in particular is very hot and humid, and these can be added to water to help prevent dehydration.
  • 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
  • Entertainment (e.g. music, a deck of cards, reading material and a portable bright light to read by, etc.) for down time, long drives, or on the airplane
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • 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
  • Dry bags for electronics

"We've had only good experiences with Holbrook. All of our travel has been at the A+ level. The guides are outstanding and the accommodations and meals are very good."

- Janette L.
Panama , 2025
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eBird Trip Reports: Panama
Want to know which species other Holbrook travelers have seen on their birding trips to Panama? Check out these eBird trip reports shared by past groups to see their checklists and get an idea of what
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