Panama | Birding and Photography
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About this trip
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day birding and photography journey through the fascinating history, rich culture, and natural beauty of Panama. Join Award-winning Photographer Krisztina Scheeff to explore tropical rainforests, dry forests, and mountain habitats while visiting some of the country’s most rewarding birding destinations. Discover world-famous Pipeline Road, Soberanía National Park, and the lush landscapes of El Valle de Antón, with opportunities to photograph hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers, antbirds, and other tropical species along the way. Visit private properties with fruit and nectar feeders, learn about Panama’s conservation efforts, and experience the Panama Canal and historic Panama City, all while refining your photography skills and expanding your portfolio.
Highlights
- Explore the world-famous Pipeline Road and ascend the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center’s 130-foot tower for the chance to photograph hummingbirds, toucans, Blue Cotinga, Masked Tityra, and other canopy species.
- Discover Panama City’s rich history and culture while exploring the Panamá Viejo ruins, Costa del Este, and Casco Antiguo, and witnessing the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks in action.
- Explore private properties around El Valle with fruit and nectar feeders, offering additional opportunities to photograph colorful birds, while looking for species such as the Tawny-crested Tanager, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Green Hermit, and Spotted Woodcreeper.
- Venture into Soberanía National Park and Metropolitan Natural Park, exploring tropical rainforest and dry forest habitats for a variety of birds and wildlife.
- Receive photography guidance from Award-winning Photographer Krisztina Scheeff and add to your portfolio.
Meet your host
Krisztina Scheeff, KS Nature Photography
Based in San Diego, CA, Krisztina Scheeff is an award-winning and professional nature photographer. Recognized for her photographic work in National Audubon Society as well as a finalist in the prestigious Wildlife Photograph of the Year competition, Krisztina’s photos have been published in magazines and articles around the world, including National Geographic, Wild Planet Photo Magazine, California 101, San Diego Audubon Society, American Wild Magazine, Birders Digest, Marine Conservation Magazine – UK, North American Nature Photography Association, and more. They have also been featured in Art Shows and Galleries around the country. Krisztina operates a successful business leading Photography Workshops and Tours to Scotland (Puffins), Ireland, Galápagos Islands, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hungary, and Bosque del Apache, NM. She also leads workshops for bird festivals around the country and presents at various events.
Krisztina spent years studying and photographing the Rushing Grebes and guides her clients at Lake Hodges in San Diego to experience this amazing behavior and capture their own photos.
To see more photos, check out KS Nature Photography at www.KSNaturePhotography.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KSNaturePhotography or on Instagram @KSNaturePhotography.
$3,975
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $750
What makes us different
Scopes
Wildlife up-close
Top birding guides
Cultural Discovery
Bird-based tourism
Meaningful experiences
Daily Itinerary
Print ItineraryGamboa
Gamboa
Gamboa
Gamboa
Anton Valley
Anton Valley
Panama City
Departure
Pricing
Print Pricing$3,975
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $750
What's Included
- Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Full time guide for the duration of your program
- Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
- Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
- Gratuities for activity guides, meals and porters
- Non alcoholic beverage with meals
- Water refill station during transfers
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Gratuities for main guide and driver
- Gratuities for housekeeping
- Travel Insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Carbon Offset
Pricing Details
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.
Single room supplement $750
Final payment due date: December 20, 2027
Travel Info
Print Travel InfoEntry & 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
Print ResourcesSuggested 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
- 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
Questions?
For more information, contact Krisztina Scheeff at 949-436-5747 or info@ksnaturephotography.com or contact Jill Hays at 877-846-6296 or jill@holbrooktravel.com.
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Back from the Field: A Birder’s Introduction to Neotropical Panama
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