Central and South America

Panama | Birding from Rainforests to Coast

with Kristy Gallo
Date:
Feb 2 - Feb 11, 2028
Activity Level:
MODERATE
Duration:
10 Days
Price:
From $3,725
Interests:
Birding
Join This Trip Print Itinerary
A Red-lored Amazon parrot sits perched on a leafy tree branch
A Red-legged Honeycreeper perches at an angle on a piece of plant material
Upper body and head of a Keel-billed Toucan with partially open beak
Landscape with palm trees and grass on the near bank of a wide river and tree-covered hills on the far bank
A three-toed sloth sits in a tree branch surrounded by leaves
Views of Antón Valley in Panama
Views of the waters of Punta Chame, Panama
Several boats lined up in Punta Chame, Panama
A slightly-curved, wide gravel road leads through an empty forest
Join This Trip
Join This Trip

About this trip

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Panama, known as the “Crossroads of the World” and a prime birding destination due to its advantageous location at the convergence of two continents. On this 10-day itinerary, we’ll traverse diverse habitats — from the Gamboa rainforest in Soberanía National Park to the cloud forests and mountain foothills of El Valle de Antón and the coastal mangroves and mudflats of the Pacific coast — as we seek out hundreds of avian species!

Highlights

  • Hike the world-famous Pipeline Road in Panama’s Gamboa rainforest, where specialties may include Golden-collared Manakin, Pheasant Cuckoo, Rufous Motmot, Black-breasted Puffbird, Hook-billed Kite, and, with luck, Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo.
  • Scale the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center’s 130-foot tower for the chance to see upper canopy species, including the coveted Blue Cotinga.
  • Visit Cerro Gaital Natural Monument, a lush 827-acre nature reserve whose 300-plus recorded species include Tawny-crested Tanager, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, and Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush.
  • Observe shorebirds, waders, and terns in the extensive mudflats, mangroves, and sandy beaches of Punta Chame, a peninsula on the Pacific coast.
  • Discover two of Panama City’s natural areas, the Metropolitan Natural Park and the Panama Bay Mudflats, for encounters with fascinating wildlife, especially shorebirds.

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. 

Meet your leader

Kristy Gallo

As a Michigan native, Kristy grew up in a family with a passion for nature and birds, spending countless hours camping, canoeing, hiking, and birding throughout the country. She is currently the co-caretaker of Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary in Arizona, where she helps to continue the legacy of Mary Jo Ballator and enjoys sharing it with visitors. She also runs her own guiding company, Redstart Birding Tours, where she enjoys showing visitors from all over the world the beautiful birds of southern Arizona. Kristy also competed in powerlifting for over twenty years and broke the world record in the bench press in 2012 and then again in 2013.

Land Cost

$3,725

Per person

About this price

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

Single room supplement $925

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

Wildlife up-close

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

Culture in context

Incorporate history, social institutions, economy, government, and traditions of the destination to put culture in context

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

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Gamboa
Transfer to the hotel and settle in after a day of travel. Join your guide this evening for a program orientation followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant. Check in starts at 3 pm.
Dinner included
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Gamboa
Start the day exploring a tropical dry forest in the center of Panama City, the Metropolitan Natural Park. Perhaps the only forest reserve within a major capital city in Latin America, it boasts a rich variety of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles; it also affords visitors the chance to see Geoffroy's Tamarin. Take a walk to an overlook for a sweeping perspective of Panama City. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery and then continue to the Summit Ponds / Panama Canal forest corridor, where mature secondary forest and edge habitats support a diverse mix of lowland species. Conditions here often produce productive mixed flocks and raptors in flight. Return to the hotel. Before dinner, daily bird checklist review with your guide.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Gamboa
Start the day with breakfast 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, 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, where specialties may include Golden-collared Manakin, Pheasant Cuckoo, Rufous Motmot, Black-breasted Puffbird, Hook-billed Kite, and, with luck, Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo. 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. Golden-crowned Spadebills are regulars around the creek, while White-breasted Wood-Wrens, tinamous, and leaftossers are often encountered along the forest floor. Before dinner, daily bird checklist review with your guide. (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
Enjoy birding and nature exploration at nearby hotspots such as Summit ponds, Gamboa Road and the reserve property. Enjoy lunch at Don Caimán, a restaurant in the Gamboa Marina overlooking the Chagres River. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure to enjoy the hotel amenities and explore the grounds. Before dinner, daily bird checklist review with your guide. Dinner at hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Anton Valley
Check out of the hotel and head to the West of Panama with a stop at Campana National Park. Have lunch at a local restaurant and continue to Anton Valley. In the afternoon, explore key birding areas in the valley such as Cerro Gaital foothills, forest edges, and garden habitat around the hotel zone, which often produce a mix of endemics and foothill species in a relaxed setting. Join your guide for a daily bird checklist review then depart the hotel for dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Caracoral or similar
Anton Valley
After breakfast, visit Cerro Gaital Natural Monument. The lush, 827 acre nature reserve protects the mountainous terrain surrounding El Valle de Antón and is home to more than 300 bird species. Some of the best birding is done along the fringes of the reserve, where vegetation is less dense. Migrant raptors can be seen here, as well as residents like the Barred Hawk and the Bat Falcon. Look for the Tawny-crested Tanager, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Green Hermit, and Spotted Woodcreeper. Have lunch at a local restaurant then visit the Chorro el Macho and Las Mozas waterfalls. Spend the rest of the afternoon birding around Quebrada Amarillo. While in the area, visit some private properties with fruit and nectar feeders. Join your guide for a daily bird checklist review then depart the hotel for dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Caracoral or similar
Punta Chame
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Cerro Cara Iguana, where an easy walk through foothill woodland and forest edge offers excellent birding opportunities. Look for species such as Rufous Motmot, Collared Aracari, Keel-billed Toucan, Crimson-backed and White-shouldered Tanagers, Thick-billed Euphonia, Orange-billed Sparrow, Bright-rumped Attila, and a variety of hummingbirds. Watch the skies for soaring White Hawk, Short-tailed Hawk, and Roadside Hawk. Continue toward Punta Chame, making birding stops in open countryside, agricultural fields, and seasonal wetlands along the way. These habitats may produce Southern Lapwing, Crested Caracara, Savanna Hawk, Pearl Kite, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Limpkin, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Wood Stork, and a variety of herons and egrets. Upon reaching Punta Chame, explore the peninsula's extensive mudflats, mangroves, and sandy beaches. Look for shorebirds, waders and Terns. Before dinner, daily bird checklist review with your guide.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Punta Chame Villas or similar
Punta Chame
From the hotel, transfer to a nearby beach where you will board a covered motorboat and begin a cruise into the Gulf of Panama and surrounding offshore islands. As you travel through productive pelagic waters, look for large numbers of Brown Pelicans and Magnificent Frigatebirds, along with Brown Boobies, Neotropic Cormorants, and terns such as Royal, Sandwich, and Laughing Gull. With favorable conditions, additional seabirds may include Common Tern and other migrants passing through the region. In exceptional conditions, offshore waters may also produce rarities for the area, including Blue-footed Booby, along with sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, and rays. Following our disembarkation at the beach at Punta Chame, board the bus and ride back to hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for relaxation or enjoying the swimming pool. Before dinner, daily bird checklist review with your guide. After dinner, the night sky here is excellent for stargazing.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Punta Chame Villas or similar
Panama City
After breakfast, depart for Panama City. Explore the Panama Bay mudflats, a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) and part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN). In February, the bay holds large concentrations of wintering shorebirds, including Western Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Willet, and Whimbrel, along with flocks of gulls and terns and scattered herons and egrets. Proceed to Panamá Viejo, the ruins of the original Panama City, for a brief historical visit with possible shoreline birding nearby. Continue to Costa del Este for views over coastal lagoons and mudflats, with additional opportunities for shorebirds and waterbirds. End the day in Casco Antiguo (Old Quarter) for a walking tour through the historic district, followed by a farewell dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo
Departure
Transfer to airport for flights home. Check out is at 12 pm.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$3,725

Per person

About this price

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

Single room supplement $925

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
  • 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
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Gratuities for main guide and driver
  • Travel Insurance
  • Items of personal nature
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.

Single room supplement $925


Final payment due date: October 30, 2027

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.

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 Resources

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 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.

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

"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
Holbrook is experienced with international travel and shares my values for conservation and sustainability.
- Jody Enck
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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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