Flow of the Day: The itinerary is designed to maximize our experience with the great diversity of birdlife and ecosystems that Panama offers. We won’t, however, be rushing from place to place to chase the largest species list possible. Our goal is to spend time appreciating the species we encounter at an enjoyable pace. Birding walks begin in the early morning, and we travel slowly to allow for the best bird and wildlife encounters and observation.

We visit several private reserves, gardens, and feeders where it is easier to find many of our target species. The driving and the flights are scheduled during hot hours when the activity is slower. Afternoon plans typically allow for some afternoon rest time at the lodges, though this is not always feasible when we are transferring between lodges and landscapes.

Climate: The annual average temperature on the Canal Area is 84°F, and it ranges from 50 to 66°F at various mountain elevations in the Chiriquí Highlands. The period of lightest rainfall is from mid-December to mid-April.

Clothing: Pack light field clothing of neutral colors. Bring several pairs of long pants and comfortable, light, airy shirts. Long-sleeved (relaxed fit) shirts are useful for protection from the sun, as is a light hat or cap. Good rain gear is essential, and a small umbrella is also recommended. Be sure to have a pair of comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, plus a second pair of tennis shoes or sandals. A sweater or fleece is important for the Chiriquí Highlands. You may want more casual clothing for traveling or dinners. A small washcloth and handkerchiefs will be helpful.

Equipment: Bring a pair of binoculars, a field guide and a camera with extra batteries. The guides will have two spotting scopes. Pack sunglasses and sunscreen, a small flashlight or headlamp, a small alarm clock (a smartphone will work), insect repellent, a small daypack, and a small folding stool if you get tired standing for long periods waiting for birds.

Health Considerations: Please consult your physician before the trip for any recommended immunizations. Mosquitoes and other small, biting insects can sometimes be a nuisance in Panama, especially in the forested areas. Chiggers are found in most of the grassy areas. We suggest a stick-type repellent for your face and hands, plus at least one pump-style container of repellent for your clothing. As for foods, all salads, dairy products and meals at the different lodges are perfectly safe to eat. Bottled water is provided while on tours.

Participants should be able to hike on moderate terrain up to 2 miles per day, and be ready to expect conditions that may be hot, cold, dry, wet, or anything in-between.

Transportation: The land transportation is in registered minibuses with A/C, a necessary luxury in the humid lowlands of Panama. The sky transportation to the Chiriquí Highlands uses a F70 Fokker twin-engine jet airliner airplane with a 70-80 passenger capacity.

Weight restrictions: For our domestic Chiriquí Flights, a maximum of 30 lbs. of checked luggage and 10 lbs. of carry-on per person is allowed. Arrangements can be made to safely store extra luggage at the Radisson Summit Golf Hotel, where we will return to for the final night of our journey.

Peace of Mind: Panama is a place of kind hearts, modern infrastructure, and spectacular biodiversity. It is among the safest, easiest, and most comfortable places to travel in Central/South America. Travelers concerned about visiting unknown destinations where English is not the primary language will find that Panama is the perfect gateway to tropical nature travel.

Our in-country bird guide, Euclides Campos, a regionally renowned bilingual bird expert with a deep knowledge of bird vocalizations and identification skills. Euclides is adept at finding many sought-after species, helping guests sight birds in challenging rainforest cover, and educating participants in the ecology and identification of each species. Euclides has a deep knowledge of natural and cultural history, and a degree in Nature Tourism. Born and raised in Panama, Euclides has a whopping in-country bird list of 768 species and has participated in several international avian research programs.

Our NBNC guide is Staff Naturalist, Sean Beckett. Sean guided wildlife safaris and birding trips across North America for the last decade. His background includes several avian research positions ranging from Atlantic Puffin monitoring in coastal Maine to Ferruginous Pygmy-owl sampling in northern Mexico. Sean holds a M.S. from the Unversity of Vermont's Field Naturalist program. Sean has birded the Panamanian rainforests on two occasions, and organized this trip to share his favorite experiences with fellow travelers.

Both guides carry Swarovski spotting scopes and a plethora of birding books and resources.

Radisson Summit Golf Hotel – first 2 nights and final night: Located in the Old Canal Zone, this comfortable lodge is outside Panama City, at the edge of the rainforest, and less than 15 minutes from some of the best birding destinations in Central America. Amenities include private rooms with standard electrical plugs, full baths, hot water, wifi, laundry service, bar, restaurant, and nature trails.

Canopy Tower – 1 night: The Canopy Tower is a prime location from which to observe the birds and other wildlife of the forest canopy. Located in Soberania National Park. Amenities include wifi, dinners with wine, full baths, hot water, and private rooms.

Anton Valley – 2 nights: Located in El Valle, a foothill town within a volcanic crater, this lodge includes a full restaurant, wifi, bar, private rooms with electricity plugs, full baths, and hot water.

Hotel Dos Rios (Western Highlands) – 3 nights: This nice hotel is located at Volcán at an elevation of 1500m. Amenities: Private rooms with electricity, full baths, hot water, laundry service, bar, restaurant, nature garden with plentiful birdlife.

The trip cost includes:

• Pre-departure orientation gathering at NBNC
• Expert NBNC guide
• In-country expert bird guide
• Airport hotel transfers
• All accommodations
• Entrance fees to parks
• Domestic flights between Panama City and David
• All transportation in a private bus
• Water
• Luggage storage arrangements
• All meals during the trip

The trip cost does not include:

• Airfare to and from Panama
• Cancellation insurance
• Alcoholic beverages
• Extra hotel services
• Snacks
• Meal gratuities
• Guide gratuities

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For a list of species seen on a comparable itinerary by our in-country partners, Click Here