Birding trip: birds of Panama
from Darien to the Costa Rican border

Welcome to Panama!We’re delighted to welcome you to this dynamic city, at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, ocean and skyscrapers. Your driver will be waiting for you at Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport, and we’ll be happy to help make your stay as pleasant and trouble-free as possible. Once again, welcome – y disfruten de Panamá!Overnight in a Panama City hotel.

Panama City isthe only capital city on the continent to boast a genuine tropical forest. This 232-hectare protected park is the city’s green lung. It is also the first part of a biological corridor between the south and north of the isthmus, guaranteeing that animals can move from the Pacific to the Atlantic forests. The park is located just 15 minutes from downtown Panama City. As well as seeing sloths, you’ll also have the chance to see many of the 250-plus species of birds, reptiles and amphibians.Free time in Panama CityDepending on what you’d like to do, we recommend that you continue your discovery of Panama City to discover its other treasures. Suggestions for outings will be included in your travel pack.Overnight in a Panama City hotel.

Visit the magnificent Soberania Park, in the heart of lush flora and fauna. Soberanía National Park, just 45 minutes from Panama City, is one of the country’s most renowned wildlife-watching sites. Its famous Pipeline Road through the rainforest is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 species of bird recorded. You’ll also find plenty of mammals, including monkeys, sloths, agoutis and coatis. Created in 1980, Soberanía National Park protects a precious stretch of rainforest along the former American Pipeline Road, built during the Second World War to secure the transport of oil across the isthmus. Afternoon at leisure, to suit you.Overnight in a Panama City hotel.

3 days and 2 nights birdwatching in the Darien,heading for the wild Darién. Morning departure from Panama City in a private vehicle for Metetí, gateway to the Darién. On the way, several bird-watching stops are possible, with already some beautiful species to spot, such as the Jet Antbird, the Garza Cocoi and various hummingbirds. After lunch, continuation to the SENAFRONT checkpoint, a compulsory passage at the entrance to the region. Late afternoon, check-in at the hotel. Possibility of a first outing on the Filo del Tallo trail for a gentle immersion in the Darienita world.Night in a hotel in Meteti.

Encounter with the harpy eagleWake up before dawn for a day dedicated to observing the harpy eagle, in the community of Pijibasal, close to Darién National Park. Transfer by vehicle to Yaviza, followed by a short trip by traditional boat and a 30-minute guided walk to an active nest, where you’ll be accompanied by local residents who are actively involved in the conservation of this emblematic species. In the afternoon, return to Metetí with further opportunities to observe flagship species of the Darién, such as the Oropéndola, the Carpintero pechipunteado or the Bicolored Wren.Overnight in a hotel in Meteti.

Last steps in the forest & returnFor the more adventurous, early-morning option to explore the El Salto de Chucunaque trail, renowned for its rare species and lush green landscapes, followed by a return drive to Panama City through the rainforest and remote villages of the Darién. A final journey through the grandiose landscapes of eastern Panama, rich in biodiversity and contrasts. Arrive in the capital in the afternoon andspend the night in a Panama City hotel.

Take a guided tour of the Panama Canal,where you’ll learn all about the Canal from the morning’s historical tours. The Panama Canal is one of the most impressive sights on a trip to Panama. This man-made waterway, some 80 kilometers long, links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, saving ships precious time by avoiding the long detour through South America. From the Miraflores locks, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of all kinds of ships in transit (container ships, liners or tiny sailing boats…).

Exhibitions retrace the history of the construction of the locks and describe how they work. The afternoon is free, as you wish.Overnight in a Panama City hotel.

Route from Panama City to Santa Catalina,in the province of Veraguas. Day’s drive along the Pan-American Highway to Santiago, capital of the province.Night in a hotel in Santa Catalina.

Discover Coiba National Park, a true paradise on earth. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Coiba National Park is located off Panama’s Pacific coast, in the Gulf of Chiriqui. As a former penal colony, access to the island was historically limited, allowing most of the region’s natural resources to survive intact. Today, the marine park boasts some of the highest biological diversity in the world. Coiba is a world-class diving destination located in the same corridor as the Galapagos Islands, offering access to the largest offshore reef on the west coast of the Americas. Diving in its waters, you’ll have the chance to see manta rays, whales and hammerhead sharks. If you come between December and April, you’ll even be able to see some of the ocean’s biggest fish: whale sharks! Your day will be punctuated by several stops to discover the best of this place. You’ll go snorkeling, where you’ll be able to observe all these aquatic splendors. Relax on the park’s beaches. There will be a lunch break to regain your strength, and a short 5-minute walk to the Cerro Gambute viewpoint, weather permitting.Overnight in a Santa Catalina hotel.

Private transfer from Santa Catalina to Boquete. Discover the Boquete region.Boquete is a small town set in a colorful, wooded valley surrounded by the Chiriqui mountains. Here you’re in the capital of Panamanian coffee, where numerous fincas can be added to your program, but not only that: there’s plenty to do in the region.Overnight in a hotel in Boquete.

Private transfers to and from your hotel.Birdwatching outing in the Rio Cristal reserve.Explore the lush flora and fauna of the Rio Cristal reserve, located at 1,700 meters above sea level, home to over 150 species of birds, including tanagers, warblers, hummingbirds and the famous quetzal, resplendent in season.

the reserve borders La Amistad National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.Overnight in a hotel in Boquete.

Private transfer from Boquete to Volcan or Cerro Punta andexploration of La Amistad International Park,a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure trove of biodiversity. Its cloud forest is home to over 285 species of birds and numerous endemic plants. From the community of Las Nubes, access two easy trails (level 1) and the waterfall trail (level 3) for the more adventurous. A small museum also awaits you at the park ranger’s hut. A unique place to reconnect with nature, between discovery, hiking and conservation. Private transfer from Volcan or Cerro Punta to Boquete.Overnight in a Boquete hotel.

Private transfers to and from your hotel.Discovering bees, butterflies and honey.The walk begins in the gardens, where you can observe coffee plantations, flowers and plants of all kinds, as well as several species of bee. Along the way, you’ll spot colorful birds, butterflies… Next, head for the butterfly greenhouse, where you can admire the different species of colorful butterflies that live in Panama. Learn about their life cycle, how they are raised and protected, and why they are so important to our environment. Then end your visit with a tasting of the honey produced on the property. Each one rich in the flavors of Panama’s diverse flowers and forests.Discover the world of coffee.Take a tour of a family-run coffee plantation located in the hills above Chiriqui, at an altitude of 1,700 meters. This world-renowned coffee producer offers a tour of the coffee hills and a special tasting. This complete visit, from seed to cup, will give you a better understanding of the coffee cycle, its varieties and current issues.Overnight in a hotel in Boquete.

A day of discovery hiking in Boquete,the capital of Panamanian coffee but not only! It’s also a great place for hiking in the Chiriqui mountains, with some of the best-known hikes

• Rainforest hike: The trail winds through the rainforest on a fairly flat path with a few footbridges to cross. On arrival, you’ll see a waterfall. It’s at its most impressive in the wet season.
• Hike to waterfalls. One of them allows you to observe 3 waterfalls along the way.
• Hike to observe wildlife, including the famous quetzal! The trail leads from Boquete to Cerro Punta. It’s possible to hike only part of it.
• Climbing Volcan Baru: The terrain is uneven, so a guide is recommended. It’s best to leave early in the morning to arrive at sunrise.

Depending on your expectations, we can advise you on the best routes.Night in a hotel in Boquete.

Private transfer from Boquete to David. You will take a domestic flight from David to Panama City. Transfer from Albrook airport to Tocumen airport. Your driver will pick you up at Gelabert airport (Albrook) for your private transfer to Tocumen international airport for your international flight home.