Highlights of Avian Panama - 8D/7N

photo of The Pipeline road in Panama, courtesy of Tourism Board of PanamaBird watching in Panama is a truly rewarding experience. With over 960 species of birds found in an area of less than 50,000 square miles that are easily reached, avid and the beginner birders alike will enjoy a unique avian adventure.

Included: Lodging, all land, air and water transportation within Panama. All airport/hotel transfers on scheduled arrival and departure dates - Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) - Park, museum and related entrance fees, guides’ services and expenses and the services of an in-bound land operator for airline re-confirmations and tour operations.

Not Included: : International airfare - Tourist card ($5 per person), Meals not specified in the itinerary - Alcoholic beverages - Personal equipment - Extras in hotels (laundry, telephone calls, room service, etc.) or gratuities - Any personal expenses.

Notes: Minimum 2 passengers - Weight restrictions apply to luggage in commercial and chartered flights within Panama. A maximum of 25 lbs. of checked luggage and 10 lbs. of carry-on per person is allowed. Arrangements can be made to store luggage that will not be needed while away from the city. Excess baggage charges assessed by commercial carriers are the responsibility of the passenger. * Pre or post trip extensions to Cana, Darien National Park and Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, the realm of the Harpy Eagle
Trip Classification: Moderate/long hiking 3-5 hours per day over variable terrain, slippery, muddy. Accommodations vary from hotels to basic lodges and tent camp (on the extension).
Equipment Checklist: Binoculars (preferably 7×35 or larger), camera with extra batteries & film, flashlight with extra bulb & batteries, bathing suit, insect repellant, sunscreen, hat, day pack, water bottle, lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes, windbreaker, sandals, sneakers/hiking boots, rain gear, money in small denominations, toiletries & personal medications. The Naturalist Guide carries a spotting scope.

Departures: December 5-12.

photo of a Kuna Indian in Panama courtesy of Tourism Board of PanamaDay by day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Arrive To Panama - On arrival to Tocumen International Airport we will be met by a representative and transferred to our hotel in Panama City. This evening we will enjoy a welcome cocktail and briefing with our Naturalist Guide. Night at Holiday Inn - Panama Canal.
  • Day 2 Pipeline Road - Summit Ponds - Miraflores Locks - This morning we drive to Pipeline Road in Soberania National Park. Soberania is home to some 525 species of birds. Afterwards we will visit Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal to learn about its history and marvel at this engineering accomplishment. The canal still operates pretty much as it did when it was inaugurated almost 100 years ago. The SS Ancon steamer was the first ship to officially transit the Panama Canal, on August 15, 1914. Night at Holiday Inn - Panama Canal (B,L,D).
  • Day 3 Metropolitan Nature Park - Old Panama Mudflats – Juan Diaz Mangroves - Today we visit the Metropolitan Nature Park (the only protected rain forest within capital city limits in Latin America). In the afternoon, we drive to Burbayar Lodge located in the pre-montane rainforest of the Kuna Yala foothills. Night at Burbayar Lodge (B,L,D).
  • Day 4 Burbayar - This morning we will bird the network of trails surrounding Burbayar Lodge. The avifauna here is very rich and includes foothill and Eastern Panama species such as Sapayoa, Speckled Antshrike, Black-headed Anthrush and many more. Also look for the endemic Striped-cheek Woodpecker, Swallow-tailed Kite and Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer. Night at Burbayar Lodge (B,L D).
  • Day 5 Burbayar - Chiriqui Cloud Forest - This morning we bird the road that leads to Nargana Forest Reserve. This road is very productive for foothill specialities that include Black and Yellow, Rufous-winged, Bay-headed, Olive and Hepatic Tanagers. Depart Burbayar after lunch and head for Albrook Airport in Panama City to board our flight to David, capital of Chiriqui Province. Chiriqui is known as “Panama’s Breadbasket” having some of the most breathtaking scenery in Central America. Transfer by van to the western side of the Baru Volcano to the town of Volcan. Night at Hotel Dos Rios (B,L,D).
  • Day 6 LA Amistad International Park And World Biosphere Reserve - Shared with neighboring Costa Rica and recognized in 1982 as a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Amistad is located at a point on the Central American land bridge where flora and fauna from North and South America reach their maximum species mix, with great ranges in altitude, precipitation, soils and temperature. Night at Hotel Dos Rios (B,L D).
  • Day 7 Tapir’s Canyon / Querevalo Road / Panama City - This morning we will stop at Tapir’s Canyon and Bajo Frio Road in search of Lesser Elaenia, Bay-headed Tanagers, Crested Oropendola, American Dipper, and a myriad other species. After lunch we start our descent to David and drive through some rice, corn and sugar cane fields along Querevalo Road. We reach the airport in the late afternoon in time to board our flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival transferred to the hotel. Farewell dinner. Night at Holiday Inn - Panama Canal (B,L,D).
  • Day 8 Depart Panama - Today we are picked up at the lobby of the hotel 2.5 hours prior to our scheduled departure flight and transferred to Tocumen International Airport. Fly home (B).


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Also tagged with: Adventure Expeditions, Escorted Journeys, Central America, Panama, Hiking, Trekking, Active Travel, Educational, Cultural, Nature / Ecology, Bird Watching, Join-In Tour, Hosted Tours, Photography


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