PANAMA
Birds of the Isthmus
PANAMA: Birds of the Isthmus
(10 days)
11 - 20 March, 2027
from $4,095
Discover the extraordinary birdlife of Panama on an immersive journey through one of the most diverse and rewarding birding destinations in the Americas. Straddling the biological crossroads of Central and South America, Panama offers an exceptional blend of neotropical species and habitats – from lush lowland rainforest and the wildlife-rich forests of the Panama Canal, to misty cloud forests, and rushing mountain streams. With over 1,000 bird species – more than North America and Europe combined – alongside extraordinary plant diversity and abundant wildlife, every day promises remarkable encounters, from colorful tanagers and hummingbirds, to the thrilling possibility of rarities like Harpy Eagle, Ocelot, and Tapir.
Our journey explores the best of Panama’s famed Canal Zone and Western Panama, including the legendary Pipeline Road in Soberanía National Park, where mixed flocks move through towering rainforest. We stay at locally owned and managed accommodation with natural grounds and feeders buzzing with activity, and trails revealing rich biodiversity. Additional highlights include the hummingbird-rich forests of El Valle and the surprisingly productive Metropolitan Natural Park in the heart of Panama City.
With its compact geography, excellent infrastructure, and extensive network of protected areas, Panama delivers an unparalleled blend of comfort, accessibility, and world-class wildlife viewing. Join us for an unforgettable birding adventure in the tropical forests of Central America.
Tour Highlights
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Visit world renowned birding locations like Pipeline Road, the Panama Canal, and Soberanía National Park.
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Seek out some of Central America’s top targets including, antbirds, tanagers, and trogons
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Learn how indigenous women make a living from traditional basket weaving
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Extend your trip with a 5-day tour to the Darién in search of Harpy Eagles and learn how local families are working to protect them
Bay-headed Tanager © Toby Ross
Tangara gyrola ~ Least Concern ~ Distributed across southern Central America and northern South America
PANAMA - Darien Extension
(5 days)
20 - 24 March, 2027
from $1,095
Our Darién Extension takes you into one of the most remote and biologically rich regions of Panama. Located east of the Panama Canal and bordering Colombia, Darién is a vast wilderness where nature remains largely undisturbed. We focus on the little-explored northern lowland forests, an area rarely visited by birders yet exceptionally rich in species.
These forests offer the chance to encounter some of Panama’s most sought-after birds, including the country’s national bird, the Harpy Eagle, as well as Crested Eagle, Red-throated Caracara, Bare-crowned and Dull-mantled Antbirds among many others. With such a diverse and underexplored region, each day holds the potential for new discoveries and memorable encounters with Darién and Chocó specialty birds.
Harpy Eagle © rulenumberone2
Harpia harpyja ~ Vulnerable ~ Distributed from Mexico, south through Central America, and the Amazon of South America