Panama | Birding Central Panama and the Darién Lowlands

Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport, meet your guide and travel to the hotel.

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 an easy walk to an overlook for a sweeping perspective of Panama City. Enjoy lunch at El Trapiche, a restaurant in the neighborhood of San Francisco. Then, visit the mudflats in Costa del Este, an area part of the Panama Bay expansion that boasts critical mangrove forests. The Panama Bay Mudflats are a designated wetland of international importance or Ramsar site, as well as a site of hemispheric importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN). The Bay of Panama is an important wintering habitat to thousands of shorebirds including Western Sandpiper, Semipalmated and Black-bellied Plovers, Willet, Whimbrel, and Short-billed Dowitcher. Later in the day, attend a lecture at the Audubon Society to gain insights into the region's rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. Have dinner al fresco in the Albrook area.

Today, check out from the hotel and depart Panama City toward the East of the country to visit the stunning mountains of Cerro Azul, nestled on the border of Chagres National Park. Journey through a coniferous forest with altitudes ranging from 262 to 1,180 feet above sea level. This region is home to diverse flora and fauna, including 225 bird species. Keep an eye out for the endemic Violet-capped Hummingbird and the regional endemic Speckled Tanager. Other possible sightings include the Rufous-winged Tanager, Blue Cotinga, and the endemic Stripe-cheeked Woodpecker. Have some lunch before visiting Bayano Lake, Panama's second-largest body of water and a renowned birding hotspot. Arrive at Hotel Portal Avicar and check in before enjoying dinner and overnight.

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on the journey to San Francisco Reserve. This natural reserve boasts a remarkable bird list of more than 400 species. Spread across more than 700 acres, San Francisco offers visitors breathtaking landscapes, from expansive plains to seemingly endless lines of trees, and elevations of more than 950 feet above sea level. Keep alert for potential sightings of the regional endemic Crimson-bellied Woodpecker, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Rufous- margined Antwren, White-eared Conebill, Bare-crowned Antbird, and Black Antshrike. Have lunch at a local spot before enjoying more birding time along the Tortí River.

Today, depart Tortí and head to Boca de Lara to enjoy a unique opportunity to visit a Wounaan village and learn about the rich culture of this nomadic Indigenous community from the Darién Province. Gain insight into their profound connection with nature and botanical knowledge and enjoy a traditional Wounaan meal, consisting of elements like fish, plantains, and fruits. Later, venture into the trails off Metetí Road for an unforgettable birding experience. Head to Hotel Bellagio Metetí for overnight.

Explore a private farm along the Chucunaque River, where there are excellent birding opportunities, as well as a chance to learn about the region's conservation efforts dedicated to rescuing Jaguars. The largest population of jaguars in Panama inhabits this area of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, which connects high biodiversity regions of Central and South America. Enjoy lunch at the farm before continuing the adventure toward El Salto Road and the Yaviza wetland, both great hotspots for birding. Explore the diverse ecosystems and witness the rich avian life that inhabits these areas, which feature more than 345 species. Be on the lookout for birds like the Black-chested Jay, Whooping Motmot, Black Oropendola, Red-crowned Woodpecker, and Black-crowned Antpitta.

Begin the day with breakfast before embarking on a boat ride to visit a community that is home to a Harpy Eagle nest. Cruise through scenic waterways before setting out on a 45-minute walk over level terrain to reach the Harpy Eagle nest. It may take patience and good luck to see the Harpy Eagles, especially if they are away from the nest hunting, but the area provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife observation. Some of the other bird species that inhabit the area are the Red-throated Caracara, Golden-headed Manakin, and Cinnamon Becard.

Have some breakfast, and then visit the hydrological and natural reserve of Filo del Tallo. This reserve protects a critical natural area in the Darién Province from threats of deforestation and degradation and is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering sightings of diverse species such as the Pied Puffbird, Crimson-backed Tanager, and Brown-hooded Parrot. After a morning of birding and some lunch, travel from Metetí to Gamboa. The journey includes plenty of opportunities for birding stops and breaks along the way. Arrive to Hotel Gamboa Resort for overnight.

Today, visit the Rainforest Discovery Center, located at the world-famous Pipeline Road, where 385 bird species were identified during a bird count organized by the Audubon Society in 1985 that established a record for the most species of birds seen within 24 hours. Begin at the visitor center, observing up to 14 species of hummingbirds that have been recorded at the feeders. Continue walking along the trails to observe birds of the undergrowth, such as manakins 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. Enjoy lunch at Don Caimán, a restaurant in the Gamboa Marina overlooking the Chagres River, before visiting the Sloth Sanctuary. Learn about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, their work to transition injured animals back into the wild, animal relocation during canal expansion, and meet their animal ambassadors. Later, take a leisurely walk along the street that runs through the exhibitions and leads to the lower station of Gamboa's Aerial Tram.

Today, visit Plantation Trail and Summit Ponds in Soberanía National Park. Created in 1980, Soberanía National Park stands as one of Panama's natural jewels and is one of the country's most accessible tropical rainforests. As a great birding hotspot, it affords visitors the chance to spot species like the Boat-billed Heron, Greater Ani, Spectacled Owl, Bat Falcon, Rosy Thrush-Tanager, Golden-fronted Greenlet, Blue Cotinga, and Green Shrike-Vireo. Next, head to the Miraflores Visitor Center to witness the engineering prowess of the Panama Canal locks at work and enjoy the museum's interactive displays. Later in the day, explore the historic district of Casco Viejo, or Casco Antiguo, built in 1671 after the destruction of Panamá Viejo by the English privateer Henry Morgan. Casco Viejo's parks and narrow streets are lined with colorful buildings representative of Spanish, French, and early American architectural styles. This eclectic collection of architectural styles reflects the city's role as an international trade center and multicultural metropolis long before the building of the canal. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Casco Antiguo to celebrate the captivating landscapes and vibrant culture of Panama.

Travel to Tocumen International Airport for your flight(s) home.