Tailormade Holidays in Panama

Tour Code: TPAN

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Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to Panama with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

When to Go

Good Time to Go

ALL YEAR ROUND

Best Time to Go

ALL YEAR ROUND

Speak to a Panama expert

Tom Mabbett

Operations Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Soberania National Park
Darién Province
El Valle de Antón
Chiriqui Highlands
+2 more

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Summary

The Republic of Panama is perhaps best known for its canal linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans at the narrowest point of the isthmus of Central America. However, with 1,000 bird species in a country the size of Ireland, plus more than 200 mammals and countless invertebrates, it offers top quality wildlife-watching. With good infrastructure and an excellent network of first-class lodges, this relatively neglected country seems certain to become a firm favourite in years to come. Panama’s remarkable biodiversity results from its position at a biogeographical crossroad. Not only does it link Central America, boasting its own distinctive fauna, with that which is more typically South American, but the wildlife of the generally wetter Caribbean side is quite different to that found in the drier conditions on the southern, Pacific side of the isthmus. If that wasn’t enough, in season, migratory birds moving north or south are funnelled through this narrow country on their journeys, the hawk migration in particular being quite spectacular. Among the many highlights of Panama are birds such as Harpy Eagle (Panama is arguably the best place in the world to see the world’s largest eagle), Resplendent and Golden-headed Quetzals, Blue Cotinga and a huge range of hummingbirds, antbirds, motmots, parrots and raptors. Mammals range from tamanduas to armadillos, with a good range of primates, bats and much more. Panama is relatively unspoilt too, with large, almost untouched areas of rainforest, marshes and rugged hills – in fact, almost 30% of the country is protected within national parks and wildlife refuges and nearly half is covered in forest of some kind. At the same time, Panama is peaceful (with no armed forces), friendly and resourceful. In many ways it resembles its better-known neighbour, Costa Rica. For a comfortable dip into the American tropics, with direct flights from Europe, Panama is a truly exceptional destination.

Our Locations

Great Jacamar shutterstock_1358701100.jpg

This national park is on the doorstep of Panama City, yet boasts one of the world’s best-known birding lodges, the Canopy Tower. The park contains superb rainforest and has a bird list approaching 500 species. There are many sites within its 220 square kilometres, including the Chagres River, the Old Gamboa Road and the Camino del Oleoducto, the legendary ‘Pipeline Road’. The latter doesn’t sound exciting but is a 17.5 kilometres north-south cut right through the rainforest that was used to lay a pipeline to serve the adjacent Canal. Now somewhat overgrown, it is one of the foremost sites for birds in the whole of the Americas, with about 400 species recorded. One of the most exciting experiences along this road is to encounter an army ant trail, with its accompanying specialised, obliging antbirds. Apart from its avifauna, the park is superb for a range of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and plants.

Accommodation in Soberania National Park

Canopy Tower

Details

The easternmost province of Panama, Darién is where Central America meets the giant landmass of South America. Not surprisingly, many southern species not found in the rest of Central America have been recorded here. Much of the province is remote and covered by virtually impenetrable forest and marshland – indeed, the Darién marks the single break in the 30,000km Pan-American Highway network. There is no road for 106km between Yaviza in Panama and Turbo in Colombia – the famous ‘Darién Gap’. The area is exceptional for birds in particular. The list exceeds 500 species, amongst them breeding Harpy Eagles, plus Golden-headed Quetzal, a vast range of antbirds, flycatchers, trogons, motmots and other forest birds.

Accommodation in Darién Province

Canopy Camp

Details

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The town of El Valle, as it’s usually called, is a short distance south-west of Panama City, in the province of Coclé. It is unusual for being built entirely within a volcanic caldera, and there are plenty of hot springs in the area, as well as a geological museum. Situated above 600m, it is cooler than the Canal Zone and offers a range of activities such as mountain biking and horse riding, as well as excellent birding and other wildlife.

Accommodation in El Valle de Antón

Canopy Lodge

Details

Resplendent Quetzal shutterstock_193860626.jpg

The Chiriqui Highlands lie in the west of Panama and are easily reached on good roads from the centrally located Canal Zone and city. Away from the South American influences of eastern Panama, this is the prime area for endemic birds and other wildlife within the country. One of the specialities, although not endemic, is the incomparable Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most sought-after birds in the world, as well as the Bare-necked Umbrellabird and Three-wattled Bellbird. Baru Volcano National Park protects the summit of its eponymous peak, at 3,475m, from which, on a clear day, you can see both coasts.

Panama Canal, Panama shutterstock_423943960.jpg

The country’s most famous feature is the 82-kilometre-long Panama Canal. Linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the latter via the Caribbean Sea, the Canal saves shipping a hazardous circuit around Cape Horn, and several thousand extra miles of travel. About 40 vessels pass the system of locks and artificial lakes every day, typically paying up to $200,000 each for the privilege. The Canal is a lively and fascinating tourist attraction in its own right. Panama City itself is a vibrant city of shiny tall buildings and bustle, with Spanish colonial architecture and an interesting historic centre. Within its confines is the largest tropical forest park inside any Latin American city, the Metropolitan Park, with over 250 species of birds recorded. A partial gravel road ascends upwards to give a fantastic view of the city.

This is a small area in western Panama with very much its own feel. It lies on Panama’s Caribbean coast, close to the Costa Rican border, and consists of a peninsula and archipelago of islands. It is also an excellent birding spot, with Bare-necked Umbrellabird and Purple-throated Mountain-gem among the numerous highlights.

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Sample Itineraries

This 10-day holiday combines birding in central Panama's rich lowland tropical forest with time spent exploring the Panama Canal and relaxing on the Caribbean coast.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 3

Panama City

Days

4 - 7

Canopy Tower

Days

8 - 9

Bocas del Toro (flight from Panama City)

Day

Arrive UK

10 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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This 12-day holiday includes three of Central America's finest birding lodges, exploring the lowlands of central Panama, the foothills of western Panama, and the remote stretches of eastern Panama.

Day

Depart UK

Day

Panama City

Days

3 - 5

Canopy Camp

Days

6 - 8

Canopy Lodge

Days

9 - 11

Canopy Tower

Day

Arrive UK

12 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Our guides in Panama are highly professional and experienced, and tend to be attached to certain lodges so know the areas intimately. Many of them are also experts in other areas of natural history, from mammals to butterflies, and specialist trips can be organised for any specific interest.

When to Visit

Panama is truly an all year-round destination, but there are certain times that are more popular for birding than others. Most people visit between December and April, during the dry season, but the so-called ‘green season’ from May to November is equally good. Migrant birds, especially, pass through southbound in October and November, with the raptor migration, in particular, being spectacular at times. The recommended months to visit vary across the region: all year in the Chiriqui Highlands, July to December in the Canal Zone, December to March in the Darién and Bocas del Toro. The Pacific coast has the most pronounced wet season from May to November, while on the Caribbean coast there are short showers most days.

Getting Around

Panama has the advantage of being a small country, so it is reasonably easy to travel around. This can be done by road, although to reach the extremities of the country, air travel is easy and convenient. The roads vary, but they are fine and well-maintained in most areas, especially along the Pan-American Highway.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!