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Exploring the wilds of Panama from Pacific coast, through lowland tropical rainforest to the slightly cooler foothills focusing on the multitude of butterflies, but also wondering at the sheer variety of birds, bugs, dragonflies and plants.
B.W. Northamptonshire, Oct 19
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Panama's Butterflies
Tour Code: PAN05A 9-day holiday to enjoy the rich diversity of butterflies in this Central American country.Staying at El Valle (Canopy Lodge) in the foothills of the western highlands and in Soberanía National Park (based at the world-famous Canopy Tower) in Central Panama.
9 days
from
£3,695
£3,695
Land only price
from
£2,795
£2,795
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
On this new 2-centre holiday we will explore Panama’s western highland cloudforests and central lowland rainforests in search of butterflies. Our tour begins in the central lowlands with a 3-night stay at the Canopy Tower in Soberanía National Park. This rainforest eco-lodge boasts a 50-foot observation deck providing the opportunity to view canopy species such as Broad-banded Swallowtail at eye level. We then transfer to western Panama for a 4-night stay at the Canopy Lodge in El Valle de Anton. The lodge’s gardens are full of butterfly-friendly flowers, attracting a host of interesting species and there is a wonderful variety of Lepidoptera in the forest surrounding the lodge including Blue-and-orange Eighty-eight. Join our expert local guides as we explore this hospitable and wildlife-rich country in search of an exciting variety of butterflies.
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Chance to see over 200 of Panama’s 1,000+ butterfly species
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Green-celled Cattleheart, Brilliant Greenmark & Golden-headed Bolla, Canopy Lodge
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Look for Banded Owl-butterflies & Blue-patched Eyed-metalmark, Cerro Gaital
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Pink-tipped Satyr & stunning Menelaus Morpho fly among moss-laden trees
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Regal Hairstreak & White-tipped Cycadian, Soberanía National Park
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Ilus Swallowtail, Sky-blue Hairstreak & Glorious Blue-skipper, Pipeline Road
Grading
This is a traditional lodge-based tour with no strenuous walking involved, although some trails at El Valle are steep and can be slippery.On this 2-centre holiday we will explore Panama’s western highland cloudforests and central lowland rainforests in search of butterflies — we have a good chance of seeing over 200 of the country’s 1,000+ species. Our tour begins in the central lowlands with a 3-night stay at the Canopy Tower in Soberanía National Park. This rainforest eco-lodge boasts a 50-foot observation deck which provides the opportunity to view canopy species at eye level. Possibilities include Broad-banded Swallowtail, the spectacular Regal Hairstreak and White-tipped Cycadian. On the nearby Pipeline Road (of legendary status amongst birdwatchers) which penetrates 17 kilometres into the rainforest, we will look for Ilus Swallowtail, Sky-blue Hairstreak and the stunning Glorious Blue-skipper, whilst the dry forest of the Metropolitan Natural Park in Panama City is also rewarding, with species such as Emerald-patched Cattleheart, Polydamas Swallowtail and Tropical Chequered Skipper all possible. We then transfer to western Panama for a 4-night stay at the Canopy Lodge in El Valle de Anton. The lodge’s gardens are full of butterfly-friendly flowers, attracting species such as Green-celled Cattleheart, Brilliant Greenmark and Golden-headed Bolla. There is a wonderful variety of Lepidoptera in the forest surrounding the lodge including Starry Cracker, Zebra Longwing and Blue-andorange Eighty-eight, whilst the lower slopes of nearby Cerro Gaital (1,066 metres) are home to Giant Forest and Banded Owl-butterflies, Blue-patched Eyed-metalmark and Blue-grey Satyr. The epiphyte and moss-laden trees here play host to the gorgeous Pink-tipped Satyr and stunning iridescent blue Menelaus Morpho (with a wingspan of 15 centimetres). Meanwhile, on the mountain trails of the Altos del Maria we may encounter White-patched Emesis, Lotus Ruby-eye and the impressive Creon Skipper.
At both lodges a ‘black light’ will be run at night to attract some of the country’s numerous moths, including large and spectacular sphinx and silk moths. So please do join our expert local guides as we explore this hospitable and wildlife-rich country in search of an exciting variety of butterflies and moths.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
In flight, transfer to Canopy Tower
Day 2
Pipeline Road
Day 3
Metropolitan NP and Old Gamboa Road
Day 4
Transfer to Canopy Lodge
Day 5
Las Minas and La Mesa
Day 6
Cerro Gaital and Cara Iguana
Day 7
Santa Clara
Day 8
Canopy Lodge, in flight
Day 9
Arrive UK
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
The Canopy Tower is an eco-lodge converted from a former radar station and look-out tower. The Canopy Lodge is located in the caldera of a long-extinct volcano. See full tour itinerary for detailed information on accommodation.
- Food: All included in the price
Reviews
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We visited El Valle and the Canopy Tower. El Valle is a peaceful Lodge where we could eat whilst watching birds, butterflies and a few animals. On walks around the Lodge we saw lots of butterflies nectaring on flowers and our guide Jenn, the Canopy Tower biologist was able to identify them all with ease. At Canopy Tower near the Canal we could watch birds and butterflies in the treetops. Monkeys were also very close to us. Glorious blue Morphos flickered through the surrounding rain forest. Altogether we saw over 240 species of butterfly and 150 species of bird. The humming birds and the toucans were particular highlights for me.
J.P. West Yorkshire
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Wed 15th Oct – Thu 23rd Oct
SPACES
£3,695
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,795
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