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This itinerary is for the true birder who wants to discover the birding diversity of Panama
Welcome to Panama! Upon your arrival to Tocumen International Airport a representative will be waiting to assist and transfer you to your hotel, Country Inn & Suites Amador, located on the Amador Causeway. In the natural area surrounding the hotel more than 40 species of birds have been identified. (No meals included)
The Metropolitan National Park, situated only 15 minutes from downtown Panama City, is the most accessible rainforest in the region. It is the only tropical forest in Latin America located inside a major urban center. The MNP and several other protected areas form the "Interoceanic Biological Corridor" that stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans. The MNP is characterized by the increasingly rare dry lowland pacific forest and is home of the Two- and Three-toed Sloth as well as over 200 bird species. In this remarkable park visitors can access four walking trails, a bike trail (you must be in shape for this one) and the Cedar Hill lookout over Panama City and the Canal. A library and souvenir shop is also found here. (B)
Panama's Pipeline Road - where 300 species of birds were spotted in a single day by the Audubon Society - is considered one of the best birding spots in the world. Located in the Panama Canal watershed, this former US military access road takes you into old growth secondary forest, ideal for the observation of flora and fauna from the Pacific and Caribbean slopes. The tour begins with a preparatory talk about the geography and animal life of the Panama Canal areas by our expert guide as you are driven to Soberania National Park, about an hour outside Panama City. Soon you will be enjoying an easy walk under the forest canopy into a veritable bird sanctuary. During the tour you'll have the opportunity to see many bird species and a wide range of diverse plant and tree species. Overnight in the city or Canopy Tower (B)
Plantation Road was created around 1913 in the Panama Canal Watershed in an area that is now known as Soberania National Park. Also it was an area where cacao was grown and the road that was constructed during this time was the first paved road that went into the interior of the country. This trail is approximately 4.8 kilometers and connects with the famous Camino de las Cruces Trail that was used to transport riches from South America. Some of the birds that may be observed are the following Tinamous, leaftossers, Goldencrowned Spadebills, White-breasted Wood-Wrens, Spotted, Bicolored and Ocellated Antbirds, Gray-headed Tanagers, and Plain-brown, Northern Barred and Ruddy Woodcreepers, Hook-billed Kite. (B)
In the morning you will be met by your guide to begin your morning birding adventure in the El Charco trail, which is approximately 2.2 kilometers. You will have the afternoon free to relax or optional tours are available.(B)
Early in the morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the family owned Sierra Llorona Lodge located in the Colon Province, approximately one hour and a half away from Panama City. Here you will relax in the middle of nature, while different species of hummingbirds buzz around the property. Hike on the 4 different friendly trails to observe the amazing flora and fauna of the area. Birding is very rich here; ask the front desk for their birding list. Optional birding tours are available. Overnight in Sierra Llorona Lodge. (BLD)
This birding excursion to the Atlantic side of Panama is one of most scenic drives in central Panama. From the road you will be able to see remnants of the old sea level French Canal, drive through wooded hills and will be able to reach the Gatun Locks. The woodland along the road is noted for Trogons, Motmots and numerous other forest and woodland birds. Then we head to Achiote Road and will hike the CEASPA new trail for other species such as White-headed and Stripe-breasted Wrens and Montezuma Oropendolas among others. Overnight at Sierra Llorona (BLD)
In the morning you will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to David located in the Chiriqui Province. Here you will be met by our local host and transferred to Cerro Punta. Check in to Los Quetzales Lodge. In the afternoon you will have time to bird and explore the area. (B)
Early in the morning you will begin you hike on the Quetzales Trail. This hike is approximately 4-6 hours, depending on the hikers' physical condition and the trail and is known one of the most beautiful hikes in Central America. In the Baru National Park the visitors will be in low montane rainforest, premontane rainforest and cloud forest with the ability to observe animals such as the Quetzal, Bell bird, some trogons, Black and White Hawk, a variety of humming birds such as Brown Violet Ear and Black-bellied Hummingbird, wildcats, porcupines, Coati Mundi, nutria, bats. Huge oaks, magnolias, orchids Stelis montana, Hoffmania areolata and Anthurium chriquense among others. You will have a box lunch in the field before continuing on to Boquete, where you will be met at the ANAM Ranger Station and then transferred back to Cerro Punta. ( B, Box Lunch)
This small family farm is known for its shade grown coffee, variety of orchids and abundance of birds in the area. You will have a box lunch in the field. (B, Box Lunch)
At the appropriate time you will be transferred to David International Airport for your flight back to Panama. Upon your arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. (B)
Today you will have a free day to relax or do some last minute shopping. In the late afternoon you will have a birding tour to the Metropolitan Natural Park or in the Soberania National Park. (B)
At the appropriate time the tourists will be transferred to the Tocumen International Airport for their flight back home. They will arrive to the airport approximately 2 hours before their departure time. (B)
ATTENTION: Ask us about customizing a trip to your specific wishes and interests or about 'fly & drive packages, which provide you with an itinerary, hotel and self-drive rental car, but no guide or fixed schedule to give you maximum independence and flexibility at each location.
