Panama: The Canal Zone & the Chiriqui Highlands 2025 - $1000 deposit/person
One of the most biodiverse countries in the world, about the size of South Carolina, Panama boasts 1000+ species of birds. Widely known for its 51-mile long canal, famous as one of the most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, all the transit here has led to a remarkable melting pot effect. As a result Panama’s cultural heritage is about as diverse as its wildlife and landscapes. But not just a transit place for humans, hundreds of thousands of birds follow the “S-shaped” isthmus in the March skies, threading the needle between North and South America over Panama. Hawks and songbirds are moving north, and braced by waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, they combine with colorful and mysterious resident birds to steal the show.
March 15 - 25, 2025
With Holly Merker
One of the most biodiverse countries in the world, about the size of South Carolina, Panama boasts 1000+ species of birds. Widely known for its 51-mile long canal, famous as one of the most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, all the transit here has led to a remarkable melting pot effect. As a result Panama’s cultural heritage is about as diverse as its wildlife and landscapes. But not just a transit place for humans, hundreds of thousands of birds follow the “S-shaped” isthmus in the March skies, threading the needle between North and South America over Panama. Hawks and songbirds are moving north, and braced by waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, they combine with colorful and mysterious resident birds to steal the show.
March 15 - 25, 2025
With Holly Merker
One of the most biodiverse countries in the world, about the size of South Carolina, Panama boasts 1000+ species of birds. Widely known for its 51-mile long canal, famous as one of the most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, all the transit here has led to a remarkable melting pot effect. As a result Panama’s cultural heritage is about as diverse as its wildlife and landscapes. But not just a transit place for humans, hundreds of thousands of birds follow the “S-shaped” isthmus in the March skies, threading the needle between North and South America over Panama. Hawks and songbirds are moving north, and braced by waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, they combine with colorful and mysterious resident birds to steal the show.
March 15 - 25, 2025
With Holly Merker
Tour Price/person*: $4995
Deposit: $1000
Single supplement: $575
Final payments due: 15 November 2024
Deposit is made via WeTravel. Final tour payment is by check or ACH transfer.
Group size: 4 to 10 guest
Pace, Rigor, & Comfort
Planned as slow-to-moderately paced trip, suitable for people of all birding skill levels. In the field we spend time roadside birding, walking along slow flat trails, sometimes feeder-watching, and there is some hiking on unpaved and even moderately rugged trails. There are periods of prolonged standing while out looking for birds, and our mornings will be on the early side to experience the vibrant bird activity. In certain spots there is the option for guests to opt out of activities, though this is less true on days where transit between hotels.
Most travel is by van in central Panama, with shorter drives to birding sites. There is one short domestic roundtrip flight from Panama City to David and back. And there is a two-hour one-way ride in a 4WD vehicle over what can be a rough, bumpy or muddy road, depending on conditions.
Our first few nights are at a very comfortable eco-resort in the middle of the tropical rainforest. This 4-star hotel caters to tourists, golfers, and nature-enthusiasts alike and is nestled in the lowland region, just above sea-level. Weather in the lowlands of Panama March feels tropical with temps averaging around 90 degrees F during the day, with humidity and sometimes rain.
Biting insects can be a nuisance here. We advise you bring a small supply of repellant. (Some guests pre-treat field clothing with permethrin before departure, which can be helpful).
Up in the highlands of Chiriqui, Mount Totumas Lodge is set amid a gem of the Panamanian Cloud Forest. It boasts comfortable and well-cared for accommodations, superb food, and award-winning coffee. Your hosts are proud to serve you bird-friendly coffee grown and roasted on site. Elevation here is around 6500 ft. Hiking will be on defined but unpaved trails, with some moderate inclines, but not rigorous. Up in the cloud forest it is cooler especially in the early morning and in evenings. Rain is an expected occurrence but typically only lasts for short periods, and it helps keep birds active. Few biting insects are expected here, but best to be prepared, still. We’ll spend two nights at the Boquete Tree Trek Mountain Resort which features rustic alpine like accommodations but amid lush highland forest. One day we will reach an elevation of 7500 feet, and there is also an optional outing to reach high elevation habitats up on Volcán Barú where we crest above 10,000 feet. The air there is thinner of course, and cooler temperatures are expected. For those who prefer not to ascend that high, we can arrange other birding activities down lower.
Cancellation Policy
If a guest/participant cancels registration:
● 120 days or more prior to the start of the tour, a refund is issued minus a $500/person processing fee.
● Between 119 and 90 days prior to the start of the tour, half of the tour fee will be returned to the registrant.
● 89 days or less prior to departure, no refund of payments or deposits are issued.