Discover Panama’s untamed beauty on a journey into its vibrant wilderness, where nature reveals its most extraordinary wonders. As one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, Panama is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a glimpse of over 10,000 plant species, 255 mammal varieties, and nearly 10% of the world’s bird species. This adventure leads you through lush forests that serve as vital migration corridors, teeming with life.
Explore the rich wetlands surrounding the Panama Canal, encounter indigenous communities, and dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific or Caribbean. From witnessing nesting sea turtles on pristine shores to spotting playful dolphins and majestic whales, every moment in Panama’s wild embraces awe and wonder. Experience the thrill of seeing elusive sloths in treetops and vibrant coral reefs below the waves. Panama Wildlife Adventure promises unforgettable moments that connect you with the heart of nature.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Panama’s most biodiverse landscapes. This multi-day adventure invites you to explore pristine rainforests, rugged coasts, and vibrant wetlands, all while encountering rare wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re an ecotourism enthusiast or a nature lover looking for the ultimate wildlife experience, this Panama adventure promises to connect you with the country’s untamed wild side.
Your wildlife journey begins as you arrive in Panama, greeted by an Isthmian Adventures representative. Then you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Panama City, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting days of exploration that lie ahead. Welcome to the gateway of Panama’s natural wonders.
Lodging: Panama City
Start your day with a visit to the Metropolitan Natural Park, the only tropical forest within a city in Central America. Trek through trails filled with vibrant birdlife and curious mammals while your guide introduces you to the intricacies of Panama’s ecosystems. Then, dive into the world of biodiversity at the Biomuseo, a stunning Frank Gehry-designed museum that explains the formation of the Isthmus of Panama and its impact on global biodiversity. A visit to Punta Culebra Field Station follows, where you’ll explore a tropical dry forest and witness ongoing scientific research.
Possible Wildlife Encounters:
Lance-tailed manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata), Panama’s Tamarin monkeys (Saguinus geoffroyi), Hoffmann’s Two-Toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni), Crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus).
Meals included: B,L,D
Lodging: Panama City
Today, experience the majesty of Panama’s rainforests with a morning boat ride on Gatun Lake, where the surrounding jungle teems with life. You’ll learn about the critical role this rainforest plays in sustaining the Panama Canal. Next, immerse yourself in the lowland rainforest at the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center in Soberanía National Park, one of the top birdwatching destinations in the world. Take in the sights and sounds of the jungle from observation towers and forest trails.
As dusk falls, the rainforest reveals its nocturnal side during a thrilling night hike, offering a new perspective on Panama’s wildlife.
Possible Wildlife Encounters: American Crocodile (Cocrodilus acutus), Keel billed toucans (Ramphastos sulfuratus) Mantled howler monkey (Allouta pauliatta), White-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus), Central American Agouti (Dasiprocta puntacta), Olingo (Bassaricyon gabbii), Kinkajou (Potos flavus), Agouti Paca (Cuniculus paca), Rothschild’s Porcupine (Coendou rothschildi), and the Panamanian night monkey (Aotus zonalis).
Meals included: B,L,D
Lodging: Panama City
Today, we travel to the Azuero Peninsula to explore Sarigua National Park, a unique landscape shaped by deforestation and coastal winds. This park, which once thrived as a tropical dry forest, now showcases the resilience of nature. After exploring the park, we’ll visit the Las Macanas Wetlands, a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife, before settling in for the night in Santiago City.
Possible Wildlife Encounters: Common Ground-Dove (Columbina passerina), Crested Bobwhite (Colinus cristatus), Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Aplomado falcon (Falco femoralis), Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor), Lesser yellow–headed vulture (Cathartes burrovianus).
We spend the night in Santiago as we prepare for one of the jewels of Panama National Parks, Coiba Island National Park.
Meals included: B,L,D
Lodging: Santiago City
Set sail for Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Pacific. Known for its coral reefs and vibrant marine life, Coiba is a paradise for snorkelers and wildlife enthusiasts. You’ll explore its underwater world, teeming with sea turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish. On land, trek through island trails to encounter unique species such as the Coiba howler monkey and scarlet macaw.
Possible Wildlife Encounters: Coiba Island howler (Alouatta coibensis), White-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus), Coiban agouti (Dasyprocta coibae), Coiba spinetail (Cranioleuca dissita), Scarlet macaw (Ara macao), Blue-throated goldentail (Chlorestes eliciae), Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus), Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus), and much more…
Meals included: B,L,D
Lodging: Bahia Honda
Journey to the Chiriqui Highlands for two days of exploration in the lush Tropical Cloud Forests of La Amistad International Park. Walk amidst towering trees shrouded in mist, where rare birds and endemic wildlife thrive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the elusive resplendent quetzal and other cloud forest dwellers.
Possible Wildlife Encounters: Resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher (Ptiliogonys caudatus), Black-faced solitaire (Myadestes melanops), Northern olingo (Bassaricyon gabbii), etc.
Meals included: B,L,D
Lodging: Boquete
Travel from the cloud forests to the Caribbean shores of Bocas del Toro. Here, the coral reefs offer a vibrant underwater world for you to explore. You’ll snorkel through rich marine ecosystems and visit the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park, home to mangrove forests and pristine beaches.
Possible Wildlife Encounters: Panamanian night monkey (Aotus zonalis) , Brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus), Montezuma oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma), Pumilio poison dart frog (Oophaga pumilio), Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Spotted cleaner shrimp (Periclimenes yucatanicus), Upside–down jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana).
Meals included: B,L,D
Lodging: Bocas del Toro
Your wildlife journey concludes with a visit to the San San Pond Sak Wetland, a Ramsar site near the Costa Rican border. Here, we will learn about conservation efforts of manatees, sea turtles, and their vital ecosystem. Depending on the season, witnes sea turtles nesting or witness baby sea turtles making their way to the ocean.
Possible Wildlife Encounters: Northern jaçana (Jacana spinosa), Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata), Brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus), West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and more.
Meals included: B,L,D
Lodging: San San Pond Sak
Today, after a lazy morning we’ll leave the field station and head to our Domestic flight back to Panama City. After checking in, we will enjoy our farewell dinner, and say our hasta pronto.
Meals included: B,L,D
Lodging: Panama City
This morning you will meet your driver at your hotel to be taken to the International Airport of Tocumen for your international flight.
Meals included: B
Your guide is expertly trained not only to find and identify the incredible variety of bird species in Panama, but to share their natural history and information on habitats and conservation.
Cancellations made with more than 30 days notice from the first day of the tour are subject to a full refund of the deposit. Cancellations made between 30 and 15 days prior to the first day of the tour are subject to a 50% refund of the total cost of the tour. Cancellations made within 15 days of the first day of the tour are not subject to refunds. All cancellation requests must be done in writing.
