8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

Explore Soberania National Park and spend a night at Gamboa Rainforest Resort or the famous Canopy Tower, where bird watching is as easy as looking out your canopy-level bedroom window. See the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal and then head west to the Costa Rican border where you will hike through the cloud forest in La Amistad National Park. Discover Panama’s highlands and mountains, and explore the forest home of the elusive and stunning Quetzal.

Itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrive Panama

Our representative will meet you at the international airport for your transfer to your hotel in Panama City.

DAY 2: Soberania National Park/Panama Canal/Gamboa Rainforest Resort (or Canopy Tower)

Visit Pipeline Road, in the heart of the virgin lowland rainforest of Soberania National Park. Pipeline Road is considered one of the best birding spots in the world because of its easy accessibility and amazing variety of nearby bird species. During the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count more than 300 species were spotted here in a single day. Vital to the Panama Canal, this protected watershed area boasts outstanding biodiversity. After lunch, visit the Panama Canal and witness massive ships being raised and lowered by the forces of nature. Night at Gamboa Rainforest Resort or Canopy Tower. (LBD)

DAY 3: Chiriqui Cloud Forest

Early morning transfer by airplane to David, in the western province of Chiriqui. Transfer by car to the picturesque mountain town of Boquete known for its flower festival and coffee growing industry.  Enjoy an afternoon in the beautiful Chiriqui highlands. Optional tour of a private flower garden and a coffee roasting facility. Overnight at lodge in Boquete. (B)

DAY 4: Boquete/Baru Volcano

After an early breakfast explore the trails around the Baru Volcano National Park. At an elevation of 7,500 feet, you will have the opportunity to see the elusive and resplendent Quetzal in its habitat of orchids and bromelaids. Box lunch in the field. Overnight at lodge in Boquete. (BL)

DAY 5: La Amistad International Biosphere Reserve

After breakfast, drive to the west side of the volcano, Cerro Punta and Friendship National Park, shared with Costa Rica. This park was recognized in 1982 as a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Explore the different trails of the area. Night at lodge in Cerro Punta. (BL)

DAY 6: Cerro Punta

After breakfast, visit the Hartman Farm and Lakes for orchid observation. These tropical highlands support a rich diversity of orchids, ferns, bromeliads and tillandsias, many of which are pollinated by humming birds. Box lunch in the field. Night at lodge in Cerro Punta. (BL)

DAY 7: Panama City

After breakfast transfer to David for the flight back to Panama City. Transfer to hotel upon arrival.  Free afternoon for relaxing and shopping.  Dinner and folkloric dance show at Tinajas Restaurant.  Night at hotel in the city. (BD)

DAY 8: Depart Panama

Transfer to the international airport, approximately two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure.