Panama holiday, tailor made wildlife tours
| country: | Panama |
| departures: | This trip can be tailor made at a time to suit you and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary |
| price: | From £2592 (14 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK |
| more info: | Price includes domestic and local flights, mostly private transfers, double/twin accommodation with meals as per itinerary, four private excursions, three shared excursions. Prices are per person based on two sharing, and apply til end October, 2010. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
introduction to Panama holiday, tailor made wildlife tours
Tailor made wildlife tours
As we are specialists in natural history, the emphasis of this tailor made wildlife tour is seeing a wide variety of wildlife in diverse habitats (rainforest, cloud forest, coastal forest, marine) – you should have good encounters with sloths, monkeys, reptiles and hundreds of bird species.
Panama has so much to offer the amateur naturalist, and travelling within Panama is relatively easy with short distances. With highly attractive accommodation and locations, and a good deal of price-inclusive tours and excursions, this itinerary is a sure-fire winner for the more adventurous nature lover seeking wildlife and other attractions with a good degree of comfort.
Locations visited include: Lake Gatun - The lake and its intact rainforests play host to a surprising amount of easily observable wildlife, including spider monkey, white-faced capuchin, squirrel monkey, endemic red-naped tamarin, two and three toed sloth, spectacled caiman, osprey, snail kite and keel billed toucan.
Soberania National Park - Lying on the eastern banks of the Canal, Soberanía's 293,000 acres contain 525 species of birds, 105 of mammals including jaguar, tamandua and the cotton-topped tamarin monkey, 79 species of reptile, 55 amphibians and 59 endemic plant species. Within is the Pipeline Road, famous amongst birders and nature lovers for high wildlife diversity, including rarities such as yellow-eared toucanet, slaty-winged foliage cleaner and crimson-bellied woodpecker, and there have been sightings of the national bird of Panama, the harpy eagle.
Kuna Yala and the San Blas Islands - The archipelago of 400 or so tiny islands scattered along the Caribbean coast of eastern Panama is ruled by the fiercely independent Kuna who won semi-autonomy following an uprising against the Panamanian government in 1925. The colourful tribe inhabits only 40 of the islands, maintaining their traditions within bustling small communities.
Burbayar Lodge - Burbayar Lodge in the San Blas cordillera near the Nusagandi region of Kuna Yala lies in a private rainforest reserve in a world-class birdwatching zone. The rare broad-billed sapayoa, yellow-eared toucanet, several species of antbird and the American swallowtail kite can be seen, as well as many mammals and butterflies. The charming rustic lodge with just a few rooms has extensive trails for wildlife walks: the hike to the waterfall is particularly rewarding (and a swim afterwards very refreshing). Electricity is limited but paraffin lanterns, Panamanian rum and tales of spirits of the forest more than make up for the simple conditions and facilities.
Chiriqui Highlands - Chiriquí province in western Panama is favoured with a temperate climate and attractive towns. Boquete, Cerro Punta and Volcán serve as convenient bases from which to explore the beautiful flora and fauna of the highlands. Dominated by Barú, Panama's largest dormant volcano, the cool, verdant highlands offer breathtaking scenery and contain enchanting cloud forests, more virgin rainforest than any other region of Panama and birds such as long-tailed silky flycatcher, three-wattled bellbird and resplendent quetzal. A number of endangered mammals exist here, including five cat species and Baird's tapir. Many trails traverse a variety of natural habitats bursting with life: for instance, the Los Quetzales Trail around Barú Volcano passes through open forest, cloud forest and rainforest and provides excellent opportunities to spot resplendent quetzal and many other upland species.
Gulf of Chiriqui - The Chiriquí National Marine Park on the Pacific coast is a collection of 25 islands and 19 coral reefs, home to an extraordinary diversity of terrestrial and marine life. Amongst the lush island vegetation and sandy beaches reside three species of monkey, four species of turtle, and a plethora of bird species. Underwater, the reefs are rich with colourful marine life, and humpback whales, hammerhead sharks, dolphins and schools of giant manta rays are frequently observed.
Highlights:
Seeing the famous Panama Canal at Miraflores Lock Boating for wildlife-viewing on Lake Gatun Visiting an Amerindian village Relaxing at a comfortable lodge on an idyllic Pacific island Staying at a small, remote jungle lodge set in beautiful primary rainforest Birding in the Boquete cloud forests and on the famous Pipeline Road Staying on an historic coffee plantation
As we are specialists in natural history, the emphasis of this tailor made wildlife tour is seeing a wide variety of wildlife in diverse habitats (rainforest, cloud forest, coastal forest, marine) – you should have good encounters with sloths, monkeys, reptiles and hundreds of bird species.
Panama has so much to offer the amateur naturalist, and travelling within Panama is relatively easy with short distances. With highly attractive accommodation and locations, and a good deal of price-inclusive tours and excursions, this itinerary is a sure-fire winner for the more adventurous nature lover seeking wildlife and other attractions with a good degree of comfort.
Locations visited include: Lake Gatun - The lake and its intact rainforests play host to a surprising amount of easily observable wildlife, including spider monkey, white-faced capuchin, squirrel monkey, endemic red-naped tamarin, two and three toed sloth, spectacled caiman, osprey, snail kite and keel billed toucan.
Soberania National Park - Lying on the eastern banks of the Canal, Soberanía's 293,000 acres contain 525 species of birds, 105 of mammals including jaguar, tamandua and the cotton-topped tamarin monkey, 79 species of reptile, 55 amphibians and 59 endemic plant species. Within is the Pipeline Road, famous amongst birders and nature lovers for high wildlife diversity, including rarities such as yellow-eared toucanet, slaty-winged foliage cleaner and crimson-bellied woodpecker, and there have been sightings of the national bird of Panama, the harpy eagle.
Kuna Yala and the San Blas Islands - The archipelago of 400 or so tiny islands scattered along the Caribbean coast of eastern Panama is ruled by the fiercely independent Kuna who won semi-autonomy following an uprising against the Panamanian government in 1925. The colourful tribe inhabits only 40 of the islands, maintaining their traditions within bustling small communities.
Burbayar Lodge - Burbayar Lodge in the San Blas cordillera near the Nusagandi region of Kuna Yala lies in a private rainforest reserve in a world-class birdwatching zone. The rare broad-billed sapayoa, yellow-eared toucanet, several species of antbird and the American swallowtail kite can be seen, as well as many mammals and butterflies. The charming rustic lodge with just a few rooms has extensive trails for wildlife walks: the hike to the waterfall is particularly rewarding (and a swim afterwards very refreshing). Electricity is limited but paraffin lanterns, Panamanian rum and tales of spirits of the forest more than make up for the simple conditions and facilities.
Chiriqui Highlands - Chiriquí province in western Panama is favoured with a temperate climate and attractive towns. Boquete, Cerro Punta and Volcán serve as convenient bases from which to explore the beautiful flora and fauna of the highlands. Dominated by Barú, Panama's largest dormant volcano, the cool, verdant highlands offer breathtaking scenery and contain enchanting cloud forests, more virgin rainforest than any other region of Panama and birds such as long-tailed silky flycatcher, three-wattled bellbird and resplendent quetzal. A number of endangered mammals exist here, including five cat species and Baird's tapir. Many trails traverse a variety of natural habitats bursting with life: for instance, the Los Quetzales Trail around Barú Volcano passes through open forest, cloud forest and rainforest and provides excellent opportunities to spot resplendent quetzal and many other upland species.
Gulf of Chiriqui - The Chiriquí National Marine Park on the Pacific coast is a collection of 25 islands and 19 coral reefs, home to an extraordinary diversity of terrestrial and marine life. Amongst the lush island vegetation and sandy beaches reside three species of monkey, four species of turtle, and a plethora of bird species. Underwater, the reefs are rich with colourful marine life, and humpback whales, hammerhead sharks, dolphins and schools of giant manta rays are frequently observed.
Highlights: day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London | |
| Day 2: | Arrive Panama City. Private transfer to Gamboa. O/n Gamboa Rainforest Resort, BB. Accommodation in a deluxe river room. The rooms are large and spacious with views over the Chagres River and the Soberania National Park. There is a private bathroom and large private balcony, complete with hammock. The resort offers a choice of restaurants, bars and a café as boasts a spa and large swimming pool. | |
| Day 3: | Morning pick up from the lobby by a naturalist guide and transfer to the lodge’s marina. Board a shared expedition boat and depart on an adventure that will include a voyage across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal, passing by gigantic cargo ships transiting the waterway in contrast with the natural surroundings. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to spot green iguana and three-toed sloth resting on tree branches, crocodile, osprey in the hunt for peacock bass, snail kite and keel-billed toucan among other species. The boat will offer close proximity to rainforest-covered islands in Gatun Lake to search for white-faced capuchin, howler monkey, spider monkey and the endemic red-naped tamarin. Enjoy a picnic lunch on an island with extraordinary views of the Panama Canal and the natural surroundings. Afternoon private visit to the friendly Embera village of Ella Puru. Following a welcome on the banks of the river you will be escorted to the village to witness a traditional Embera dance and learn how the Indians use their natural environment to produce exceptional handicrafts. Return to the lodge. O/n Gamboa Rainforest Resort. (B). | |
| Day 4: | Early morning pick up from the lobby by your private naturalist guide and transfer to Soberania National Park. Reach the world-renowned Pipeline Road by vehicle and start your hike from the entrance. Only 45 minutes from Panama City, Soberania's 293,000 acres boast some 525 species of birds. After a late morning picnic lunch, visit the harpy eagle and Baird’s tapir natural exhibits at nearby Summit Botanical Gardens. Afternoon private excursion to Miraflores Lock, one of the main Panama Canal locks, and visit the Inter-Oceanic Canal Museum to learn the fascinating history of the building of the canal. Return to the hotel. O/n Gamboa Rainforest Resort, (B). | |
| Day 5: | Early morning pick-up for private transfer to the Nusangandi region of Kuna Yala, the land of the Kuna tribe. O/n Burbayar Lodge. Burbayar is on the summit of the San Blas Cordillera. The surrounding forest is inhabited by hundreds of species of birds, families of monkeys, coatis, tapirs, agoutis, deer, pumas, jaguars and many other spirits of the forest, as well as majestic trees, ferns, palms, orchids and heliconias. The small rustic lodge hosts a maximum of 14 people and offers double rooms with private bathrooms. (B,L,D) | |
| Day 6: | Day hikes in the Burbayar rainforests. Perhaps hike to the waterfall and swim in its refreshing waters or walk the main track for excellent birdwatching and the chance for encounters with poison dart frogs and tamarind monkeys. Possible night-time insect watching at the lodge’s special insect “tent” - fascinating. O/n Burbayar Lodge, (B,L,D). | |
| Day 7: | Day hikes in Burbayar area. Possible night walk to spot poison dart frogs and other nocturnal wildlife. O/n Burbayar Lodge, (B,L,D). | |
| Day 8: | Transfer to Panama City. Catch flight to David, capital of Chiriqui province which contains some of the most breathtaking scenery in Central America. Met on arrival and tfr by road to Boquete, an attractive highland town. O/n Finca Lerida Lodge. This small, comfortable lodge is situated south of Baru Volcano close to Boquete, within an 800 acre private cloud forest nature reserve, approximately 1600 metres above sea-level. Breathtaking views of the surrounding highlands and excellent birding can be found on the lodge’s trails or simply from one’s veranda. (B) | |
| Day 9: | Enjoy a morning’s privately guided walk in the Finca’s own private cloud forest reserve. There is a network of professionally built trails on which one can spot resplendent quetzal and three-wattled bellbird, among many other fascinating cloud forest species. Also in the forest are mammals such as peccary and deer, and there are fantastic viewpoints along the trails. O/n Finca Lerida Lodge, (B). | |
| Day 10: | Morning pick up and tfr by road to Boca Chica on the Pacific coast, then transfer by boat to Boca Brava, the largest of the islands in the Chiriqui National Marine Park. O/n Cala Mia, BB. This small, boutique resort is surrounded by nature – the Pacific Ocean to one side and litoral forests full of wildlife to the other. The resort has a small number of beautifully designed bungalows, a bar and restaurant with magnificent views of the surrounding islands and bays, an infinity pool and a private beach. This is perhaps the best island lodge in Panama. Optional activities include snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and visits to the surrounding islands. (B) | |
| Day 11: | Day at leisure. Optional activities available. O/n Cala Mia. (B) | |
| Day 12: | Day at leisure. Optional activities available. O/n Cala Mia. (B) | |
| Day 13: | Morning transfer back to David to catch flight to Panama City. Met on arrival and transfer to international airport for your flight out. | |
| Day 14: | Arrive London. |
how this holiday makes a difference
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On this tailor made wildlife tour, our local representatives are the tourism arm of the foremost Panamanian conservation organisation, our local guides are mostly keen naturalists, and our accommodation is mainly in small, locally-run operations hiring local staff which allows them stay in their villages rather than head to the city for work. Their communities observe how our type of tourism enables their villages to remain intact, and they work to preserve the wildlife which our clients come to see.
The wildlife of Lake Gatun benefits directly from the income generated by taking visitors onto the lake, which helps pay for their protection and maintain the integrity of the rainforest. The income from the Embera Amerindian village visit enables that friendly indigenous tribe to keep its traditional way of life rather than drift to the cities for low paid jobs and deprived housing. By staying at Burbayar Lodge, you contribute to the continued preservation of its large private rainforest reserve, one of the few protected tracts in that region. When birdwatching for quetzals in Boquete, be conscious that your presence there provides the owner with an incentive to keep his private piece of cloud forest heaven just the way it is. The same goes for your time at Cala Mia, whose owners do their utmost to keep the lovely Boca Brava island as pristine as possible and rely on your presence to do so. They know that it is the wonderfully unspoilt nature of their island which is the main attraction to their guests. For twenty years our philosophy has been to take small numbers of sympathetic, like-minded people to areas of unspoilt natural beauty, thereby demonstrating to the local population the economic advantages of preserving their natural heritage rather than destroying it for short term gain. There are many examples to be found within our various destinations where our kind of natural history tourism has led to the formation of protected areas, many on privately-owned properties which might otherwise have been clear-felled and converted to agriculture. In Panama, the work of our representatives has led to the formation of the dry tropical forested Punta Patino Reserve in the Darien region, among others. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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