Panama - Best of Birding 2026

16 Mar 2026 - 24 Mar 2026 (9 days)

USD4,800 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Robert Wilcox

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): USD4,800 * GBP3,833 * EUR4,621 * AUD7,708

Can be linked with: Panama - Darien Extension 2026

The gateway between South and Central America, Panama’s privileged location makes it one of the most spectacular birding destinations in the world. With a unique combination of Neotropical specialities from both North and South America, this is also an incredibly friendly land, where the sun rises over the Caribbean and sets in the Pacific.

On our Best of Panama tour, we will explore some of the most accessible rainforests and high-altitude cloud forests the country has to offer. The native flora is simply stunning, and more than 10,000 species have already been identified within the country! Around 930 bird species – more than the number found in North America and Europe combined – make their home in this tropical paradise. With roughly 29% of its territory protected within 15 nature reserves, Panama is fast becoming a must-visit destination for birders and nature travellers the world over. We look forward to having you join us on this unforgettable birding and wildlife experience in the tropical forests of Central America!

Top Birds

Panamanian Tyrannulet; Veraguan Mango; Stripe-cheeked Woodpecker; Rufous-vented Ground Cuckoo (rare); Blue Cotinga; Rosy Thrush-Tanager; Keel-billed & Chestnut-mandibled Toucans; Yellow-eared Toucanet; Purple-throated Fruitcrow; Spot-crowned Barbet; Black-eared Wood Quail; Fasciated, Russet & Black-crowned Antshrikes; Red-capped, White-ruffed, Lance-tailed, Blue-crowned & Golden-collared Manakins; White-whiskered & White-necked Puffbird; Spotted, Dusky, Bicolored, Ocellated & White-bellied Antbirds; Black-faced Antthrush; Dot-winged, White-flanked, Slaty, Moustached & Checker-throated Antwrens; Red-lored & Northern Mealy Amazons; Blue-headed & Brown-hooded Parrots; Slaty-tailed & White-tailed Trogons; Scaled, Black-crowned & Streak-chested Antpittas; Bay-headed, Speckled & Black-and-yellow Tanagers; Green Shrike-Vireo; Black-chested Jay; Speckled Mourner; Spot-crowned Antvireo; Black-and-white & Ornate Hawk-Eagles; Crested Owl; Barred Forest Falcon; Scarlet-thighed Dacnis; Spotted Barbtail; Black Guan; White Hawk; Red-faced Spinetail; White-vented Euphonia. Hummingbird fans: Rufous-crested Coquette, White-tipped Sicklebill, Band-tailed Barbthroat, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Green Thorntail, Violet-capped, Violet-headed & Snowy-bellied Hummingbirds, Green Hermit, White-tailed Emerald, Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-throated Mountaingem, Snowcap (rare).

Top Mammals

Mantled Howler Monkey; White-faced Capuchin; Ocelot; Brown-throated & Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth.

Habitats Covered

rainforest, cloudforest, marshes, rivers

Expected Climate

mostly tropical conditions; warm and humid

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

Moderate. Suitable for most birding / wildlife interest levels. Both extensions are moderate with some more taxing (optional) elements. A good level of fitness is necessary.

Accommodation

Comfortable.

Ease of Birding

Mostly easy, with several trickier forest species. Garden & lodge birding typically provides good visuals of most species.

Number of Species Expected

280+

Other Attractions

Panama Canal, pristine rainforest

Photographic Opportunities

Worthwhile to good. Several fruit & hummingbird feeders. Photography more difficult within closed forest canopy.

What our clients say about us

Adam Walleyn
JB - Panama 2022

Both guides and trip were great. Especially glad that Adam Walleyn offered to stay at the Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo location and skip lunch if any others wanted to also skip lunch to try to view the bird. Only two of us skipped lunch to stay with Adam and all three of us got to see the bird.

Alexander Alvarado
JC, Panama 2024

The team of Alex and Edwin is superb & unbeatable. Working as a team, they hear, find, locate and show us every bird. They operate cooperatively working the laser lights and scopes, so that all of us get to see the birds. Not they stay cool and calm so who were looking for the bird have time to locate it. Huge bonus is their delightful sense of humor.. We shared many a good laugh. Truly, a great trip!! Kudos !!

Robert Williams
BS, Panama

Kudos to the entire Rockjumper team for making this tour on the cusp of a global pandemic a complete success: Rob for remaining in the present during our week in the highlands, always congenial, informative and entertaining despite facing complete uncertainty about being able to return to the UK; our superb local guide, who immediately found sites outside the closed national parks for our target birds. For five magical days we had good birds, good coffee, and good vibes all around.

Robert Williams
DR, Panama

First let me just say that the tour was excellent, the birding sites were interesting, the pace was perfect, Rob and both local guides were amazing. Top marks.

Forrest Rowland
LR, Panama

Forrest is an outstanding guide. I often have trouble getting on a bird and he was very patient with me. He lived up to all the hype my friend told me. Looking forward to more trips with Rockjumper and especially with Forrest.

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