Panama - Chiriquí Extension 2026

24 Mar 2026 - 29 Mar 2026 (6 days)

USD3,400 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Robert Wilcox

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

Tour price (Per person): USD3,400 * GBP2,711 * EUR3,272 * AUD5,459

Can be linked with: Panama - Best of Birding 2026

The Chiriquí Extension visits the Western Highlands, a chain of volcanic mountains straddling the Panamanian and Costa Rican border. They host a unique and interesting avifauna that includes many regional highland endemics, and some of the world’s most spectacularly beautiful birds!  We will try to locate as many of the 50+ highland endemic species as time permits. One of the obvious targets will be the awe-inspiring Resplendent Quetzal, along with a host of highland hummingbirds, tanagers, trogons, and many others! We will visit the lush mid-elevations of the Caribbean slope, which harbours a very different suite of birds to those seen thus far, where possibilities may include the bizarre Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Emerald and Rufous-winged Tanagers and White-bellied Mountaingem whilst also dedicating time to finding the recently split Chiriquí Yellowthroat.

Top Birds

Resplendent Quetzal; Wrenthrush; Flame-throated & Black-cheeked Warblers; Yellow-thighed & Large-footed Finches; Turquoise Cotinga; Three-wattled Bellbird; Black-and-yellow Phainoptila; Silvery-fronted Tapaculo; Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher; Collared Whitestart; Prong-billed Barbet; Sooty-capped Bush Tanager; Black Guan; Red-fronted Parrotlet; Bare-necked Umbrellabird; Chiriqui Yellowthroat; Chiriqui Quail-Dove; Fiery-billed Aracari; Orange-collared Manakin; Blue-and-gold, Spangle-cheeked & Emerald Tanagers; Slaty Flowerpiercer; American Dipper; Lattice-tailed Trogon; Brown-billed Scythebill; Dull-mantled Antbird; Rufous-rumped Antwren; Rufous-browed Tyrannulet; Golden-bellied Flycatcher; Black-and-white Becard; Azure-hooded Jay; Blue-throated Toucanet; Spot-crowned Woodcreeper; Dark Pewee; Ochraceous & Timberline Wrens; Black-faced Solitaire; Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush; Mountain Thrush; Golden-browed Chlorophonia. Hummingbird fans: Snowcap (rare), Scintillant, Volcano, Snowy-bellied, Stripe-tailed, Black-bellied & Admirable Hummingbirds, White-throated Mountaingem, Green Hermit, Violet Sabrewing, Green Violetear and Green-crowned Brilliant.

Habitats Covered

cloud forest, montane forest, alpine scrub, volcanic slopes, volcanic lakes, marshes, grasslands

Expected Climate

hot and humid in the lowlands, cool in the cloud forests to very cold atop Volcan Baru

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.

Photographic Opportunities

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

What our clients say about us

Alexander Alvarado
JS, Panama 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed this tour with Alex and Edwin leading us. They were both excellent guides and ensured we got the maximum out of the trip. The reduced number of hotel changes made for the 'relaxed ' sense of the tour but the birding was full on . Edwin was also a very good driver. Thank you to all involved. We hope you do some more relaxed trips !

Alexander Alvarado
DB, Panama 2024

Alex and local guide Edwin had excellent skills in locating birds using sound and sight. They found birds that seemed impossible to see. Forest birding doesn't always allow all the tour participants to see every bird. The accommodations were good to excellent.

Robert Williams
PM, Panama

Every tour I have had with Rockjumper and every Rockjumper guide (both birding and people skills I have birded with have been outstanding.

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.

Tuomas Seimola
RO & TO - Panama 2019

As is the tradition with all of the Rockjumper guides that we've had the pleasure of being in the boonies with, Tuomas Seimola was outstanding. We enjoyed the trip a lot.

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