Tour Leader: Robert Wilcox
Pricing notes : This tour runs as an extension to the main Panama tour only.
Tour price (Per person): USD2,995 * GBP2,425 * EUR2,876 * AUD4,767
Single Supplement: USD340 * GBP275 * EUR326 * AUD541
Can be linked with: Panama - Best of Birding 2026
Our Darién Extension will explore one of Central America’s most remote wildernesses. The Province of Darién is located east of the Panama Canal, on the border of neighbouring Colombia and nowhere else in Panama does nature express itself so abundantly than in this region of isolated wilderness! We will be spending our time in the little-explored northern forested lowlands of the Darién. Very few birders have visited here and already some very exciting species, including Panama’s national bird, the huge and majestic Harpy Eagle, as well as Crested Eagle, Red-throated Caracara, Bare-crowned and Dull-mantled Antbirds, Black Antshrike, Black Oropendola, Double-banded Greytail, Dusky-backed Jacamar, Spectacled Parrotlet, Grey-cheeked Nunlet and Spot-breasted Woodpecker, among dozens of other Darién and Choco avian specialities, have been found in the locations that we will be birding. Further surprises are no doubt to be expected!
Sapayoa; Rufous-winged Tanager; Sapphire-throated Hummingbird; Harpy & Crested Eagles; Red-throated Caracara; Bare-crowned & Dull-mantled Antbirds; Black Antshrike; Black Oropendola; Double-banded Greytail; Spectacled Parrotlet; Grey-cheeked Nunlet; Spot-breasted Woodpecker; Beautiful Treerunner; Yellow-hooded Blackbird; Blue Cotinga; Northern Royal Flycatcher; Black-tailed Trogon; Golden-headed & Golden-collared Manakins; White-fronted Nunbird; Yellow-breasted Flycatcher; Little & Dwarf Cuckoos; Slaty-backed Forest Falcon; Ornate Hawk-Eagle; Black-and-white, Mottled & Crested Owls.
Brown-throated Sloth; Mantled Howler Monkey; Crab-eating Fox.
lowland rainforest
hot and humid
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
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.
Comfortable.
Mostly easy, with several trickier forest species. Garden & lodge birding typically provides good visuals of most species.
250+
Worthwhile to good. Several fruit & hummingbird feeders. Photography more difficult within closed forest canopy.
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.
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 !
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.
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 !!
I really enjoyed the tour. Guides were knowledgeable and helpful, the group dynamics were good and - most importantly, we saw loads of exciting birds. I would undoubtedly have missed many species without the expert guidance and knowledge of Tuomas Seimola and the team.
Panama - Highlights (Relaxed) 2024 - April 2024
Panama - Best of Birding 2022 - March 2022
Panama - Best of: Darien Extension 2022 - March 2022
Panama - Best of Birding 2019 - March 2019
Panama - Best of Birding 2018 - March 2018
Panama - Best of: Darien Extension III 2017 - April 2017
Panama - Best of Birding I 2017 - March 2017