Tour Leader: Robert Wilcox
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Tour price (Per person): USD3,100 * GBP2,472 * EUR2,983 * AUD4,977
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.
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.
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 !!
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.
Forrest is truly a pleasure. His bird-finding skills, both by sight and ear, are phenomenal, but even more striking is his singular personality and people skills. Always enthusiastic. Not only would I travel with Forrest again, I preferentially would select a tour if he was guiding.
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.
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