Overview

Those who decide to join our Darién Extension will have the chance to 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, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Spectacled Parrotlet, Grey-cheeked Nunlet, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Beautiful Treerunner and Yellow-hooded Blackbird, 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! After departing Panama City, we head off to our comfortable safari style lodgings in the Darién. Day by day, we will explore some of the best birding locations along the end of the Pan-American Highway and expect to see another 70-80 species found nowhere else in Panama! We hope to have you join us on this fantastic beginning to our Panamanian tropical birding adventure!

*2024 Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour Facts Top Birds
Rufous-winged Tanager, Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, Harpy Eagle, Crested Eagle, Red-throated Caracara, Bare-crowned and 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 and Golden-collared Manakins, White-fronted Nunbird, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, Little and Dwarf Cuckoo, Slaty-backed Forest Falcon, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-white, Mottled and Crested Owls
Habitats Covered
lowland rainforest
Expected Climate
hot and humid
Max Group Size
8 with 1 local birding leader
Tour Pace & Walking
relaxed with some longer walks
Accommodation
very comfortable
Number of Species Expected
250+
Photographic Opportunities
average to good
Tour Route Map Route Map Client Testimonials

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.

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.

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

This was our first birding tour with a group and we both feel we started at the top. This tour was an excellent value for the price. Rockjumper did a first-class job with tour arrangements and we feel like we won the lottery getting Rich Lindie as our guide. Rich is a tremendous birding guide as well as an extremely good, always aware and conscientious leader for any tour. His bird knowledge, world knowledge and quick wit made him a delight to be around and to have discussions with. He is adept at helping all levels of birders to see and enjoy the birds found on the trip. For future tours, we will call Rockjumper first.

Rich Lindie was skilled, patient and good-humoured. I also think he did a good job of balancing the different needs of the group. Rich also balanced the list I had shared with him of my target birds with the time we had available.

Dates, Leaders and Pricing
2023 DEPARTURES
2024 DEPARTURES
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