The Western Highlands of this fascinating country are part of 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, Lattice-tailed Trogon, Emerald and Rufous-winged Tanagers, the incomparable Snowcap and White-bellied Mountaingem whilst also dedicating time to finding the recently split Chiriqui 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, Cherrie’s, 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, Sooty-faced Finch, Blue-throated Toucanet, Spot-crowned Woodcreeper, Dark Pewee, Ochraceous Wren, 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

relaxed with some longer walks

Accommodation

comfortable

Photographic Opportunities

good

What our clients say about us

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.

Forrest Rowland
AF, Panama

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.

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.

Tuomas Seimola
BS - Panama 2019

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.

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.

Panama - Chiriquí Extension 2025

25 Mar 2025 - 30 Mar 2025 (6 days)

USD3,295 - Spaces Available

client-img

Tour Leader: Alexander Alvarado

Tour price (Per person): USD3,295 * GBP2,636 * EUR3,078 * AUD5,039

Single Supplement: USD610 * GBP488 * EUR570 * AUD933

Flight costs: USD280 * GBP224 * EUR262 * AUD428

Can be linked with: Panama - Best of Birding 2025

  • Your details

  • Hidden
  • Contact permission

    We would love to send you Newsletters (twice yearly).via Type a message, Promotions/Discounts (weekly), Blog Articles/Image of the Month (monthly) and other content that we think you would find interesting. If you are happy with this then please select your preferences below. If you would like to unsubscribe from previous subscriptions, or leave our mailing list entirely, then please do so by visiting the Preference Centre link at the bottom of these emails.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Route Map

Tour Route Map

English