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.
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.
cloud forest, montane forest, alpine scrub, volcanic slopes, volcanic lakes, marshes, grasslands
hot and humid in the lowlands, cool in the cloud forests to very cold atop Volcan Baru
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
relaxed with some longer walks
comfortable
good
"This was our fourth birding trip with Rockjumper and we continue to be impressed with the quality of our experience with this group. The lodgings were wonderful and our local guide extremely knowledgeable about the birds of Panama, their calls and what niche they occupy. He was also a genuinely wonderful and patient guide who really made our Panama experience the great success it was.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tour Leader: Alexander Alvarado
Tour price (Per person): USD3,195 * GBP2,605 * EUR3,012 * AUD4,919
Single Supplement: USD510 * GBP416 * EUR481 * AUD785
Flight costs: USD220 * GBP179 * EUR207 * AUD339
Can be linked with: Panama - Best of Birding 2024
Tour Leader: Alexander Alvarado
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Tour price (Per person): USD4,000 * GBP3,261 * EUR3,770 * AUD6,158
Can be linked with: Panama - Best of Birding 2025
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