Panama Wildlife Retreat'27

 

We are thrilled to visit Panama for fascinating wildlife discoveries, consisting of a four-night stay in the lowland rainforests of the Canal Zone followed by a four-night stay in the cloud forests of the western highlands. With ample time in each place, we get to leisurely explore these two contrasting ecoregions and the rich diversity of tropical flora and fauna that inhabit them.

Our tour begins in the heart of the Canal Zone at the famous Canopy Tower atop Semaphore Hill in Soberanía National Park. Once a military radar station, this lookout gives you the rare opportunity to observe rainforest canopy species at eye level. On each of the four mornings here, wander the wraparound deck as the lowland rainforest comes alive through bird song, monkey antics, and the noisy flights of parrots. We also plan to visit nearby national parks and reserves as well as other points of interest by foot and by water. A highlight is seeing famous Panama Canal up close and getting some insights into its construction and the operation of its locks.

For the second half of the tour, we venture to Panama’s far western edge, climbing in altitude to the cloud forest ecosystem, where pleasant, cool temperatures support misty forests with beautifully ornamented animals and plants, most of which do not live at lower elevations. Conservation of the Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Resort’s surrounding 400 acres of primary forest is the underlying goal here, and you have the privilege of intimately exploring the upland forest on the resort’s nine walking trails comprising some 30 kilometres. Watch for flocks of colourful tanagers seeking newly fruiting trees or up to 15 species of hummingbird visiting orchids and other local blossoms. Resplendent Quetzals are as dazzling in appearance as they are in name, and they frequent avocado trees, often sitting in plain view. We could see them at adjacent La Amistad International Park or right on the resort grounds.

Join us for a relaxing two-lodge retreat to Panama's lowlands and highlands.