Panama's Canopy Tower— Photo: Canopy Tower

Species-rich rainforest birding around the incredible Canopy Tower Ecolodge with access to famous Pipeline Road, its new tower, and the wondrous Panama Canal; followed by the luxurious Canopy Lodge in El Valle with excellent accommodations and birds, and a chance to experience the four zip lines of the Canopy Adventure.

Our first base of operations will be the exciting Canopy Tower, a former United States radar station elegantly converted into one of the most unique and enjoyable ecotourist lodges anywhere. Perched above Soberania National Park, the tower offers great birding literally right outside your window, including the chance to view gems like Blue Cotinga and Green Shrike-Vireo, both of which can be quite difficult to see from ground level.

There are a number of terrific birding spots nearby, ranging from wetlands with Rufescent Tiger-Heron, White-throated Crake, and a profusion of orioles, tanagers, hummingbirds, and flycatchers, to Parque Metropolitano, an amazingly rich tract of forest on the edge of Panama City that hosts Lance-tailed Manakin, Rosy Thrush-Tanager, and even the unpredictable Pheasant Cuckoo.

World-famous Pipeline and Achiote roads are also on our itinerary, of course. Here, one can find puffbirds (including the handsome Black-breasted), trogons, motmots, parrots, and many other flashy tropical species in abundance. This is also among the best places anywhere to locate an army ant swarm, with stunning looks at Bicolored, Spotted, and the spectacular Ocellated antbirds, among others.

Central Panama can also produce an excellent list of tropical mammals with brown-throated three-toed sloth, Hoffman's two-toed sloth, mantled howler monkey, white-faced capuchin, Geoffroy's tamarin, capybara, kinkajou, and northern tamandua among the possibilities.

Canopy Lodge— Photo: David Tipling/Canopy Tower

The newly opened and fabulous Canopy Lodge is situated approximately 60 miles west of Panama City in the picturesque El Valle de Antón. Nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano and surrounded by jagged ridges and hills, the lodge offers great birding and luxury accommodations. The forested peaks of Cerro Gaital Natural Monument loom over the valley and impart a deep sense of tranquility. The lodge grounds are teeming with birds. Feeders visible from the balcony of every room play host to a parade of colorful and exciting species such as Rufous Motmot; Red-crowned Woodpecker; Lemon-rumped, Crimson-backed, Dusky-faced, Tawny-crested, Blue-gray, and Palm tanagers; Buff-throated Saltator; and Orange-billed and Black-striped sparrows, to name a few. The surrounding gardens have been specifically planted with Verbena to attract hummingbirds and, in addition to such regulars as Stripe-throated and Green hermits; Snowy-bellied, Violet-headed, and Rufous-tailed hummingbirds; and Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, several uncommon and localized species such as Rufous-crested Coquette, Garden Emerald, and Green Thorntail are also possible. Other special birds around the lodge include Black-chested Jay, White Hawk, White-thighed Swallow, and Bay Wren. Forests adjacent to the lodge may yield Tody Motmot, Black-faced Antthrush, and Dull-mantled Antbird.

Good (Tower) and excellent (Lodge) accommodations and delicious food (both places); all nights at two locations, except for hotel on last night; train ride along Panama Canal; easy to moderate (Tower) to some steep (Lodge) walking on roads and trails; some midday breaks; four long days; warm and humid climate.

Our new PANAMA DVD features a mesmerizing tour of the Canopy Tower and Canopy Lodge. Beautiful footage of some of Panama's most electrifying birds and commentary by Victor Emanuel highlight this 15-minute presentation. Please contact the VENT office to receive your free copy.

View our Panama's Canopy Tower and El Valle photo galleries:

Panama's Canopy Tower

Panama's Canopy Tower

Panama's Canopy Tower

El Valle Canopy Lodge