In association with 10000birds.com

Marvellous introduction to the birds and natural history of Central America, with a minimum of travel between sites.

We will be staying at two of Panama’s most famous birding locations: the unique Canopy Tower, set in the lowland forest of the Soberanía National Park (close to Panama City and the Panama Canal); and Canopy Lodge, a superb private eco-resort in the heart of an extinct volcano. Feeders at both give very close views of a range of motmots, tanagers, and hummingbirds and the forests at both sites ring with the calls of howler monkeys.

The view from the open observation deck of the Canopy Tower is unforgettable, putting you at tree-top level and close to aracaris and raptors, with a good chance of blue cotinga. A short drive takes us to the world-famous ‘Pipeline Road’ noted for regular sightings of rufous-vented ground-cuckoo and mixed parties of birds following ant swarms. The Canopy Lodge’s lovely gardens would satisfy many naturalists, but we will be making short journeys out to a range of different sites all off which bring different wildlife. Six trogon species are possible in just a few days, and the forest above the Canopy Lodge is of the best sites anywhere for tody motmot.

Two-toed and three-toed sloths are common and we will be keeping a look out for Geoffrey’s tamarin, night monkey, white-faced capuchin, coati and even ocelot.

We will also be taking a trip out on the Panama Canal, and visiting a native village. At all times we will be accompanied by highly-experienced and friendly local guides working for the Canopy Group (prepare to be amazed by Tito ‘the human iPod’, one of the most remarkable mimics you’ll ever meet!).

Price: £2650 per person, Single Room Supplement £525

Leaders: Charlie Moores and local guides