FAQ
Which hotels does the program use for the first 10 days of Central Panama and the Chiriqui Highlands?
Some of the Hotels or Lodges we use are:
- Country Inn Amador Hotel (Old Canal Zone)
- Canal Inn Panama(Old Canal Zone)
- La Estancia Panama (Old Canal Zone)
- Sierra Llorona Lodge (Caribbean Slope)
- Hostal Casa de Campo (Eastern Foothills of Panama - Cerro Azul)
- Burbayar Lodge (San Blas Foothills)
- Finca Lerida Ecolodge (Chiriqui Highlands - Boquete)
- Hotel Dos Rios (Chiriqui Highlands - Volcan)
All of them are comfortable lodges and hotels with private rooms, bathrooms and hot water; Lodges are located next or within the Rainforest.
What are the accomodations like in Darien?
For Darien or Eastern Panama, the accommodation are more basic but comfortable, it allow travelers that desire a jungle experience to have that, but with the comforts of a good ecolodge offers to come back to. The private rooms are fully screened. Beds are fitted with sheets, blankets, pillows and pillow cases.
How many persons participate in the tours?
We take small numbers of birders; Limit 8 participants, minimum 3 participants, custom tours for private parties and families are welcome too.
How is the transportation of Birding Panama?
The land transportation can be in a van, bus or 4WD depending on the needs. All the land transportation is done in perfect condition vehicles with air conditioned and responsible drivers. The sky transportation is done for the Chiriqui Highlands and Darien Extension.
How would we make a reservation for the birding program? What are the payment terms?
The registration form and payment terms for the program will be sent once we start the planning process.
When is the best time of the year to watch birds in Panama?
The dry season (Mid December –Mid April) is a good time because it doesn’t rain much and you can add migrant birds to the list; however, the green season offers good morning birding because usually it rains more in the afternoon; anyway local weather conditions change in every region within different times of the year.
Do you offer special rates for groups?
Special rates are offered depending on the group size and season. International Tour Leaders have a special rate too.
Which field guide do you recommend for Panama?
A Guide to the Birds of Panama by Robert S. Ridgely and John A. Gwynne is the best available field guide to the birds of Panama.
Who are the guides of the company?
The guides are Jose Carlos Garcia or Mahelis Rodriguez, with the assistance of other local site guides. Whenever another guide is used, this would be specifed. The guides are bilingual and they would be with the group during the whole program. The Bird guides are professional with a deep knowledge of bird vocalizations and identification skills. They have the ability to find and show the bird to each person in a group whenever is possible. They point out field marks and help participants to improve their birding skills and knowledge of neotropical birds. All guides carry a professional spotting scope and the bird calls. Guides also have vast knowledge of
plants, frogs, reptiles and culture.
Is Darien safe?
Concerning Darien safety, you can do your own research, but I can tell you that unless you have the wild idea of exploring the Panama-Colombian border, you will be out of trouble. A special Panamanian Army Police was created to protect the zone, so it is normal to come across them in every single little town. You check with them and go on. If you plan to do a lot of foot traveling, always check with them, stick to the trails they patrol and never intend to go to an isolated area or mountain range if you don’t know they are present there.
Where can I get the bird calls of the Panama Birds?
At the Cornell Lab Nature Shop http://www.onlinenaturemall.com/birdsongs Voices of Costa Rica Birds two CDs that are suitable for Panama. Or you can download calls of South America birds from Xeno Canto http://www.xeno-canto.org, bird songs from Tropical America.
Are there any concerns related to chiggers and/or mosquitos (i.e.
Malaria in Darien) in the areas that will be visited?
My best advice to avoid insect bites is simply using mosquito repellent, DEET is your best friend. Wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing especially around dawn and dusk when the anopheles mosquitos are most active.
Do you offer target birding tours or trips to find endemics?
Target Birding is one of our favorites; we suggest you to gather 3 or 4 budies and contact us for a custom tour.
How Sustainable is the travel in Panama?
All places we visit are involved with local community programs. Our tours are not only designed the get long bird lists, we educate the participants on what is being done in order to protect the bird-rich habitats that we visit on the tour.
"More than three million birds of prey were counted during the transcontinental count of raptors held in Panama, Autumn 2004. The major event was named Great Ocean to Ocean Raptor Migration Count." (Hawk Mountain Sanctuary)