Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

To kick off our Harpy Eagle tour, you will make a short transfer from Tocumen International Airport (PTY), in Panama City to your hotel. There will be time to check in and relax before a short orientation and our first dinner together.

DAY 2: BIRDING IN EASTERN PANAMA

After an early breakfast, we will leave our hotel and begin our journey towards Darien, one of the most biodiverse areas of Panama. As we venture eastward, a stop at Bayano Lake will give us the chance to see Bat Falcon, Pied Water-Tyrant, Cocoi Heron, and Jet Antbird, among others. The far reaches of the Pan-American highway are home to several raptors of interest including Pearl Kite, Laughing Falcon, and Black-collared Hawk. Other Darien specialties we will seek out this afternoon include Black Oropendola, Gray-cheeked Nunlet, White-headed and Bicolored wrens, Choco Sirystes, and much more. The roadside wetlands attract Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Black-capped Donacobius, Striped Cuckoo, Capped Heron, crakes and more. 

DAY 3: HARPY EAGLE NEST

This morning we will enter into the realm of the Harpy Eagle. We will get an early start and today’s journey will include driving approximately one hour, riding in a dug-out canoe across the Chucunaque River, then hike to the Harpy Eagle nest. Please keep in mind that even though the nest will be active, we cannot guarantee that the eagles will be in sight. During our hike, several other birds can be observed including Gray-cheeked Nunlet, Ochre-lored Flatbill, Black Oropendola, and White-headed Wren, among others. After our time at the nest, we will return to our hotel, birding in strategic spots along the way, as time allows.

DAY 4: CRESTED EAGLE NEST

An early departure will take once again deep into Darien, beyond Yaviza. From the trailhead at Pirre Uno, we will traverse a mix of forest, forest edge and open habitats to reach the location of an active Crested Eagle nest. Crested Eagles are very rare throughout their range, so this opportunity to observe one in the wild is a true spectacle of nature. After our time at the nest site, we will retrace our steps back to Meteti, stopping for even more birding along the way, if time permits. Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Red-breasted Meadowlark, Black Antshrike, Golden-green Woodpecker, Red-throated Caracara, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, and Capped Heron are all possible this afternoon. 

DAY 6: DARIEN BIRDING AND RETURN TO PANAMA CITY

We will spend the morning birding in the lowlands of Darien and seeking out many of the avian specialties found here. It is a great place for finding Blue Cotinga, White-necked Puffbird, Lineated and Crimson-crested woodpeckers, Spot-breasted and Red-rumped woodpeckers, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Striped Cuckoo, Spectacled Parrotlet,and Black Antshrike, among many others. After lunch at a local restaurant in Torti, where nectar and fruit feeders offer great hummingbird viewing and photography opportunities, we will return back to Panama City. 

DAY 7: DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to the Tocumen International Airport for your flight home.

Our Harpy and Crested Eagle tour concludes in Panama City.