Gamboa Wildlife Expedition

Take a once-in-a-lifetime boat trip on the Panama Canal alongside the mighty ships as they navigate this incredible triumph of engineering, while enjoying the opportunity to scout for the bird, marine and wildlife of the lake and surrounding rainforest.

Area

Panama City

Type

Wildlife & Nature

Who

Adults

Teens

Young Kids

Difficulty

Leisurely

Duration

Half Day

The Panama Rainforest Discovery Center is located on the famous Pipeline road, one of the most renowned places in the world for bird watching. In fact, here was established a record number for a bird count organized in 1985 by the Audubon Society, when 385 species were identified in 24 hours. Together with your naturalist guide you will drive to Gamboa and start walking on the pipeline road to get to the Rainforest Discovery Center.

Delve deep into the heart of Panama's biodiversity heaven as you journey through the Discovery Rainforest Center, situated along the renowned Pipeline Road a global bird watching hotspot. Wander across exotic trails and get up close and personal with a stunning array of wildlife, from vibrant birds and elusive mammals to enchanting amphibians. Ascend a 40 meter tower for canopy views of iconic birds and explore a lake platform for sightings of wattled jacanas, least grebes, herons, and snail kites. After this rainforest immersion, enjoy a canal boat ride, observing colossal ships and wildlife along Gatun Lake.

You’ll start this captivating expedition visiting the Rainforest Discovery Center situated along the famed Pipeline Road, globally renowned for bird watching. This location holds a notable record set by the Audubon Society in 1985, identifying 385 bird species in a 24 hour count. Guided by a naturalist, your adventure commences in Gamboa town, trekking the pipeline road to access the Rainforest Discovery Center. You ´ ll traverse through emerald green trails to spot vibrant displays of manakins, elusive anteaters, and striking trogons and ascend a 40 meter tower for canopy views of birds, such as the iconic blue cotinga and toucans.

You’ll also stop at a lake platform to view aquatic birds, such as wattled jacanas, least grebes, herons, and snail kites. Following this rainforest immersion, embark on a boat ride northbound along the canal, offering proximity to the large ships transiting the canal daily. Navigate the forested banks of Gatun Lake, a protected area, and observe capuchin monkeys, three toed sloths, and howler monkeys.
Conclude this extraordinary experience with a delectable lunch in Don Caiman restaurant

For private service your lunch will be served onboard boat. (Picnic).

Included

Transportation from/to Panama City, English speaking naturalist guide, entrance fees, water, Box Breakfast & Box Lunch.

Duration

6 hours.

What to Bring

Hiking shoes, long pants, camera, binoculars, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, water.

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Epic Panama

Discover the spectacular highlights of Panama on this exciting itinerary that takes in the country’s natural beauty, exotic bird and wildlife, vibrant culture, and fascinating history. Explore fabulous landscapes from dense rainforest to misty cloud forest, and idyllic beaches. Scout for Panama’s famed sloths, colourful birds, and frogs. Enjoy the buzz of cosmopolitan Panama City, and sample the exceptionally fine coffee and organic produce, before relaxing on a desert island hideaway.

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Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

Amarla Boutique Hotel

Boasting 1920’s architecture, the adults-only boutique hotel with eight guest rooms, is perfectly placed to explore the historic heart of Panama. An oasis of calm and steeped in history, it’s a beautiful space to retreat after your day of explorations.

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Hotel La Compania

A lovingly restored product of international designers, architects and historians, this fabulous hotel reflects the building’s long and interesting heritage. Akin to staying in a living museum, enjoy warm hospitality, grand design, and exceptional dining.

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American Trade Hotel

In the heart of the historic Casco Viejo, the American Trade is a stylish boutique bolthole. Decor transports guests to the glamour of the 1920s, with hand-painted tiles, polished dark floors and shady courtyards. A small rooftop pool adds to the allure.

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Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

Immerse yourself in the contemporary design and glamour of this sophisticated waterfront oasis with a fascinating cultural history and heritage, exquisite levels of service, destination dining options, upscale accommodation, infinity pool and spa.

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More Experiences in This Area

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Boquete Cloud Forest waterfall hike

Enjoy a hike through the cloud forest around the edge of Volcan Baru National Park, through ridges and valleys, to beautiful waterfalls, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch and can bathe in the falls. You should also see a wealth of bird life.

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Private behind the scenes Panama Canal Miraflores Visitor Centre & Casco Antiguo Tour

Go behind the scenes with a private tour of the historic Miraflores Locks and Visitor’s Centre to learn more about the magnificent Panama Canal, before enjoying a guided tour of Panama City’s colonial district, the UNESCO-listed Casco Antiguo.

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Private Panama Canal Agua Clara Visitor’s Centre & City Tour

Immerse yourself in Panama City’s major attractions on a full day tour exploring the incredible Panama Canal, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, along with both a guided rainforest hike and tour of the capital’s UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo district.

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Partial Transit of the Panama Canal

Tropical birds circle overhead and the sound of the rainforest’s wildlife breaks the quiet calm as you make your way along this fantastic canal and engineering marvel. Navigating the Panama Canal is truly unforgettable.

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Call us on +852 3579 2478 to start planning

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