Birding in the Boquete highlands
The reserve sits in the Talamanca range, the chain of mountains that runs from western Panama up into Costa Rica. At this altitude the forest stays cool and damp, and it's home to plenty of birds you won't see in the lowlands, many of them found only in this part of the world.
You walk the trails with a guide at a slow, quiet pace and stop whenever something moves. Hummingbirds are a big part of the show up here, along with colorful forest birds like the red-headed barbet.
The tour leaves at 8:30 in the morning, when the forest is at its busiest, and lasts three to three and a half hours. If you have binoculars and a camera with a decent zoom, bring them.
Highlights
- A cloud forest reserve more than 1,700 m (5,600 ft) up
- Over 150 bird species recorded, many of them endemic
- Right on the edge of La Amistad International Park
- An early start, when the forest is at its busiest
Who can join
- Open to anyone 12 and older. Younger children can't join.
- You'll need to be in good physical shape for the walk.
Before you go
- One departure a day, at 8:30 AM, every day of the week.
- We pick you up from your hotel before the tour starts. Please be ready 15 minutes before your pickup time. If we can't find you when it's time to leave, the spot can't be held.
- Binoculars and a camera with a good zoom make a big difference.
- Muted colors and a light rain jacket are a good idea in the cloud forest.
- Heavy rain, thunderstorms or strong wind can stop the tour at short notice. If that happens, we'll be in touch about a new date.
