The archipelago of Bocas del Toro contains a surprising abundance of birds and fauna, including the enormous variety of colors of the little frog Oophaga pumilio. Our itinerary offers the possibility of observing this and many other species visiting beaches, mangroves and forests, staying in one of the most charming eco-lodges in the Panamanian Caribbean.
Medium tour difficulty (steep / muddy trails, chance of rain, boat rides).
Departure place
Pick up from Bocas del Toro International Airport, Panama
(In case of doing the tour as an extension of 6 Days 5 Nights through the Highlands of Chiriqui, from the Highlands of Chiriquí to Punta Robalo)
Itinerary
Day 1
City of Panama
Arrival in Panama City, pick up and transfer to the hotel next to the airport.
Day 2
Flight and arrival in Bocas del Toro, transfer to the lodge
Flight Panama City-Bocas del Toro.
Transfer by boat to Isla Bastimentos .
Arrival at Tranquilo Bay, our eco-lodge located on the edge of the Bastimentos National Maritime Park.
The lodge and its 80 hectares of surrounding forest offer excellent opportunities for bird watching, with more than 200 species recorded.
We will spend the afternoon walking the different trails that start from the lodge and visiting the observation tower, which rises 30 meters above the ground and offers magnificent views over the forest canopy.
Day 3
Soropta Channel, Pajaros Island
Birdwatching along the Soropta Channel , where Nicaraguan Seed-finch, Olive-throated Parakeet, Canebrake Wren, Olive-crowned Yellowthroat and up to a hundred other species are common.
We will make several stops to look for the local morph of the deep red poison arrow frog Oophaga pumilio, one of the many variations that this species shows in the archipelago.
If conditions permit, we will sail to Isla Pájaros, a basaltic islet where the Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown Booby and Red-billed Tropicbird nest, the only place in the southwestern Caribbean where this species nests.
Day 4
Avocado, Popa Island
We will sail to Aguacate, on land, where one of the most spectacular morphs of the deep blue poison arrow frog Oophaga pumilio is found.
It is also common to find Dendrobates auratus, the other species of poison frog on the islands, and birds such as Purple-throated Fruit-crow, toucans and trogons.
Then we will go to the island of Popa, in search of a totally different morph from O. pumilio.
The mangroves that surround the island are one of the few places in the Caribbean where it is possible to observe Snowy Cotinga.
We will return to Tranquilo Bay for an afternoon of bird watching around the lodge, including a Golden-collared Manakin lek.
At night and in the vicinity of the lodge, interesting species such as Four-Eyed Opossum, Spiny Rat, Night Monkey, and the great Savage Bullfrog (Leptodactylus savagei) can be seen.
Day 5
Zapatilla Cays
We will visit Cayos Zapatilla, two uninhabited islets surrounded by coral reef just 15 minutes by boat from the lodge, part of the Isla de Bastimento National Marine Park and with some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the archipelago (part of the series was filmed here of TV "Survivors").
The beaches are an important spawning ground for the endangered Hawksbill Turtle, and Mangrove Warbler, Yellow-crowned Night-heron and Gray-necked Wood-rail, among other birds, can be seen on the islands.
Day 6
Mangroves and forests in Tranquilo Bay
We will spend the last day on Isla Bastimentos enjoying the many options for bird and wildlife watching, kayaking, and snorkeling in the surrounding mangroves and corals.
Day 7
Return to Panama City
Departure in the morning to the airport, flight to Panama City and transfer to the hotel.
Includes
Guide
Transport
Internal flight Panama-Bocas del Toro-Panama
6 nights of accommodation in Tranquilo Bay
Food and drinks, + wine, beer or rum at dinner (Tranquilo Bay)
Entrance to national parks and private reserves
Not included
International flights
Extra alcoholic drinks
Laundry service
Tips
Phone calls
Activities
Bird watching (included)
Flora, wildlife observation (included)
Hike, trekking (included)
Guided visits (included)
Notes
Necessary equipment
Binoculars
Waterproof boots
Rain protection
Diving mask, fins, swimsuit (mask and fins are provided at the lodge)
Hat, sunscreen
Politica de Cancelaciones
FREE cancellation as long as the guest cancels at least 7 days before the trip