Panama: Realm of the Harpy Eagle
- Next tour dates December 15-21, 2024
- Duration 7 days
- Lodging 2-3 stars
- Difficulty Moderate
- Group size Max. 8 people
- Price USD $1,795 per person*
Overview
The area of Darien, Panama is one of the most biodiverse areas of the country. Pristine forest, roaring waterfalls, forest streams, and thriving ecosystems are just some of the features that make Darien such a special place for humans and wildlife alike. The indigenous Embera-Wounaan have made Darien their home for centuries, living alongside jaguars, night monkeys, tapirs, giant anteaters, and of course, the majestic Harpy Eagle.
During our Harpy Eagle tour, as we venture into this wild landscape, we will come prepared for an adventure. Riding in dug-out canoes, hiking muddy forest trails, and crossing rivers will all be part of our experience on this trip. The intrepid will be rewarded with amazing views, colorful birds, and memories to last a lifetime.
*Please note, even though this tour is designed to visit active Harpy Eagle nests, this is a wild species and we can never guarantee sightings of these birds, even at a known active nest site. For the well-being of these and all birds, we do not visit nests during the incubation period and recently after hatching, as this can create undue disturbance at a critical nesting stage. Please help us to preserve, protect, and support the birds and wildlife we are all passionate about!
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: NUSAGANDI
After an early breakfast, we will leave our hotel and begin our journey towards Darien, one of the most biodiverse areas of Panama. Our first stop will be in the area of Nusagandi, a protected area of the Guna Yala indigenous people. This forest in the continental divide shields several important birds such as the rare Sapayoa and Spiny-faced Antshrike, as well as the Slate-throated Gnatcatcher, Black-crowned Antpitta, and Black-and-yellow Tanager.
DAY 3: SAN FRANCISCO FOREST RESERVE
Today we will drive to the San Francisco Forest Reserve, a protected lowland forest and watershed. This is a great spot to search the skies for soaring raptors. With the addition of riparian habitats and agricultural fields, a diverse collection of birds can be found here, such as the endemic Yellow-green Tyrannulet, Orange-crowned Oriole, Great Jacamar, White-fronted Nunbird, Blue Ground Dove, and Spot-crowned Barbet, to mention a few. In the afternoon, we will continue east, heading to Meteti.
DAY 4: 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, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, 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 5: NUEVO VIGIA
Darien is the land of several indigenous communities. The Embera people are among them. Today, we will visit one of their villages, Nuevo Vigia. This community is surrounded by excellent bird habitat. Along the shaded trails, we will look for Red-billed Scythebill, Agami Heron, Bare-crowned Antbird, OIivaceous Piculet, and Little Cuckoo. Also, in the open areas, we hope to see the very range-restricted Dusky-backed Jacamar, Barred Puffbird, and Spectacled Parrotlet.
DAY 6: DARIEN TO PANAMA CITY
Before making our way back to Panama, we will explore another area around Meteti to get a few more of the Darien specialties. We will hope to find Golden-green Woodpecker, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Blue Cotinga, and Double-banded Graytail.
DAY 7: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer to the Tocumen International Airport for your flight home.
Our Harpy Eagle tour concludes in Panama City.
Species
BIRDS
- Capped Heron
- Cocoi Heron
- Pearl Kite
- Black-collared Hawk
- Crested Eagle
- Harpy Eagle
- Black Hawk-eagle
- Ornate Hawk-eagle
- Black-and-white Hawk-eagle
- Red-throated Caracara
- Black-tailed Trogon
- Chestnut-fronted Macaw
- Spectacled Parrotlet
- Little Cuckoo
- Green-and-rufous Kingfisher
- Great Jacamar
- Dusky-backed Jacamar
- Barred Puffbird
- Spot-crowned Barbet
- OIivaceous Piculet
- Red-rumped Woodpecker
- Golden-green Woodpecker
- Sapayoa
- Double-banded Graytail
- Black-striped Woodcreeper
- Spine-faced Antshrike
- Jet Antbird
- Bare-crowned Antbird
- Black-crowned Antpitta
- White-fronted Nunbird
- Gray-cheeked Nunlet
- Yellow-breasted Flycatcher
- One-colored Becard
- Blue Cotinga
- Golden-headed Manakin
- Golden-collared Manakin
- Slate-throated Gnatcatcher
- Black-and-yellow Tanager
- Sulphur-rumped Tanager
- Large-billed Seed-Finch
- Orange-crowned Oriole
- Black Oropendola
- Tawny-capped Euphonia
TOUR BASICS
Guide: Edwin Campbell or Domi Alveo
Single Supplement: US$275
Lodging: Basic, comfortable and clean hotels.
Food: Local Panamanian
Weather: Hot and humid temperatures year round. Some rain can be expected, even in dry season. A jacket or sweater is recommended for evenings.
Difficulty: Medium. We will be walking on trails that may be muddy or uneven, though mostly flat. Some days will require a few hours driving on bumpy roads. Must be able to walk at least 3 kilometers. Must be able to get in and out of boats. Harpy Eagle excursion may require entry on horseback.
*For more information on what is included/not included, as well as our booking and cancellation policies, please review our Terms & Conditions.
* Pricing is based on 6 participants. With smaller groups, an additional fee will be charged.
LEARN MORE
Upcoming tour dates:
December 15-21, 2024
February 16-22, 2025
Past Trip Reports:
February 2024 eBird Trip Report
From our blog:
What do Harpy Eagles eat?
Finding a Harpy Eagle: An Adventurous Excursion
Size of Harpy Eagle and Natural History of a Top Predator in the Rainforest