This is a one-day tour that has been acclaimed by many journalist and scientist as one of the best tours in Panama. Barro Colorado became an island when the Chagres river basin was flooded to create Lake Gatun during the construction of the Panama Canal. It was declared a Biological Reserve Station in 1923 and since 1946 the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has administered the Island.
Depart by bus with naturalist guide towards the town of Gamboa, at the mid-point of the Panama Canal. There you will board our boat "El Meracho" for a 45 minute trip through Gatun Lake to the area of Barro Colorado Nature Monument (BCNM). At Wheeler Cove on the West Side of Barro Colorado Island, and from the comfort and safety of our boat, observe the flora and fauna of the area. After an exploration of the coves proceed to Peninsula Gigante on mainland for a nature hike on Cima trail for approximately 2.2 kilometers for more observation of flora and fauna. After the hike, return to the station for a box lunch. After lunch return to Gamboa and transfer to the city.

Recommendations: long pants, boots or sneakers, insect repellent, sun block lotion, hat with brim, binoculars and camera. Includes: ground and water transportation, naturalist guide, midmorning snack, box lunch, and contribution to STRI Tour classification: moderate

One of the best birding spots in the world: Pipeline Road is one of the most accessible rainforest from the city. Located within Soberania National Park, in the central area of the Panama Canal water shed, Pipeline Road boasts a record established by the Panama Audubon Society in the 1985 Christmas Bird Count identifying 385 species of birds in 24 hours. This 17-kilometer road provides access to an old growth secondary forest excellent for observation of the flora and fauna from the Pacific and Caribbean slopes.

Leave hotel early in the morning with a naturalist guide and drive to Soberania National Park in the town of Gamboa. At Pipeline Road you will walk for bird observation while the vehicle proceeds at some distance behind us. This tour is designed for bird watchers.
Recommendations: short or long pants, sneakers, insect repellent, sun block lotion, hat, binoculars, camera
Includes: transportation, bird watching guide, midmorning snack, box lunch, park entrance fee
Tour classification: moderate

The most accessible rainforest of the country is the Metropolitan Natural Park located only 15 minutes from downtown Panama City. It is one of the tropical forests inside a major urban center in Latin America. This Park is also part of the interoceanic biological corridor formed by several protected areas stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic. At the MNP you will be able to see trees that characterized the dry lowland pacific forest, an ecosystem almost extinct in the region. The MNP harbors both the two and three toed-sloth and approximately 200 bird species.
The MNP offers visitors: four walking trails, biking trail (you must be in shape for this one); Cedar Hill: look out of Panama City and the Canal; Library and souvenir shop.

Recommendations: short or long pants, sneakers, insect repellent, sun block lotion, hat, binoculars, camera.
Includes: transportation, guide, midmorning snack, park entrance fee
Tour classification: moderate

A two and a half-hour trip from Panama City, on the Pan-American Highway, we find El Valle de Antón, located in the Province of Cocle. According to geologists, El Valle is the crater of a dormant volcano, probably the largest in Central America. This picturesque valley rises 600 meters above sea level. With a cool and pleasant climate, it contains a great variety of attractions such as the mountain called the "India Dormida", petroglyphs, and golden frogs.

Morning pick up for the trip to the beautiful mountain town of El Valle de Anton. After arrival visit the picturesque Sunday Indian market where a large selection of native handicrafts are on sale. Then visit El Chorro Macho Waterfall and the ancient petroglyphs. Later, visit the Nispero Garden and Zoo where you can observe the golden frogs. Enjoy Lunch at the cozy Rincon Vallero Mountain Lodge and Restaurant. Return to Panama City after lunch.
Recommendations: short pants, sneakers, sun block lotion, hat with brim, camera
Includes: transportation, guide, lunch, and entrance fees
Tour classification: light

This tour takes place at the El Macho Waterfall in the mountain town of El Valle de Anton. It offers the adventurous tourist the opportunity to ascend to the canopy of the trees and observe the forest from a different perspective. Depart from hotel by bus for a two and a half-hour drive to El Valle. Upon arrival you will be instructed about the history of the Canopy Tour and the Ecological Reserve El Macho, as well as the equipment that will be used. Afterwards we will hike through an interpretative trail for about an hour where we will observe the flora and fauna of the area. At the end of the trail, the Canopy tour starts. A short explanation will be given and a practice will take place. You will glide from platform to platform (4 in total) through cables, with the assistance of expert guides. Close to noon a typical Panamanian lunch will be provided. Then we have the option of visiting sites of interest in El Valle.
Recommendations: long pants, hiking boots or sneakers, insect repellent, hat, dry clothes in case of rain.
Includes: Transfer, specialized guides, equipment, lunch