Birdwatching in Panamá

Whether you’re a seasoned watcher or novice, guided birding trips with Jason Lara are fully customizable to fit your goals.

Panamá is a premier global birding location with over 900 different species where birders of all levels can spot up to 80 different species in one bird tour of Western Panamá!

Most serious birders arrive with a list of species they want to see. Others arrive hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous Resplendent Quetzal, wild parakeets or the 55 species of hummingbirds pollinating Panamá. Some have never watched a bird before, but are curious what all the fun is about.

Starting planning your guided birding trip with Jason Lara

General Information

Trips are relatively easy, not involving much hiking. Birding is mostly about getting to the right location with the help of an experienced guide, then waiting and watching for the feathered guests to arrive. The average number of species viewed during a birdwatching trip in Western Panamá is 50, though the number can climb as high as 80.

Trips last 4-5 hours, from around 7 am-11:30 am. Typically, one trip will accommodate 2-3 stops. Jason also includes a few special spots along the way!

Jason will bring a scope. You are encouraged to bring your own equipment such as binoculars, scopes and books on the trip. Hiking shoes, long pants and a rain jacket are encouraged. Sunscreen and a hat are also good ideas.

You are welcome to pack snacks or a picnic lunch if you want to stop to eat during the tour. Just let Jason know if you want to add a hike or sightseeing component to your day.

Departure Times

Boquete birding trips generally start at 7 am, when Jason picks you up from your location. Morning sunshine around 7:30 am is prime viewing time, when most birds are most active. Since Panamá is so close to the equator, sunrise time does not vary much throughout the year. For more distant birding locations such as Cerro Punta or The Continental Divide, pick-up is at 5:30 am to allow for driving time to your destination.

Transportation

• Transportation is provided to and from your location in Boquete.
• Groups from Caldera, David, Los Molinos are small additional cost.
• Groups of 1-4 will ride in Jason’s Toyota Land Cruiser.
• Groups of 5-8 will ride in a small van.
• A maximum of 8 is passengers is ideal for birding trips.

Cost

A morning of birding depends on location and number in your party. Because birding trips are customized to meet the personal goals of the birder, such as finding a specific species or list of birds, contact Jason for a quote or to make a reservation.

Cost includes transportation, all entrance fees and a bottle of water per person.

Make A Reservation

If you are already in Boquete and want to go birding in the next 24-48 hours, it’s best to call Jason directly for availability at +507.6718.6279.

If you are planning your trip and want to discuss details, cost or make a reservation for a later date, contact Jason via email.

Please note that if Jason already has a tour booked during your requested date and time, he will offer you the option to book with an equally qualified professional in the Panama birding community who possesses knowledge and skills equal to (or better than) his own.

Payment

Payment is made in cash on the day of the trip. Confirmation is available via email if desired. Unfortunately, Panamá is not yet equipped to use PayPal or provide credit card services for very small businesses, so guides work together with customers in good faith.

Please refer to Jason’s excellent 5-star rating and positive reviews on TripAdvisor for confirmation of his trustworthiness and experience.

Please provide Jason at least 72-hours notice in the event of a cancellation.