Panama: Darien Lowlands and Harpy Eagle Expedition
Including - Cerro Azul Foothills, & Guna Foothills of Eastern Panama

Itinerary

Eastern Panama is where the road ends and the wild begins — Darién’s vast rainforests, hidden foothills, and legendary birds. Often referred to as the “Amazon of Central America,” the Darién is Panama’s most remote and biodiverse region. In this place, South America spills north, and species occur nowhere else in Central America. This immersive journey takes you deep into Panama’s wildest edge with a dedicated trek to see the mighty Harpy Eagle — one of the world’s most powerful raptors — plus rare species of the Cerro Azul and Guna Foothills.

We start in Cerro Azul’s misty highlands, seeking Panama’s endemic Striped-cheeked Woodpecker, dazzling Rufous-crested Coquette, and soaring Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle. Dropping into the Guna Foothills, we chase Chocó treasures like Sapayoa, the ultra-rare Spiny-faced Antshrike (Xenornis), and three striking quail-doves — Olive-backed, Russet-crowned, and Violaceous — amid lush flocks and emerald scenery.

Finally, the Darién lowlands reveal an entirely new cast, including chances for Blue Cotinga, Rufous-winged Antwren, Red-throated Caracara, White-headed Wren, Black Oropendola, and Royal Flycatcher. Here we launch our exclusive Harpy Eagle expedition — traveling by boat and hiking into pristine forest to witness the world’s most powerful raptor in its remote stronghold, a once-in-a-lifetime experience few birders ever achieve.

For adventurous birders, this is Panama at its wildest — rainforest, foothills, and the unforgettable thrill of the Harpy Eagle, the crown jewel of the Neotropics.

Sign up for this standalone tour, or extend the fun on our Panama: Intro to Neotropical Birding Dec 3–9, 2026.