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COPYRIGHT:
All content on this Wildside Nature Tours, Inc. website, including photographs, text, and illustrations, is the property Wildside Nature Tours, Inc. No portion of the material on this Web site (including text, photographs, and artwork) may be copied, reproduced, or reused without the express written permission of Wildside Nature Tours, Inc. |
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Panama: Darien at Cana
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The narrow strip of land that forms Panama runs almost east-west between its Central American neighbor, Costa Rica, and the South American country of Colombia. As a land-bridge between two continents, Panama funnels a tremendous diversity of birds and other wildlife. Over 900 species of birds have been recorded within the borders of Panama, including many endemic species. The Darien Province, which borders Colombia is home to many species found nowhere else in Middle America, including: Dusky-backed Jacamar, Barred Puffbird and Black-tipped Cotinga. Four species of macaw are seen regularly, along with many hummingbirds and hawks... all from the lodge! For those who wish more adventure and additional species, there is optional opportunity to camp overnight at Pirre tent camp at a higher elevation. Yellow-eared Toucanet, Varied Solitaire, Pirre Warbler, Pirre Bush-tanager and Rufous-cheeked Hummingbird will be some of what we seek here. The Darien is also the last stronghold for the Red-throated Caracara and the Crab-eating Fox in Middle America.
Combine with Chiriqui and Canal Zone tour and save $200 off the total package price!
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Darien Itinerary
Day 1 - Panama Cityl
Arrival in Panama and transfer to our hotel, located next to the Panama Canal. Get a good night's rest before beginning our journey early in the morning.
Day 2 - Flight to the Darien Nation Park - Cana Field Station
This morning we will be transferred to Panama's domestic airport to board the chartered plane to the World Biosphere Reserve of Darien National Park at Santa Cruz de Carla. Cana is located at the foothills of Cerro Pirre which stands like an island in the most remote area of Panama. Very few places in the world rival Cana in birding potential. Specialties here include Blue and Gold, Red and Green, Great Green and Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Black tipped Cotinga, Swallow Tanager, Red throated Caracara, Streaked Antwren, Dusky-backed Jacamar, Ornate Hawk Eagle and others.
Day 3 - Darien - Cana Field Station
A full day of birding in this incredible ecosystem along the many trails at the
field station. The number of species found here can be mind boggling! However, we will take our time on the
trails to observe and learn while we add many new species to our list.
Day 4 - Darien - Pirre Tent Camp (optional)
A slow, birding paced, 7-hour hike (all provisions are carried by porters),
brings us to the crest of the Pirre Mountain range where the cloud for-
est tent camp is located. We will search for a variety of endemic and specialties of this cloud forest including Pirre Warbler, Pirre Bush Tanager, Rufous-cheeked (Pirre) Hummingbird, Narino Tapaculo Yellow-green Grosbeak, Gray-and-gold Tanager and Green-naped Tanager.
Day 5 - Darien - Pirre Tent Camp (optional)
After breakfast we will walk to a slightly higher elevation in search of Golden-headed Quetzals and other Pirre specialties. Late afternoon will be spent in the area of the tent camp enjoying the fabulous birding all around the camp.
Day 6, 7, 8 - Darien - Cana Field Station
Birding the trails around the Cana Field Station. The forests around the lodge and the old mines are full of spectacular species. In the few days here we will only touch on the possibilities like White-fronted Nunbird, Lanceolated Monklet and Barred Puffbird.
Day 9 - Panama City - Hotel Miramar
Morning birding around Cana as we await the arrival of our flight to Panama City. Upon arrival in Panama City we will have lunch before continuing on to our hotel. Farewell dinner at hotel.
Day 10 - Return to the USA
Early morning departures to USA
Or flights to David for those continuing on to Chiriqui tour.
Accommodations
Cana Field Station - Darien National Park
The Cana Field Station, a former min-ing camp, is a rustic lodge nestled within the dense forests of the Darien Biosphere Reserve. With shared bath facilities (with running water), Cana is located at the foothills of Cerro Pirre, which stands like an island in the most remote area of Panama. As we fly into the area by chartered plane, we'll admire the vast forest cover of Panama's largest park—1.3 million acres. Very few places in the world rival Cana in birding potential. Specialties here include Blue-and- Cold, Red-and-Green, Great Green and Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Black tipped Cotinga, Swallow Tanager Dusky-backed Jacamar, Barred Puffbird and others.
Pirre Tent Camp
A slow-paced, 6-hour hike (provisions are carried by porters), brings you to the crest of the Pirre mountain range where the cloud forest tent camp is located. The Pirre Cloud Forest Camp includes screened tents under tarps with sleeping mats and blankets. NOTE: If you do not wish to hike to the cloud forest camp you will have the opportunity to continue to explore the area around the lodge. However, we highly recommended the tent camp as there are many endemic species found only in these highlands.
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