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The Reptiles & Amphibians of Panama
Tour Code: PAN06A 10-day tour focusing on the reptiles and amphibians of Panama's spectacular rainforests with the guidance of an expert herpetologist, whilst staying at the famous and magnificent Canopy Tower and Lodge.
£4,695 (Inc flights)
£3,995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
A 10-day, 2-centre, wildlife holiday offering the opportunity to join an expert herpetologist and bilingual local naturalist guides in the heart of Panama's cloud and rainforests in search of a huge range of exciting reptile and amphibian species. Our tour begins with a 4-night stay at the Canopy Tower in Soberanía National Park. This rainforest eco-lodge boasts a stunning 50-foot observation deck and makes a breathtaking base to explore the surrounding forests. For the second part of the tour, we transfer to the Canopy Lodge in El Valle de Anton for a 4-night stay. Join our expert guides as we explore this hospitable and biodiversity-rich country in search of a magnificent variety of reptiles and amphibians.
For more information about the holiday, please click the 'Detailed Information' button below, or download the full itinerary above.
- Find and photograph the reptiles and amphibians that inhabit the incredible rain and cloudforest habitats of Panama
- Amphibians include Poison Frogs, Glassfrogs, Treefrogs and Mushroomtongue Salamanders
- Reptile highlights could include Eyelash Viper, Panama Teiid and White-lipped Mud Turtle
- Explore incredible habitats with an expert herpetologist guide
- Observe the other amazing wildlife that inhabit the area, from sloth to hummingbirds
This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.
Grading
On a typical day on our herpetology tours we’ll begin searching in the field after breakfast, when the sun has warmed the substrates and landscapes, often getting into the vehicles at 9am and, after stopping for approximately one hour for lunch, we’ll continue into early-evening when we will stop for a rest and dinner. Most evenings it will be possible to do excursions in search of nocturnal species, which will on average be for three hours after dinner. With an equal percentage of the target reptile and amphibian species likely to be nocturnal, these night searches are an important part of the tour but are optional, with some participants preferring to rest on some of the days. On average, 5-8 miles are walked per day.
We’ll focus our time in the field on building an enviable list of reptile and amphibian species seen. Whilst searching, there is no doubt we’ll come across a huge variety of amazing fauna and flora, which we’ll also take time to enjoy, but reptiles and amphibians will strongly remain our focus. Sensitively checking under stones, logs and other refugia is an effective way of finding many species. Some of the target reptile or amphibian species may require longer field hours to locate and therefore this tour is suitable, and most enjoyable, for experienced herpetologists or naturalists who, aside from wishing to see the region’s rarely-seen reptiles and amphibians, relish being in the field searching for and identifying the vast array of birds, mammals, butterflies, invertebrates, orchids and other wildlife which can be found sharing the wonderful habitats that we’ll explore on the tour.
In summary, Naturetrek herpetology holidays are suitable, and offer tremendous value, for those who spend most of their holiday time in wildlife habitats and for whom seeing some of the world’s superb reptiles and amphibians is the focus of their time away.
A certain level of fitness is required for the tour, as the terrain may be rough, steep, or slippery in parts.
With its’ tropical climate, Panama hosts some of the most iconic of herpetological species such as the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), the Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor) and the Red-eyed Treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas). From the bold and brightly coloured Green-and-black Poison Frog (Dendrobates auratus) to the often cryptically beautiful Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii), with our expert guides and multiple eyes scanning the floor and lower canopy, we have the chance to build a highly impressive list of reptile and amphibian species!
Carefully searching the forest diurnally and nocturnally we hope to see an amazing range of reptiles and amphibians. From tree-frogs to arboreal salamanders to freshwater turtles, the cloud and rain forests of Panama hosts a huge diversity. Along the tranquil trails and streams, we will look for such species as Water Anoles, Brilliant Forest Frogs, Coral Scorpion Lizards and the endemic and amazing Panamanian Teiid (Echinosaura panamensis).
Whilst searching for reptiles and amphibians, mammals we may see include Kinkajou, Fray Foureyed Opossum and of course Sloths; Brown-throated and Hoffmann's Two-toed. Spectacular birds share the forest including plenty of hummingbird and toucan species and there is even a chance of seeing the majestic Harpy Eagle .
Not only will we be delighted by the fauna offerings, but the habitat is a naturalists dream. Forest cloaked in epiphytes, mosses and ferns surround rocky streams. Huge tree-ferns provide dappled light where tiny-leaved climbers ascend lichen embossed tree trunks. Floral colour is provided by orchids, Passion Flower and Heliconias. Our first base, the Canopy Tower, originally a US Air Force radar station, was converted into a naturalist’s paradise in 1999 by a Panamanian birdwatcher. Here, with bedrooms at treetop level, there could be no better place to wake to the sounds of Panama's great rainforest. The main viewing deck offers superb 360º views over the canopy and the chance to observe exciting and otherwise difficult-to-see canopy wildlife.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Four nights at the world-famous Canopy Tower and four nights at the nearby Canopy Lodge.
- Food:
All food is included in the tour cost starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 9. Also included are natural fruit juices, sodas and wine at dinner time. Vegetarian and vegans are easily catered for.
Dates & Prices
2024
Tour Leader: Samuel Sucre
Samuel 'Sam' Sucre is a passionate herpetologist, and was born amidst the natural beauty of Ancon Hill in Panama City. His profound connection with nature began in his teenage years, with a specific fascination for amphibians and reptiles.
Sam pursued his academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at FSU’s Panama Campus. His commitment to amphibian and reptile conservation led him to collaborate with Panama’s leading herpetologists in various research and conservation initiatives.
Notably, Sam has played a pivotal role in two of Panama’s prominent ex situ conservation projects for amphibians. He currently serves as the Secretary of the EVACC Foundation, a globally recognized organization dedicated to amphibian ex situ conservation. Moreover, he founded 'Natural Tanks' a facility that conducts vital research and conservation through sustainable commercialisation.
In June 2023, Sam embarked on a groundbreaking endeavor by initiating Panama’s first permanent in situ conservation project for amphibians within the Santa Fe Natural Park, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment. Sam is also a notable presence in Panama’s digital media landscape, collaborating with FOCO, the country’s premier digital news outlet, to raise awareness through environmental news and videos. His life’s mission is to empower developing nations with the knowledge of sustainable resource utilisation, creating job opportunities, and fostering reinvestment in conservation to promote national development.
Sam Sucre embodies a remarkable commitment to wildlife conservation and the sustainable growth of communities through responsible resource management. Additionally, in 2023, a species of tarantula from Darien was described and named in his honor as Pamphobeteus sucreorum.
2025
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
