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The Reptiles & Amphibians of Panama
Tour Code: PAN06A rare and special opportunity to encounter 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.
£3,595 (Inc flights)
£2,995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
A new ten-day, two-centre wildlife holiday offering the opportunity to join an expert herpetologist and bilingual local naturalist guides in the heart of Panama's cloud and rain forests in the search for reptiles and amphibians. Our tour begins with a 4-night stay at the Canopy Tower in Soberanía National Park. This rainforest eco-lodge boasts a 50-foot observation deck providing the opportunity to view Green Iguanas basking in the treetops and Berthold’s Canopy Lizard, with a tail 3 times the length of its body. For the second part of the tour we transfer to the Canopy Lodge in El Valle de Anton for a 4-night stay. Along the Guayabo River at the Lodge, Common Basilisks bask on the rocks. If disturbed, they will run across the surface of the water, earning them the sobriquet 'Jesus Christ Lizard'. Tiny Talamanca Rocket Frogs chirp wonderfully during the day along the forested pathways and beautiful Green-and-Black Poison Arrow Frogs carefully search for tiny invertebrates to eat. Join our expert guides as we explore this hospitable and biodiversity-rich country in search of a variety of magnificent reptiles and amphibians.
- Find the reptiles and amphibians that inhabit the incredible rain and cloud forest habitats of Panama
- Join an expert herpetologist guide
- Learn characteristics and life history of the amazing reptiles and amphibians that live here
- See tree-frogs, turtles and lizards
- See the special flora: orchids, bromeliads and tropical climbers
- Observe the other amazing wildlife that inhabit the area, from sloth to hummingbirds
Our herpetology holidays are expertly led and are suitable for everyone; whether you are new to looking at reptiles and amphibians in their habitats, you are looking to expand your knowledge in another area of natural history or you are an experienced herpetologist – our herpetology holidays are perfect for you.
Grading
This is a traditional lodge-based tour, naturally slowly paced with no strenuous walking involved.
Panama hosts some of the most iconic of reptile and amphibian species such as the Green Iguana, the Boa Constrictor and the Red-eyed Treefrog. Additionally the lush botany rich habitats also host plenty of little-known wonderful species. From the bold and brightly coloured Green-and-black Poison Arrow Frog to the often cryptically beautiful Eyelash Viper, 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. 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. Vegetarian and vegans catered for.
Dates & Prices
2020
Tour Leader: Andrew Durso
Andrew grew up searching for reptiles & amphibians and birding in the southeastern United States, and has lived in Georgia, Illinois, Utah, Germany, and Switzerland. He's an expert on snakes, and wrote an interesting blog on the subject, called 'Life is Short, but Snakes are Long'. He currently lives in Florida, studying snakes, looking at their physiology, behaviour and interactions with humans. His most recent project was gathering images of all snake species worldwide in order to help create an app capable of identifying them using machine learning, with support from expert and citizen science communities. Andrew's favourite species include mud snakes and hog-nosed snakes, and his favourite place to look for reptiles is the North Carolina Sandhills.
2021
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!
