Explore and photograph from three unique locations — Caribbean island , cloud forest and rainforest — during this wildlife-packed all-inclusive Panama in Focus Photo Tour.
The different habitats we will explore on this tour will provide us with a rich variety of bird life in front of our lenses.
And that’s just the birds! We’ll also have butterflies, frogs, flowers, monkeys, sloths and other life forms everywhere we look.
We begin in the cloud forest, high into the Talamanca Mountains bordering La Amistad International Park. There, we’ll seek the Resplendent Quetzal, billed as the most beautiful bird in the Americas. Of course, the quetzal is just one of the birds that live in the cool, misty cloud forest. We will also have a variety of hummingbirds, raptors, and the iconic Three-wattled Bellbird to keep us and our lenses occupied.
Next, a Caribbean island, just off the coast of Panama.
Frogs, hummingbirds, manakins and parrots will be among the first subjects for our lenses. This is also a first class location for sloths. With a bit of luck we’ll find several to photograph.
A canopy tower, hummingbird/manakin bathing pool and the chance to go snorkeling on the reef will keep us busy while on island time.
Finally we’ll head back to the area near Panama City. We will stay at the famous Canopy Tower, a former United States radar station that has been converted into one of the most unique ecolodges anywhere. Situated in Soberania National Park, our elevated position makes it possible to have great sightings right outside your window. The observation deck is a great place to watch the rainforest come alive at sunrise. With howler monkeys making their trademark roars we’ll be on the lookout for toucans, tanagers, trogons and if we’re really lucky the Blue Cotinga.
This Panama in Focus Photo Tour is limited to SIX (6) participants. ~ SOLD OUT ~ Please email me to be on the WAIT LIST
ITINERARY:
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an estimated schedule & we’ll do our best to stick to this itinerary, but certain conditions & weather may necessitate changes. Good photographic experiences & plenty of chances to view wildlife will be our goals at all times.
Wednesday, Feb 24:
Arrive in Panama City, the capital of Panama. We’ll have dinner together and get a good night’s sleep before starting our adventure the next day.
OVERNIGHT: Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel, Panama City
Thursday, Feb 25:
After breakfast the real adventure begins. We’ll to the domestic airport for a short flight to David. From there we’ll take 4×4 trucks to our lodge in the mountains. We’ll arrive in time to lunch at our ecolodge.
During the afternoon we’ll explore the photographer-friendly grounds. Hummingbirds abound. We’ll also keep watch for the Resplendent Quetzal.
OVERNIGHT: Mt. Totumas
Friday, Feb 26:
We’ll have a relaxing day at the lodge. Masses of hummingbirds are right outside the dining room. At some point we’ll go for a hike in search of the Three-wattled Bellbird. Swallow-tailed Kites, parakeets and other birds are possible.
During the day I’ll be available to answer your questions, critique shots, and provide instruction as needed.
In the evening we’ll get the lodge owner to share his story with us.
OVERNIGHT: Mt. Totumas
Saturday, Feb 27:
After breakfast we head to our next destination, an island just off the coast in the tropical Caribbean.
Getting there is part of the adventure. We’ll take the 4×4 trucks down off the mountain. Once we get to town we’ll transfer to a minibus for the approximately four hour drive to the coast. At the coast we’ll board a small boat for about 30 minutes to our island paradise.
After a late lunch we’ll relax a bit before exploring the property in the late afternoon.
OVERNIGHT: Tranquilo Bay
Sunday, Feb 28:
After breakfast we’ll take a boat ride and poke around the mangroves looking for birds. We’ll land on Isla Popa for some frog photography. The poison dart frogs here have several different color morphs and patterns.
In the afternoon we’ll be free to wander the grounds or go for a swim in the crystal clear water off the dock.
OVERNIGHT: Tranquilo Bay
Monday, March 1:
Our last full day on the island. In the morning those that want to can take a short boat ride to go snorkeling on the reef. If you don’t want to go snorkeling you can photograph on the grounds. Did I mention the incredible number of sloths here? Due to being an island there are no predators large enough to take a sloth. This makes them plentiful and fairly easy to find.
One last afternoon to enjoy sunset from the tower as the parrots and oropendolas fly past at eye level heading for their roost.
Overnight: Tranquilo Bay
Tuesday, March 2:
After breakfast we’ll get back on the boat to take us to the airport to catch our flight to Panama City. From the airport we’ll transfer to the famous Canopy Tower.
We should arrive in time for lunch. After lunch we’ll get acquainted with the property and decide what we want to do this afternoon and tomorrow.
OVERNIGHT: Canopy Tower
Wednesday, March 3:
Today we’ll have all day to enjoy our rainforest lodge. Being back on the mainland there is much higher biodiversity than on the island.
Hummingbirds, monkeys, butterflies, tanagers and if we’re really lucky the Blue Cotinga. Who knows what delights will present in front of our lenses today?
OVERNIGHT: Canopy Tower
Thursday, March 4:
Alas, all good things must come to an end. Today we’ll say goodbye to the rainforest and make our way back to Panama City. Be sure to share contact information with your new friends before we part ways!
WHAT YOU CAN LEARN ON THIS TOUR:
- How to handle dappled light in a forest environment.
- How to photograph wildlife through understory vegetation.
- Metering tips.
- Fun lighting techniques for macro subjects.
- Flight photography from the tower
- Hummingbird photography with ambient light
A note about instruction on my photo tours:
Since skills levels vary so much on photo tours, I tailor my teaching to individual needs. Please do not be shy about telling me what you need.
During my photo tours we don’t rush from location to location. We remain at each shot location until everyone has had a chance to create the images he/she wants. 
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 8 nights of accommodations (double-occupancy; single is available – Email for details).
- Meals from arrival in Panama City to breakfast the last morning.
- Private ground transportation.
- Two in-country flights
- Entry to private reserves or gardens.
- Jeff’s services, instruction, critiquing, and assistance.
- An extensive & detailed full-color, bound dossier.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare to Panama City, Panama.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips. (Your dossier packet will include tipping tips.)
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Bottled & canned beverages (e.g., soda, bottled water)
- Medical expenses.
- Laundry service.
- Phone calls.
- Any other personal items.
LOGISTICS, EQUIPMENT & SUCH:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Much of the photography will be done right outside of our accommodations. The Three-wattled Bellbird does require a hike. It is moderate with comfortable temperatures. The tower at Tranquilo Bay requires climbing several flights of stairs. You can go as slow as you like or skip it altogether. It will be hot at Tranquilo Bay but our rooms are air conditioned so you can always take a break and cool off if you need to.
Generally there is generally plenty of wildlife activity right around the lodges which requires minimal walking. If you feel the need to run up the stairs of the tower you can make it as strenuous as you like 🙂
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
You will receive an extensive dossier as your photo tour nears. Among lots of other information, it includes a list of suggested camera gear. If you’d like to peek at the list now, however, click on this link: EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST (PDF).
You do not have to own everything on the checklist. It’s a list of recommended equipment. If you have any questions about the minimum lenses, etc. that will get you through, don’t hesitate to ask!
AIRPORT:
Fly into Tocumen International Airport in Panama City (airport code PTY).
ARRIVAL:
There is a shuttle from the airport to the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes and the hotel is only five minutes from the airport. I try to personally meet everyone at the airport when possible. Please try to arrive between 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Check in at the hotel begins at 3:00 p.m. I have tentatively scheduled our Welcome Dinner for 7:00 p.m.
Ground transportation is included in your tour.
MEALS & LODGING:
Meals are included in your tour from the Welcome Dinner on February 24th through breakfast the morning of March 4th.
Lodging (double-occupancy) is also included.
VISA:
U.S. & Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Panama.
GENERAL INFO/SIGN UP:
- DURATION: 9 days & 8 nights
- DATE: Wednesday evening, Feb. 24 through Thursday morning, March 4, 2027.
- SPACE FOR: 6 ~ SOLD OUT ~ Please email me to be on the WAIT LIST
- DEPOSIT: $1500
- PRICE: $6195
- PAYMENT DUE DATES: A total of half the cost of the tour due 6-months before departure. Remaining balance due 60-days prior to start date of tour.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please read our Cancellation Policy before purchasing.(Follow the provided link or go to link under “MORE” on sidebar to the right.) Thanks!
LIABILITY WAIVER:
At the start of each event, we’ll ask you to sign this liability waiver. We encourage you to review it before signing up.
