Pipeline Road, Soberania National Park
Natural History and Birdwatching

Soberania National Park is considered to be one of the most accessible areas for bird watching and wildlife observation in Central America.  Pipeline Rd. is world famous among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts due to its high yield in terms of wildlife diversity.

2007 Departure Dates: Available on request year around.

2007 Rates: $125 per person plus 5% government tax.
Minimum of 2 people required for the tour. Prices valid through November 30, 2007.

Early in the morning we are picked up at the lobby of our hotel by our Naturalist Guide andtransferred to Soberania National Park in the Panama Canal Watershed.  We will reach world renowned Pipeline Rd. by vehicle and start our hike from the entrance.  Pipeline Rd. is the site where Audubon Society held its world Christmas bird count record for 19 years straight, with 357 species of birds identified in a period of 24 hours.

During World War II, a pipeline was built along the Panama Canal to transport fuel from one ocean to the other in the event the waterway was attacked. Fortunately, it was never used. Today, the road built to maintain the pipeline provides excellent access to primary rainforests within Soberania National Park.  Only 45 minutes from Panama City, Soberania's 55,000 acres boast some 525 species of birds including the Black Hawk-eagle, Black-cheeked woodpecker, Black-breasted puffbird, Broad-billed motmot, Blue cotinga, Purple-throated fruitcrow, Masked tytira, Violaceous trogon, Fasciated antshrike, Shining honeycreeper, and a great array of migrants (during the North American winter months).  Soberania is also home to 105 species of mammals including large felines, Tamandua, Two and Three-toed sloth, 4 species of monkeys, Agouti, some of which are listed under CITES (endangered species) and 59 endemic plant species in 4 life zones.
By late morning we take a short drive nearby Summit Botanical Gardens where we have a picnic lunch and visit the Harpy eagle and Baird’s tapir naturalistic exhibits. 

We do some last minute birding around Summit Ponds before returning to our hotel.

WHAT TO BRING:  Binoculars, camera, cap or hat, sunscreen lotion, insect repellant, light clothing, light raincoat, good traction footwear, bird book.

Tour Dates & Pick Up Times:
Pick up time at hotel in Panamá City: 6:00am Return to hotel in Panamá City: 1:30pm.
Bilingual Naturalist Guide. Lunch included (picnic).    

$125 per person with birding guide, minimum 2 people.
Please note that prices quoted do not include the 5% Panama tourism tax that must be added.