Panama’s shape creates a natural funnel, concentrating migratory birds on a narrow isthmus— land that the birds desperately need for rest and to refuel before continuing their long journey. At peak times of the year, this migration is a spectacle rivaled by none in the World. An incredible 970+ species of birds have been recorded from this country that is not even the size of South Carolina.
The Canopy Tower is a prime location from which to observe the birds and other wildlife of the forest canopy. Because the birds and mammals are at eye level, it is common to get fantastic views otherwise nearly impossible from the ground, making this one of the best places for birding in Panama, and perhaps the entire world.
You don’t have to leave the Canopy Tower to find birds, you don’t even have to leave your bedroom. Tanagers and Tityras can be seen right from your window, and you don’t have to worry about the rain.
The dining area and the roof of the tower are better for finding elusive canopy birds, as well as Mantled Howlers, Geoffroy’s Tamarins and other mammals and birds, as you can scan in all directions.
And all this without having to venture away from the Tower. This really is one of the best birding vacation spots anywhere in the world.
Blue Cotinga Suite
Our finest accommodation, the Blue Cotinga Suite, is on the second floor (2 floors above the ground floor lobby), 28 feet high and situated at the canopy level of the trees. It has an area of 366 square feet, two big windows overlooking the forest, two ¾ beds (which can be joined together to make a queen bed), a desk with a chair, a place to put your clothes/luggage, an overhead fan and a private bathroom with a window. It also has a hammock and a small balcony with a Brookstone hanging chair.
Harpy Eagle Suite
The Harpy Eagle Suite is located on the first floor (1 floor above the ground floor lobby), 18 feet (5.5 meters) high and situated about mid-canopy tree level. It has an area of 290 square feet, two big windows overlooking the forest, two ¾ beds (which can be joined together to make a queen bed), a desk with a chair, an overhead fan, a place to put your clothes/luggage and a private bathroom with a window.
Canopy Rooms
There are five Canopy Rooms on the second floor (2 floors above the ground floor lobby), 28 feet above the ground and situated at the canopy level of the trees. They have an area of 207 square feet, two ¾ beds, a desk with a chair, a big window, an overhead fan, a place to put your clothes/luggage and a private bathroom with a window.
Single Rooms
The single rooms are located on the first floor of the Canopy Tower ecolodge (1 floor above the ground floor), 18 feet above the ground and situated at mid-canopy tree level. Each room has one ¾ bed, a big window (the same size as the windows of the double rooms), an overhead fan, a night table and a place to put your clothes/luggage. There are five of these rooms sharing two bathrooms.
The Observation Deck
The Observation Deck, 50 feet above the ground, gives guests a grand view of the canopy and beyond. Many of the best photographs are taken from the Observation deck.
In the morning, ardent bird watchers and nature lovers assemble here for coffee and crackers while enjoying the abundant action in the treetops just below. This a bird watching experience unlike anything else.
Specialized Birding Vehicles
The Canopy Tower is located in the heart of Soberania National Park, and virtually surrounded by the best birding spots in Central America. Most of these hotspots are a mere 15-minute drive from the Tower.
The Canopy Tower is located on the Caribbean Slope, but very close to the continental divide. Therefore, it is a great place from which to get a good sense of the differences in habitat between the dry Pacific Slope and the wet Caribbean Slope, without having to go very far thanks to Panama’s unique geography. To get to these birding areas nearby, we take you in our specialized birdmobiles.
Over the years, we have had a few different birdmobiles and rainfomobiles, some of which have carried the names “Shrike-Vireo” and “El Tinamu” – modified trucks with open-back seating for our guests to enjoy the birds along the way to and from the birding sites. From 4×4 trucks that seat 6 in the back to the large “Tinamu II” that carries groups up to 16 birders.
Library
What is there to do at night at the Canopy Tower? After dark, in addition to keeping an eye out the windows for owls and nocturnal mammals, there is plenty of time to relax in one of our hammocks, chairs or sofas to enjoy a book or magazine from our library about birds, butterflies, mammals, natural history and selection of best sellers and novels.
Our guests also take the time to review their daily sightings and plan the next day’s tours with the guides. There is WiFi available and an iMac for guest use. Some nights, a night tour may be scheduled after dinner.
Non-Birder Activities
We offer specialized tours for visitors who are interested in things other than birds. In addition, if you are a partner of a birdwatcher considering a stay at the Canopy Tower, you have plenty to do and see.
A library of interesting books and magazines awaits you; there is also Wi-Fi available and an Apple computer for your use; enjoy a snooze in a hammock, rocked by the gentle breezes; enjoy a soft drink, fresh tea or coffee and a snack; listen for squeaks and shrills, or watch for huge ships as they negotiate the Culebra Cut of the Canal.
We also recommend a tour to a nearby attraction of historical, human or natural interest.
