Birds of the Canopy Tower
Eight days in the Panamanian Canal Zone turned up toucans, trogons, and rare raptors from the Canopy Tower.
Expedition Highlights
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 2 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Arrival and First Evening at the Canopy Tower
- Transfer from Tocumen International Airport to Canopy Tower
- Canopy Tower Observation Deck Birding
Semaphore Hill Road and Ammo Dump Ponds
- Early-Morning Birding from the Canopy Tower Observation Deck
- Semaphore Hill Road Walk
- Ammo Dump Ponds Birding Near Gamboa
Pipeline Road Entrance and Summit Gardens
- Pipeline Road Entrance Morning Birding
- Summit Gardens and the Harpy Eagle Exhibit
Plantation Trail, Gamboa Feeders and the Chagres River
- Plantation Trail Morning Birding
- Gamboa Feeders Birding at the Canopy Bed & Breakfast
- Chagres River Birding
Full Day on the World Famous Pipeline Road
- Full-Day Birding on the World Famous Pipeline Road
Summit Ponds, Old Gamboa Road and the Upper Chagres
- Summit Ponds and Old Gamboa Road Morning Birding
- Chagres River North and Gamboa Grounds Afternoon Birding
Rainforest Discovery Center and Optional Miraflores
- Panama Rainforest Discovery Center Visit
- Optional Afternoon at Miraflores Locks
Target Species
A curated selection of the iconic species we aim to encounter and photograph throughout our journey.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Canopy Tower
Canopy Tower is a converted US radar tower on Semaphore Hill in Soberanía National Park, about forty minutes from Panama City. Its twelve simple rooms are stacked around the tower, with the top deck opening onto the forest canopy for extraordinary birdwatching. Free breakfast, an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi are included, and the surrounding trails are among Panama's finest for rainforest birds.
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 5.295 USD (662 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 4.595 USD (574 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 3.695 USD (462 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 3.195 USD (399 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
i
Hotels mentioned in the program- Canopy Tower — 7 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (4x4)
- Meals indicated in the program: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunchs, 7 dinners
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Lunch on Arrival day and Departure day
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (1.109 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Extend your journey
Optional extensions and add-ons you may consider for your trip. Each can be added to your itinerary on request — just let me know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.