Panama Eco Lodges– Paradise for eco tourists
Staying at Panama eco lodges is the best way to see this country. Panama is very ecologically diverse and includes pristine rainforests, cloud forests, mountains, as well as coastline on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. There are many national parks. Most Panama Eco Lodges and Tours are close to these areas. The largest of these parks being Darien, which borders Colombia. Darien National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Panama has a very diverse culture and ethnic heritage, including seven indigenous groups of people. It is also one of the wealthiest of Central American countries. The Panama Canal is a spectacular feat and has contributed to the wealth, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
To see our Lodging and Tours go here: Panama Ecolodges and Tours. To go to individual listings, click on the photos below.
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Flora & Fauna in Panama
Panama has tremendous biodiversity thanks to its location between North and South America.
Flora:
*Tropical rainforests with mahogany, ceiba and orchids.
*Mangrove forests along the coast, essential for marine ecosystems.
*Cloud forests in the highlands with unique plants such as epiphytes and bromeliads.
Fauna:
*Mammals: Sloths, jaguars, tapirs and capuchin monkeys.
*Birds: More than 1,000 species, including toucans, quetzals and harpy eagles (the national bird). Harpy eagles are endangered in many countries. Panama has a breeding program.
*Reptiles & Amphibians: Red frogs on the islands of Bocas del Toro, crocodiles and iguanas.
*Marine animals: Humpback whales (seasonal), sea turtles, dolphins and the rich marine life of Coiba National Park.
The Best Eco-Tourism Destinations in Panama
- Darién National Park (UNESCO).
– The largest and most pristine rainforest in Panama.
– Home to jaguars, harpy eagles and indigenous people of Emberá communities.
– Perfect for wildlife-spotting and adventurous jungle expeditions. - Soberanía National Park.
– Close to Panama City, ideal for bird lovers.
– Pipeline Road is one of the best places in the world for bird watching. http://www.birdingpipelinepanama.com/
– Boat trips on Lake Gatún to see monkeys, crocodiles and sloths. - Bocas del Toro Archipelago.
– Caribbean islands with a focus on sustainable tourism.
– Snorkeling with sea turtles and dolphins.
– Stay in eco-lodges and visit the Ngäbe-Buglé indigenous communities.
- Coiba National Park (UNESCO).
– The “Galápagos of Central America” with a protected marine ecosystem.
– Diving with sharks, rays and humpback whales.
– A former prison, now a nature reserve with unique flora and fauna. - Boquete & Volcán Barú National Park.
– Cloud forests with a mild climate, perfect for ecotourism.
– Hiking to the top of Barú volcano, where you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Bird wartching, especially the rare quetzal
Suggested 2-Week Eco-Tourism Itinerary in Panama
Here is a 2-week sustainable travel itinerary in Panama focused on ecotourism, wildlife and conservation. We have taken into account eco-friendly transportation options and eco-lodges.
Day 1-3: Panama City & Soberanía National Park
Day 1: Arrival in Panama City
Day 2: Visit Soberanía National Park – hike the Pipeline Road (bird watching, sloths, monkeys).
Day 3: Boat trip on Lake Gatún & visit Emberá village (indigenous culture and sustainable tourism).
Transportation: Local buses or shared shuttles.
Day 4-6: Bocas del Toro (Sustainable Island Paradise).
Day 4: Domestic flight or bus + boat to Bocas del Toro.
Day 5: Snorkeling and diving at Zapatilla Islands (protected nature).
Day 6: Visit to Ngäbe-Buglé community & kayaking in the mangroves.
Transportation: Local boats & bicycles (sustainable transportation on the islands).
Day 7-9: Boquete & Volcán Barú National Park
Day 7: Travel to Boquete (bus or flight via David). From Bocas to David via plane, then drive to Boquette
Day 8: Hike to the top of Barú volcano (unique view of two oceans).
Day 9: Visit a sustainable coffee farm & spot the rare quetzal.
Transportation: Shuttle or local buses.
Day 10-12: Coiba National Park (Marine reserve, UNESCO).
Day 10: Travel to Santa Catalina
Day 11: Diving or snorkeling in Coiba National Park (sharks, manta rays, whales).
Day 12: Relax on the beach or kayak in mangroves.
Transportation: Shuttle + boat ride to Coiba.
Day 13-14: Darién National Park (Adventurous jungle experience).
Mind you, the terrain is hazardous throughout, and It’s not considered safe, experts warn that any and all travel into the Darien is reckless.
Day 13: Travel to Metetí
Day 14: Jungle expedition with local guides: spot jaguars, monkeys and rare birds.
Transportation: Shared shuttle or private transfer.
Ecological Threats in Panama
The country is home to impressive biodiversity, but it also faces serious ecological threats. Here are some of the major environmental problems and small-scale conservation projects working to combat them:
Deforestation
*Large-scale agriculture, cattle ranching and infrastructure development lead to deforestation, particularly in the Darién region and around the Panamericana Highway.
*Illegal logging is a major threat to tropical rainforests.
Climate change and sea level rise
Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities and ecosystems, particularly the San Blas Islands of the Guna Yala people.
*Coral reefs are affected by rising temperatures and ocean acidification.
Water pollution
*Waste and chemicals from agriculture and mining pollute rivers and the Panama Canal, threatening fisheries and drinking water supplies.
*Plastic pollution is a growing problem, especially in urban areas such as Panama
.Illegal mining
*Mining activities, especially in Colón and Darién province, lead to soil erosion, deforestation and water pollution.
Loss of biodiversity
*Hunting and illegal wildlife trade threaten species such as the jaguar, harpy eagle and sea turtles.
Panama’s policy on ecotourism
The government of Panama is strongly committed to nature conservation and sustainable tourism. Almost 30% of Panama is managed by the Government Agency for the Protection of Natural Resources. This includes national parks, wildlife refuges and forest reserves.
Ecotourism is a spearhead of the national economy. Besides that, Community-based programs encourage indigenous communities to run eco-lodges and sustainable tours.
Strict environmental laws protect rainforests and marine ecosystems. Small-scale initiatives play a crucial role in protecting Panama’s unique ecosystems. Most of below projects offer the possibility to volunteers and for travelers to make a contribution.
Small-scale conservation projects in Panama
Check out these small-scale conservation projects trying to combat ecological threats.
If you like what you read, you can volunteer during your trip with most of the projects below.
Pro Eco Azuero
– Works to conserve dry tropical forests on the Azuero Peninsula.
– Focuses on reforestation, education and sustainable agricultural practices.
What can you do?
– Participate in reforestation projects and dry forest restoration.
– Participate in educational workshops on sustainable agriculture and forest management.
– Help monitor local species such as the Azuero howler monkey.
Fundación Almanaque Azul
– Environmental organization focusing on awareness and sustainable tourism initiatives.
– Publishes ecotourism guides and organizes activities to reduce the impact of tourism.
Asociación Adopta Bosque Panamá.
– Works to preserve and restore threatened forest areas through reforestation projects.
– Future reforestation sites are adopted by individuals and companies.
What you can do.
– Participate in reforestation actions and protecting nature reserves.
– Help monitor biodiversity in threatened forest areas.
– Adopt a piece of forest to help restore ecosystems.
Coiba National Park Conservation Initiatives.
– Local organizations and scientists are working together to conserve Coiba’s unique marine ecosystems.
– Research on shark populations and coral reefs, as well as awareness campaigns for sustainable fishing.
What you can do.
– Volunteering in marine research, such as counting sharks and manta rays.
– Supporting local sustainable fishing initiatives.
– Coral restoration and ecotourism education.
Learn more: marviva.net
Sea Turtle Conservation Projects (Bocas del Toro & Playa Mata Oscura).
– Small-scale projects protect sea turtles by monitoring nests and combating poaching.
– Work with local communities to promote ecotourism as an alternative to turtle hunting.
What you can do.
– Walk nightly patrols to protect sea turtles from poachers.
– Help relocate and monitor nests.
– Create awareness in local communities about the importance of turtle conservation.
Kalu Yala Sustainable Living Project.
– Ecological research center and self-sustaining community in the jungle of Panama.
– Experiments with sustainable construction, regenerative agriculture and ecotourism.
What you can do.
– Help with ecological building projects and sustainable agriculture.
– Support educational programs on sustainable living.
– Contribute to nature research and reforestation initiatives.
Fundación Pro Eco Azuero
– Works with farmers to promote sustainable agriculture and protect the natural habitat of endangered species such as the Azuero howler monkey.
What you can do.
– Work with farmers on sustainable agriculture and reforestation.
– Help with conservation education programs for local children.
– Monitoring wildlife, such as the endangered Azuero howler monkey.
Learn more: proecoazuero.org
Panama Eco Lodges sustainable travel tips
If you want to travel as sustainably as possible in Panama, you’ve come to the right place: the country has a growing number of eco-friendly initiatives, from protected natural parks to community-based tourism. Of course you stay at one of the numerous Panama Eco Lodges. Here are practical and inspiring tips to make your trip as eco-friendly as possible:
Choose eco-friendly transportation
• Use public transportation like buses and shuttles instead of domestic flights or private cars.
• Choose a hybrid or electric rental car if you need a car (available in Panama City).
• Local transportation like water buses, pangas (small boats) or bicycles are great alternatives on islands like Bocas del Toro.
Stay in Panama EcovLodges and sustainable accommodations
• Choose certified eco-lodges (such as CST-certified or Global Sustainable Tourism Council member).
• Look for accommodations that:
o Use solar power
o Collect rainwater
o Hire local staff
o Have their own vegetable garden or compost system
Eat local, organic, and plant-based whenever possible
• Choose small, family-run restaurants (fondas) over big chains.
• Try dishes like yuca, patacones, and rice and beans, often locally produced.
• Avoid overfishing: choose fish like lionfish (invasive species) over endangered species like tuna or shark.
Support local ecotourism
• Book excursions with community projects, indigenous guides, or NGOs.
• Good options include:
o Emberá and Guna Yala community visits
o Coffee or cacao tours at cooperatives in Boquete or Bocas
o Turtle conservation projects in Playa La Marinera or Isla Cañas
Respect nature and wildlife
• Do not touch or feed animals or corals.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen (without oxybenzone or octinoxate).
• Follow the rules in protected areas such as Parque Nacional Coiba, Volcán Barú or Soberanía National Park.
Avoid waste & plastic
• Bring a reusable water bottle – tap water is usually not drinkable, but many ecolodges offer refill stations.
• Use a reusable bag and bamboo cutlery. • Say “sin sorbete, por favor” (no straw, please) in restaurants.
Choose socially responsible tour operators
• Look for operators that work with local communities or support conservation (e.g. Ancon Expeditions or Panama Trails).
• Avoid tours that involve captive animals or disrupt wildlife.