Panama Ecolodges and Tours

Staying at Panama ecolodges 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 Ecolodges 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 Ecolodges – Paradise for ecotourists

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 critically endangered in many countries. The Harpy Eagle Center at the Summit Municipal Park (formerly Summit Zoo and Gardens) just outside of Panama City was plays a role in public education about their conservation.
*Reptiles and 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 EcoTourism Destinations in Panama

Darién National Park (UNESCO). (See warnings below about this area near Colombia)

– 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.
– 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 Panama ecolodges 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 watching, especially the rare quetzal.

Suggestion for a 2-week Sustainable Itinerary in Panama

WEEK 1

Day 1-3: Panama City and Soberanía National Park
Day 1: arrival in Panama City
Day 2: visit Soberanía National Park (just 45 minutes from Panama City) – hike the Pipeline Road (bird watching, sloths, monkeys).
Day 3: boat trip on Lake Gatún and 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 (uninhabited, protected nature).
Day 6: visit to the Ngäbe-Buglé community (a comarcas indiginas) and kayaking in the mangroves.
Transportation: local boats and bicycles (sustainable transportation on the islands).

WEEK 2

Day 7-9: Boquete and 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 and 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 due to high crime.
Day 13: travel to Metetí
Day 14: jungle expedition with local guides: spot jaguars, monkeys and rare birds.
Transportation: shared shuttle or private transfer.

To see our Lodging and Tours go here: Panama Ecolodges and Tours. 

If you want to discover Panama by car, choose a hybrid or electric rental car (available in Panama City).
Local transportation like water buses, pangas (small boats) or bicycles are great alternatives on islands like Bocas del Toro.
For more tips to travel in Panama, check our complilation of more than 40 Sustainable Travel Tips.

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:

Deforestation
*Large-scale agriculture, cattle ranching and infrastructure development lead to deforestation. Particularly in the Darién region and around the Pan-American 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. This threatens 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. Many of which are endangered.

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 Panama ecolodges and sustainable tours.

Strict environmental laws protect rainforests and marine ecosystems. But while laws exist, enforcement can be a challenge, Small-scale initiatives play a crucial role in protecting Panama’s unique ecosystems. Read below to learn about one place that is doing something about the problem. You may be able to volunteer and make a contribution.

Small-scale Conservation Projects in Panama

If you like what you read, you may be able to 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 you may be able to 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.
There is contact information on their website.

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. (We didn’t list their website because it’s not secure).
– 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. They work with Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica.

Sea Turtle Conservation Projects  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.

Bocas del Toro is a grass roots organization that worked on invasive species in the ocean, as well as recycling plastics.

Safety on the border at the Darien Gap

In the past, the border with Colombia has not been as safe as other areas, so make sure you check before you go. Right now, updated September 2024, there are warnings not to travel in Darien close to the Colombian border due to a high crime rate. Make sure to check for updated information before you travel to the Mosquito Coast and the Darien region. Overall Panama is a safe country.
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.

Panama Ecolodges and General Travel Safety

Check in advance about the safety in Panama and in the places you plan to visit. You can also consult your country’s official government websites. For American citizens, this is the US Dept. of State’s page on Panama page.

To see our Lodging and Tours go here: Panama Ecolodges and Tours.