Geared towards ecotourism and environmental education, Panama Rainforest Discovery Center is an excellent facility for bird-watchers and nature lovers. Since you are probably coming to watch wildlife, it’s worth making an effort to roll out of bed early. You will be kindly rewarded for the effort. In fact, those arriving after 10am pay US$10 less in admission, a sure sign that the value is less. During premium hours, only 25 visitors are admitted to minimize the impact on wildlife. With advance reservations, groups can set up special night tours.
A 32m-high observation tower is great for spotting blue cotinga and toucans. The sustainably built visitors center provides information and has 13 species of hummingbirds feeding nearby. Guides at the visitors center and tower can point out wildlife. Currently, a 1.2-km circuit of forest trails offers options that range from easy to difficult. By the lake you can view aquatic birds like wattled jacanas, least grebes, herons and snail kites. Other animals around include monkeys, crocodiles, coatis and butterflies.
You can also contact the center to participate in bird migration counts. It’s run by the Fundación Avifauna Eugene Eisenmann , a nonprofit with the mission to protect Panama’s bird fauna and rainforest habitat. Within the center, scientific research includes studies of migratory birds, green macaws and raptors as well as investigations into carbon capture.
No buses access the park. It is best to negotiate with a taxi, rent a car or go with an organized tour. The center is located 1.6km from the entrance to the Pipeline Rd. You must pass the town of Gamboa, at the end of Gaillard Rd, and follow the signs.
