Panama Sightseeing: 5 Reasons to Tour Panama’s Rainforests

If you’re in dire need of a break from the monotony of daily life (preferably in a beautiful place), a Panama city rainforest tour might be just what you need. While it definitely has gorgeous beaches (perfect for lounging on a vacation to the tropics), it’s also home to some of the most breathtaking rainforests in the world. Its rainforests are lush, vibrant ecosystems bursting with life, serving as a hub and hotspot for biodiversity. 

So, whether you appreciate immersing yourself in cultural encounters, dialing up the adrenaline through heart-pumping adventures, or quietly observing wildlife, Panama is sure to impress. Here are a couple of reasons why you might want to add Panama to your travel bucket list.

1. Diverse Wildlife 

One of the best parts of Panama’s rainforests is the wildlife you’ll find hiding within it. The wildlife scene is incredibly diverse and home to a wide range of species that reside in the dense jungles. You’ll find all sorts of critters from both North and South America!

If you have a sharp eye, you might even spot various species that are rarely spotted anywhere else. For example, you’ll probably see all sorts of monkeys in the rainforest. They’re plentiful, often seen swinging through the treetops or curiously observing visitors. But if you’re lucky, you might spot the elusive Geoffroy’s tamarin, a small primate endemic to Panama. 

Beyond the monkeys, you might see:

• Sloths: These slow-moving mammals often lounge high in the canopy. Two- and three-toed sloths live in Panama, so you might see both!
• Birds: Over 1,000 species of birds live in Panama, including colorful toucans, parrots, and hummingbirds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The resplendent quetzal, with its vibrant green and red plumage, is a fan favorite, as is the harpy eagle, one of the biggest and most powerful eagles in the world. 
• Reptiles: The tropical climate of Panama is a favorite among various reptiles, including all sorts of snakes and lizards. When perusing through the jungle, you might see a speckled caiman (a smaller relative of the American crocodile), boa constrictors, and black spiny-tailed iguanas (the fastest-running reptile in the world).  
• Amphibians: Panama is home to over 200 amphibian species, including over 150 frogs and toads. You might encounter various species, such as the Panamanian golden frog, the Geminis’ dart frog (an endangered species), and the horned marsupial frog (also an endangered species). 
• Insects: While not nearly as popular as the other critters residing in the jungle, you’ll probably see plenty of insects. Some, like the abundant butterflies, are pretty and tend to stick to themselves. Unfortunately, some will invade your personal bubble (we’re talking about you, mosquitoes). So, to avoid getting chewed on while there, bring repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. 

2. Lush Vegetation

The rainforests are a highlight of Panama jungle tours. They’re bursting with some of the most lush and vibrant vegetation on the planet. If you’re a gardener or appreciate the vibrant greens of lush growth, you’ll probably love the thriving rainforest environment. The vegetation is layered, each layer with something different to offer. 

The tallest layer, called the emergent layer, consists of the tallest trees, which stretch up to 100 feet above the canopy. Right below this layer lies the canopy, a network of (slightly shorter) tall trees. These trees have massive branches that create a dense, green roof, blocking the forest floor below from the sunshine. Up here, you’ll find all sorts of plants and animals that are specifically adapted to life in the elevated environment. 

The next layer down, called the subcanopy, consists of smaller, shade-tolerant trees. These trees still get some sunshine, soaking in whatever works its way through the dense canopy. However, since they don’t get much sunshine, they have to be fairly shade-tolerant to survive. 

Next is the understory. This layer consists of smaller trees, including various juvenile trees, that are typically more spread out. Eventually, some of these trees may grow tall enough to stand among the emergent or canopy layers. 

The bottom layer is the forest floor. It’s often home to a thick layer of leaves, ferns, and other plants. This layer doesn’t get much sunlight, but the rich, moist soil helps it thrive. 

Each layer of the rainforest is home to different flora and fauna, as each creates a vastly different environment. In the multiple layers, you’ll probably see a wide variety of flowers, such as orchids, heliconias, and bromeliads, which break up the shades of green. 

There are often various fruit trees tucked in there, too, like cacao and banana trees. The various critters in the rainforest often consume the fresh fruit, but, in some cases, local communities will harvest it, too. 

3. Cultural Encounters

Panama boasts a beautiful culture. Local indigenous communities are deeply connected to the land and rainforest, so while visiting the rainforest, you can experience that culture. These communities have long lived harmoniously with the rainforest, relying on it for food, shelter, and medicine. 

If possible, visit an indigenous village and interact with the locals. Various Indigenous groups, including the Emberá, Wounaan, and Ngäbe-Buglé, call the Panama rainforests home. To this day, they remain deeply connected to their traditional customs, languages, and crafts, even with the emergence and encroachment of modern society. 

That is, in part, why a visit to these villages is so intriguing. Many of us are so used to the comforts and conveniences of the Western world that we are often wholly unaware of the traditional practices of Indigenous peoples. When you visit a local village, you can learn about those traditional practices, such as hunting, fishing, and agriculture. 

For example, the Emberá are known for their expertise in crafting beautiful baskets, carvings, and beadwork. If you want to take home a souvenir, these handmade items are an excellent choice. You can usually purchase them from local markets. 

Aside from their traditional practices, you may also learn about their spiritual beliefs. Many cultures consider the rainforest sacred, viewing the plants and animals as powerful spiritual beings. Sometimes, you might even be able to participate in a traditional ceremony or learn about the medicinal plants that indigenous healers use. 

 

We always appreciate learning about new cultures, so this was a big selling point for us. If you love immersing yourself in different cultural experiences, Panama is a wonderful place to visit. 

4. Adventurous Activity Opportunities

If the wildlife, beautiful jungles, and cultural learning opportunities weren’t enough, the adventures might tip your scales in favor of a Panama visit. This place is a phenomenal destination for adventure seekers. There’s an abundance of exciting activities, many of which blend the natural beauty of the region with an adrenaline-boosting excursion. 

Zip line canopy tours are an excellent example of this. With these tours, you get to look at the canopy from a bird’s eye view. You’ll zip above the treetops, gliding along the cables stretching from platform to platform. It’s pretty exhilarating, especially on the longer, more angled lines (where you can gather more speed!). 

If heights aren’t your thing, try another option. For example, there are various sloth-watching and kayaking tours that bring you out on the water (which is simply marvelous). Or, go on a snorkeling adventure and enjoy the sights beneath the water’s surface. You could even go on a white water rafting tour (if you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience). 

The options are plentiful! If you prefer your activities to be decently adventurous without a hefty dose of adrenaline, try a slower-paced sightseeing tour. Birdwatching is a good option, especially considering how many bird species live here. Or, you could embark on a guided nature walk or hike, which is a bit slower-paced than the excitement of white water rafting. 

5. Unique Ecosystems 

Last but not least, we have to add that Panama has some of the most unique ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. This is due to the fact that Panama is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, a region that stretches from southern Mexico to Panama. This region acts as a bridge between North and South America. 

It’s one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world and boasts various unique ecosystems. Since Panama houses species from both continents, it’s nearly unparalleled in its diversity. These unique features make Panama a critical area for studying biodiversity and the impact of climate change on ecosystems. 

Explore All Panama Has to Offer on a Guided Tour With Caravan

These are just a few of the many reasons to add Panama to your bucket list. Beyond exploring the rainforest, we always enjoy the rich history, delicious food, stunning beaches, and much more. So, if you ever find yourself yearning for an extraordinary and meaningful travel experience, Panama might be your next travel destination. 

If you’re ready to sightsee in the breathtaking forests of Panama, book a trip with Caravan. We offer an eight-day Panama Tropical Adventure that takes you on a journey through this stunning country. You’ll get to soak up the beauty of the rainforest, visit a tribal village, enjoy a birdwatching cruise, go on a boat ride, and much more!

The best part? You won’t have to worry about the details—we’ve planned them all for you! We plan everything from transportation to food to lodgings, so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest, knowing that the details are taken care of. Ready to book a Panama rainforest tour? Call 1-800-CARAVAN or 1 (312) 321-9800 to get started today.