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Description
The Canopy Tower, located on the banks of the Panama Canal, was originally built in 1965 by the U.S. Army as a radar station amidst the vast lowland rainforest. It served to protect the Panama Canal from 1965 until the early 1990s. When the tower was abandoned in the mid-1990s, Panamanian and nature enthusiast Raul Arias de Para stumbled upon the metal structure and immediately recognized its potential as a premier birdwatching retreat. Surrounded by the rainforest of Soberania National Park, the Canopy Tower stands atop the highest hill in the region.
An observation deck surrounds the top of the tower, and birdwatchers from around the world come to enjoy the spectacular views of the vast rainforest. Twelve rooms are strategically placed on the floors below, each offering stunning views of the middle and lower tree canopy. The third-floor lounge and dining area, at canopy height, offers the opportunity to spot beautiful wildlife, including birds, mammals, lizards and more, right outside the windows.
Details
Access
Canopy Tower is located in Soberanía National Park, 56 kilometers north of Panama City. Without a reservation, it is not possible to visit the tower. The original entrance gate is still in use. The road to the tower is a steep paved road. Along this road, there are several birdwatching opportunities. Next to the tower is a hummingbird feeder, which can also be followed on the website's live feed. For more info on rooms and reservations see the link to the website below.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Plateau , Mountain , ParkConditions
MountainousCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
StrenuousAccessible by
Car , FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
At dawn on the observation deck, dozens of species can be seen at eye level as they forage in the canopy. Keel-billed Toucan, Golden-hooded Tanager, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Black-breasted Puffbird, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Blue Cotinga, Scaled Pigeon, Mealy Parrot, Red-lored Parrot, Short-tailed Hawk, Gray-headed Kite, Tiny Hawk, Collared Forest-Falcon, Red-capped Manakin, Thick-billed Euphonia, Palm Tanager, White-shouldered Tanager, Slate-colored Grosbeak, King Vulture, Black Hawk-Eagle. At the hummingbird feeders, White-necked Jacobin, White-vented Plumeleteer, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Long-billed Hermit and Blue-chested Hummingbirds are common.
Mammals are also commonly seen, including Mantled Howler, Geoffroy’s Tamarin, Brown-throated Three-toed and Hoffmann’s Two-toed sloths, and after dark, Kinkajou, Olingo and Panamanian Night Monkey are regularly seen. Green Iguanas are common visitors to the treetops just outside the dining room windows.