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Canopy Tower

  • Aerial view of Canopy Tower
  • Canopy Tower external view
  • Canopy tower bird watching
  • Canopy tower reception area
  • Canopy tower library
  • PAN_SoberaníaNationalPark_Canopy tower internal room
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One of Panama’s top birding venues, the Canopy Tower is perched on top of Semaphore Hill in the heart of Soberanía National Park.

This is also one of Central America’s most unusual places to stay. Situated at an altitude of 300m, the one-time US Air Force Cold War radar tower overlooks the rainforest canopy, the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal and the skyline of Panama City, just an hour away. Built in 1963, it finally became a lodge in 1999.

There are a dozen guest rooms arranged on the first and second floors of the circular construction, each clean and comfortable and some with private bathroom. There is also spacious dining area and well-stocked library. Our favourite feature is its excellent open air observation deck on the top floor, just above the canopy line; this is where guests convene in the early morning to enjoy the views and listen to the sounds of the forest as the new day dawns.

As well as the birding that is offered onsite from the observation deck, each day there are morning and afternoon excursions to some of central Panama’s premier birding locations.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Most memorable experience: “Tranquillo bay was a cut above everything else.   Staying on Waidup (near Isla Tigre) was also special.”

    MH, Chiswick Dec 2013
  • Because of my interest in shipping, the Panama Canal partial transit was fascinating. 

    JB Apr 2012
  • Most Memorable Moment?: Too hard to choose one. Panama Canal Transit was a lifelong ambition.

    NA, London Mar 2017
  • "Bocas del Toro was great fun and frivolous and a great journey there by boat."

    GS, Bushey Jun 2013
  • Highlights: “Locks on the Panama canal and Panamax vessels up close.”

    MC, Fulham Nov 2012
  • Top experiences in Panama - going through the canal and exploring Panama City and surrounding area. I was surprised to find that Panama is not just the Canal Zone!

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Our Expert's Opinion

Juliet
Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

Papagaio

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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Steve Yates
    Steve Yates - Travel Expert

    Steve has travelled extensively over the years, experiencing destinations in many different ways. From backpacking through basic hostels, hitchhiking and taking overnight buses, to enjoying stays in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and lodges, he has developed a deep appreciation for every style of travel

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Rosie profile
    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Charlotte
    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

  • Sallly
    Sally Watkins - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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