Canopy Tower
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.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.

Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.

Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.

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.

Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.



