Fodor's Expert Review Canopy Tower

Carretera Gamboa, 25 km (15 miles) northwest of Panama City, , 0801, Panama

Occupying a former U.S. Army radar tower deep in the rain forest of Soberanía National Park, this lodge caters almost exclusively to serious bird-watchers and natural history enthusiasts. Rooms are small and basic, with cement floors, painted metal walls, ceiling fans, and tiny bathrooms, but they have big windows with views of the lower canopy. Suites are roomier, with hammocks and decent-size bathrooms. Guests tend to spend most of their time in the forest, or in the fourth floor dining room/lounge/natural-history library, which has walls of windows that let you look right into the forest canopy. The view from the rooftop deck, just above the treetops, is even more impressive. Three meals per day and one nature tour are included in the price. Additional tours are available for purchase. The minimum stay is three days.

PROS

  • constant exposure to nature
  • excellent guides
  • good food
  • sustainable practices

CONS

  • basic rooms
  • lots of stairs
  • expensive

QUICK FACTS

B&B/Inn
GreenViews
Quiet
Basic
$$$$

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 507-264–5720 | 800-930–3397-in the U.S.

HOTEL DETAILS

10 rooms, 2 suites
Rate Includes: All meals