Hi,

Any thoughts on one vs. the other? Also, is Gamboa too "Disney-esque" or do the pros outweigh any cons?

Thanks in advance

Gamboa isn't Disney-esque at all, I don't think - it would depend on how long you wanted to stay there as it's a bit out of the way from the city etc. The aerial tram is great especially if you can get on it early in the morning. The other displays aren't too over-the-top and the setting in the middle of the rain forest on the banks of the Chagres River is spectacular. For 2 or 3 days it's probably enough.

The Canopy Tower is a place really dedicated to bird watching and for walks in the forest along trails. Again, 2 or 3 days would be enough unless you are avid birdwatchers.

Both are close to each other and close to other trails (nature and birds) such as the Pipeline Road.

Cheers,
Andrew

Hi there, Can someone tell me if it is safe to go birdwatching alone in the early morning on the Pipeline Road? Thank you!

That's the best time of day to walk the Pipeline if you're looking for birds and/or animals.
I haven't heard of anything happening there in the 7 years I've lived here and depending on the day, time of year, you might not be alone as it's a very popular spot.
Cheers,
Andrew

Andrew, thanks for the feedback. It is much appreciated.

Thanks again

I was trying to decide this very thing as well and decided to stay at Gamboa Rainforest Resort since it is a bit more upscale, but I wanted to see the Canopy Tower too (I am a birdwatcher) so I booked a day trip through them directly. Best of both worlds that way.

If it weren't for my husband wanting to stay at "luxury" hotels I would have gone with the Canopy Tower as they are really nice, helpful, and the Tower is smack dab in the middle of the rainforest so if you are into bird/animal watching, it can't be beat. Plus the prices are more reasonable and the guides are much better. To the contrary, I never even got a response from the Gamboa Rainforest Resort when I asked them some questions about their day trips and reservations despite repeated tries, and I had to go through a travel agent. I hope that is not indicative of the service I will receive upon arrival. I don't think so as many others have commented that it is a great place to stay.


Good luck!

Joni

To Joni, although I am sure that you have already gone and come back, my husband and are are just about to travel down to Gamboa Rainforest and I know that it did take a while to finally get responses to e-mails that I sent to the tour desk and reservations desk. However, once I did start getting responses, there was a constant communication back and forth with great information and lots of help. Tripadvisor had great comments and reviews on Gamboa. If you have returned from Gamboa I would be most interested in your views of the resort as well.
Thanks