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⭐ Rainforest Animals Of Panama Photo Tour Highlights – May 2026

  • Jul 16
  • 3 min read

Panama in May is a very underrated place and time for wildlife photography.


I recently returned from my Rainforest Animals Of Panama photography tour with an enthusiastic group of photographers from the UK and North America, staying in two very different rainforest bases - a former US military radar tower converted into an ecolodge, and a highland lodge surrounded by cloud forest.


May marks the beginning of the rainy season in Panama, bringing fresh life to the forest. Orchids bloom, migratory birds are still passing through, and many resident species that hide away during the dry season are now displaying their bright colours and interesting breeding behaviours.


As you'll see in the following photos, these two locations really gave us a completely different perspective of Panama’s wildlife - from watching monkeys and raptors feed at eye-level in the canopy, to following creatures in the darker world of the forest floor.


One of the things that makes this tour unique is our time spent at the tower. Rather than immediately disappearing into the dark forest below, we begin by learning the rhythm of the forest at canopy level. With a 360-degree view across the trees, mornings begin with coffee on the roof, watching and listening as the rainforest wakes up around us.
One of the things that makes this tour unique is our time spent at the tower. Rather than immediately disappearing into the dark forest below, we begin by learning the rhythm of the forest at canopy level. With a 360-degree view across the trees, mornings begin with coffee on the roof, watching and listening as the rainforest wakes up around us.
Caracaras perch in nearby trees, offering rare eye-level views of raptors that are usually seen only as silhouettes passing overhead. It is a very rewarding way to see and to photograph a rainforest. By slowing down and understanding the forest first, we can then choose where to focus our efforts and create images with intention.
Caracaras perch in nearby trees, offering rare eye-level views of raptors that are usually seen only as silhouettes passing overhead. It is a very rewarding way to see and to photograph a rainforest. By slowing down and understanding the forest first, we can then choose where to focus our efforts and create images with intention.
Many birds are at their most vibrant and interesting in May, as they enter the breeding season. This creates opportunities to photograph behaviour - sucy as this tody-flycatcher gathering nesting material.
Many birds are at their most vibrant and interesting in May, as they enter the breeding season. This creates opportunities to photograph behaviour - sucy as this tody-flycatcher gathering nesting material.
"Thank you for organising such an amazing photography tour which definitely brought me a lot of memories for many years to come! I look forward to travelling with you in the near future." - Paul
Panama is a paradise for hummingbirds. During this tour we photographed more than 20 species at hummingbird feeders - from the tiny Snowy-Bellied Hummingbird (pictured above) to the Rufous Coquette.
Panama is a paradise for hummingbirds. During this tour we photographed more than 20 species at hummingbird feeders - from the tiny Snowy-Bellied Hummingbird (pictured above) to the Rufous Coquette.
Hummingbirds are fast-moving subjects, but time and patience allow us to experiment with different photographic approaches. Each day, we had dedicated photo sessions at our lodges' hummingbird feeders to experiment with shutter speeds, flight photography, backgrounds and composition.
Hummingbirds are fast-moving subjects, but time and patience allow us to experiment with different photographic approaches. Each day, we had dedicated photo sessions at our lodges' hummingbird feeders to experiment with shutter speeds, flight photography, backgrounds and composition.
Want to experience Panama for yourself? → Find out more about my Rainforest Animals Of Panama photography tour
Once we understand the key species and opportunities at canopy level, we head down into the rainforest. These photo walks are targeted rather than random. We know which species we are looking for, where they spend their time, and how best to approach them without disturbance. Pictured: Panamanian Night Monkey at roost hole.
Once we understand the key species and opportunities at canopy level, we head down into the rainforest. These photo walks are targeted rather than random. We know which species we are looking for, where they spend their time, and how best to approach them without disturbance. Pictured: Panamanian Night Monkey at roost hole.
The forest floor is one of the more challenging environments to photograph in - yet it's a place where many photo tours seem to start! Light levels are low, movement is quick, and backgrounds are often cluttered. But this is where a different kind of creativity comes in - learning how to work with shadows, atmosphere and the natural environment rather than fighting against it. It's also home to fascinating creatures such as ant-birds, which feed on army ant swarms.
The forest floor is one of the more challenging environments to photograph in - yet it's a place where many photo tours seem to start! Light levels are low, movement is quick, and backgrounds are often cluttered. But this is where a different kind of creativity comes in - learning how to work with shadows, atmosphere and the natural environment rather than fighting against it. It's also home to fascinating creatures such as ant-birds, which feed on army ant swarms.

Rather than simply capturing record shots of this shy Boat-Billed Heron, we could slow down and experiment - using leaves, branches and natural framing to create images that capture the peaceful world these birds inhabit.
Rather than simply capturing record shots of this shy Boat-Billed Heron, we could slow down and experiment - using leaves, branches and natural framing to create images that capture the peaceful world these birds inhabit.
"An extraordinary experience at the tower. The tour ran like clockwork, and Paul and the local guides were superb at spotting the wildlife as well as giving expert guidance and creative tips." - Kim
Rainforests can feel overwhelming at first. But the longer you stay with a subject, the more possibilities emerge. Sometimes the most rewarding photographs come from slowing down and making the most of a brief encounter, rather than rushing off to find the next one.
Rainforests can feel overwhelming at first. But the longer you stay with a subject, the more possibilities emerge. Sometimes the most rewarding photographs come from slowing down and making the most of a brief encounter, rather than rushing off to find the next one.

One of the highlights that guests got out of this tour is that we didn't spend time racing from one spot to the next. Instead, we stayed in carefully chosen locations, and the rainforest rewards our patient approach. We could photograph monkeys at eye level, work with hummingbirds in beautiful light, and create photos that connect with this incredible ecosystem.


A huge thank you to everyone who joined this year's Rainforest Animals of Panama tour.


Paul Alistair Collins

Want to experience Panama for yourself? Join me on the next Rainforest photography tour, where we spend time photographing its unique wildlife.→ Find out more about my Rainforest Animals Of Panama photography tour

Species Highlights: Lesser Anteater, Capybara, Kinkajou, Two-Toed Sloth, Three-Toed Sloth, Neotropical Otter. 200+ species of bird, including Trogons, Motmots, Kingfishers, Hummingbirds, Tanagers, Crested Owl.

 
 
 

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