Open-air design, screened doors, and a 10-meter pool bring the rainforest indoors at Bird House. This 4BR villa in Gamboa sleeps 8 near Soberania National Park and the Panama Canal.
Bird House
Bird House is designed for guests who want to experience the tropics rather than shut them out. Open the screens, feel the breeze, listen to the rain, cool off in the pool, and wake to the sounds of birds and howler monkeys.
Located in historic Gamboa, Bird House offers a peaceful setting from which to experience one of the world’s richest tropical forests in the comfort of a thoughtfully designed home.
The Space
This three-story tropical house introduces a distinctive design to the former Canal Zone territory of Gamboa. The one-of-a-kind home responds to the area’s natural and cultural character.
Its environmentally conscious construction combines concrete with plantation teak louvered walls. The ground floor is air-conditioned, while the first and second floors are not. Oversized eaves provide shade, and the louvered walls and large screened doors channel prevailing breezes to keep the upper floors well ventilated.
The open layout creates an indoor-outdoor living experience that highlights the sounds, scents, and views of the surrounding tropical forest and Panama Canal.
Second Floor
The second floor includes a master suite with a balcony overlooking the interior courtyard, swimming pool, and Cerro Pelado. Depending on the wind and the movement of the trees, the balcony also offers a partial view of the Canal.
Designed around the sun’s daily path and the site’s natural air movement, the bedroom receives abundant natural light and ventilation. The suite also features a beautifully finished double bathroom.
First Floor
The first floor features a modern, open-plan kitchen with large marble countertops that connect to a spacious living and dining area with a 25-foot ceiling.
The well-equipped kitchen is ideal for cooking and entertaining. The living and dining area includes:
- A family table with bench seating and end chairs for 10 guests
- Custom-made couches and chairs designed by the owner
- Two large decks accessible through wide sliding wooden doors
When the doors are open, the indoor and outdoor areas flow together, creating a seamless sense of visual and physical space.
The larger deck overlooks the interior courtyard and includes:
- Built-in bench seating
- A 10-meter swimming pool
- A Japanese-style shower house
- Outdoor deck furniture
- A gas barbecue
It is a relaxing place to spend time by the pool, watch hummingbirds move through the courtyard, and enjoy meals overlooking the tropical rainforest.
Ground Floor
The ground floor is the only air-conditioned area of the house. It includes three single bedrooms, each approximately 10 by 12 feet.
Every bedroom has:
- A built-in bureau
- A closet
- A desk
- A relaxation nook overlooking the interior courtyard
The bedrooms open into a spacious, 20-by-30-foot air-conditioned area with a pool table and daybeds for lounging.
The ground-floor bathroom area includes three sinks adjoining two bathrooms:
- One bathroom with a toilet and bathtub
- One bathroom with a toilet and two showers
Important Information
Gamboa is a town at the end of the road, located on the edge of Parque Nacional Soberania and Lake Gatun. The nearest grocery store is 20 kilometers away.
A small convenience store is a seven-minute walk from the house and sells basic staples and cold beer during limited opening hours. Please plan your food purchases before arriving in Bird House and Gamboa.
There are only two restaurants in Gamboa:
- One serves simple meals and requires reservations one or two days in advance.
- The other is located at the Gamboa Resort; please review its current guest reviews before dining there.
Wildlife and Nature
Please do not book this property if you are uncomfortable with nature or wildlife. The house is surrounded by tropical rainforest, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.
During your stay, you may hear howler monkeys and see:
- Birds
- Agoutis
- Monkeys
- Anteaters
- Sloths
Bats are also present in Gamboa. Occasionally, one may enter the house if doors are left open around dusk, but it will generally find its way back outside once oriented. Bat encounters do not incur an additional charge, and they are not eligible for refunds.
Guest Access and Services
Guests have access to the entire home, pool, and grounds. The house is yours to enjoy with complete privacy.
Maid service and a cook can be arranged upon request. Guests pay staff directly, as the hosts do not take a percentage of their compensation. The hosts will provide the expected payment amount for these services.
Guest reviews
4.9
· 111 reviews
4.8
Cleanliness
4.9
Accuracy
5.0
Communication
4.9
Location
4.9
Check-in
4.8
Value
What guests are saying
5
Samuel
2 months ago
We had a fabulous time at Chimene’s place. She was also a great host, providing a lot of recommendations, such as cooking catering by a local chef (Karmir) who cooked us delicious dinner meal which was really appreciated and local guide for Monkey Islands boat tour. The house was clean and we had plenty of space. It was also a surreal experience to stay inside the house while listening to the nature and birds. We highly recommend this place if you are looking to connect with the nature and enjoy beautiful surroundings!
5
Martha
3 months ago
Incredible stay, everything was perfect. A stunning jungle getaway and unique experience. Chimene was always responsive and provided super helpful local recommendations. Would 11/10 stay again!
5
Cory
5 months ago
Staying at the Bird House was a dream. If you want a true jungle immersion with all the comforts of a luxury home, this is it. The architecture is breathtaking—the open-air design on the upper levels makes you feel like you’re living in the canopy. We spent hours on the deck spotting toucans and listening to howler monkeys; it’s a birder's paradise! The amenities are top-notch. The kitchen is massive and well-equipped, perfect for group meals. After hiking nearby Pipeline Road, the private pool was the perfect place to cool off. I loved the contrast of the ground floor, which is air-conditioned and has a pool table—ideal for relaxing in the afternoon heat. Chimene is a fantastic host who provided excellent tips for navigating Gamboa. This isn't just a stay; it’s an unforgettable experience. The sounds of the rainforest at night are something I’ll never forget. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique, soul-recharging getaway!
5
Sandrine
5 months ago
The house is very beautiful, all in wood. The owner let us check in early, which was very convenient for us. Truly quiet and very large house. Plenty of space with a beautiful terrace. We enjoyed our stay. Thanks to Chimène.
5
Francoise
5 months ago
Very spacious, comfortable, high-quality house! Great Wi-Fi! We highly recommend Karmir (the cook, who is very kind) who made us delicious meals! Wonderful stay
5
Angela
6 months ago
What a cool experience to stay in this place! The architecture of this house and the interior design were fantastic. Quality all around! The kitchen has everything you need to prepare meals, but we took advantage of having Karmir (recommended) cook for us so we could relax. (And it is SO nice to have sharp knives!) And the birds were amazing. Our Merlin bird app detected more than 20 birds that we had never heard of before. We took full advantage of the pool in some very hot weather. It was very special to be in the pool during a couple of brief rain showers. I would suggest a boat trip to see the monkeys and other wildlife (we also saw a sloth) and watch the huge ships cross Gatun Lake. It was very hot while we were there, so having the lower air-conditioned area was really nice. Having the pool table down there was also super fun. And the host, Chimene, was fantastic in every way. She provided an education about the Canal and Panama in general. Thanks, Chimene!
5
Andy
7 months ago
We had a wonderful stay at the Bird House, which is very spacious and designed tastefully. The description is not kidding, this house is IN the jungle and you’re surrounded by the sounds of nature and animals. We made sure to bring plenty of groceries and took advantage of a local cook that makes delicious meals. We found it very easy to get back and forth to the city via Uber. Definitely recommended for those that appreciate nature and peace. Would absolutely stay here again.
5
Anne
7 months ago
My extended family of 8 stayed at the Birdhouse for a few days at the beginning of our Panama trip in February 2026. The house was perfect for the eight of us - three couples and two children. The kids loved the pool while the adults watched all sorts of birds from the decks of the house. The layout of the house provided a lot of spaces for privacy and quiet. It was an easy walk to the small mini market and restaurant, which was very reasonably priced and had good food considering the location. One night we had Chimene’s friend come to bring us a homemade dinner, which also was very reasonably priced and delicious. We loved the house and its surroundings. Would highly recommend to groups staying in Gamboa.
5
Shirleen
8 months ago
The Birdhouse is wonderful. The design allows you to feel in the environment with all the amenities of a modern home. The hosts answered all of our questions and provided great information a for local guide, chef, and many options to experience Gamboa and the rainforest. If you are planning a trip to Panama, head to Gamboa and stay at the Birdhouse.
Host replied
5
Jodi
8 months ago
This is one of the most beautiful, elegant, peaceful places I have visited (let alone stayed in). Thanks to Chimene's great instructions it was easy to check in (even in the dark). The neighborhood is quiet and lovely, convenient to everything in Gamboa. We like to walk, so walked to the Pipeline road trail, the Rainforest Preserve, the marina, and to the resort (Sloth rescue center). At the marina we met Fernando, who was able to take us out for a private boat tour to meet the monkeys, and to fish. (Saves you the 2 hours on the road if coming from Panama City, to spend it on the water). Chimene gave us referrals for both people and places she recommends. We sadly (most of my family ended up not being able to join) were alone most of the time, we are brainstorming how/when to return with more to celebrate with and enjoy this lovely home.
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