Rainforest Stay at The BirdHouse
Seated on the edge of the rainforest, The BirdHouse brings a new design to the former Canal Zone territory of Gamboa. This three-story house is a one-of-a-kind space, designed to respond to the natural and cultural attributes of Gamboa. We built this home with our kids in mind. Our architect, Patrick Dillion, has been featured for his work on this masterpiece. It was a beautiful place to raise a family. As our baby birds have now fled our nest, we cannot wait to share it with you.
This house features an environment-friendly design constructed in concrete and plantation teak louvered walls. The ground floor has A/C while the first and second floors do not; the oversized eaves shade the sun and the louvered walls and large screen doors direct the airflow of prevailing breezes, keeping the 1st and 2nd floors well ventilated. The open layout of the house permits an inside-outside approach to living with nature that accentuates the sounds, smells and views of the surrounding tropical forest and Panamá Canal.
BirdHouse Reviews
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"We loved staying at the Birdhouse - such an appropriate name considering the concert the birds put on every morning! Our 3 boys loved the outside space & pool & of course the 'kids realm.' Our favorite activity in Gamboa was the boat tour of the Chagres River & Gatun Lake - we saw so many animals (monkeys, sloths, crocs) & got so close to the big cargo ships going through the canal - was such a great experience!" - Elizabeth
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"This place was an absolute gem. The house is super spacious and this is the perfect place to call home, whether it's a short term or long term stay. There is air conditioning in the basement, but the house is designed in a way so you get great air circulation in the other rooms so it was super comfortable to sleep without it on the other floors. We opted to have a chef prepare and deliver our dinners which was an amazing luxury." - Samantha
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"Chimene's BirdHouse was absolutely amazing! Location in Gamboa was great. We took most of our food to cook, although we took advantage of Chimene's local recommendation when we didn't feel like cooking. The kitchen had everything you would possibly need. We loved being in nature and having the open concept to feel the breeze and be one with nature. So many great recommendations for food and activities." - Jane
The second floor features a master suite with a balcony that overlooks the interior courtyard, the pool, and views Cerro Pelado. This room was designed to take advantage of the daily path of the sun and natural site air movements to create a bedroom with wonderful light and natural ventilation. Beautiful high-end finishes are featured in the double bathroom.
The first floor has a modern open style kitchen with large marble countertops connecting to a spacious living and dining room with a 25 ft ceiling. The kitchen is well equipped and a delightful space for cooking and entertaining. The living/dining room has a family table with bench seating and end chairs for 10 and beautiful custom made couches and chairs, designed by the owner. Two large decks open off the kitchen and living area via large sliding wooden doors. When opened, there is a seamless connection between the outdoor and indoor spaces, creating both visual and physical expansiveness.
The larger deck overlooks the interior courtyard and features: built-in bench seating, a 10-meter swimming pool, a Japanese style shower house, deck furniture, and a gas grill. This is an ideal place to relax by the pool, watch hummingbirds dance around the interior courtyard and enjoy dinner with views of the tropical rainforest.
The ground floor is the only space in the house with A/C. The ground floor has three single bedrooms, each approximately 10’x12’. Each room has a built-in bureau, closet, desk and relaxation nook with views into the interior courtyard. Each room opens into a large, 20’x30’ air-conditioned space with a pool table and day beds that are great for lounging. The ground floor bathroom area has three sinks adjoining two bathrooms, one with a toilet and bathtub and the second with toilet and two showers.
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![master suite at The Birdhouse rainforest stay in Gamboa, Panamá]()
Bedroom 1 (Master with Private Bathroom)
SECOND FLOOR, 1 QUEEN BED
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![Private bathroom in master suite in Gamboa, Panamá]()
Private Bathroom (Master)
SECOND FLOOR, WITH ADJACENT WALK-IN CLOSET
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![Bedroom for rainforest stay in Gamboa at The Birdhouse]()
Bedroom 2
GROUND FLOOR, 1 QUEEN BED
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![Guest or kids bedroom at The BirdHouse in Gamboa, Panamá near rainforest]()
Bedroom 3
GROUND FLOOR, 1 DOUBLE BED
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![bedroom with A/C in Gamboa, Panamá]()
Bedroom 4
GROUND FLOOR, 1 DOUBLE BED
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![Spacious bathroom area at The BirdHouse in Gamboa, Panamá near the rainforest]()
Shared Bathroom Area
GROUND FLOOR, 2 BATHROOMS
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![Extra space for people to stay in Gamboa, Panamá]()
Additional Sleeping Areas
GROUND FLOOR, 2 SINGLE BEDS & 2 SOFA BEDS
FAQs
Is it best to get groceries before arriving in Gamboa?
Yes. Please think about food before arriving to BirdHouse. It is best to stop at a grocery on your way to Gamboa. If you are coming from Tocumen International Airport, El Rey a Las Centennial is a great place to stop to get groceries. Once you get to Gamboa, the nearest grocery store is 20 km away! There is a small connivence store that is a 7-minute walk from the house where simple staples and cold beer can be purchased during limited store hours. You may also choose to book a chef during your stay to reduce the need to grocery shop.
Will we have access to the entire home, pool and grounds?
Yes. Guests have access to the entire home, pool and grounds. Our house will be yours to enjoy as you wish. You will have complete privacy, although there is opportunity to arrange for maid and/or cook if you so desire. Our friend Karmir is an incredible chef here in Gamboa (reasonably priced). She will create a menu with your personal dietary preferences. Karmir is repeatedly praised by our guests due to her service and warmth. We ask our guests to pay staff directly as we do not take a percentage of their compensation.
Will you give more details about the bedrooms and bathrooms?
The master bedroom on the second floor has a queen bed with a beautiful view out a private balcony, its own private bathroom and a walk-in closet. On the ground floor there are three bedrooms that all open up to a shared common area. In the shared common area there are two single sofa beds and two additional single beds available. The ground floor bathroom area has three sinks adjoining two bathrooms, one with a toilet and bathtub and the second with a toilet and two showers. There is also a guest bath on the first floor.
Ready to Book?
Use our Airbnb link to book your stay through Airbnb. Or contact us directly to book your stay through us. When you choose to book directly through us we can negotiate the best price for you.
Rainforest living.
Please do not book this listing if you are afraid of nature or its creatures. Understand you are surrounded by tropical rainforest, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. You will hear howler monkeys and see many birds, agoutis, monkeys, anteaters, and if you keep your eyes peeled sloths! There are bats in Gamboa. Occasionally, one will make it into the house if we leave the doors open around dusk, but once oriented will zip outside again. We do not charge extra for bat encounters and we do not offer refunds either!
Book The BirdNest Upon Special Request
The BirdNest is a beautiful, historic Canal Zone home located adjacent to The BirdHouse in Gamboa. This is our current residence when we aren’t traveling (which we often do). We are able to share this home with you when you are looking for a minimum of a month-long stay or if you have a large group staying at The BirdHouse and need extra room for your guests. Comfortably sleeps 4 people with 2.5 baths and 3 bedrooms. Simply contact us for more information.