Panama Travel

More Panama National Parks

Metropolitan Natural Park: Panama City is one of the few in the world to contain a natural rain forest within its city limits. The Smithsonian Institute carries on intensive research into forest ecology here while visitors can stroll the many paths bordered by orchids and cedars. You can see over 200 bird species, mammals and reptiles in one of the country’s leading parks.

National Park Soberania: Only a 25 minute drive from Panama City, the park protects the Panama Canal basin. You’ll be able to visit the sanctuary for the Harpy Eagle as well as the legendary Oil Pipe Road, an area that captured the Audubon Society’s world record for best bird watching for 19 straight years.

National Park Charges: Only 35 minutes from Panama City is the largest park system protecting the Panama Canal Basin. You’ll be rewarded with towering mountains, steep fresh flowing waterfalls, panoramic views and jungled tropical forests. The indigenous Embera Indian communities, within the confines of the park, are open for visitors as well.

National Park Camino de Cruces: From a historic point of view this protected area represents the Spanish “road” used over 400 years ago by the Spanish crossing from one ocean to the other ... currently, it connects the Metropolitan Natural Park and the National Park Soberania.

National Park Portobelo: Rich tropical forests and colonial forts are worth exploring only a two hour drive from Panama City. Bring your scuba gear for a excellent dive off their sandy beach.

National Park Altos de Campana: Wild life -- birds, mammals, and amphibians -- abounds here only an hour’s drive from Panama City. Cooler temperatures and panoramic views further enhance your experience.

National Park Baru Volcano: Located in the Chiriqui highlands, the park lies within an extinct volcano and is a 50 minute drive from David. At Panama’s highest elevation of 3475 feet, you’ll be rewarded with views of many rare species, in particular the mythical (and elusive) Resplendent Quetzal.

National Marine Park Bastimentos Island: Pack your snorkel and scuba gear and grab a quick 55 minute flight from Panama City to experience exquisite white sand beaches and crystal clear water harboring magnificent mangroves, coral reefs, and a rich underwater sea life. Above ground, the park is a mecca for thousands of marine turtles who return every year to lay their eggs. Many species of toads and sloths provide additional eye candy.

National Park Coiba Island: Boasting the most healthy and extensive reef system in the western Pacific, Coiba is the second largest island in the American Pacific Ocean -- Vancouver is the first. Viewing major marine life is easy -- expect to see both tiger and whale sharks, speckled dolphins, orcas, even yubartas along with many exotic multicolored fish. Look landward and be eye to eye with a bright green or red macaw.

National Park Cerro Hoya: Located at the southern tip of the Azuero Peninsula, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this is the home of White Tail deer and Greco Parakeets. Situated in one of the least explored parts of Panama, access is by road from Chitre.

National Park Sarigua: Also located near Chitre (about a 45 minute drive), you’ll find archaeological discoveries here on a starkly beautiful arid section of the coast.

National Park Darien: UNESCO declared this area a Reserve of the World Biosphere. The park protects more than 1.2 million acres of virgin tropical forest. Located along the border of Colombia, more than 300 bird species are endemic including the Harpy eagle and four different kinds of macaws. Culturally rich, you’ll also find Wounaan, Embera and Kuna Indian villages. Because of occasional border problems, only travel here with an informed guide after checking with local authorities regarding recent disturbances.

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