Panama National Parks

Natural Metropolitan Park
Located within the limits of Panama City, this protected tropical forest is the site where the Smithsonian Institute carries out scientific research on the ecology of the forest canopy. Here you can walk through marked paths, surrounded by orchids and cedar trees and see more than 200 different species of birds, mammals and reptiles.

National Park Soberanía
Just 25 minutes from Panama City, this park protects the Panama Canal basin. Within the limits of the Park Soberanía, you find the only aviary in the world for the Harpy eagle. The Oil Pipeline Road (Camino del Oleoducto) has the honor of maintaining the Audubon Society world record for the number of birds spotted for 19 consecutive years.

National Park Chagres
The largest park protecting the Panama Canal Basin. Just 35 minutes from Panama City, here you can enjoy mountainous terrain with majestic waterfalls, panoramic views and exuberant tropical forests, rich in tropical flora and fauna species.

National Park Camino de Cruces
Recently protected, the park serves as a biological corridor between the Metropolitan Natural Park and the National Park Soberanía. Here, you can appreciate an important part of the "Transisthmic" road used more than 400 years ago by the Spaniards. The park's name is derived from Panama's colonial past.

National Park Portobelo
The park's lush tropical forests and cultural riches are just 2 hours from Panama City by way of the Isthmus. Explore colonial fortifications through paths in the forest or practice diving in the Caribbean Sea. You might even discover lost treasures.

National Park Altos de Campana
The entrance to this park is one hour west of Panama City along the Pan American Highway. From here you can appreciate panoramic views, enjoy cool temperatures and explore accessible paths full of wildlife activity.

International Park La Amistad
Administered jointly by the park authorities of Panama and Costa Rica, this park keeps intact one of the oldest highland tropical forests in Central America. Many endemic bird, mammal and amphibious species inhabit this forest.

National Park Barú Volcano
The Barú Volcano is located in the highlands of Chiriqui, one hour and 50 minutes by plane from Panama. This is the highest elevation in the country - 3,475 mts above sea level. The resplendent and evasive quetzal bird, among other rare species, can be seen here.

Marine National Park Bastimento Island
Panama's first marine park. A diving and snorkeling paradise. Coral reefs, great mangrove extensions, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters abound. Every year thousands of sea turtles return instinctively to the beach to lay their eggs. The island is also home to many toad and sloth species.

National Park Coiba Island
The jewel of the Pacific. The second island in size in the American Pacific Ocean, surpassed only by Vancouver, Canada. Explore the most extensive coral reef in this area of the Pacific. Abundant sea life, including different species of whales and colorful fish, give way to exciting tropical forests that are home to spectacular species, such as the red and green macaw.

National Park Cerro Hoya
This park is located on the southern end of the Azuero Peninsula, with a view to the Pacific Ocean. This is one of the least explored regions in the country. White Tail Deer and Greco Parakeets are common here. This area is accessible by road from Chitré.

National Park Sarigua
This is an arid coastal region located to the west of the Azuero Peninsula. It is the result of continuous salt water floods that have occurred since the Isthmus emerged from the ocean thousands of years ago. The archeological discoveries are quite an attraction. The park is located some 45 minutes from Chitré.

National Park Darién
Declared by UNESCO as a Reserve of the World Biosphere, the park protects an area of more than 1.2 million acres of virgin tropical forests along the border with Colombia. More than 300 bird species, including the Harpy eagle, four species of macaw and many endemic species, make this territory a favorite of bird watchers the world over. Rich in culture, Darién is the land of the Emberá, Wounaan and Kuna Indians.

Natural Reserve Punta Patiño
This is the only protected area in the country that is private property, under the administration of ANCON, the main non-profit environmental preservation organization. This area was rescued from the axes of woodcutters a decade ago and now serves as a sanctuary for thousands of flora and fauna species that are found in its complex marine ecosystems, tropical forests and swamps.

Natural Monument Barro Colorado
Located in Lake Gatún, in the Panama Canal, this island's tropical forest has been studied more than any other forest in the world. Managed by the Smithsonian Institute, this is a natural laboratory where important scientific discoveries take place every day. Soldier Ant colonies, Spider Monkey families, Peccary packs and birds and butterflies are the main attractions that are found in its paths.

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