National Parks of Panama

Although most people know just how beautiful Panama is, not that many realize that this part of Central America is full of national parks, which are not just your normal parks but rainforests that are unbelievably beautiful with tens of thousands of plants, thousands of bird species, an abundant of wildlife, and more.  In fact, many of the rainforests in Panama are so rich of flora and fauna that they are considered some of the most beautiful in the world. 

In all, 14 national parks are located within the country of Panama that collectively cover, almost 1.4 million hectares or 22% of the country’s surface.  If you want to experience some of the most, unique and wonderful national parks around the globe, then you should think about taking a trip to Panama.  We have listed each of the 14 national parks, as well as provided you with a peak into what makes each so special. 

·        Altos de Campana National Park – This park is located about an hour drive from Panama City and is actually the first to be legally established.  Stretched out over 4,186 hectares, the park is famous for the “Golden Frog.”  In addition, two watersheds can be found in the park – the Chagres River basin that is a catch system for the great Panama Canal and second, the Sajalices River that flows into the Pacific Ocean.  You will find picturesque cliffs covered with magnificent flora and fauna. 

·        Amistad National Park – The name Amistad translates to “Friendship”, which is great for this particular national park in that it is shared by Panama and Cost Rica.  The entrance of the park is at Cerro Punta, which has both airport and car facilities.  This park is primarily mountains but it has diverse life.  Covering more than 200,000 hectares, this is the largest national park in Panama. 

·        Bastimentos Island National Marine Park – If you love to scuba dive and snorkel, this is the best part to visit while in Panama.  You will be amazed at the marine life within the park.  For example, there are more than 200 species of fish to include manatee. 

·        Cerro Hoya National Park – This park can be found in the southwest corner of the Azuero Peninsula.  Sitting on more than 32,000 hectares, you will find over 30 endemic plant species and a good population of wildlife.  People who visit here agree that it is very quiet and tranquil. 

·        Coiba Island National Park – Of all coastal islands, this is the largest, covering 270,125 hectares.  At one time, Coiba Island was the home to a maximum-security prison but today, it is a vast expanse of lowland with brilliantly colored Macaws and other magnificent life form.  You can reach this park by boat and even use the accommodations provided.  Once there, you will agree that the scenery scene in this park is breathtaking. 

·        Chagres National Park – This park is a little different from the others in that its main function is to work as a hydrographic basin for the Panama Canal.  In fact, about 80% of all the water needed for the operation of the Canal along with Panama City’s drinking water comes from this watershed.  Nestled on 129,000 hectares, there is great whitewater rafting, hiking, and more. 

·        Darien National Park – This national rainforest is the largest with an area of 579,000 hectares.  Today, you will find three specific ethnic groups to include the Kuna, Embera, and Waunana.  You will find a lot of diversity, part of the island being mountainous, part river, and part land.  The bird and wildlife are incredibly beautiful to include Macaws, he Harpy eagle, tapirs, parrots, and more. 

·        El Cope National Park – Encompassing approximately 6,000 hectares, this national park is smaller but offers protection for the hydrographic basins of the Marta and Bermejo Rivers. 

·        Las Cruces Trail National Park – On the way to Spain, the Incan Empire crossed over this trail.  Also considered a smaller park at 4,000 hectares, it is alive with the two and three-toed sloths, howler monkey, and other endangered species. 

·        Metropolitan Nature Park – Located just 15 minutes from downtown Panama, this is just a small, 265-hectare park.  Even so, the vegetation is beautiful and green and the perfect location for people to learn about the environment.  There are trails for hiking and spectacular view of the city, the Las Cruces Trail National Park, and the Port of Balboa. 

·        Portobelo National Park – This 34,846-hectare park is known for the protection it provides to the coral reefs.  During the colonial times, Portobelo National Park was used to store both silver and gold from South America.  Today, you can scuba dive while there to explore the Salmedena Reef, Three Sisters, Playa Blance, and Drake’s Island. 

·        Sarigua National Park – Called “Panama’s Desert”, this park has an abundance of cacti and beautiful wind-blown sand.  With 8,000 hectares of devastation, the vegetation is stressed but even so, the area interesting.  Experts believe this par to be around 11,000 years old, based on fragmented pieces of pottery and shell mounds. 

·        Soberania National Park – Very close to Panama City, this park has two primary features – the El Charco interpretive trail and the Pipeline Road.  For the hiking enthusiast, this is a haven where there are howler monkeys, butterflies, toucans, trogons, and other fascinating life form. 

·        Volcan Baru National Park – Located just over 3,400 feet above sea level, this national park is at the highest point in Panama.  The scenery is magnificent and if you want to stay overnight, there are great hotel accommodations.