Panama is unique in the way that natural parks are found all over the country, so there is a lot of nature you can encounter without having to travel
With high biodiversity of flora and fauna, Panama is home to more than 16 national parks despite being a small country. The best part about these parks is that you can do a variety of activities like sightseeing, hiking, encountering wildlife, biking, and much more! Discover the best parks to visit near Panama City in the following list:
This park is the first and oldest national park in Panama, located near the Panama Canal. As a result of its geological formation, it offers rich landscapes such as cliffs, volcanic tuffs, and numerous other geological manifestations. At the peak of its highest cliff, Cerro Campana, you can enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean, nearby peninsulas and islands, as well as behold beautiful scenes of sunrise and sunset. Hiking is especially popular in these areas because of its diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna.
In Altos de Campana you can find a relatively cool humid tropical climate across the land and various landforms such as valleys, steep hills, and steep slopes, perfect for camping and hiking with friends and family. Because the park’s origin is based on the protection of important water sources used by locals, you can also find many rivers and other bodies of water.
A short drive to the west of this park will lead you to a countryside town rich in history and popular tourist spots that are a must to visit. Valle de Anton is easily one of the best places to visit during the summer due to its fresh afternoons and chilly nights. Not to mention, Valle de Anton is known for its waterfalls and hiking spots such as La India Dormida,Cerro Iguana, and Cerro Gaital, providing wondrous sunrise and sunset views atthe highest peaks.
Be sure to check out this national park, connected to two other protected areas that will be discussed later. Soberanía National Park is a great hiking option for people who want to connect more with nature and runaway from their busy city lives. At only approximately 30 minutes from the city, you can get to see extremely rare birds such as the crested eagle, harpy eagle, and yellow-eared toucanets. You may also get to see the Chagres River, which runs through the middle of the park and is an important body of water to the Panama Canal.
Camino de Cruces, directly translated into Road of Crosses served as an important trading route joining the Northern and Southern Sea which allowed a cultural, social, and commercial exchange between the Americas and the European metropolis. It has since been extended to global exchange.
Camino de Cruces is a national park running parallel to the Panama Canal and sandwiched between Soberanía National Park and Metropolitan Park ,allowing the safe movement of animals crossing through the protected areas.
At this national park, you can find an abundant variety of birds, endangered species, and waterfalls, unlike its neighboring parks. The park is mostly composed of tropical forests, which are also home to other jungle wildlife, as well as wetlands, lakes, lagoons, and waterfalls.
This park can be found along the eastern shore of the Panama Canal, which includes the Camino de Cruces National Park and Soberanía National Park. It is a place of great historical importance involving aircraft assembly plants and testing sites used during WWII, where the battle against Noriega during the US invasion in 1989 also took place.
In Metropolitan Natural Park, you will find a small exhibition of insects at the entrance of the park, which leads to 4 different trails you can take to go run or hike. There are a few checkpoints as you ascend the elevation, where you will be able to observe different panoramic views of the city.
This national treasure serves as a reservoir of insect species, such as butterflies, as well as monkeys, rodents, and birds. It also serves as a water source for nearby provinces and the Panama Canal, ensuring an efficient and optimal operation.
We have previously discussed some of Panama’s national parks, the best options for a nearby hike. Now, we are going to take a look at some of the city’s public parks, where you can visit with family and friends and do a variety of activities in the heart of the city.
Cinta Costera is a land reclamation project that extends along the southern coast of Panama City. It is a walkway that starts from El Chorillo and Casco Viejo and stretches to Punta Paitilla where it runs parallel to Avenida Balboa or Balboa Avenue. The walkway consists of bike lanes and several parks at different points of the coastal beltway. It is also equipped with tennis courts, public exercise equipment, and resting points in the form of a small hut.
The Cinta Costera is always a popular place to go jog, run, dance, and play sports of all sorts. The best part of it is that there is a seemingly infinite view of the ocean, and you can take beautiful pictures of the scenery. Just wait until around the winter holidays to see displays of fairy lights and feel the Christmas spirit in Panama! Along the avenue you can also find a sand park with a built-in rope playground, offering a fun sensory experience for kids of all ages.
Urraca Park is located adjacent to the Cinta Costera and it is named after Ngäbe Amerindian chieftain or cacique Ubarragá Maniá Tigrí, who coincidentally is the father of Flor del Aire, the main character of the legend of the India Dormida Mountain. The park is named after him to honor the cacique who is remembered as a great resistance leader of Panama.
In the park, there is a basketball court, baseball court, exercise equipment, two dog parks, a play area for kids, and a relatively large space to hold any activity you’d like. The park is under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Panama, which is responsible for overseeing events held in the park and withholding order and peace within its premises.
This park is in Punta Paitilla, the famous zone of Panama’s skyscrapers. It is obscure unless you go through the residential area to the right as you exit Balboa Avenue, which runs parallel to Cinta Costera. At this site, you will be welcomed by the gorgeous ocean view, and you can access a nearby beach by crossing a dock. Paitilla park offers benches, sports courts, trails, parks, and public exercise equipment.
Often shortened to Parque Omar, or Omar Park is one of the few parks available to the public. It is the biggest park in Panama City and is a great space for a natural retreat for nearby downtown and uptown folks. Omar Park offers a lot of green, playgrounds, public gym equipment, public pool, dog parks, event areas, colorful murals, sports courts, and even stadiums to hold your events!
There is a lot you can do at Parque Omar with your friends, family, and co-workers! Since it is mostly green landscape, you can plan picnics and share with your loved ones, go on a marathon, play tennis or badminton, relax with yoga, tai chi, and Pilates classes, take your dog on their longest walk, and more!
You can find markets and local businesses at the entrance oft he park, which sits next to a skating rink free for public use. Going right past the entrance you will find the National Library Ernesto R. J. Castillero, housing a grand diversity of books and literature and offers historical exhibitions and internet computer access.
Parque Omar is a great place to sit down and study due to its great ambiance and relaxing space. In recent times, illuminations have been implemented so the park is especially beautiful during the nighttime.
The Summit Municipal Park is mainly a botanical garden and zoo that houses a variety of monkey, bird, and reptile species. At the entrance, you are greeted with a beautiful mural of Panama’s national animal, the Harpy Eagle, and colorful local business booths. The park offers a variety of amenities such as a children’s area and parks, ranches for reunions, a projection room, a small museum of dissected animals, and a kiosk to refresh yourself.
Sources
https://matadornetwork.com/es/parques-panama-con-ninos/
https://www.animist.eco/panama-national-parks
https://teacherabroad.blog/cinta-costera/
https://www.sinia.gob.pa/index.php/reservas-cientificas-categoria-ib-de-la-uicn
http://www.panamaface.com/attractions/parque-municipal-summit/
http://madaboutpanama.com/panama-sights/wildlife/metropolitan-park/
http://www.ecotourismpanama.com/national-parks/camino-cruces.htm
https://www.tourismpanama.com/nature-and-parks/national-parks/soberania-national-park/
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