National Parks of Panama
PanamaPanama’s 76 protected areas cover close to two million hectares (5 million acres) of the country, some 25 percent of Panama’s total landmass. Many of these areas are part of the national park system, which includes 13 national and marine parks, and one international park. Panama’s first national park, Parque Nacional Altos de Campana , was created in 1966 and all other parks have been established since then.
Panama Highlights
A curated look at the best Panama has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Park
The Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park spreads across 36,423-acres (14,740-hectares) off the Pacific coast of Panama. Founded in 1994, this marine park protects islands, reefs, mangroves, and all kinds of marine and terrestrial wildlife. It’s a great place to snorkel, scuba dive, fish, or simply lounge along a secluded island beach.
Explore DestinationCoiba National Park
Panama’s Coiba National Park is incredible and exotic. Set along the Pacific coast near the Gulf of Chiriquí, this massive park protects the country’s largest island and some of the most biologically rich waters in Central America. For this reason alone, it’s a favorite among scuba divers and snorkelers.
Explore DestinationBaru Volcano National Park
Set just outside the town of Boquete in Panama’s western highlands, the Barú Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Barú) is large and impressive. The park contains Panama’s only volcano, highest peak, and several scenic (albeit rugged) hiking trails. Birders are especially fond of the park, as it offers the chance to spot one of Central America’s most elusive birds, the resplendent quetzal.
Explore DestinationAltos de Campana National Park
Altos de Campana is Panama’s oldest national park. Established in 1966, this 4,817-acre (1,950-ha) park is a good place to spot orange-bellied trogons and other avian species. It’s a short drive from Panama City and an easy stop-off point along the Interamerican Highway.
Explore DestinationCanas Island Wildlife Refuge
The Cañas Island Wildlife Refuge is Panama’s most important nesting site for sea turtles along the Pacific coast. The island is visited by five species of sea turtles, including the olive ridley, Pacififc green, loggerhead, leatherback, and hawksbill. The refuge is set to the south of Pedasi on the Azuero Peninsula and is somewhat difficult to reach.
Explore DestinationFeatured Panama Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Panama itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
Canal, Beach, & Nature = Family Fun
This vacation, do a little of everything when you explore the city, forest, and beach on this awesome family getaway to Panama. Nature and knowledge await you.
Our Adventure-Loving Trip
We have always lived by the beach, so we were more interested in the city, history, culture, food, and non-beach related outdoor activities for this trip. We were ready for adventure, and Boquete in Panama had it all!
A 'Friend-Ship' Sails to Panama
From wild nights in Panama city to beaches and brews in Bocas del Toro, awesome adventures and amazing memories are waiting for you and your friends in Panama.
A 'Best Of' Panama Family Adventure
This family adventure is a trip to paradise complete with magical forests, stunning beaches, marine wildlife, vibrant cities, and memories waiting to be made. Welcome to Panama.
We Had the Ultimate Adventure
I recommend Anywhere.com all the time. Loved the destinations and experiences we had in Panama. Panama is a hidden gem.
Family Road Trip and Island Adventure
Planning a family trip for twelve is not easy, but thanks to Anywhere.com, we got to experience the full flavor of Panama. Panama City is a wonderful destination, and we made some lasting memories.
A Birding Journey in The Tropics
Grab your binoculars and your guidebook! You're about to check a variety of beautiful birds off of your list in the rainforests and cloud forests of Panama.
We Explored All of Panama
Still needs some road repair, but overall progress is being made rapidly.
Our Excellent Journey
You did an excellent job planning and monitoring our trip. Thank you.
No Joke. We Did it All!
We spent almost 23 days exploring all over — from Panama City to Isla Carenero, Boquete, Boca Chica, Santa Catalina...we did it all.
Panama: A Soulmate's Journey
Reconnect with the person you love the most when you go on an amazing adventure –– from cosmopolitan cities, to cloud forests, and an island beach, see all of Panama.
A Beautiful Vacation Beyond Our Expectations
It was a beautiful vacation.
City, Beach, and Mountain Road Trip
From Panama City, Playa Blanca, and Boquete, to El Valle de Anton, we experience all the different terrains of Panama. We had a great time and look forward to exploring more of Central America.
An Unforgettable City & Island Escape
Panama is a lovely country. We thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing pace and the beautiful environment of Isla Bastimentos. This tropical getaway is just what we needed in our busy schedule.
More National Parks of Panama
There's always more to discover in Panama. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these destinations are worth adding to your itinerary.
Iguana Island Wildlife Refuge
Isla Iguana is a small island off the eastern coast of the Azuero Peninsula. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1981, Isla Iguana protects marine birds, tropical fish, and a large coral reef. It’s a short boat ride from Pedasi and is a pleasant place to visit for the day.
Cerro Hoya National Park
Created in 1984, this 32,557-hectare (80,450-acre) national park contains some of the last remaining primary forest on the Azuero Peninsula. Until recently, the park was extremely difficult to reach and only explored by intrepid travelers. However, new improvements to the road system along the eastern coast of the Azuero have made this fantastic park much more accessible.
Fortuna Forest Reserve
The 58,185-acre (19,500-hectare) Fortuna Forest Reserve is one of the most extensive mid-elevation cloud forests in Central America. Set within Panama’s western highlands, the reserve protects over 1,000 plant species and has some of the best bird watching in the country.
La Amistad International Park
The massive, 1,005,719-acre (407,00-hectare) La Amistad International Park lies along the Talamanca range in northwestern Panama. The park, which is home to an important array terrestrial species, spreads into Costa Rica and is jointly protected by both countries. La Amistad was established in 1988 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990.
Omar Torrijos National Park
Known to most Panamanians simply as El Copé, The Omar Torrijos National Park extends along both the Pacific and Caribbean slopes of the Continental Divide in central Panama. The park is somewhat difficult to reach, but has well preserved forests and wildlife, partially due to its remote location.
Pirre Station
Pirre Station is an ANAM ranger station in the Darién National Park and one of the few places that visitors can access the Darién. Pirre Station has lush primary forests and some of Panama’s best birding. Its remote location, however, means that it’s tough to get here and is only for adventurous travelers. The lodging is extremely basic.
Barro Colorado
Established in 1923, the Barro Colorado Nature Monument (BCNM) is located in the middle of the Panama Canal and is the largest forested area in the Panama Canal waterway. Barro Colorado Island (BCI), together with five adjoining mainland peninsulas, forms the 5,400-hectare nature monument. Administered by the Smithsonian since 1946, Barro Colorado is home to one of the most famous biological research facilities in the world. Not surprisingly, the island’s flora and fauna have been more thoroughly studied then any other neo-tropical area of comparable size on Earth.
Punta Patino Nature Reserve
The Punta Patiño Nature Reserve is the largest private reserve in Panama. Set along the Darién’s Pacific coast, Punta Patiño spreads across 74,132 acres (30,000 hectares) and includes huge swaths of primary and secondary forest. It has well-developed trails, great biodiversity, and sees very few visitors.
Cenegon del Mangle Wildlife Refuge
The 776-hecatre (1,917-acre) Cenegón del Mangle Wildlife Refuge is located on the Azuero Peninsula near Chitré. The refuge helps protect an elaborate mangrove system, as well as critters like herons and caiman.
Chagres National Park
Established in 1985, the Chagres National Park covers some 319,000 acres (129,000 ha) of land near the Panama Canal. The park protects Alajuela Lake and the Chagres River basin, which is an important source of water for Panama City and Colón.
Metropolitan Natural Park
The Metropolitan Natural Park is a 573-acre (232-ha) park set squarely in the heart of Panama City. Despite its urban location, this park has good hiking trails and an impressive amount of wildlife.
Darién National Park
The Darién National Park is Panama’s largest and wildest park. Set upon the eastern edge of the isthmus along the border with Colombia, this park protects Panama’s most rugged outdoor areas. The forest is virgin and home to an incredible array of plant and animal species. The two best places to visit the park are Santa Cruz de Cana and Pirre Station. It should be noted, however, that this park is extremely remote and sometimes deemed dangerous (due to guerillas) by the Panamanian government.
Sarigua National Park
The Sarigua National Park is a sad example of deforestation in the tropics. This 20,000-acre (8,000-ha) national park is set 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Chitré. It was once the site of an ancient civilization, but these days is little more than a desert wasteland.
Soberania National Park
The Soberanía National Park is one of Panama’s finest birding sites. Its 55,000 acres (22,000 ha) extend along the shores of the Panama Canal and protect a bounty of important species. The park is a short drive from Panama City and as such is the country’s most accessible tropical forest.
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
