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.
The Soberanía National Park stretches from Limón to Lago Gatún. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Panama City, which makes it an easy place to day trip to from the capital.
The park has good hiking trails and tons of wildlife. It protects some 525 species of birds, 105 species of mammals, 80 species of reptiles, and 55 species of amphibians. Bird species include toucans, trogons, motmots, flycatchers, woodpeckers, hawks, and tanagers. Rare species include the crimson-bellied woodpecker, crested eagle, yellow-eared toucanets, sirystes, rofous-ventaul, ground cuckoo, and even the endangered harpy eagle.
Pipeline Road is the top place to spot birds within the park. This trail is best during the early morning hours when the forest begins to awaken. Pipeline Road runs for many miles and passes through both old-growth and secondary forests. Other than birds, hikers may be able to spot capybaras (the world’s largest rodent), two- and three-toed sloths, Geoffroy’s tamarin, and coatimundis.
A mile (1.6 km) in from the entrance to Pipeline Road is the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, which boasts a 100-foot (30-m) observation tower. The tower is a fantastic place to spot birds in the morning. Do note, however, that there is an entrance fee.
Visitors to Soberanía can also walk along a section of the historic Las Cruces Trail (Camino de Cruces). The trail dates back to the 16th century, when it was used by the Spanish to transport gold across Panama. Today, the first section of the trail is lined with ancient stones that once marked the historic trail’s path.
Where to stay in Soberania National Park
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Soberania National Park accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
Boat tours, kayaking, and ziplining all launch directly from the grounds of Gamboa Rainforest Reserve. Set beside a lake in Colon, the 166-room hotel sits in Panama's natural interior while keeping canal landmarks within easy driving distance.
Holiday Inn at Panama Canal
Miraflores Locks sit ten minutes by car from Holiday Inn at Panama Canal, a 137-room hotel built in a rural pocket of Panama City, Panama. The setting keeps the property close to the waterway while separating it from the central urban core.
The Saba Hotel
The Saba Hotel is a small, cheerful hotel in Panama City’s El Cangrejo neighborhood. The hotel has an upbeat aesthetic and comfortable accommodations.
Hampton by Hilton
Staying at Hampton by Hilton hotel you’ll get to be in the midst of busy downtown Panama City. This hotel offers a good spread of amenities in addition to clean, comfortable rooms.
Crowne Plaza Panama
Three minutes on foot from Via Espana, Crowne Plaza Panama holds 149 rooms in the urban center of Panama City, Panama. The hotel sits near local casinos, major commercial avenues, and waterfront parks.
Wyndham Garden
Wyndham Garden is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Panama City. The hotel is polished and professional. Its ample amenities and convenient location make it perfect for both business and vacation travelers.
Panama Marriott Hotel
The Panama Marriott Hotel is an elegant hotel in Panama City. Set within the financial district, this hotel has high-class rooms and wonderful facilities.
Bristol Panama
Bristol Panama is located in downtown Panama City. This modern hotel has comfortable rooms and awesome facilities, including a swimming pool, restaurant and spa.
Le Meridien
Stepping outside Le Meridien brings the waterfront promenade of Cinta Costera into view 0.2 kilometers away. The 111-room hotel sits just off Avenida Balboa in Panama City, Panama, within a short walk of Uruguay Street and Calle 50. The property operates on a card-only basis and does not take cash.
Intercontinental Miramar Panama
Guests at Intercontinental Miramar Panama can step from the grounds directly onto the Cinta Costera promenade. The 186-room hotel sits centrally in Panama City, Panama, placing coastal pathways and urban avenues side by side.
Radisson Panama Canal
Located near the entry of the Panama Canal, the Radisson Panama Canal is a comfortable hotel with unbeatable views. It has pleasant accommodations and a stellar location near the Causeway.
Las Clementinas
Las Clementinas is a small boutique hotel located in Panama City’s Casco Viejo neighborhood. Set within a beautifully restored apartment building from the 1930s, Las Clementinas has a classic European feel. The suites are spacious and come with a nice range of amenities.
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