Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo
The Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo is a worthy side trip while visiting the Panama Canal or Soberanía National Park. Created in 1923, the gardens and zoo (which is actually more of a wildlife rescue center) host a fine selection of plants and animals.
The gardens were originally created by the Panama Canal Company in the early 20th century to study tropical plants, but operations were taken over by the Panamanian government in 1985. Today the gardens house some 4,000 plants, representing over 350 species. There are wide, paved walkways winding through the gardens and small signs identifying plant species. The arboretum has a good collection of trees, including palms, teak, mahogany, and cannonball trees.
The zoo at Summit Gardens is actually a wildlife rescue center. The animals are a mixture of wild and domestic rescues that are unable to return to the wilderness. They include tapirs, anteaters, monkeys, caiman, jaguars, and exotic birds. Some of the cages, however, are small and old, which can be depressing.
There is a large and impressive harpy eagle compound. The harpy eagle is the most powerful bird of prey in the world and can grow up to a meter long. The bird is indigenous to Panama, but is endangered. It is hoped that the birds will reproduce in captivity.
Summit Gardens have food, souvenirs, and even a small playground for children. It’s a nice place to explore for an hour or two while visiting the nearby area.
Where to stay in Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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