Panama Nature

Boquete’s environment offers fertile soil for flowers, oranges, and coffee. Visit gardens like El Explorador and Mi Jardin es Su Jardin. Every year, Boquete celebrates its agriculture at the Feria de las Flores y El Café Go birdwatching on the trail called El Sendero de los Quetzales, named for the quetzals that live in the lush forest. It’s one of the prettiest trails in the area, and leads to the lovely mountain town of Caldera. For a more intense hike, consider ascending to the top of Barú Volcano.

El Valle de Anton is a pretty town in the highlands, surrounded by an abundance of beautiful natural attractions. There are plenty of places for you to explore the agriculture and scenery that make El Valle such a special place. You can get to some of the best views of the area from the top of La India Dormida — its name translates to “Sleeping Indian Girl” and is said to resemble a woman in repose. If you’d rather stick to less challenging paths, you can explore gentle trails on the rolling hills outside of town. On farms in the area, you can observe some of the delicate orchids that thrive in this part of the world. You’ll also see flowers growing along the town’s streets. You might take a dip in the plunge pool of Chorro El Macho Waterfall, wade into the waters of the La Villa River, or go for a swim in the warm, thermal waters of Los Pozos Termales. Visitors can find ecolodges and spas that make the most of the stunning natural surroundings. You can find lodges that specialize in birdwatching, with patios that overlook the tangle of treetops.

Even though it’s less than an hour from Panama City, Gamboa puts you right in the middle of several natural attractions. Venture to the west to see Barro Colorado Island, and to the east to see Soberanía National Park. Parque Nacional Soberanía is the most densely forested area along the Panama Canal. The park’s Pipeline Road offers some of the area’s best bird watching, and you can explore the treetops on a canopy tour on an aerial tram. Toucans and trogons are some of the most eye-catching species in the area. The Río Chagres flows through the park — its banks dotted with traditional villages of indigenous peoples. Barro Colorado has a stunning variety of plants and animals, including five different species of monkey. Guided hikes of the area introduce you to some of the most stunning natural attractions. Guests can find places to stay that put you in the midst of beautiful scenery. Lodges and B&Bs offer both pretty views and easy access to the nearby natural attractions. These accommodations have their own slices of nature, and a boutique feel that's miles away from chain hotels.