Panama Nature

It's time for you to discover one of the best features of a visit in Panama...Nature. Set between an ocean and a sea and divided by three mountain ranges, Panama’s environment is varied and vivid. Panama's nature tours encompass an impressive variety of terrain, including dense rainforests in Gamboa, the intricate mangroves of Isla Popa, and an extinct volcano in Barú Volcano National Park — outside of Boquete.

As the crossroads between South America and Central America, Panama is a meeting point for migratory and resident animal species. You can search for wildlife in the forests or around coral reefs, and get a good sampling of Panama's natural wonders in the country's national parks. The following destinations offer up the best opportunity to experience the bounty of Panama's nature.

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Boquete

The small town of Boquete sits in the highlands of Panama’s Chiriquí province, snugly fitted into a lush valley and surrounded by towering mountains, gushing streams, and abundant coffee farms. Though once a sleepy mountain town forgotten by time, Boquete is beginning to see more and more tourists these days, and for good reason – its natural beauty is astounding and its range of activities spectacular. Panama’s only volcano, Volcán Barú, lies only 9 km away, providing visitors with excellent hiking, nature viewing, and camping. Boquete’s other attractions include white-water rafting, canopy tours, hot springs, botanical gardens, and more.

El Valle de Anton

Nestled into the valley of an extinct volcano, El Valle is a pleasant highland town in central Panama. Its 600 meters above sea level make it much cooler than the lowlands, and its wide range of activities – including canopy tours, hot springs, and a bustling Sunday market – attract both Panamanians and foreigners alike.

Isla Boca Brava

Isla Boca Brava is a small island located in Panama’s Golfo de Chiriquí. The Golfo is also home to Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí, a national marine park that covers 14,740 hectares and protects 25 islands and 19 coral reefs. Although Boca Brava is the best jumping-off point for adventures into the marine park, the 3000-hectare island has its own unspoiled natural gems for guests to explore. There are numerous trails, accessible beaches, and an abundance of wildlife. Additionally, there are several pleasant accommodations situated on the island.

Isla Popa

Popa Island is the second-largest islands in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, located just south of Bastimentos Islands. From the northern side of the island, it takes just 30 minutes to reach the town of Bocas del Toro by boat. Popa Island is also a jumping off point for tours around the archipelago. This is one of the most well-developed towns in the archipelago, and has a nice selection of restaurants and cafes.

Gamboa

Lying along the banks of the Panama Canal halfway across the isthmus, Gamboa is about a 45-minute drive from Panama City. With an abundance of natural beauty and an incredibly close distance to Panama City, this area is simply a must for anyone passing through the capital.

Portobelo

Portobelo lies along Panama’s Caribbean coast to the east of Colón in an area known as Costa Arriba. During the Spanish colonial era, Portobelo was an important port town where goods and treasure from the Americas where shipped to Europe. These days the town is impoverished and widely unattractive. Its saving grace, however, lies in the crumbling ruins scattered inside and outside of town. There are also several decent places to scuba dive and snorkel along its coast.

Volcán

The small town of Volcán is located in Panama’s western highlands along the west side of the Barú Volcano. The town itself is unremarkable but is close to several of the region’s best outdoor areas.

Piñas Bay

Piñas Bay (Bahía de Piñas) is set along Panama’s southern Pacific coast in the Darién Province, some 56 kilometers (35 miles) from the border with Colombia. Piñas Bay is Panama’s most incredible fishing spot—more than 200 deep-sea fishing world records have been set here, more than anywhere else on Earth. The area is also naturally beautiful and interesting culturally, so even non-fishers will find it a pleasant place to visit.

San Cristobal Island

San Cristóbal Island is often overlooked by tourists but its rich marine wildlife and well preserved Indian villages make it a worth the trip if you have the time.

Isla San José

Isla San José is a large private island in Panama’s Pearl Islands. At 16 square miles (44 sq. km), Isla San José is the second-largest island in the archipelago. It’s 55 miles from the coast of Panama and very secluded.