Are national parks and reserves safe in Panama?
By and large, Panama’s national parks and nature reserves are extremely safe. Larger creatures like pumas and jaguars tend to steer entirely clear of people. And monkeys, birds, and amphibians don’t pose much of a problem. There are, however, some creatures that visitors should look out for. These include spiders, scorpions, and snakes like the fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper). As a general rule, don’t wander off the trail or ruffle in piles of dried leaves. It’s also smart to watch for snakes crossing the trail.
Related Questions
- Are Panama's parks and reserves well developed?
- Where are Panama's national parks & reserves?
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- Can I expect to see wildlife in Panama?
- How much does it cost to visit a national park or reserve in Panama?
- What should I wear or bring to a national park in Panama?
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.
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.
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