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.