What to do and see in Panama, Panama: The Best Nature & Parks

November 13, 2021 Nicolette Lion

Coordinates: 9°N 80°W / 9°N 80°W / 9; -80
Restaurants in Panama

1. Volcan Baru National Park

Boquete Panama +507 6624-0577 http://www.boqueteoutdooradventures.com/volcanbaru.html
Excellent
61%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 415 reviews

Volcan Baru National Park

Panama's highest peak and only volcano at 3,478 meters offers sweeping ocean views and spectacular cloud forests from its summit.

Reviewed By shelleyr31

Put on your long johns and expect the craziest bumpiest ride of your life. Young and dummers. Sunrise beautiful. Got a cheese sandwich and coffe for breakfast. It hit the spot. Certainly no warm breakfast. Guide was best in the country!!

2. Chagres National Park

Carretera Madden, Colon Panama
Excellent
58%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Chagres National Park

Located on the eastern side of the Panama Canal, this 300,000-acre park features the Chagres River and Lake Alajuela, which are popular spots for camping, rafting, fishing and other water sports.

Reviewed By M2445ITdavids - Honolulu, United States

I have a great tip for those heading to the main boat tour embarkation point at Gamboa Public Dock at Muelle Publico Gamboa, to get there you pust drive thru a beautiful tropical Rain Forrest preserve "Soberania National Park" once there you can Bargain for a good group Rate if you have enough people. choose a boat drivin by the younger local guys on the far left hand side Tell them you want to see the monkies, crocodiles, and to the local Embra tribes Village and all by Boat! Have Fun !

3. Isla Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina 0352 Panama
Excellent
56%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Isla Santa Catalina

Due to its world-class wave action, this beach is a popular spot for experienced surfers.

4. Monkey Island

Gatun Lake, Panama City Panama +507 390-2322
Excellent
63%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 613 reviews

Monkey Island

Located in Lake Gatun, this island gets its name for the white-faced monkeys that inhabit it.

Reviewed By O9772BOrobertc - Los Angeles, United States

We traveled with John from Panama Day Trips on their Lake Gatun Eco Tour. We began with a fresh morning on Lake Gatun motoring along next to giant container ships as they made their way across Panama. John was knowledgeable about the animals which were occupying the little man-made islands and it was a treat to see the Tamarin monkeys come out of the trees to have a look at us. Cynthia at Panama Day Trips office was so helpful in setting up our transportation. Truly a must see for a trip to Panama!

5. Coiba Island National Park

Isla de Coiba Panama +507 998-4271 http://www.coibanationalpark.com
Excellent
73%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 177 reviews

Coiba Island National Park

Reviewed By 800tomb - Salida, United States

A small island just northeast and of the coast of Coiba Island and part of Coiba Island National Park is Granito de Oro. A small wonderful soft white sandy beach awaits you. The waters are warm, calm and very clear making our snorkel adventure fantastic, teaming with plentiful species of fish, turtles and white tip sharks. For this trip, this place was by far the best snorkeling encountered. Since the water was so calm I even gave paddle boarding a go (with some success). A very idealistic beach for all activities. Highly recommended if you are in the area.

6. Sendero Los Quetzales (The Quetzales Trail)

Boquete Panama
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 292 reviews

Sendero Los Quetzales (The Quetzales Trail)

Trail is open

Reviewed By ChristianL3343

So this is definitely not a 'family' hike (ie - small children, older folks, or anyone not in good shape). That said, it is spectacular... the first portion of the hike is along a dirt road, down from the parking/pay area at the end of the road (Yellow building). It starts off with a downhill section, part of which is steep (white sandbags filling in ruts). Once you get towards end of this road, the trail truly begins off to the left. First part of the trail is pretty nice. Yes, it's rocky! If you have hiking shoes/boots with ankle support, those would be gerat. that said, I saw two people with flip-flops on yesterday?!? Minor creek crossing. basically a gradual climb. We saw two absolutely stunning colorful Quetzales and a three-warble Bell bird (also stunning, and loud!) A good turn around spot for those who dont want a big challenge is when you get to the "stairs". If you are feeling strong, and adventurous... do the stair climb and head up to the Rock look out. These are basically steep, stair-master climbs... there are two, with a little side-trek between them. There is a break area. The views once you get up to the Rock "Molino?" look out is fantastic. This is where we chilled out, had a picnic, and then turned around. This took us about 6 hours, going at a moderate pace. You could certainly do it faster. I would recommend this lovely jungle hike, in dry season (or not after any rain) for the sure-footed, and able-bodied. It's challenging but rewarding! Hope that review helps....

7. San Blas Islands

Panama City Panama
Excellent
71%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,130 reviews

San Blas Islands

Reviewed By jackhammer73 - Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Israel

It’s a group of islands in the north of Panama, each one is unique and beautiful, operated by the local Indians. Great beaches, crystal clear water and good atmosphere. Extremely recommended

8. Isla Bolanos

Panama
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Isla Bolanos

9. Panama Rainforest Discovery Center

Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Gamboa 0801 Panama +507 6450-6632 [email protected] http://www.pipelineroad.org
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 222 reviews

Panama Rainforest Discovery Center

The Panamá Rainforest Discovery Center is the main project of the Fundación Avifauna Eugene Eisenmann, non-profit environmental organization for the conservation of birds in Panama. Our objective is to protect the tropical rainforest throught sustainable tourism.We offer bird feeders, a 32 meters observation tower, 2 kilometers of trails, gift sotre and educational programs for students.Most of the staff of the Panamá Rainforest Discovery Center are from neighbouring communities. They are incorporated into the center after going through a training and selection program.

Reviewed By jungleboywonder - New York City, United States

This was my forth time back to the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center in 9 years. This place is awesome. Always a good experience. If you never been hear i recommend a tour in order to see more.. If not, you will miss animals right in front of you. I go without a guide because I like to photograph animals which takes more time than a simple tour can offer. It's also a relaxing hobby of mine. I do rent a car for flexibility and tip when possible to give back ton the locals. I love Wildlife Photography. No picture is ever planned, but captured in the blink of an eye. No zoo.. Nothing is in cages. So you have to be patient, study where the animals live, what country, which jungle, when is the best season, what trees they eat from, decide which camera lenses to take, then just wait with equipment positioned for them to come close enough to you (a cell phone alone will not cut it!!). Thank God for whatever you see and photograph ????from that point. Enjoy God willing, I will be back in May 2021.

10. The Sleeping Indian Girl

Calle La India, El Valle de Anton 1001 Panama
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 299 reviews

The Sleeping Indian Girl

Reviewed By kristendef98

Wow!! View at the top was absolutely stunning. The trail is actually a loop, but we hiked out the way we came up. Beware that locals hang out around the entrance to the hike and ask you to pay them a few bucks to "look out after your car."

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.