Lonely PlanetAug 12
7 of the best national parks in Panama
Explore the ecological wonders of Panama in the nation
One of the best places to spot the rare resplendent quetzal.
20 things in this story
- Volcán BarúSightHighest peak in Panama, dormant volcano with hiking trails.
- Sendero Los QuetzalesTrailOne of the best places to spot the rare resplendent quetzal.
- Elsewhere
- Parque Nacional CoibaSightCoiba, PanamaUNESCO World Heritage Site, excellent for snorkeling and diving.
- Parque Nacional Marino Isla BastimentosSightIsla Bastimentos, PanamaPanama's oldest marine park, safeguards Caribbean mangroves.
- Parque Nacional Santa FéNature reserveSanta Fe, PanamaVast wilderness with waterfalls and diverse species.
- Isthmian AdventuresPlaceSanta Fe, PanamaRuns a 4-hour adventure to multiple waterfalls.
- Parque Nacional Omar TorrijosSightPanama City, PanamaTranquil rainforest with waterfalls and viewpoints.
- Sendero de Las RanasTrailPanama City, PanamaEasy 2km path through humid valley with colorful frogs.
- Mirador El CalvarioSightPanama City, PanamaViewpoint offering views of both Pacific and Caribbean waters.
- El Tiffe waterfallSightPanama City, PanamaStunning waterfall accessible via multiday treks.
- Cerro MartaSightPanama City, PanamaArduous 26km round-trip trail to the summit.
- Parque Nacional PortobeloSightPortobelo, PanamaWild Caribbean beaches, ideal for snorkeling.
- Playa HuertaSightPortobelo, PanamaSmall bay with crystalline waters, ideal for snorkeling.
- Reef2Reef FoundationPlacePortobelo, PanamaRuns a coral reforestation project at Playa Huerta.
- Puerto FrancesSightPortobelo, PanamaBeach with open-sea views and consistent breezes.
- Playa BlancaSightPortobelo, PanamaFamous beach with white sands in a protected cove.
- Venas AzulesSightPortobelo, PanamaNatural canal of mangroves around Isla del Padre.
- Isla del PadreSightPortobelo, PanamaIsland around which Venas Azules is located.
- Parque Nacional SoberaníaSightPanama City, PanamaAccessible tropical rainforest near Panama City.
- Alto de PiedraSightSanta Fe, Panama