Lonely PlanetAug 12
7 of the best national parks in Panama
Explore the ecological wonders of Panama in the nation
Wild Caribbean beaches, ideal for snorkeling.
20 things in this story
- Parque Nacional PortobeloSightWild Caribbean beaches, ideal for snorkeling.
- Playa HuertaSightSmall bay with crystalline waters, ideal for snorkeling.
- Reef2Reef FoundationPlaceRuns a coral reforestation project at Playa Huerta.
- Puerto FrancesSightBeach with open-sea views and consistent breezes.
- Playa BlancaSightFamous beach with white sands in a protected cove.
- Venas AzulesSightNatural canal of mangroves around Isla del Padre.
- Isla del PadreSightIsland around which Venas Azules is located.
- 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.
- Volcán BarúSightChiriquí Province, PanamaHighest peak in Panama, dormant volcano with hiking trails.
- Sendero Los QuetzalesTrailChiriquí Province, PanamaOne of the best places to spot the rare resplendent quetzal.
- 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 SoberaníaSightPanama City, PanamaAccessible tropical rainforest near Panama City.
- Alto de PiedraSightSanta Fe, Panama