Lonely PlanetAug 12, 2026
7 of the best national parks in Panama
Explore the ecological wonders of Panama in the nation
20 things in this story
- Parque Nacional Santa FéNature reserveVast wilderness with waterfalls and diverse species.
- Isthmian AdventuresPlaceRuns a 4-hour adventure to multiple waterfalls.
- Alto de PiedraSight
- 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 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.