The most beautiful natural sites to discover Panama

You will certainly hear about this destination when you mention Lake Gatún, especially if you travel with your family! The tour begins with a boat ride, not far from the huge ships that ply the channel. The tropical and coastal vegetation reminds you that you are sailing in a true biodiversity sanctuary. Try to organize yourself to leave in the morning, you will have more chances to cross the howler signs and the capuchins in the fresh air! In any case, you should know that you will also meet many tourists...

There is only one beach in the village, at the tip of the island, la punta. Pleasant, with white sand and a view of the green hills of the mainland, but increasingly tiny (it is shrinking). Deserted during the week, crowded on summer weekends. A small hut offers fish dishes and cold beers. Sometimes in the evening there are indeterminate soccer matches between locals. Good level of play, barefoot and friendly jostling! There is a famous surf spot in front of the Sister Moon hotel, and you can go snorkeling in front of the Villa Ensueño hotel.

To reach the beaches on the other side of the bay, motor boats leave from a pontoon next to the customs office, or from another one near Fort Santiago, at the entrance of the village. It is possible to pitch a tent on the beaches. It is a pity that they are not always very clean. Playa Huerta or "playa primera" is the closest. Its calm waters make it a good spot for swimming and snorkeling. A little further away, the same delights at Playa Francés. Playa Blanca, a beautiful white sand beach, is much further away than the previous ones.

The Serranía Filo del Tallo is a hydrological reserve of almost 25,000 hectares, made up of a tropical rainforest and home to springs and streams that supply several villages in the area. There is a wide variety of animals, huge trees and enchanting jungle landscapes. It is recommended that you take a guide and wear boots when venturing here, especially because of the snakes. Ask the staff at MiAmbiente de Metetí for more information. The offices are located before the crossroads when coming from Panama.

More exotic sounding names, coral islands with turquoise waters, colorful fish playing hide and seek... These deserted islands are ideal for dreaming, snorkeling and relaxing. In short, if you followed us well, you know what to expect. And to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, don't forget to bring sunglasses and high factor sunscreen, as well as an old t-shirt for the long swims.

This trail, within the National Park Volcan Barú, is one of the most beautiful hikes of the region. It is 5.7 km long and has a difference in altitude of 686 m. It follows the northern flank of the volcano and connects Bajo Mono to the north of Boquete and Bajo Grande to the east of Cerro Punta. It can be done in both directions, downhill from Cerro Punta (4-5 hours walk), or uphill from Boquete (6-7 hours). The round trip takes 10 to 12 hours, it is advised to leave at daybreak, around 5-6 am. For practical reasons, many hikers only cover half of the trail (4-6 hours round trip). It is also possible to camp, with your own equipment, in the middle of the trail on a prepared area.

Cloud forests, bamboo, pastures, crystal clear rivers: the crossing is magnificent, but be aware that there is no guarantee to see quetzals! The services of a guide will help you find them and you will learn much more about the fauna and flora of the park. Good hikers on a tight budget can do without a guide, as the trail is marked.

Attention: always check the condition of the trail before any excursion. During the rainy season and especially from October to December, the trail is usually very muddy. It is frequent that rehabilitation works take place at different times of the year, depending on the weather conditions, forcing to close the trail temporarily.

Access from Boquete (uphill, from east to west). Take the road to Bajo Mono, by cab or bus (from the central park of Boquete). The national park station is in Alto Chiquero, but the trail starts 2.2 km from there, and is accessed by a gravel road. The trail climbs all the way to the El Respingo station. To reach Bajo Grande, take the trail that goes down for 3 km to the road-trail leading to Cerro Punta (walk or arrange to be picked up here with a cab).

Access from Cerro Punta (downhill, from west to east). Take the road-trail toBajo Grande (past the B&B Las Orquídeas) until you see a sign describing the trail. You can get there by cab (6 US$ from Cerro Punta or Guadalupe). The rest of the way is on foot, in 45 min-1 hour (3 km), or by 4x4 cab (about 25 US$ from Cerro Punta). The beginning of the trail is in El Respingo. The first part to the mirador is the most interesting. It takes about 5 hours to reach the Alto Chiquero station. There are still 6 km to reach the center of Boquete (possibility of catching a bus or a cab on the road).

This trail of the park of the Amistad does not present difficulties. It goes up towards Bocas on the cordillera. You will cross first the pastures, then the primary and secondary forest to reach the summit with view on the Pacific and the Caribbean. Most hikers turn back at this point (about 5 hours round trip) but you can continue to the sea. In this case, go with a guide (4-5 days one way). You will find lodging in indigenous villages along the way, which adds a cultural dimension to this hike.

The El Cowboy site is a nice walk for bird watching and lagartos (little crocodiles).

The Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Park was created in 1994 to protect 14,740 hectares of marine meadows, coral reefs and mangroves, and all the ecosystems that result from them. It is part of a vast marine biological corridor, where humpback whales, orcas, sea turtles and large pelagic fish such as tuna and white tip sharks pass through. About 10% of the park is composed by a group of islands known as the Archipelago of Las Paridas. Virgin islands covered by tropical jungle for the most part. The largest island is Isla Parida (or Isla Grande) with an area of 1,200 hectares. It is the only one, along with Paridita, that is permanently inhabited, because they have abundant water sources. A few families live there, mainly from fishing. In the surroundings, there are more than 20 wild islands: Santa Catalina, Pulgoso, Gámez, Tintorera, Obispo, Obispone, Los Pargos, Ahogado, Icacos, Corral de Piedra, Bolaños, Berraco, Bolañitos, San José, Linarte, Saíno, Sainitos, Iglesia Mayor, Carey Macho and Carey Hembra. From Boca Chica, to the left of Isla Boca Brava, you can see Isla Linarte, which marks the border of the park. While the Pacific coast offers mostly large black sand beaches, the islands of the archipelago are surrounded by white sand beaches, lined with palm trees and unspoiled tropical vegetation. With its calm waters of emerald or turquoise color, the islands of the gulf have nothing to envy to those of San Blas or Bocas. Some of them reach several tens of meters in height and offer splendid views of the archipelago. You can even see the mountains to the north and its imposing volcano Barú.

In these protected islands, between tropical forests and mangroves, you can find a very rich wildlife. You can easily see caimans, green iguanas, armadillos, brightly colored frogs, or colonies of howler monkeys... The islands are also good places to observe falcons, pelicans, toucans, ibises, hummingbirds, etc. The coral reefs and the underwater meadows are the refuge of many species of fish which make the joy of the divers. Coral watching is famous in the areas of Santa Cruz (southwest of Parida) and Isla Gámez.

Between the islands, dolphins, sea turtles (Baula and Carey), manta rays and finally the majestic humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are easily seen between July and October. These ballenas jorobadas (in Spanish, Humpback Whales in English) make long migrations from Antarctica, nearly 10,000 km to reproduce and give birth in the warm waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí. The adult cetaceans measure about 15 meters and can weigh up to 50 tons! They are nicknamed the "acrobats of the sea" because they spend a lot of time on the surface of the water, showing off their pectoral fins and tails, and making impressive jumps! A spectacle not to be missed if you are on the coast at this time. Isla Parida has a bar-restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish, with patacones and a cold beer, or coconut water, but in general the islands offer few amenities to welcome tourists. So, for a successful day, don't forget: sun protection (hat, glasses, high factor creams), water, mask and snorkel, and camera.

This trail is named after the old fuel pipeline that was part of the canal's self-sufficiency plan. Known worldwide as one of the best birdwatching sites, it is an easily accessible and very popular trail. Some agencies offer mountain bike rides, but it is obviously not the best idea to be quiet and watch the birds... The observation tower on the way (for a fee) is managed by the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center.

An interpretive circular trail behind the government shack.

Properly marked, this 800-meter trail goes through the thick rainforest. You won't encounter many wild animals, they hide deeper in the forest. But the route follows the Sardinilla River and leads to a small waterfall and a clear water basin where you can swim and have a good picnic. The walk can be completed by the interpretive trail located behind the government hut, the Sendero Espiritu del bosque, 1.7 km long.

This road, once paved, was built during the construction of the canal to reach the North American farm Las Cascadas, which produced rubber, cocoa and bananas in the 1910s. It was the most important farm in the Canal Zone with some 1,200 hectares. It was bought by the state in 1915, and there was talk of building a cocoa processing unit, but the project was abandoned. Today, the "Camino de plantación" trail is almost 13 km long and leads to the Camino de Cruces (described in the park of the same name).

Declared a protected area in 1980, this park extends over 22,000 hectares in the extension of the Camino de Cruces park. It is one of the most accessible in the country but also one of the richest: 105 species of mammals, 79 reptiles and especially 525 species of birds that attract enthusiasts from around the world! The entrance to the Sendero Natural El Charco and Camino de Plantación trails is located on the edge of the Carretera Gaillard. The entrance to the Camino de Oleoducto is located a little further on, after Gamboa.

This family farm of about 40 hectares is mainly dedicated to the production of cow milk. It opens its doors to visitors to let them discover the rural way of life. The whole process of milk production is presented (the cows can even be milked or the calves given a bottle, an activity that children love) in a bucolic setting, where it is possible to ride horses. Cheese making and tasting and preparation of tortillas or carimañolas, typical of the traditional Panamanian breakfast.

In the south of the lake, half an hour by lancha from Puente Bayano, the caves of Bayano are one of the few places where you can practice speleology in Panama. Excursions are offered by agencies from Panamá City, but you can also contract the transport-guide service directly on site. The program includes exploration of the Río Tigre canyon, before entering the caves with beautiful shiny or translucent rock formations, home to bats. Underground path of about 40 minutes before arriving at a beautiful natural pool.

Capuchin Father Pablo Kasuboski is an American religious who has lived in Panama since the late 1980s. He has created trails in this tropical forest, which is very rich in birds. In addition to the conservation of the primary forest, he has built three aqueducts with the communities that cross the mountains to provide running water to the inhabitants of the region. The main trailhead is about 1 km from the house, and goes to a small lagoon.

This beautiful garden is home to a large collection of heliconias, palms, ornamental plants, spices and fruits in the heart of a lush jungle. A nursery allows the planting of new species each year and floral arrangements are created for special events. Lin and Dave's 25 hectares of land are home to many insects, reptiles, birds, monkeys and even sloths.

This is by far the most beautiful beach in Isla Colón for swimming. The starfish are just a few meters from the shore! Signs remind you not to touch them or take them out of the water because they might die. Several straw huts serve freshly caught fish and lobsters before your very eyes. On weekends and vacations, many Panamanian families also come to relax here. The atmosphere is then more noisy and animated!

The Cerro Cariguana (914 m) takes its name from the shape of the "iguana head" (cara de iguana) that you can guess up there, with a little imagination. A moderate hike, with a nice path where you can admire bromeliads and orchids, and sometimes see toucans and sloths. At the top, a beautiful view of the crater and the surrounding mountains. To the north: Las Tres Marías, Pajita, Gaital and Caracoral, and to the west, the India Dormida. From El Valle, you have to leave from Calle Millonarios, not far from Pozos Termales. The road becomes a track. You can get closer to the beginning of the trail by car (taxis are available for about 3 US$ one way). The beginning of the trail is well indicated. On foot from the village, count 3 hours for the complete loop (8-9 km), a little less for the return trip (6 km). The loop can be shorter or longer: either you go down the La Pita path (first descent) or the El Macano path, the second and longer descent. A guidebook is not necessary, and you can find the route on the Wikiloc application. Be careful on the ridges, it can be very windy in summer. It is recommended, especially in winter, to leave early in the morning to get down before the afternoon storms. Take good shoes, a windbreaker or rain cape, enough water (there is none at all on the route), a cap and sun cream (no shade), and a headlamp, in case you leave a bit late.

There are two options on this trail. A rather difficult one-day round trip, or the 4-5 day one-way trek that will take you to Bocas. Unlike the sendero del Pianista, the trail does not pass through indigenous villages and therefore you will not have the possibility to ask for accommodation. You will have to bring all the necessary equipment, tent, water and food. The accompaniment of a guide is indispensable because you will cross wild zones without signs

Three magnificent waterfalls, to see according to the time you have and the weather, but preferably in rainy season to enjoy the show even more. It takes about 3 hours on a steep and often muddy path, but well marked. A guide is not necessary, unless you want to learn more about the local fauna and flora. You can get there by bus from Boquete (direction Bajo Mono or Alto Quiel), or by cab (12 US$). The trail is about 15 minutes walk from where the bus or cab leaves you.

This family trail of about 2 hours round trip is the easiest of the region because the difference in altitude is not important and the hike starts at the edge of the road before entering the forest. It is announced a pretty waterfall at the end but that will depend on the season, because it seems to disappear during the Panamanian heat. Nevertheless, the stroll is pleasant and magnificent centenary trees mark the end of the circuit. You will of course observe many birds. It is not necessary to be accompanied by a guide.

Organic farm where you can buy fruits and vegetables. Small natural swimming pool. Possibility to plant his tent for two hours of volunteer work per day.

Known as one of the most beautiful diving spots of Bocas del Toro, Cayo Coral is part of the organized tours from Bocas, sometimes combined on the day with Cayos Zapatillas. It is also possible to stop for lunch in one of the local restaurants. Here, the coral is dead but fishes are abundant. The spot called "garden" with soft coral is also popular for snorkeling, with many colors but less fish. This makes it an ideal exploration site, especially for families with children.

The two small islands of Cayo Zapatilla 1 and Cayo Zapatilla 2 are best visited for the marine life around them (trees, hard coral and a great diversity of fish). After snorkeling, the tours take you to one of the two islands where you can walk along the path and swim on the paradisiacal and completely virgin beaches with crystal clear waters. The western island (Zapatilla Menor) is the refuge and nesting place of the green sea turtles, Baula and Carey, which scientists come to observe.

Nívida, the bat cave, is accessible from Bahía Honda. There are stalactites and, as the name suggests, bats hanging from the ceiling, as well as crickets and spiders. In some places, the water can reach up to the chest. A dark and eerie place, but not dangerous. During the trip, the boat passes through the mangrove and allows to see caimans and sloths. A Ngäbe family lives nearby and welcomes visitors for a typical and very good lunch.

This mini canyon offers a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the Estí river. A very beautiful site, but to be avoided on rainy days for safety reasons (rising water), and on weekends if you fear the crowd. It is also an excellent spot for climbing, for solo crossings over the water. You may come across the young Cesar Augusto Melendez. Originally from Boquete, he is a pioneer of climbing in Panama and probably the best climber in the country.

This artificial mountain lake offers beautiful views of the river's meanders. For a quick stop by going to Boquete.

At the southeast end of Isla Pastores, Cayo Roldán is also known as Pelican Point. This private islet is reached by lancha, by a nice path in the middle of the mangrove. A short path leads to the viewpoint of the summit. About fifty sloths and iguanas have already been introduced on the 0.25 km of this piece of land. The environment could be changed soon because, like many corners of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, a plot of land with a small cabaña is for sale.

This island, which measures about 360 square meters, is also called Cayo Cisne. Underwater, beautiful corals, but do not miss to observe also and especially the sky. This rock that emerges from the water is an ideal ecosystem for the fifty or so species of birds that it hosts and especially for the endemic red-billed rabijunco, recognizable by its long and thin white tail. The caves of the island are also a stage of choice in the migration of many species ... A decor that reminds the surrealist mountains of the movie Avatar

Not far from the village quay, La Restinga is considered the island's main swimming spot. Here you can rent sun loungers and parasols for total relaxation. At the tip, the small green island of El Morro will seem more or less remote! Because at high tide, needless to say, the beach becomes much smaller, and the peninsula no longer seems connected to the mainland. At low tide, the spit of sand makes it easily accessible. The only drawback is that not everyone is used to taking their garbage with them.

It is not necessarily easy to find the access to the path because of the vegetation and the little maintenance, but you will be easily informed! It is an accessible walk because it is fast, about 30 minutes walk from the village, but the slope can be considered a bit steep, especially if you start under a bright sun. At 169 m, Cerro la Cruz (169 m) offers a beautiful view of the bay of Panamá. We repeat our recommendation to wear good shoes and to bring your sunscreen.

This walk is accessible, as it is not very steep (around 260 m). The path leads to a World War II bunker that has been converted into a viewpoint. The walk takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. Wear good shoes and don't forget to bring your own water supply. Make sure you watch your step so as not to step on the barely visible blue frogs. On the other hand, close your eyes when you come to a hillside that has been converted into a landfill site. At the summit, at 307 m, the view is unobstructed and the fresh air is invigorating!

You can contact this association to learn more about turtles life, the role of volunteers and environmental protection in Cambutal. 

A trip often combined with Coral Cay and the Zapatillas from Bocas. You can see in the morning and sunset especially countless dolphins in this bay. A beautiful show but this tower, because of the amount of boats pursuing dolphins, does not seem healthy to us for the tranquility of these charming creatures. It is possible to see elsewhere and we do not really encourage this excursion under the conditions where they are currently taking place.

It is a beach located at the very end of the island, a little more confidential and accessible by foot from Salt Creek for example for good walkers who can go there with or without a guide. It is of course possible to swim there, to practice snorkeling and, for the experienced surfers in high season, to take the waves. You will be accompanied by the pelicans that gave the name to this beach and that particularly appreciate the life in the Caribbean from the two rocky promontories that face the coast.

La Marinera was declared a nature reserve in 2010 to protect the olive ridley turtles(Lepidochelys olivacea) that can be observed between July and December. They arrive alone or in groups, sometimes between 5,000 and 10,000 turtles over 2 to 3 days! They come to lay their eggs. The baby turtles appear about 45 days later. La Marinera can be reached at low tide in about an hour, following the beach and crossing rivers. A MiAmbiente post is held by guards who take turns, it was equipped in 2021 with solar panels.

A viewpoint offering a beautiful view of the surroundings of Guadalupe and Cerro Punta. Five minutes of climb to get there. Bring strawberries to taste up there!

This 50 m deep canyon, 250 m long and 6 m wide, was formed during an eruption of the volcano 600 years ago. It bears the common name of the tapir, today in the process of extinction. The river is easily reached by a path that crosses the grounds of the hydroelectric plant, but the descent to the bottom of the canyon (using a rope or a natural slide) is not easy. It is best to go during the dry season and with a guide who will take into account the risk of flooding and provide equipment for rappelling from the bridge.

This is a day of authentic agrotourism proposed by Rolando Chamorra (Rolo), the charismatic owner of the Hacienda. This great dreamer takes us to his lands located between 1700 and 1800 m of altitude. We start with a hike through the rainforest to La Zumbona, a river with multiple waterfalls, to meet hundreds of plants and trees, birds including the quetzal, and the capuchin monkey Sapajou. The meal is prepared with the products of the farm that we will visit afterwards, with a complete tour on the coffee produced here.

The well-developed trail was inaugurated in April 2018. It is accessible by reservation, from the Hacienda Los Molinos. One descends 120 meters to the bottom of a canyon with lush tropical vegetation, to the Cochea River, where spectacular waterfalls fall. The water is cool and invigorating. The hike is quite easy (45 minutes downhill) but demanding for the ascent (around 1 hour, 1h30 depending on your physical condition).

A beautiful wild beach with twenty minutes of car from Boca Chica.

The beach is located at a quarter of an hour from the center by a pretty road which passes in the middle of the salt flats. A wild stretch of grey sand surrounded by mangroves that overlooks the bay of Parita. The water is shallow and gives way to large sandy areas at low tide. Pools have been built in a rocky area. They fill up at high tide and are accessible at low tide for a safe salt bath. Beware of the tide which rises quickly, and bring sun cream and mosquito repellent, just in case...