Travel Guide Parque Nacional Chagres

Straddling the provinces of Panamá and Colón, Chagres National Park protects almost 130,000 hectares of tropical forest and is home to a rich biodiversity, with many endemic species. The park is crossed by the Río Chagres and encompasses the whole of Lake Alajuela, formed by the Madden dam. Its topography is varied, with altitudes ranging from 60 metres to 1,007 metres (Cerro Jefe). The famous Camino Real crosses the park in the Boquerón sector. Many tourists travel to the Río Chagres to visit the Emberá and Wounaan communities, who have developed ecotourism projects that are now making a living. Others are located further north, on the shores of Lake Gatun. Contacts can be made either directly or through Panamanian agencies who organize tours in collaboration with the communities.