Travel Guide Parque Nacional Omar Torrijos

Omar Torrijos National Park (25,000 ha) should not be confused with Omar Park in the middle of Panamá City's urban jungle. In fact, Panamanians call it "El Copé", after the town closest to the park entrance. The park is located in the central cordillera, with highland rainforest vegetation on the Pacific side and tropical rainforest on the Caribbean side. The Calvario viewpoint on Cerro Peña Blanca (1,314 m) is one of the few places in the country where you can admire both oceans. The best time to see the Atlantic is between January and March. As for Cerro Marta (1,046 m), it was on its slopes that General Omar Torrijos' plane crashed in 1981... The national park protects numerous species of birds and mammals, including the Baird's tapir and Panama's five big cats: the jaguar, puma, ocelot, jaguarundí and margay (tiger cat). There are also many amphibians and snakes, including the dreaded spearhead, whose bite can be fatal. It is therefore advisable to walk in boots and avoid touching tree branches, where it can camouflage itself thanks to its natural hue. The interpretive trails are well-maintained, but the more adventurous can spend several days with a local guide. Ask the park rangers in Barrigón, or the MiAmbiente office in Penonomé, for practical advice and up-to-date information on hiking trails.