With almost 55,000 acres (22,258 hectares) of forest to explore, Soberanía National Park offers a wealth of outdoor adventures in the Panama City region. Head to the Rainforest Discovery Center to spot wildlife from an observation tower. Or, walk the Pipeline Road or Las Cruces Trail (Camino de Cruces), once used by the Spaniards to transport merchandise and treasure from South America.
Day trips to the park from Panama City often include a guided hike through the forest. Many tours combine a park visit with stops at other attractions, such as Monkey Island or an indigenous village.
Plan to spend at least three hours exploring Soberanía National Park.
Park visitors need a hiking permit, which is included with most guided tours or available at the administrative office.
The park is about a 30-minute drive from Panama City, at the intersection of Avenida Gaillard and the entrance of Gamboa. The easiest way to get there is by car or as part of a guided tour with included transportation.
Visit the park between December and March, when rain is least likely to disrupt your plans. Early morning is the best time to see wildlife, particularly birds.
Urban Panama City makes a surprisingly good base for outdoor activities, within Soberanía National Park and beyond. Aquatics take center stage in the San Blas Islands on the Caribbean coast. A network of limestone caves and formations around Bayano Lake sets the scene for a day of canyoneering, while Gatun Lake (part of the Panama Canal) is a popular kayaking destination.