Must Visit: Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)

On our trip to Panama I was hell bent of doing something in the nature. We had had numerous beach and city vacations but none where we got a chance to hike (except Hawaii) and spend time in the tranquility of nature. After much research we zero'd in on the The Metropolitan Natural Park (Parque Natural Metropolitano). It is a few minutes from downtown Panama City and easy to reach by car or taxi. And since we had rented a car for our trip it seemed like the best option.

Dry lowland Pacific forest, which is rare in Central America due to deforestation, makes up much of the park. Incredibly, the park’s forest is home to 284 types of trees and protects 254 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, 36 species of reptiles, and 14 species of amphibians. Geoffroy’s tamarins, two-toed sloths and three-toed sloths live here, and we were lucky to have spotted one of them (10:08 in video above).
The park has five trails which cover some 3 miles (5 km). The Mono Tit铆 Road ascends to the top of Cerro Cedro (Cedar’s Hill) and offers impressive views of Panama City. Sendero La Cienaguita also leads to this lookout, but is a longer and more strenuous hike. Sendero Las Caoboas has steep portions and includes an observational area that looks out over the city and bay. The other two trails, Los Mom贸tides and Roble, are short and flat.

We decided to take the Caobos Trail (much to my husband's dismay) which is 1.1 km long . It has the highest point is a natural window that allows the observation of part of Panama City and its beautiful bay area. The trail got its name due to the existence at the highest part of its route of the Sweitenia macrophylla, better known as “Caobo”. This footpath requires greater physical effort since it has pronounced slopes, but it is well worth to follow due to its exuberant flora and fauna. Reaching the top completely makes up for the strenuous hike.  Later, I learned that the existence of this extensive protected rainforest along with others, such as Chagres National Park, ensures the efficiency of the Panama Canal which requires large quantities of water for its operation, and also provides drinking water for Panama, Colon and Chorrera.
 
[Related: My previous posts on Panama] 
SHOP MY LOOK
SHOP HIS LOOK


If you are visiting Panama, and have a morning to spare, I would highly recommend making a trip to the park. There is a $4 entrance fee for visitors, which was totally worth it in my opinion. The earlier in the day you can get there the better as it does get hot and sweaty. Apply mosquito repellent prior to entering. Nonetheless, it is a great pace to experience the nature in Panama City.
PIN THIS