Panama is a natural and cultural crossroads. The isthmus of Panama is a sliver of land that bridges North and South America, with the magnificent Panama Canal connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Panama’s lush rainforests are rich in biodiversity with more species than any other New World countries north of Colombia. Jungles are homes to jaguars, monkeys, tropical birds, caimans, crocodiles, and numerous exotic creatures. Visitors can hike through jungles, raft white water, snorkel Caribbean coral reefs, ride horseback, and view rainforest wildlife and flora.

About 25% of Panama’s land is set aside for conservation. Panama has 11 national parks and more than 24 other protected areas including natural monuments, refuges, and biological reserves. Two of Panama’s parks, La Amistad International Park and Darién National Park, are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Also, many of Panama’s indigenous and mestizo villages are located in and near the national parks, oftentimes helping to protect and maintain these natural resources.

The parks highlighted on this website focus on the four national parks located in the Panama Canal Watershed area.

Practical Information

The Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente, or ANAM, is the environmental agency that manages Panama’s national parks system. National park entrance fees are US$3 and marine parks charge US$10. Camping permits cost between US$5-10. Fees and permits can be paid for at the ANAM headquarters in Panama City at Building 804, Albrook District, Ancon, phone 507-315-0855; at a regional ANAM office; or at an ANAM ranger station in the park.