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Metropolitan Natural Park

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Forest
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Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)

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The Metropolitan Natural Park (Parque Natural Metropolitano) in Panama City was officially established in 1985 and covers an area of approximately 232 hectares. It is recognized as the only tropical rainforest located within the city limits of a Latin American capital, serving as a vital 'green lung' for the metropolis. The park directly borders the Panama Canal and features panoramic views from its lookout points, such as Cerro Cedro, encompassing both the city's skyscrapers and the Miraflores Locks. Biodiversity is remarkable, with over 280 bird species and 45 mammal species documented here, including the rare Geoffroy's tamarin (Mono Tití). Well-maintained hiking trails like the 'Camino del Mono Tití' wind through secondary forests, allowing for the observation of sloths, iguanas, and coatis in their natural habitat. The park also functions as a key educational center for environmental issues and is a primary research site for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272728282827272727272727
Rain mm20918107245253204220245260248108

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access to this forested area in Panama is usually through official entry points. Most visitors arrive by robust vehicles from surrounding towns.
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Best season
The best time to visit is during the drier months when paths are accessible. Heavy rain often brings muddy trails and dense vegetation.
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Terrain & paths
The natural landscape features unpaved paths that can be uneven or partially overgrown. Explorers should anticipate mixed ground conditions.
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What to bring
Sturdy walking shoes, protective clothing, and rain gear are highly recommended. Always carry insect repellent, sun protection, and water.
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Parking
Parking spots or drop-off zones are generally found near the main entrance gates. Further exploration usually continues strictly on foot.
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Safety
Visitors are explicitly advised to stay on designated trails and follow all park rules. Extreme caution around local wildlife is required.
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Time needed
A standard visit usually ranges from a few immersive hours to a full day of deep exploration. Most interested travelers spend at least a half-day. The experience is highly memorable and enriching.

Geography

Coordinates
8.99000, -79.54000

Facts

  • Only tropical urban forest in a Latin American capital.
  • Officially established on July 5, 1985.
  • Home to the endemic Geoffroy's tamarin (Mono Tití).
  • Provides views of the Panama Canal's Miraflores Locks.
  • The 'Camino de Cruces' trail is part of a historic route.
  • Documented presence of over 280 different bird species.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Edificio HatilloEdificio Hatillo<1 km · WExplore →
National Zoo of PanamaNational Zoo of Panama2 km · SEExplore →
Parque UrracáParque Urracá2 km · NExplore →
Panama Canal Administration BuildingPanama Canal Administration Building2 km · SExplore →
Estadio Rod CarewEstadio Rod Carew2 km · NEExplore →
Torre PanamáTorre Panamá3 km · NExplore →
PSA Panama International TerminalPSA Panama International Terminal4 km · SExplore →
Historical Cemetery of TabogaHistorical Cemetery of Taboga4 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Metropolitan Natural Park (2)

Curundú📍 landmark

Neighborhood in Panama City, adjacent to the Metropolitan Natural Park.

Estadio Javier Cruz📍 landmark

Football stadium in Panama City, hosting local matches.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the park suitable for families with children?
Yes, there are well-maintained trails and observation points that are easy to reach.
What animals can be seen?
Sloths, monkeys, various bird species, and butterflies are frequently observed.
Is a guide required in the nature park?
No, you can easily explore the marked trails on your own.
When is the park open?
The park is typically open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Are hiking boots needed?
Comfortable shoes with good grip are recommended as the trails can sometimes be slippery.
Metropolitan Natural Park: where is it located?
Metropolitan Natural Park is located in Panama.
Metropolitan Natural Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Curundú, Estadio Javier Cruz.
Metropolitan Natural Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Metropolitan Natural Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Metropolitan Natural Park (Parque Natural Metropolitano) in Panama City was officially established in 1985 and covers an area of approximately 232 hectares.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Chilibre — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Chilibre
A large district in the north of Panama City.
Las Garzas, Panama — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Las Garzas, Panama
A district in the east of Panama City, near Pacora.
Balboa — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Balboa
A historic district at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal.
San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)
A pristine archipelago of over 360 islands, managed by the indigenous Guna people, featuring postcard-perfect beaches.

History & landmarks

Edificio Hatillo — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Edificio Hatillo
A significant municipal government building.
Palace of Justice — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Palace of Justice
Seat of the Supreme Court of Panama.
Palacio Municipal — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Palacio Municipal
The City Hall of Panama City in Casco Viejo.
National Theatre of Panama — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
National Theatre of Panama
The country's most important opera and theatre building.
Palacio de las Garzas — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Palacio de las Garzas
The official residence of the President of Panama.
Iglesia de San José — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Iglesia de San José
A church in Casco Viejo, famous for its golden altar.
Vasco Núñez de Balboa Statue — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Vasco Núñez de Balboa Statue
A statue honoring the discoverer of the Pacific.
Panama Handicraft Center — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Panama Handicraft Center
A place for traditional Panamanian crafts.

More places

Iglesia de Santa Ana — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Iglesia de Santa Ana
Historic church in the Santa Ana neighborhood of Panama City.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama
The most important cathedral in Panama City, built over several decades.
Casa Ayora — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Casa Ayora
An important historic residential building in Panama City.
Fuerte San José — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Fuerte San José
One of the historic defensive systems that once protected the bay of Panama.
Museum of Colonial Religious Art — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Museum of Colonial Religious Art
Houses works of art from the Spanish colonial period in Panama.
Ruins of the Santo Domingo Convent — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Ruins of the Santo Domingo Convent
Remains of the Dominican convent in Casco Viejo, Panama City.
Arco Chato — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Arco Chato
A famous flat brick arch in the ruins of the Santo Domingo convent.
Interoceanic Canal Museum — Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama)
Interoceanic Canal Museum
Important museum in Casco Viejo about the history of the Panama Canal.