Soberania National Park

Parque Nacional Soberanía

A rainforest reserve minutes from the city famous for the birdwatching along Pipeline Road and its abundant wildlife. Trails reveal monkeys, sloths, toucans and hundreds of tropical bird species.

Things to do

• Birdwatch on Pipeline Road — Walk the legendary Camino del Oleoducto at dawn to spot antbirds, trogons, motmots and hundreds of species in prime rainforest habitat.
• Climb the Rainforest Discovery Center tower — Ascend the 32-meter observation tower for canopy-level views and sightings of toucans, raptors and hummingbirds at the feeders.
• Hike the Plantation Trail — Follow this shaded forest path through former cacao and coffee groves to encounter howler monkeys, sloths and colorful frogs.
• Spot wildlife on the Camino de Cruces Trail — Trek a section of the historic colonial-era stone path where Spanish treasure once crossed the isthmus, now alive with mammals and birds.
• Boat tour on the Chagres River and Gatun Lake — Cruise the waterways bordering the park to see crocodiles, capuchin monkeys and watch massive ships transit the Panama Canal.
• Visit an Emberá indigenous village — Take a dugout canoe up the Chagres to a Emberá community for traditional dance, crafts and a riverside meal.
• Night walk for nocturnal wildlife — Join a guided evening hike to find kinkajous, night monkeys, owls and glowing-eyed creatures active after dark.

Food to try

• Sancocho de gallina — Panama's hearty chicken soup with yam, culantro and corn, a warming meal often eaten after a morning hike.
• Patacones — Twice-fried green plantain slices served crispy and salty as a classic side to nearly every Panamanian dish.
• Pescado frito with local river fish — Whole fried fish served fresh at riverside eateries near the Chagres, typically with rice and salad.
• Carimañolas — Deep-fried yuca fritters stuffed with seasoned ground meat, a popular Panamanian breakfast or snack.
• Raspao — Shaved ice topped with sweet syrups and condensed milk, a refreshing treat in the tropical heat.
• Panamanian coffee — Sip locally grown highland coffee, ideally at the Rainforest Discovery Center café between birding sessions.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive at dawn — Wildlife and birds are most active in the early morning, so aim to enter the park at or before sunrise for the best sightings.
• Hire a local guide — Experienced naturalist guides greatly improve your chances of spotting elusive animals and know the calls of hundreds of birds.
• Bring cash and check entry fees — The park charges an entrance fee collected at the ranger station, and card payment is not always available.
• Respect wildlife and pack out trash — Do not feed animals and carry out all litter, as the park is an active rainforest reserve alongside the Canal watershed.

Nearby

• Gamboa — 4 km
• Panama Canal — 5 km
• Miraflores Locks — 15 km
• Metropolitan Natural Park — 19 km