Soberanía National Park is in Eastern Panama, 16 miles (25 km) from Panama City. The Charges River runs through the park, and the Panama Canal is nearby.

Understand

Panamaian night monkeys

History

Soberanía National Park was established in 1980. It covers 220 km².

Flora and fauna

Soberanía National Park is a popular place to see birds, and the rare Harpy Eagle is present.

Several monkey species are present in the park including the white-headed capuchin, the mantled howler, Geoffroy's tamarin, Geoffroy's spider monkey and the Panamanian night monkey. Other charismatic mammals include sloths, anteaters, coatis and agoutis.

Do

• 1 The Pipeline Trail (To get to Gamboa (the start of the trail), you can take a bus from the Albrook terminal (its stop there is located at the north-eastern end through the food court. It costs $1 one-way, but leaves only very infrequently. It is best to check for bus times in advance directly from where the bus leaves by asking bus drivers or terminal employees.). A 17-km long dirt road, mostly covered by the surrounding vegetation, gives the chance to see lots of birds and wildlife. The 1 trail head starts near the town Gamboa, close to the docks of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) port. About 2 km into the trail, you can turn left and visit the 1 Panama Rainforest Discovery Center—entrance for non-residents is $30 before 10AM ($20 after that), only 25 people admitted at a time. Access to the trail costs $5. (updated Feb 2019)
• 2 Camino de Cruces. A 9-15 km long and free trail. It runs between Río Chagres and the Rain Forest Reserve road, where in the middle you have another trail leading towards the road parallel to the Panama Canal. Either take a boat from Gamboa to the start of the trail, or a bus from Panama City to Chilibre and get of 200 m before the trail southwestern entrance—at the trail entrance there is no stopping possible. Ending up along the road parallel to the canal, hitch-hike or take a taxi. (updated Feb 2019)

Sleep