Altos de Campana National Park (Parque Nacional Altos de Campana) is Panama's oldest national park and one of the easiest for travelers to visit since it lies only a 1-hour drive west of Panama City. With several marked trails, it's a great place for hikers and naturalists of all stripes, particularly birdwatchers, who can spot a number of endangered avians, including some that have not been seen in neighboring countries in many years.

Understand

It is a large park, covering an area of 1,950 hectares.

History

The park became the first national park in Panama when it was established in 1966.

Landscape

The park consists of mostly mountainous terrain with elevations from 400 to 1,180 meters. The park has areas of volcanic rocks and sheer cliffs, products of the formation of Volcan El Valle de Antón, an extinct stratovolcano that consists of three peaks: Cerro Pajita, Cerro Gaital, and Cerro Caracora. The park includes a number of natural springs and mountain streams including the headwaters of four significant rivers: the Rio Chame, Rio Perequete, and Rio Caimito (all of which flow towards the Pacific Ocean), and the Rio Trinidad (which is part of the Panama Canal watershed).

Flora and fauna

Golden frog

Birdwatchers come to see some of the 267 avian species that have been identified in the park, especially the orange-bellied trogon. Other birds found in the park include the violet-bellied hummingbird, white-tipped sicklebill, and the bronze-tailed plumeleteer.

39 species of mammals live in the park including lots of coatis, opossums, tamarin monkeys, and sloths. 62 amphibians and 86 reptile specias live in the park including the golden frog, which is perched on the brink of extinction.

Climate

Like most lowland areas in the tropics, the climate is consistently hot and humid all year round. No matter when you visit the park, bring water, bring a hat and sunscreen and be prepared for rain because it's very likely that the clouds will open up on you at some point during the day. The best likelihood of dry, sunny weather is from mid December through April.

Get in

By car

The park is located 50 km west of Panama City. From the capital, drive southwest on the Interamerican highway (CA-1) for about 70 km until you reach the turnoff for route 808 toward Chica, where you will turn right (west). The park entrance is about 9 km from the turn-off.

By bus

From Panama City, go to the bus station at Allbrook and take a bus heading west. Get off at the town of Capira. Walk over to Lily's Chinese Restaurant where you will find mini-buses (combis). Get on one going to Chica. Tell the driver you want to get off at the Parque Nacional.

Fees and permits

The park entrance is open daily from 8:30AM to 4PM.

Get around

Hike.

Do

• Hike - Register at the ranger station before hiking into the back country. The park has several trails, including:
  • Sendero Panama - Loop trail starting from the Capira-Chica road (Carr. Capira-Chica). Other trails connect to this one.
  • Sendero La Cruz - The park's best trail is a scenic, steep, strenuous 1-hour+ hike to a mountain top with a cross marker. It passes through stretches of amazing rain forest. The trail is well marked. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for muddy areas and the occasional tough climb.
  • Sendero Podocarpus - there's a campground shaded by pine trees and some trees called walking palms, which have giant root systems
  • Sendero Zamora - short trail through dense vegetation where many tropical birds can be spotted
  • Sendero Rana Dorada - poorly marked, lightly used trail where you might spot the elusive and nearly extinct Panamanian Golden Frog.

Sleep

Camping is allowed in the park and there are a number of cabins for rent along route 808 (the road leading into the park). Several more lodging options are available on the other side of the park in the small village of Chica.

Camping

Camping is permitted only in designated campsites on the Podocarpus trail. Maps showing the locations of campsites are available at the park ranger station.

Go next

• Panama City
• Soberanía National Park