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Owing to its peculiar geographical location, Panama teems with millions of plant and animal species not found elsewhere on earth. The protection of these natural resources is important in Panama, and almost 30% of the country has been set aside for conservation purposes. |
Panama has numerous forest reserves, many of them national parks; in fact there are over 14 National Parks in Panama encompassing rainforest, jungles, mountain ranges, marine areas, beaches and desert landscapes, which cover around 22% of the surface area of the country.
Country Inn Dorado Panama City
Located close to the railway station, the Country Inn Dorado Panama City is 5 kilometers from the city centre and 20 kilometers from the airport.
The hotel offers air-conditioned guest rooms that are comfortable and well furnished with all the amenities.The on-site restaurant serves delicious cuisine in a refreshing atmosphere.
Some magnificent beaches, that also a part of this park, are also within walking distance from the town of Bocas. The National Park is home a large variety of wildlife including the white faced and Titi monkeys, sloths and red poison dart frogs.
The eastern side of the Bastimentos Island is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the spectacular landscape with large rock faces, stretches of long beaches, coves and inlets is quite awe inspiring.
Several beaches provide ample space for boat landings; however most of the beaches cannot be accessed due to rough seas and rocky shoreline. Between August and October, the water conditions are the calmest and most suitable to access this portion of the island.
Among the many beaches, the Red Frog Beach is quite popular. The name has been due to small, red poison dart frogs that inhabit the area. These frogs, probably found in this area only, are quite abundant and make a rather loud sound throughout the day. You can access this beach through the Magic Bay, located on the opposite side of the island on the western side. A 5-minutes walk along a well-defined trail will bring you to this beach.
You can access the other beaches through hiking and exploring these proves to be quite an adventure. The southern most beaches can only be accessed through a walk along the beach or along a narrow trail that runs parallel and just off the beach. There are no trails that lead to the interior of the island so getting there may get you wet.
The island's western side is lined with dense, lush mangroves and enjoys calmer and shallower water. The Crawl Cay or Zapatilla Cay are situated on the southern portion of the island and can be reached through the western side of the island.
Metropolitan Natural Park
The Metropolitan Natural Park, situated near Panama City, encompasses around 265 hectares of natural forest, most of which is dry lowland Pacific forest.
The Metropolitan Park shelters plants and animals threatened by extinction and also serve as an ideal laboratory for tropical research, often used by local universities and the Smithsonian Institute.
The Metropolitan Natural Park is home to several plant and animal species like the monkeys, iguanas, deer, and numerous bird species.
The park has three well-maintained main trails that help you explore this park. The longer and most popular trail, Sendero Cienequita, starts from near the administration office. It passes through the forest lined with dense vegetation, and takes on a dirt road namely the Titi Monkey Road.
There are two levels provided from where the surroundings can be viewed, with the highest point requiring a short climb up a staircase. Both these vantage points have a resting place and also offer a description of what you shall be able to view. The remaining part of the park is at an elevation of 150 meters above sea level and you can view the Panama City, the Bay, and the Panama Canal, and also the Port of Balboa and Miraflores Locks from here.
Another trail begins just across the street from the administrative office called Sendero Momotides, which is a much shorter trail. This relatively flat, oval trail can be completed in around one hour.
The park is open from 6:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
T 232-5552, E-mail: pnmetrop@sinfo.net
