Protected Areas in Panama

Barro Colorado Nature Monument: Panama's Conservation and Research Sanctuary

The Barro Colorado Nature Monument, nestled within the Panama Canal watershed, is one of Central America's most protected and scientifically significant tropical forest reserves. This expansive conservation area encompasses Barro Colorado Island and the surrounding tropical forests, serving as a refuge for diverse flora and fauna. At the heart of this monument, Barro Colorado Island acts as a living laboratory, supporting long-term ecological studies illuminating the complexities of rainforest dynamics, biodiversity, and conservation.

Barú Volcano National Park: Where Nature and History Converge

Barú Volcano National Park, located in the Chiriquí Province of western Panama, is home to the tallest mountain in the country, the Barú Volcano. The Barú Volcano offers breathtaking views and a unique ecological environment. The park has diverse flora and fauna, rich cultural history, and geological significance. As a popular destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts, Barú Volcano National Park provides a unique opportunity to experience Panama's natural beauty and explore one of its most iconic landmarks.

Cerro Hoya National Park: Panama’s Biodiversity Refuge

Cerro Hoya National Park, located on the southern tip of the Azuero Peninsula in Panama, is a bastion of untouched natural beauty and ecological significance. Spanning the Los Santos and Veraguas provinces, this park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, unique landscapes, and historical importance. As one of the last refuges of the peninsula's original forests, the park serves as a critical conservation area, preserving rare species of flora and fauna and offering a glimpse into Panama's past.

Chagres National Park: Guardian of the Panama Canal

Nestled in the heart of Panama, Chagres National Park is a vital ecological and cultural haven and a significant protectorate of diverse flora, fauna, and water resources. Its location near the Panama Canal highlights its crucial role in maintaining regional water quality and ensuring the canal's smooth operation. Beyond its ecological significance, the park is a living repository of Indigenous heritage and historical legacies, offering an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.

Coiba Island: A Sanctuary for Biodiversity in the Pacific

Coiba Island, located off the western coast of Panama, is a natural paradise characterized by its remarkable biodiversity and unspoiled ecosystems. As the largest island in Central America, Coiba and its surrounding National Park provide a unique refuge for numerous plant and animal species. Over the centuries, this island has evolved from an isolated haven to a feared prison colony and, finally, to a renowned conservation area and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Darién National Park: Preserving Panama's Natural and Cultural Legacy

In the southeastern corner of Panama, Darién National Park is a sprawling sanctuary in the Darién Province. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, it is one of Central America's most ecologically and culturally significant protected areas. The park boasts an exceptional variety of ecosystems and serves as a vital habitat for numerous species, including critically endangered mammals and birds. It is also a living cultural landscape, home to several indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.

La Amistad International Park: A Sanctuary of Nature and Tradition in the Talamanca Mountains

La Amistad International Park, straddling the border between Costa Rica and Panama, represents one of the most ecologically and culturally significant protected areas in the Americas. Encompassing tropical forest within the Cordillera de Talamanca, this vast park safeguards one of Central America's most extensive remaining tracts of natural forest. Known as the "La Amistad International Peace Park," it symbolizes cooperation between two nations and holds UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor: Safeguarding the Seas

The Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor is a vital marine conservation initiative encompassing several key marine protected areas across the eastern Pacific Ocean. Spanning the waters of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador, this corridor aims to preserve one of the planet's richest and most diverse marine ecosystems. The corridor serves as a blueprint for international cooperation in marine conservation.