Darien National Park is one of the treasures of not just Panama, but of Central America itself. The park is massive and seemingly endless; it is the largest protected area in Panama. Almost ninety percent of the southern part of the border lies along the Panama-Colombia border. The park is nestled between the Serrania del Darien, a mountain range that parallels the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. The southern part of the park becomes the Los Katios National Park, which is in Colombia. The park is located in such a way that it serves as a natural bridge between the two continents, North and South America, and the park extends all the way to the Amazon.
The first visitors to the park were Europeans, and even Christopher Columbus and his crew came here in 1501 on his last voyage. Santa Maria was one of the earliest settlements here; it founded in 1510, but it became abandoned as people left for Panama City.
The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 after it underwent deforestation and timber extraction. Due to the numerous species of flora and fauna that thrive in abundance, it was declared a biosphere reserve in 1983. Almost 6000 square km of land falls under the protection of the park. It covers mountains, lowlands, and coastal lands, thus amassing a range of ecosystems. Here you can find a microcosm of nature with its endless rainforests, mangroves, wetlands, rocky beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and mountainous regions. Now you know why this park is a huge deal and a must-visit place for you.
One amazing aspect of this park is that it is still wild, raw, and artificially unchanged by humans. Wilderness still continues to thrive just like it has for thousands of years. This virgin beauty of the place is extremely rare and precious to not just Panama, but to the planet itself. This has made the park a Disneyland for botanists, zoologists, biologists, and archaeologists as well.
Precautions
Please note that it is extremely dangerous to try and navigate the park by yourself. Predators and poisonous reptiles are found in plenty in the forests and there is a good chance of losing your way. Moreover, the park is cut off from the digital world and maps aren’t going to save you. There are secure areas that are marked and guides available to accompany tourists. So make sure you are very cautious and follow the instructions that are given by the Panamanian government. Make sure you inform the Senafront, the military border forces, before you enter Darien; it might become a serious issue if you enter without permission.
Flora and Fauna
Given the flourishing natural habitats here, the park has extremely diverse wildlife. Rare and exotic species that are native to the land and rainforest systems thrive here in plenty. The countless numbers of creatures that live here add to the enchantment of this park. The Harpy Eagle, the largest eagle, is one of the most important residents here and has its home among the higher canopy layers of the lowland rainforests. Endangered species like the Central American Tapir, the brown-headed monkey, and the giant anteater continue to survive in these forests, along with species like the bush dog, white-lipped peccary, and jaguar, which are threatened. Endemic species of mammals like the Slaty Slender Mouse Opossum and Darien Pocket Opher are found here. The American Crocodile is found in plenty.
The stunning landscapes seem surreal. The Balsas and Tuira are the two major rivers that run through this area and they break off into small streams and creeks that slide amidst the lush green forest. The rivers also play an important role in granting passage to visitors. Among the mountainous regions, the Darien, Sapo, Pirre, Jurado, and Setetule have volcanic origins.
It is ranked as one of the best places in the world for birdwatching. You can find exotic and colorful species like macaw, hummingbirds, parrots, capybara, toucan, and of course, the legendary Harpy Eagle. Adding to this, endangered varieties like the Giant Curassow and the Great Green Macaw survive here.
Indigenous Tribes
The park doesn’t just stun you with its wildlife, it is home to indigenous tribes as well. These communities continue to live self-sufficiently and in a harmonious symbiotic relationship with the forests; they protect and revere the forests while it provides for them. The Darien, Kuna, Wounaan, and Embera communities live here in isolated villages, following a lifestyle that spans the length of time. You can also book visits to some of the closer villages, along with a travel guide, and observe the natives’ way of life, their dances, music, art, and traditions.
Santa Cruz de Cana
It is most commonly known as Cana and was founded by Spanish invaders in 1665 for its rich reserve of gold. The area started booming and mining was at large. The Spaniards were forced to shut the mines due to pirate attacks and they were later reopened in the 19th century by the Anglo-French, who continued to operate them till the early 20th century. Today it is one of the closest inhabited areas to the park and serves as a base for visitors who wish to explore the park.
Cana is the best place to start your nature hike and is a low valley surrounded by premontane forests. There are five main trails that lead from here into the endless wilderness. Along the way, you can spot exquisite bird species like macaws, toucans, manakins, and hummingbirds of all colors. Howler monkeys and spider monkeys, tapirs, typical reptiles of the rainforest, like the colored poisonous-dart frogs, are found here. If you take the Pirre Mountain Trail, you will be surprised to find a camp when you reach the top, which has a kitchen and basic accommodation as well. The Boca de Cupe trail is long and taxing, but you will be rewarded with captivating scenery of the forest and the beauty it holds.
Pirre Station
Pirre ANAM ranger station is located opposite the Cerro Pirre and on the banks of the river Peresenico. It has a dormitory facility but there is no electricity so make sure you carry flashlights, batteries, and power banks. Also, stock up on food as it is rare to stumble upon proper food here. Like Cana, it is a safe and great place to explore the rainforest. Several trails lead from the station, guaranteeing you a memorable and first-hand experience of the lovely creatures that reside there. You can find most of the bird species that you find in Cana, adding to which there are also plenty of woodpeckers, white-fronted sunbirds, and lemon-spectacled tanagers.
Getting There
The park is not easily accessible due to its remote location and it will be quite challenging for you to get there. If you are looking for an adventurous trip to the park, you can take a hike from Boca de Cupe, which takes 2-3 days. The easiest and fastest way is also expensive as it involves hiring a chartered plane to Cana. Another option would be to fly from Panama City to El Real and then proceed by road.
Stay and Food
The only places you can find sleeping facilities are in Cana and Pirre. However, there might not be electricity or proper food. They are very basic stays and are usually dormitories.
What’s Nearby?
