Parque Internacional La Amistad or the La Amistad National Park (Wekso), located along the mountain range of Talamanca, is a biodiversity reserve whose management is shared by Panama with its bordering country of Costa Rica. The park was established in September of 1988, jointly by Panama and Costa Rica, which is why it is also called the ‘Friendship Park’. More than half of the park (around two hundred thousand hectares) falls in Panama, covering parts of the Bocas Del Toro and the Chiriqui provinces. This spectacular reserve contains seven life zones, housing numerous endangered flora and fauna species.
The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, due to its immense significance in the preservation and protection of biodiversity in America.
History
La Amistad is home to three indigenous groups, the Naso, the Bribri and the Ngobe-Bugle. The members of the Naso tribe lived in the Bocas del Toro’s mainland when Spanish explorers invaded the region in the early 16th century. The Spaniards slowly and gradually pushed the Nasos out of their homelands and they were forced to migrate to the highlands at the Costa Rican border. This led to the Nasos losing their autonomous region, unlike the other nearby tribes who continued to enjoy their independence and autonomy.
Today, there are around 3,500 Nasos living along the Rio Teribe as subsistence farmers. Although a majority of them are bilingual, don western-style clothing and practice Christianity, their contact with their ancestral elements and traditions still remain strong. Before Panama was invaded by the U.S. in 1989, Wekso was used as a survival school for training Panamanian troops in forest warfare. At that time, it was called the Pana-Jungla. Today, the Nasos has established an ecological center at Wekso for preserving their identity and earning money.
Sights and Activities
The reserve offers a plethora of activities and sights to enjoy.
Pana-Jungla
Before 1989, Wekso was used as a Jungle Warfare training center for Panamanian and International troops and was called Pana-Jungla. Although the place was dissolved in 1990, its ruins still remain all over Wekso for the tourists to see. Tourists can visit the Serpentarium, Barracks and the Mess Hall, taking notes of the armory and weaponry used at that time.
Hiking and Wildlife Watching
The La Amistad National Park is home to numerous endangered animals, most notably the Tapirs and Jaguars. Apart from these, the park houses more than ninety mammal species, out of which there are six cat species, four hundred and fifty bird species (including Quetzals and Harpy Eagles), twenty-five reptile species and thirty-two amphibian species. The reserve is very popular for its hiking trails, including both soft and challenging hikes through beautiful lush green rainforests, rendering ample opportunities for wildlife watching. The major ones include:
Sendero Panama Verde: This hiking trail, also known as El Puma, is an easy 15-minute foray into the green virgin forests.
Sendero El Retono: A relatively easier trail, 2.1 km long, renders beautiful sights, including a bamboo tunnel along with extensive birdwatching opportunities.
Sendero La Cascada: This 3.4-kilometer long trail is one of the most renowned trails in the park due to its picturesque views and good maintenance. It is a relatively arduous uphill hike, providing spectacular views of the surroundings, including mountains, forests, valleys, and a beautiful waterfall. On a clear day, one may also catch a glimpse of the Caribbean Sea.
Hiking opportunities are also available for people with an adventurous spirit. The Cerro Picacho and Vereda La Montana trails are the most famous hikes bound to render an extreme hiking experience. The more ambitious hikers can go for the 5-hour long hike into the La Amistad National Park starting from Wekso. Here, you will be exposed to rugged and uneven terrain, without any hiking trails. Tourists should hire local tour guides for the trek (available for about $30 USD) and ensure that they are self-sufficient and mentally and physically prepared for an escapade.
Places to Stay and Eat
Tourists can get permits to set up camp at the park from the ranger station. Apart from this, there are a couple of decent staying options available around La Amistad National Park.
Posada Media Luna
This beautiful crescent inn is a non-profit organization owned and managed by the Bonyik United Women’s Organization formed by indigenous women producers of Bonyik, Teribe. The hostel renders basic infrastructure and amenities, and traditional local food, although guests have to bring their own water. The staff also arranges tours of the area and nearby villages along with hiking trails of La Amistad National Park passing through Pana-Jungla and Wekso for visitors. The inn possesses a local charm and is surrounded by beautiful mountain forests.
Odesen Wekso Lodge
This lodge in Wekso is run by Odesen (Organization for the Sustainable Development of Naso Ecotourism), a Naso community organization based in Wekso. The lodge renders basic rooms offering water supply, toilets, and showers. The staff members, comprising of people from the Naso community, prepare all of the meals and also arrange guided tours to the International Park that educate about the culture and traditions of their community.
Getting There
A 45-minute boat trip from El Silencio will get you to the Naso community at Bonyik. El Silencio can be accessed easily by boarding a bus from the Changuinola Province. From there, a 6-person boat to Wekso will cost you around $70 USD. While on the boat, you will see picturesque hills covered with dense rainforest and waterfalls; the background is filled with the glorious Talamanca mountain range. After the 45-minute boat ride, you will find a board indicating your entry at Wekso. Bonyik is located on the other side, accessible by a new road.
Conclusion
This international park shared by Costa Rica and Panama is a must-visit place for ardent lovers of nature. The park is home to a very large and diverse group of flora and fauna species, including a number of endangered animal species. The hiking trails leading to the park offer beautiful views of forests and wildlife. The indigenous communities living here can teach you about the cultural and historical significance of the place. As far as meals and lodging are concerned, tourists can either camp at the park itself or select one of the two lodging options available that offer all basic amenities, as well as guided hikes and tours.
What’s Nearby?
