The perfect stop for nature lovers is here at the heart of the Talamanca Mountain Range. Established jointly by Panama and Costa Rica in 1988, the enormous Parque Internacional La Amistad (PILA) lies at the northwestern borders of Panama and extends to Costa Rica. With more than half of its area in Panama, this park covers both the Bocas del Toro and Chiriquí Province, where the three percent that resides in Chiriquí is more accessible. In 1990, UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage Site, keeping in mind its universal significance in conserving the biodiversity in Panama and the American continent.
Though some of the higher points are difficult to reach, this is a worthy trek that will bring you closer to nature. As examined by UNESCO, the park provides habitat to a wide variety of prominent terrestrial species, and as such, offers you a chance to see them.
The park is home to six Central American felines – the puma, margay, jaguar, jaguarundi, ocelot, and the endangered Baird’s tapir. It also offers the possibility of sighting tons of bird species, including the rare species: the quetzal, the three-wattle bellbird, and the blue moon bare necked umbrella bird. The park’s flora and fauna are among the most diverse in Panama.
The forests here vary from lowland tropical to sub-alpine, while most of the vegetation remains virgin. Furthermore, the park features a unique orography, ranging from steep valleys to large cliffs. It also contains the highest and most picturesque peaks in the country, including the Fabrega (3325 m), Echandi (3162 m) and Itamut (3279 m). As a result, the climate also varies from five degrees Celsius at the high peaks to twenty-four degrees Celsius on the plains of the Caribbean slope. PILA is also one of the wettest regions of the national territory.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the best ways to bond with nature.
Sendero La Cascada
This waterfall trail and home to a variety of flora and fauna will simply captivate you. This trip includes three gratifying miradors (lookouts) along with a 45m-high waterfall. The 3.7 km round-trip hike begins from the Las Nubes ranger station and ends at the Chiriquí Viejo River.
Sendero Panamá Verde
At the entrance of Las Nubes, Sendero Panamá Verde is an extremely easy trail that you can even take your young children along with you, too. It is an excellent way to explore the local flora of the area.
Sendero El Retoño
Starting from the forest station at Las Nubes, this 2 km trail guides you through the luscious rainforest and along some pretty bridges. It is considered a moderately challenging trail as it is well marked.
Sendero Cerro Cabécar
This trail is blessed with wonderful viewpoints, ranging from the panoramic views of the Volcan Barù in Panama to the marvelous sight of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. You will also catch the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. In total, this trail is 12 km long, but only 4.5 km are protected by PILA. This trail will prove to be beneficial if you are eager for some fauna exploration. While hiking, you might see some of the typical fauna of this region, including Coati, Quetzals, Spider monkeys, Peccaries, Goldfinches, hawks, and hummingbirds.
Lost World Tours
This three to four day-trek is a challenging, rustic adventure. It launches from Guadalupe, and passes through the continental divide. Eventually, the tour will lead you to the lowlands of Norteño in the Bocas del Toro Province. Since this trail is made up of steep terrain and unpredictable weather, an indigenous local guide is vital. They can also educate you with stories about the area. During the trek, you will also get to taste authenticity as the accommodations are arranged in the Ngobe villages and the food provided will be local.
The hiking hub of Panama is home to stunning aesthetics and variegated terrestrial species, giving you the chance to sight endangered mammal and bird species. Nature lovers, don’t miss out!
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