Parque Nacional Omar Torrijos is not visited by many travelers because of its lack of accessibility. This forest is spread among a 252-square km area, and it is considered to be Panama’s most beautiful. This jungle is also called El-cope, a name which has been taken from the village situated nearby. The park was named after Panama’s popular leader, whose plane crashed in the park mysteriously.
This place is home to much wildlife, as well as rare species, like the red-fronted parrotlet, the immaculate antbird, the golden olive woodpecker, and the white-throated shrike-tanager. This place is also home to Panama’s five big-cat species, peccaries, and Baird’s tapirs.
Although it is a little hard to reach, this jungle still has so much to offer. It has points from where you can easily see the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
How To Reach The Jungle
The park is situated in central Panama, so if you are in Panama City, you can get there using local buses and metro. After reaching El-cope Road, you can look for taxi services there. They will leave you at the Las Yayas Waterfall, between Barrigon (a small town) and the boundary of the park. After spending some time at the beautiful fall, take a walk towards the jungle. This route is best for you if you are planning to journey on foot; you can hike and you can walk as much as you want. You can also look for tourist services that are provided in the park.
Activities
Hiking
If you want to hike, you need to be on a known tail. The park is so big that it might become dangerous if you are not well aware of the trails. After entering, if there are locals around, you can ask them which trails will take you where.
Views
At the entrance, there will be two trails. The trail on the left will take you to a viewpoint from where you can see the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans and their surroundings. The trail on the right is a little tricky one; as such, it is not advised to hike it without a guide. The tour for this trail is organized by the ranger station. The trail is very beautiful, and it passes many rivers and several peaks; it ends in the depth of the forest’s heart.
Birdwatching
Hike trails can be along and tiring activity so it is best to take breaks. While on a break, you will hear birds making noises in the jungle and flying from one tree to another. Sit on the side of the trail for a while, take a sip from your water bottle, and enjoy the view.
The park has a diversity of natural flora and fauna. Important rivers such as Belen, San Juan, and Concepcion flow through this park. Even though this park has seen deforestation, it still has many diverse species. There are plant species, bird species, and wildlife. Endangered mammals such as pumas, jaguars, Tigrillos, Sainos, white-tailed deer, pigs, etc. are all protected by national laws.
The climate of this park at the top is tropical humid to very humid.
Accommodation And Other Details
The park provides some accommodation, but it is limited to non-existent. If you want to have something other than the available meals, then you need to bring it with you when you come to the park. Meals are provided at Albergue Navas and Cabana Navas. Accommodation must be arranged in advance before you are actually at the park. But if you forgot or decided at the last minute, you can go to the ranger station and get a permit for accommodation or camping. There are plenty of hotels and eating places near the park, too. If you cannot get a permit, then check in those hotels and visit the park whenever you desire.
Points To Consider:
- Keep cash with you. Credit cards are accepted at big restaurants and hotels, but it might get problematic at other places.
- Tourist destinations do not have ATMs. You should have at least enough cash to get you one place from another so that if you need cash, you can actually get to a bank or ATM to get it.
- Panama also uses the dollar and its currency is the same in value as that of the U.S.
- In restaurants, the tip should be 10%, but do check the bill to see if it’s included.
- A tip of $7-10 is customary to give to the guides per person for a day tour.
Some Hiking Points
- Always let your people in on your plans so that they know where you are. Phone signals might not come for some time, which can make them worry.
- Always use hiking boots or hiking shoes while hiking. They have a nice grip.
- Carry a backpack with you so you can keep essential items in it, like water bottles.
- Stay on track. There are many poisonous snakes in the park.
What’s Nearby?
