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Metropolitan National Park

Panama City, Panama
Website
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As featured in 3 days in Panama City
Ranked #14 of 41 attractions in Panama City
Type: National Parks
Activities: Viewing wildlife, Hiking, Birdwatching
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Owner description: This 265-hectare national treasure is located within Panama City’s Ancon district, and is the only protected area in Central America located within... more » Owner description: This 265-hectare national treasure is located within Panama City’s Ancon district, and is the only protected area in Central America located within city boundaries. Standing along the Panama Canal’s eastern shore, it’s home to dozens of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and trees. With lookout points, four well-marked trails, a scenic road and a Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute canopy crane structure, guests can explore on their own. The Park also offers guided tours to groups for a fee (five-person minimum) if booked well in advance. « less
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113 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    46
    48
    15
    3
    1
Date Rating
Marquette, Michigan
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2013

We saw a lot of birds, an anteater, a small crocodile (?) in a pond, and leafcutter ants. It was a nice hike, not too strenuous but I would probably wear close-toed shoes because of rocks. We bought one of the small maps for sale in the gift shop, but we didn't need it--there are signs along the way.

Oakland, California
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2013

I arrived quite early when it opened, It is a wonderful park with nice trails. Saw many birds, a few animals, and a couple monkeys, I walked alone and had no problems. There are trails that are farther from the road so that there is no traffic sounds. It is easy to get to, right in Panama City

See 2 more reviews by Susan B for Panama City
grand cayman
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 April 2013

We visited around 11am. The hike up to the lookout is not particularly strenuous (I was wearing flip-flops and this wasn't an issue as the trails are clearly marked) and completely worth it for the fantastic views at the top. Didn't see much wildlife which was a shame, but the views made up for it.

See 7 more reviews by jp182 for Panama City
Utila, Honduras
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

It was kind of hot when we arrived about 10:30 a.m. and most of the birds were not moving, but you could hear them! Safe, well marked paths, guides available, staff friendly! We ran into a couple of school groups -- the kids all wanted to practice English with us and it was a nice experience. For serious birding or... More

See 12 more reviews by ColibriSMA for Panama City
NY
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
84 helpful votes 84 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2013

If you're looking for a view, be advised that the view in the park is obscured by trees--go to Cerro Ancon instead. This park has some nice trails but if your time is limited, skip it. If you want your nature fix, there are better places a bit further away.

See 4 more reviews by BobMyr for Panama City
Irvine, California
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

a very quiet and peaceful place to calm down your day in the heart of the city. It is near almost all city attractions and restaurants. There are many statues and monuments honoring fallen war heroes and statesmen with reminders of how they helped advance the country. There are vendors strolling with carts filled with churros and ice cream and... More

See 4 more reviews by Ann B for Panama City
Halifax, Canada
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

If you want to enjoy the sights and sounds of being in the rainforest you must go early in the morning when the birds are clattering and the heat of the day has not yet peaked. The trails are well marked and you will need water to quench your thirst. The view is nice but the vista from Ancon Hill... More

See 6 more reviews by MsBonitaAalders for Panama City
Alexandria, Virginia
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

This was a great park to visit and took up half a day. I completely hiked every trail in the park in about 2 hours or so. They say it would take 4-5 but it is not nearly that long for a normal person. There were not many animals or birds on display but I did see a few and... More

See 5 more reviews by aggienmmi2 for Panama City
Panama City, Panama, Panama
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2013

Panama City has the only rain forest in the middle of the city. There is a very good path to walk up the mountain. The plants and trees are so lush. There are wonderful lookouts at the top of the mountain. Fascinating to watch the leaf cutter ants in their yards long trains marching up the path, each with a... More

See 3 more reviews by Debsonbelle for Panama City
Wales
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 48 cities Reviews in 48 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2013

We were taken here by a specialist birding guide. The numbers of birds seen here can be huge. Views from the top were spectacular. The paths are well marked and wide. There us a small visitor centre with a glass case of stuffed animals and birds. It also has a small gift shop and a place to get snacks and... More

See 4 more reviews by filligirl for Panama City

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