Panama is one of the few countries that can boast of becoming independent twice. It became independent from Spain in 1821 and from Colombia in 1903. Another interesting fact about this country is that it is the only place where people can see the sunrise in the direction of the Pacific Ocean, and set on the Atlantic Ocean while staying in just one place.
The country has a land area of 75,417 square kilometers (18.6 million acres) and is known worldwide for the Panama Canal, the waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is a very important water body for Panama’s economic activities. The canal was opened in 1914 and was then the most difficult engineering project undertaken. It was started by France in 1881 but they failed to finish the development because of technical and labor problems. The U.S. took over the project in 1904 and finished it in 10 years. There are over four million people living in the country, and most of them benefited from the canal in terms of economic opportunities.
Tourism in Panama is increasing because of its stunning beaches and pristine forests. Other than that, the country is also becoming a popular place among retirees because of its tax and price discounts for foreigners and retirees. Tourists who visit this South American country should visit these unexplored national parks to witness the real Panama:
1. Altos de Campana National Park
Established in 1996, this is supposed to be Panama’s oldest park. However, it is still among the undiscovered places in Panama. It features undulating hills with different habitats. One of the highest peaks in the park is the Cerro Campana, which stands at 850 meters. Scaling this hill is quite easy. The vista from the top is just breath-taking. People can see the vast Pacific Ocean from Cerro Campana’s peak, as well as Punta Chame and Isla Toboga when the weather cooperates.
The hilltop is not the only hiking destination in the park because the lone trail, the Sendero La Cruz, passes through various terrains including the park’s valley and the extinct El Valle de Anton Volcano. The volcano last erupted some 200,000 years ago but there are still lava fields within the park, and some igneous rocks can still be seen scattered about.
It is a great birding area with dozens of colorful bird species occupying the forests. However, the most popular flying resident is the orange-bellied trogon. There are also threatened species within Central America that are abundant in the park: bronze-tailed plumeleteer, violet-bellied hummingbird, white-tipped sicklebill, among others.
2. Cerro Hoya National Park
Prominent in the park is the mountain range that was said to have been formed over 80 million years ago. Geological evidence state that the park was not originally located in Panama but at the Galapagos hotspot. Geological activities, though, prompted the park to drift toward the country. The Cerro Hoya is the most prominent mountain, which stands at 1,000 meters. Around 80% of the park is terrestrial while the rest is part of its rich marine resources. While this is one of the most stunning and pristine regions in Panama, the park is widely unexplored by tourists because of its remote location.
As one of the most undisturbed Panamanian regions, the place is home to many animals, including those considered endangered in the country like the jaguars. There are also different species of monkeys in the park such as the howler and spider. Among the birds, azuero parakeets and great green macaws are common in the forest. There were also reports that there are hummingbird species that have yet to be discovered within the park. The same goes for frogs and lizards. Cerro Hoya is certainly a place for more scientific discoveries.
3. Las Cruces Trail National Park
The park protects the historical road called the Camino de Cruces or Las Cruces Trail, which was created over four centuries ago while Panama was still under Spanish rule. The road was used by the Spaniards to haul their treasures from Baja California in Mexico, Chile, and Peru to the River Charges. From the river, the treasures were taken on a boat to cross the ocean and eventually land in Spain.
The road is no longer used as it once was, but it had been renovated to feature cobblestones. It is now part of the attractions of the park, which was established to protect the natural treasures within the area. There are vital forests within the park that are important habitats for some animals and birds. It also provides a respite for birds and animals traveling between the Metropolitan National Park and Soberania National Park.
4. Portobelo National Park
Situated on the Caribbean coast of Panama, the park protects the significant area where the forest and sea meet. The terrestrial part takes up around 80% of the area while the rest cater to the marine region. The beaches within the park are just stunning, taking up over 70 kilometers of coastline. It is a popular place among divers. The best reefs in the country can be explored within this park.
The park is also home to some historical monuments. Tourists might want to hire guides, who can explain to them the importance of such monuments. The entire area can be considered a monument in itself as it used to be a port in the 16th century. Portobelo means “beautiful port.”
5. Sarigua National Park
Deserted wasteland is probably the best way to describe this park. But that is more of a fact than a negative description because this wilderness is still worth visiting, especially due to its archeological significance. The park is mostly dry, which is why vegetation is not lush. But for those who want to hike, the area is still a good venue for such activity despite the lack of developed trails. For those interested in history, the park is said to have hosted a fishing village over 11,000 years ago. But as the marine region dried up in the area, the community evolved to farming, evidence of which dates back to over 1,500 years ago.