Attraction Guide: Metropolitan Natural Park, Fuerte Amador, Panama

Metropolitan Natural Park Guide

Metropolitan Natural Park: Panama City's Green Escape Guide

Escape the hustle and bustle of Panama City at the Metropolitan Natural Park, a lush oasis of rainforest just minutes from the city center. This park offers a unique opportunity to experience Panama's incredible biodiversity without venturing far from urban conveniences. Hike through verdant trails, spot exotic wildlife, and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the Panama Canal. Established in 1985, the Metropolitan Natural Park was created to protect a vital green space within the rapidly growing Panama City. The park serves as a crucial refuge for a variety of plant and animal species, including sloths, monkeys, toucans, and countless other birds. Its location on the edge of the city makes it an important ecological corridor, connecting fragmented forest patches and allowing wildlife to move freely. The park also plays a vital role in providing clean air and water for the city's residents. Visitors to the Metropolitan Natural Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. Several well-maintained trails wind through the park, offering varying levels of difficulty. The most popular trail leads to the top of Cerro Cedro, the park's highest point, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Panama City and the Panama Canal. Keep an eye out for sloths hanging in the trees, monkeys swinging through the branches, and colorful birds flitting through the undergrowth. The park also has a visitor center with exhibits about the local flora and fauna. While there are no specific culinary traditions within the park itself, you can find a wide range of Panamanian cuisine in nearby Panama City.