In natural beauty, biodiversity and dazzling landscapes, Panama is incomparable.

From extraordinary hikes to spectacular sights, Panama is a nature lover’s paradise. Tall trees tower over rare species of plants and animals while wildlife wanders through the rain forest. Have a glance under the sea for even more incredible discoveries. Opportunities are endless, though these are some of the best that keep nature lovers coming back to Panama again and again.

Despite its small size, Panama is incredibly rich in biodiversity.  This biodiversity is a direct result of the country’s history.  Nearly three million years ago, Panama became a land bridge that linked North and South America, allowing species from both continents to mix.  Many scientists therefore say that Panama is “hyperdiverse”.  While the country is quickly developing, the government is working to protect the natural landscapes and one-third of the country has been given protected status.

Panama is home to 218 mammal species including elusive cats like jaguars and pumas as well as more common monkey species like howler and spider monkeys.  Anteaters, sloths and armadillos are present, while Baird’s Tapir is the largest mammal in Panama.  With two coastlines, one on the Caribbean Sea and one on the Pacific Ocean, Panama hosts a vast array of marine life.  Turtles like Leatherback Sea Turtles and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles are found in the country.  Humpback whales can be spotted off the Pacific coast from June to September while whale sharks, nurse sharks and bottle nosed dolphins can also be seen.

Panama is perhaps most famous for being a haven for birdwatchers.  There are approximately 940 bird species found in the country, the largest number of bird species found in Central America.  The Harpy Eagle is the national bird of Panama and is one of the most powerful birds of prey.  Other birds found throughout the country include macaws, parrots, toucans and quetzals.  Some of the best places for birdwatching in Panama are Cana in Darien National Park and Soberanía National Park.  

Recent years have witnessed an increase in government initiatives to protect Panama’s varied ecosystems that include tropical rainforests, mangroves, cloud forests, beaches and mountains.  Approximately 22% of Panama’s land is protected through fourteen national parks.  Some of the most popular national parks in the country are Soberanía National Park, Volcán Barú National Park, La Amistad International Park and Isla Coiba National Park.

Soberanía National Park hosts an amazing rainforest that is protected in part because it provides water for the Panama Canal.  It is home to a variety of animals from both North and South America as well as many migratory birds.  The highlight of Volcán Barú National Park is the Barú Volcano, the highest peak in Panama.  Popular with birdwatchers, the park has both dense forest, and at its higher points, an intermittent cloud forest.  La Amistad International Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site that is shared with Costa Rica.  It gained World Heritage status because it is considered one of the most biodiverse regions in the Americas due to its virgin forests.  Finally, Isla Coiba National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is popular with divers and snorkellers.  The park encompasses thirty-eight islands and the rich waters that surround them.  Large schools of fish, dolphins, hammerhead and nurse sharks, whales, manta rays as well as the second largest coral reef in the Pacific are all part of the park.