City parks are often urban oases of natural life, but few offer the ecological drama of Panama City’s Parque Natural Metropolitano, the city’s largest park. While residents stroll, play sports, and relax within its leafy acres, travelers often watch for birds (keep an eye out for chatty parrots and flashy red trogons). Lucky visitors who trek into the park early in the morning may even be treated to a sighting of a sloth dangling from a branch or a tamarin monkey peeking out from behind the brush.

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Parrots, Primates, and Parks

City parks are often urban oases of natural life, but few offer the ecological drama of Panama City’s Parque Natural Metropolitano, the city’s largest park. While residents stroll, play sports, and relax within its leafy acres, travelers often watch for birds (keep an eye out for chatty parrots and flashy red trogons). Lucky visitors who trek into the park early in the morning may even be treated to a sighting of a sloth dangling from a branch or a tamarin monkey peeking out from behind the brush.

Birdwatching From a Bird's-Eye View

Few major urban parks have a 42-meter tall crane with a 51-meter long arm, ready to hoist visitors up into the air to peek around the tops of the trees—but then, few major urban parks can boast a rainforest’s medley of arboreal creatures. Highly regarded eco-tour outfitter Ancon Expeditions arranges 30-minute trips into the park’s canopy for birdwatchers, photographers, and any traveler who’d like to see at 360° view of Panama City from the air. A guided nature walk through the park follows the canopy tour. Prices currently begin at $105 per person for a group of 4.

Hiking in Panama City

We went to a local Natural Park to do some hiking. We did not have a lot of time, so we did a small, short path- however there are many different paths of all rigors. They have beautiful overlooks and lots of fauna. Highly recommend! Bring proper walking shoes, if possible. It is also very close to Cerro Ancon, so it is easy to do both at once.

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