The Soberanía National Park is part of the biological corridor of protected areas in the eastern zone of the Panama Canal that also includes the Metropolitan Natural Park, the Camino de Cruces National Park and Gatun Lake.
Vital Area for Panama Canal Operations
The Soberania National Park is located along the east bank of the Panama Canal and forms part of its hydrographic basin. It occupies the provinces of Panama and Colon and is one of the country’s most easily accessible protected areas, located just 25 kilometers from Panama City with a 19,525 hectares area.
The Soberania National Park was founded in 1980 after the Panama Canal Treaties came into effect (1979), and constitutes one of the basic pillars for the operation and conservation of the Panama Canal basin. It is also part of the interoceanic forest corridor next to the Canal, and contributes to the uninterrupted flow of wildlife in the region.
Tropical Forest Full of Life
The Park has humid tropical forests and a habitat for more than 1,300 species of plants and 525 species of birds. In addition, 105 species of mammals, 79 species of reptiles and 55 amphibians, among others, have been identified. Here you can find bird species such as the Pheasant Cuckoo, Macaws, the Slate-tailed Trogon, Iris-billed Toucan, Momotides, Yellow-crowned Parrots, a Plain Xenops; Chocolate Nuthatch, various Pied Anteaters, Gorguianteado Hopper and Green Honeycreeper.
Trails and Activities to Enjoy
In this protected natural area you can enjoy a series of ecotourism activities that both local and foreign visitors will love such as: hiking, bird watching, observation of waterfalls, walks through rivers, flora observation, historical tourism and even cycling.
One of the main attractions at the Soberania National Park are various trails of different lengths and degrees of difficulty:
Camino del Oleoducto: Long known by biologists of the tropics, as Pipeline Road, it is wonderful for a walk at any time of the year, it is located at the end of Gamboa Town. Howler monkeys, trogons, toucans, morpho butterflies are regulars on this trail. Bridges over streams in the woods are wonderful stops for a break and a bite to eat on the trail. You can also do the mountain bike tour.
Plantation Road: it is a path with some hills, but easy to walk, it is 6.5 km long, the round trip is 13 km. Along the trail you can find remnants of cocoa trees, rubber and coffee plants.
Sendero el Charco: It is for the whole family, it is only 1 km away, after the Summit Municipal Park. The site has parking lots, a picnic area and a natural pool to cool off from the heat.
Other trails that this natural park has are the Camino de Cruces Trail, the Spirit of the Forest Trail and the Cycle Route Trail: located between the Soberania and Camino de Cruces national parks.
Parque Nacional Soberania offers services such as: restrooms, camping areas, parking. It is located at the intersection of Avenida Gaillard and the entrance to Gamboa. Hours available are Monday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. A natural wonder that our country has just minutes from Panama City. Nature, fauna and history to share with friends and family.
