Overview

Soberania National Park spans the Panama and Colon provinces, along the eastern bank of the Panama Canal, about 20 miles from Panama City. Established in 1980, this massive nature reserve covers an impressive 54,363 acres, and the Chagre River runs through it. The park is a gem for anyone who loves wildlife and nature, offering a lush escape into a tropical rainforest. It’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, with over 500 species of birds, 79 species of reptiles, 55 species of amphibians, and 105 mammal species.

One of the park’s highlights is the famous Pipeline Road trail (Camino del Oleoducto), which is considered one of the best birdwatching spots in the world. In addition, there are several other trails in the national park, with different lengths and difficulties. This is the perfect destination for eco-travelers, nature lovers, and cultural explorers.

The park is home to the Gamboa town, built in the 1930s for Panama Canal workers.

Things to See & Do

Take a Guided Birdwatching Hike. One of the best birdwatching spots in the world, Pipeline Road (right in Gamboa), is a legendary birding trail with hundreds of species. The trail length is 10.6 miles one way through a tropical forest where vines dangle from high trees. You’ll be able to spot toucans, hummingbirds, parrots, eagles, and many other birds. The rainforest is also home to sloths, howler monkeys, and capuchins, to name a few.

Enjoy a ride on the Aerial Tram which takes you on a 2,000-foot-long journey above the rainforest, providing awe-inspiring views over the flora and fauna below. The journey ends a the Rainforest Discovery Center`s observation tower that overlooks the national park. Head to the top of the tower, which stands at 131 feet tall and gives you a bird`s eye view over the surrounding area.

Explore the Chagres River & Gatum Lake by boat. Exploring the canal by boat and along the riverbanks of the Chagres River offers a feel for Panama’s exotic vegetation and its diverse wildlife, to enjoy the closest possible contact with nature. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys on “Monkey Island,” crocodiles, turtles, and birds.

Visit nearby Embera and Wunaan indigenous communities to learn about traditional lifestyles, crafts, and hospitality. These native groups to Panama live along the banks of the Chagres River. It’s even possible to stay overnight for teh ultimate experience.

Take a Night Safari. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the nocturnal wildlife like crocs, cimans, owls, and night monkeys against the sounds of the jungle.

Go Fishing or Kayaking in the Canal waters. The Gamboa Tarpon Club, located at the crossroads between the Chagres River and the Gatun Lake, organized tours for visitors to enjoy the array of fish inhabiting the waters of Panama.

Hike along Las Cruces Trail, which crosses the park from east to west, it was used as a road by the Spaniards during colonial times to transport merchandise and treasure from South America. Part of the 6-mile trail is still covered by the original cobblestones that were laid 600 years ago.

Plantation Trail is another route inside the national park, a 9-mile trail that starts near Semaphore Hill on the road to Gamboa, it runs for 4.5 miles each way and is a flat, easy walk. This is a great trail for mountain biking and connects to the Camino Del Cruces trail.

Check out Sendero Charco Nature Trail, which is 1 mile past the entrance to the Canopy Tower where a small pond with clear water is situated. This is a great location for a picnic and a swim, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, as many water birds gather here such as tiger herons.

Visit Parque Municipal Summit Park, which is a zoo and botanical gardens located inside the national park. The park covers 600 acres and features more than 15,000 different exotic plants and animals, most are considered endangered species. Stroll through the beautiful, vibrant gardens and see the best palm collection in the world, and possibly catch sight of the Harpy Eagle, Panama`s national bird. There is a restaurant on site where you can enjoy snacks and refreshments.

Relax at Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Even if you’re not staying there, the resort offers amenities like restaurants, a pool, Sunday brunch with mimosas, plus easy access to excursions.