Day 1 in Soberania National Park

Welcome to Soberania National Park! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and get out to explore the city! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted the region, depending upon where you are staying (Gamboa/Ancon) take a walk around town and grab some lunch, take in the surroundings before you head out on your first adventure.

There are many different tours offered in Soberania National Park and the surrounding area such as Gamboa and Ancon through the rainforest and its extensive trails.

Take a half-day Mountain bike trip down the prestigious Pipeline Road, which is world famous among bird watchers and renowned for the world record number of tropical birds spotted in a 24 hour period. There are over 400 species of birds in this area including trogons, motmots, rainbow tanagers, toucans and flycatchers.

Kayaking or River Boat Tours down the Chagres River are other options, a trip on the river gets you up close and personal with the surrounding nature and diverse wildlife. There are also rafting trips down the river and hiking in the nearby forest along with fishing with an abundance of fish inhabiting the waters.

For dinner experience a delicious meal in one of the fascinating restaurants boasting unforgettable surroundings including ocean views in Panama City or views of the River at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Day 2 in Soberania National Park

Start your morning off with a hearty breakfast at your hotel and stock up on items at the local market for a nice picnic later in the day.

Begin back at Pipeline Road which is best visited before 9 am. This road is a bird lover`s haven and best experienced first thing in the morning when the wildlife and birds are most active. Listen to the sounds of the rainforest with a chance to see sloths, monkeys, coatimundis and hundreds of different species of birds.

Next, head out to explore the sprawling Soberania National Park. Take 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.

The sprawling Soberania National Park covers close to 50,000 acres of pristine tropical rainforest brimming with 13,000 plant species and wildlife including 79 species of reptiles, 55 species of amphibians and 105 mammal species. A professional guide is included in your visit to the park who will provide you with invaluable information regarding the park`s history and endless trails.

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.

During the afternoon 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.

Spend your last evening on a Night Safari tour offered by the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Enjoy some dinner at the resort before heading out with torches and flashlights with a guide to explore the region under the moonlight.

Additional Days in Soberania National Park

If you are able to spend additional days in Soberania National Park visit the Barro Colorado Nature Monument which is home to the oldest, most important biological research stations in the world. Take a boat ride to Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake, home to 1,200 plants, 120 mammals and insects.

Your Last Day in Soberania National Park

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.