Chagres National Park in Colon – Panama

Visiting Colon in Panama, you can find splendid beaches, beautiful mountaintops and picturesque landscapes. Panama has several national parks – protected areas – that are home to some of the world’s most magnificent flora and fauna.

Chagres National Park in Colon – Panama is one such park where you can see various wildlife species, some of which are threatened, as well as flowers, plants and towering trees that create the perfect backdrop for a nature-inspired getaway.

Location

Chagres National Park in Colon – Panama is situated in the middle of the province of Panama and the city of Colon.

Getting There

Panama has an excellent road system which enables any visitor to visit the country’s different tourist spots in a relatively easy manner.

To reach Chagres National Park in Colon – Panama, you can take the Trans-Isthmian Highway which directly runs between the province of Panama and Colon.

You can either get a car hire service for your trip to Chagres National Park or you can take a taxi right in Colon.

What to See and Do

When you visit Chagres National Park in Colon – Panama, you will have a grand time swimming, fishing, riding on your jet skis, river rafting and sailing on the waters of Chagres River and Lake Alajuela.

You can also spend a night camping on the grounds as most of the park is open for campers. This is especially ideal for those who are looking forward to bird watching and enjoying views of your natural surroundings.

You may also want to visit the Embera Village right within the park where the tribe of Embera-Wounan reside. They are somewhat the natural protectors of the park together with park rangers.

Among the animals and birds that you may come across in the park are spider monkeys, tapirs, harpy eagles, white-tail deer and toucans.

Brief History

Chagres National Park in Colon – Panama was established in the year 1985. It was created to protect and conserve the natural flora and fauna surrounding the rivers.

A rather interesting part of its history is when it was utilized by the Spaniards to transport gold and silver they get from South America.

They specifically used 2 routes: Camino Real as well as Camino de Cruces between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Cost

There is no cost to visit Chagres National Park in Colon – Panama. Admission is free for all visitors wishing to explore the grounds as well as enjoy their favorite water sports.

However, depending on your provider or guide, you may have to pay for water sports equipment unless you brought your own.

Taxi rides within the cities of Panama, including Colon, are generally around USD 1 and USD 2.

Accommmodations nearby Chagres National Park generally range from USD 33 up to USD 90; depending on the type of accommodations whether a hotel room or a room in a modest bed and breakfast inn.

Other Information

Chagres National Park in Colon – Panama is open everyday from 8 in the morning up to 5 in the afternoon.

The best time to visit is between the months of January and April when the weather is favorable and the climate is cooler – perfect for treks, camping and water sports.