Parque Natural Metropolitano

Magnificently defining the northern border of Panama City, the entrancing Parque Natural Metropolitano sprawls over 265 hectares (655 acres) of thick forest and incredible biodiversity. It is a valued research site for the Smithsonian Institute and other organizations, and is unique in the Americas as a protected tropical forest within the city limits of a major urban area. Numerous species of mammals like deer, sloths and the archetypal rufous-naped tamarins, over 200 species of plants, hundreds of birds, and special treats like blue morpho butterflies are supported by this nature reserve, and much of this vibrant life is visible from the cleared paths. An assemblage of trails wind through verdant groves, where most visitors embark on hiking expeditions which unravel the truest, most entrancing silhouettes of the park. Having been officially opened in the June of 1988, the park harbors a look-out which proffers scenic vistas of the dazzling silver high-rises of Panama City. Having been utilized as a repository of experimental aircraft during World War II, the park is made more atmospheric by the presence of myriad historic, concrete-clad remains from the war.