This 22,104ha (85 sq mi) park is one of the most accessible tropical rain-forest areas in Panama. It extends much of the way across the isthmus, from Limón on Lago Gatùn to just north of Paraíso. It features hiking trails, the Río Chagres, part of Lago Gatùn and a remarkable variety of wildlife.
Known residents include 105 species of mammal, 525 species of bird, 55 species of amphibian, 79 species of reptile and 36 species of freshwater fish. Hiking trails in the park include a section of the old Sendero Las Cruces (Las Cruces Trail) and the 17km Pipeline Rd, providing access to Río Agua Salud, where you can walk upriver for a swim under a waterfall.
In order to fully appreciate the wildlife here, it's wise to hire a guide. Charges vary.
A shorter, very easy nature trail is the Sendero El Charco. The trail is signposted from the highway, about 3km (1.9mi) past the Summit Botanical Gardens & Zoo.
Leaflets and information about the park are available from Parque Nacional Soberanía headquarters in Gamboa.
