metropolitan national park

I had the advantage of a guide being part of a Road Scholar group. Puffbirds, Lineated woodpeckers, motmots, tanagers, woodcreepers, seedeaters, and of course circling vultures and frigate birds were all to be seen. The trails do have some elevation gain, one trail leading up to an observation area overlooking Panama City. The trails are clearly marked and the $4 fee was very reasonable.

It is amazing that this park is in the city limits. Even if you don't see any birds or wildlife, it is a wonderful escape from the city. We did see lots of birds, monkeys, and sloths. You just have to be patient and look closely. It also helps if you go first thing in the morning.

The Panamanians don't think much of this park, two different taxi drivers couldn't understand why we wanted to go there. We enjoyed it. The hike was not that strenuous, both of us over 66 years old. We were there at mid day so didn't see much wild life, but saw a few stunningly colored butterflies and one unknown mammal. The foliage was enormous and dense off the trails. It makes you wonder how anyone hacked their way thru to build the Panama Canal.

We expected watching some animals but there were none. Visit of this park is remarkable for those who are interested in flora.

make sure you get there early as it can get very hot. The trails are good although we didn't see too much in the way of birds an wildlife

early am visit - ie 7 am -- easy taxi ride, birds, turtles, tucans, incredible views of city, sloths moving in trees, monkeys - all for very reasonable price. animals and birds best early morning.

We went late morning in between our domestic flight arrival and our international departure. Saw almost nothing in the way of animals other than some small lizards. Generally an easy-moderate walk through the park taking 2 - 2 1/2 hours. It was something but not much. Views from Cerro Cedro of PC were great. They say you can see Miraflores and the Canal. Not so! Views are restricted by trees. $4 pp.

We liked the park. It was a nice walk and we saw some cool birds and butterflies.The view of the city was really cool.The middle of the day is probably not the best time to see a lot of wildlife and it was quite hot!It certainly is worthwhile and at $4.00 entry fee very affordable.

Interesting birds and animals--saw lizards and frogs, in spite of the rain. Hike is easy-moderate and about 1 1/2 miles long.

Don't go between 10:30 and 3:30...it's simply too hot, but at any time there's really not much to look at...and better ways to spend your time in panama city

This park is a gem right in the heart of the city. We went twice and visited a different section of the park each time. We took the metro to the Allbrook Bus Terminal and from there it was a $2.00 taxi ride. Admission is $4.00 per person. A small visitor center with some displays. Decent well maintained trails with interpretative panels. Ups & downs with an occasion bench and even a thatched roof shelter at the overlook. A beautiful view of the city skyline. We sat in the shelter where we sliced some fresh bread & cheese and had a nice picnic before continuing. A lovely pond as well. Lots of birds, turtles, lizards, leaf-cutter ants, an agouti and even a two-toed sloth in a tree. The variety of trees & plants is overwhelming. A real escape to nature amidst the hustle-bustle of the big city!

One of the best places we toured while we were in Panama. The view at the top of the park is amazing.

Some paths to choose from. I enjoyed seeing the city from the park. Amazing. Spoke to a friendly park ranger that also took some time to show me a sloth. Take your time and listen, look and observe. There are birds and animals to be seen ! Wonderful place so close to the city.

Visited the park on Sunday morning. They were very nice at the visitor center and explained the trails. We saw some exotic birds, animals , some people saw sloths. Also city views.

My wife and I went to visit this place and we loved it. You forget it's inside the city. We saw a lot of birds, some coati and a couple of sloths that made our afternoon amazing.