National park · Panama
Metropolitan Natural ParkParque Natural Metropolitano
Enter Metropolitan Natural Park for PAB 5 (≈US$5) and walk the Dorothy Wilson Trail (0.3 km (0.2 mi)) in under an hour; for longer hikes add PAB 2‑3 and go early to avoid weekend crowds.Enter Metropolitan Natural Park for PAB 5 (≈US$5) and walk the Dorothy Wilson Trail (0.2 mi (0.3 km)) in under an hour; for longer hikes add PAB 2‑3 and go early to avoid weekend crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
3 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (3 km²)
approximate
Established
1988
Best months
Dec–Mar
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Panama ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Panama's National Migration Service or a Panamanian consulate; proof of onward travel and funds may be asked for.
- Panama ↗Do not travel independently in the Darién; the UK and other governments warn against parts of it, and there is no road crossing to Colombia.
- Panama ↗Guna Yala (San Blas) is governed by the Guna people: visitor fees apply, and photography of people usually needs permission and payment. Book through Guna-run or licensed operators.
At a glance
- Country
- Panama
- Area
- 3 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (3 km²)
- The park covers 265 hectares (≈2.65 km²) as stated in the park description.
- Established
- 1988
- Best months
- Dec–Mar
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Panama City
Metropolitan Natural Park is a 265‑ha urban rainforest within Panama City, offering over 280 bird species, 69 mammals and a 59‑m canopy crane for short hikes and wildlife viewing.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteOnly national park within a major city in Latin America.
Size and age
3 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (3 km²) · national park since 1988
The park covers 265 hectares (≈2.65 km²) as stated in the park description.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Panama City.
Why go
- Urban rainforest with over 250 bird species and 69 mammals.
- Canopy crane offers a high‑view of the forest.
- Several short, family‑friendly trails within city limits.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecBest
- JanDry, cooler.
- FebDry, cooler.
- MarDry, cooler.
- AprStart of rains.
- MayRain increases.
- JunRainy season.
- JulRainy season.
- AugRainy season.
- SepRainy season.
- OctRain eases.
- NovDry, pleasant.
- DecDry, cooler.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birds (≈280 species)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Mammals (deer, coatis, tapirs, jungle cats)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main entrance & ranger station | Ticket booth, information desk, water tap. | Open daily. |
| Canopy crane area | Platform for the 59‑m crane ride. | Ticketed activity. |
| Trail network | Six marked trails ranging 0.3–1.1 km (0.2–0.7 mi).Six marked trails ranging 0.2–0.7 mi (0.3–1.1 km). | Open to walkers and cyclists. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from park entrance; other points approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | PAB 5 | person | Check at gate. |
| Canopy crane ride | PAB 15–20 | person | Optional experience. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- PAB 5
- PAB 15–20
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without park authority permission.
- Guides
- Not required for short trails; required for canopy crane operation.
- Camping
- Not allowed inside the park; use nearby hotels.
- Feeding wildlife
- Prohibited to protect animals.
Where to stay
Near the park
Central Park Hotel, Casino & Spa
4‑star hotel 5 min walk from park entrance.
Near the park
Various city hotels
Wide range of options throughout Panama City centre.
Safety
Heat and humidity medium
Insects low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main entrance and short trails are wheelchair‑friendly; longer trails have uneven ground.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked paths to protect fragile forest floor.
- Do not purchase unofficial wildlife tours.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Metropolitan Natural Park?
Entry is PAB 5 per person (check at gate).
What are the best hikes in Metropolitan Natural Park?
Dorothy Wilson (0.3 km, easy) and Los Momotides (1 km, easy) are top choices; longer routes like Los Guayacanos add forest depth.
When is the best time to visit Metropolitan Natural Park?
Dry season Jan–Apr and Nov–Dec offers cooler weather and fewer mosquitoes.
Is the canopy crane included in the entry fee?
No, the crane ride costs an additional PAB 15‑20 per person.
Can I bring my own food into the park?
Yes, but no open fires; use designated picnic areas.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Metropolitan Natural Park
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