National park · Panama
Omar Torrijos "El Cope" National ParkParque Nacional Omar Torrijos "El Cope"
Enter the park for about 5 PAB (≈ $5) and hike La Rana Trail (2 km (1.2 mi), easy) in the dry season; start early to avoid rain and crowds.Enter the park for about 5 PAB (≈ $5) and hike La Rana Trail (1.2 mi (2 km), easy) in the dry season; start early to avoid rain and 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
150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²)
approximate
Established
2000
Best months
Dec–Apr
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 8Guatemala, 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.
- Central Panama ↗Parts of the Canal watershed and the former Canal Zone are restricted or military land; stay on marked roads and trails.
- Central Panama ↗US dollars work everywhere; small vendors and rural buses want cash, and cards fail outside the city.
At a glance
- Country
- Panama
- Area
- 150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²)
- Approximate size 150 km²; figures may vary by source (check).
- Established
- 2000
- Best months
- Dec–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Panama City
Omar Torrijos "El Cope" National Park protects cloud‑forest mountains in central Panama, offering birdwatching (notably quetzals) and short hikes such as La Rana and El Charco. Named for General Omar Torrijos, the area combines biodiversity with cultural history and is accessed via road from Panama City or Río Hato airport.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2000.
Size and age
150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²) · national park since 2000
Approximate size 150 km²; figures may vary by source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Panama City.
Why go
- Cloud‑forest hiking with panoramic mountain views.
- Birdwatching, especially quetzals in season.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecBest
- JanDry, cool.
- FebDry, cool.
- MarDry, warm.
- AprEnd of dry season.
- MayStart of rains.
- JunRainy, trails slippery.
- JulRainy, possible road closures.
- AugRainy, mud.
- SepRainy, occasional dry spells.
- OctTransition to dry.
- NovDry improving.
- DecDry, cooler.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resplendent quetzalMar–Sep · Seek in cloud‑forest canopy. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Various tropical birdsAll 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
From Panama City
Bus to Penonomé then transfer to El Copé; final 30 km (19 mi) on dirt road, 4×4 recommended.Bus to Penonomé then transfer to El Copé; final 19 mi (30 km) on dirt road, 4×4 recommended.
3–4 h
Open the page →
From Scarlett Martínez International Airport (Río Hato)
Car hire or taxi to El Copé, then park entrance.
2 h
From Penonomé
Local bus or taxi to El Copé, then walk or drive to entrance.
1 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main entrance | Visitor centre, ticket office, trailhead for short loops. | Open daily. |
| La Rana Trail area | Easy 2 km (1.2 mi) loop to waterfall and lookout.Easy 1.2 mi (2 km) loop to waterfall and lookout. | Foot access from entrance. |
| El Charco Trail zone | Medium 4 km (2.5 mi) trail to natural pool.Medium 2.5 mi (4 km) trail to natural pool. | Guided recommended. |
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; approximate for trail features.
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 | 2026 estimate (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Guided hike (optional) no permit
Park rules
- Guides
- Recommended for longer trails; not mandatory for short loops.
- Fires
- Prohibited unless authorized.
- Camping
- Allowed only in designated area near visitor centre with permit.
- Pets
- Not allowed inside the park.
Where to stay
Near the park
El Copé guesthouses
Basic rooms and hostels, 10–20 min from entrance.
Near the park
Penonomé hotels
More comfortable options, 45 km (28 mi) away.More comfortable options, 28 mi (45 km) away.
Safety
Slippery terrain medium
Insects low
Limited cell service 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 area reachable by car; short loops have gentle paths.
- Longer trails are steep and not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all trash.
- Stay on marked trails to protect vegetation.
- Support local guides and guesthouses.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Omar Torrijos "El Cope" National Park?
Entry is about 5 PAB per person (≈ $5) at the main gate; fees may vary, check locally.
What are the best hikes in Omar Torrijos "El Cope" National Park?
La Rana Trail (easy, 2 km) and El Charco Trail (moderate, 4 km) are the most popular; longer routes need a guide.
When is the best time to visit Omar Torrijos "El Cope" National Park?
The dry season December to April offers clear trails and good birdwatching; avoid heavy rains June‑August.
Can I camp inside the park?
Camping is allowed only in a designated area near the visitor centre with a permit; fees vary.
Do I need a guide for any trail?
Guides are required for the longer El Charco Trail and recommended for safety; short loops can be done solo.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
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Ask about Omar Torrijos "El Cope" National Park
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