Panama Canal Rainforest

Panama rainforest takes about 50,000 acres. It covers almost 58% of the country’s total land mass which means the country is really gifted with intense wildlife. It is a wonderland of exotic nature and a dream for nature enthusiasts. It is also considered to be the most accessible rainforest in the world, just few minutes from Panama City. Its pristine rainforest is a home to 105 species of mammals, 124 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 525 species of birds. 

The country’s rich biodiversity caught the interest of biologists to conduct research studies in the area concerning merging of species since Panama serve as a bridge to South America and North America. 

Panama Canal Rainforest houses extraordinary animal life which is an asset to tourists. Listed are some examples.

SLOTHS. Sloths constantly appear to be smiling, isn’t that amazing?  But it is quite hard to spot any of these cute mammals. They are always found hanging on trees, having claws that allow them to hang on trees effortlessly. Another interesting aspect of Sloths is their fur; it houses a unique form of algae that gives them green tint which helps in forest camouflage. Don’t forget to look up when you visit Panama Canal Rainforest, you’ll never know what you might see!

BIRDS. Panama is a paradise for bird watchers. It has the most diverse bird life which is real evident when you approach the depths of the forest. A total of 976 species has been recorded, exceeding the list for United States and Canada combined. The typical neotropical families like Trogons, Antbirds and Tanagers are well represented. The ruler of the rainforest is the Harpy Eagle which happens to be the national bird of Panama. It stands three feet tall and also the world’s strongest bird of prey.

FROGS. These brightly-colored creatures bring a taste of life to Panamanian Rainforest. The Poison dart Frog for example, is notable for its tiny size and bright color. Another one is the Strawberry Poison Dart that looks very much similar to that of a strawberry fruit. Frogs are given much importance of the Panamanian government that they made it a crime to transport any of these amphibians to other parts of the country. 

Panama Canal Rainforest is indeed a home to one of the world’s best wildlife. It is a shame not to try its biodiversity offered that will surely make your trip an experience of a lifetime. 

What to Do at Panama’s Rainforest

You might be hearing of some other more popular rainforest but what make Panama’s rainforest different are its unsearched treasures. Tourists can enjoy its natural wonders without the hassle of battling with other tourists. The country has over 50,000 acres of pristine rainforests which brings nature up close. A unique feature of Panama is the closeness of its nature spots to its metropolitan capital. In fact, Panama Canal Rainforest is just 30 minutes away from Panama City. In this article we’ve listed several activities that you must try upon reaching Panama’s rainforest. 

Hire a Tour Company for your Day Tour Package. It would be a shame not to step out and try outdoor activity packages offered by tour companies. Glide through the rainforest with an Aerial Tram and get the chance to unfold the stories told by their diverse flora and fauna. Do not miss bird-watching excursion or go for some excellent freshwater fishing that will suit your hunger for family bonding. If you want a relaxing thing to do, cruise across Panama’s waters and took a boat ride. One thing’s for sure, you will never run out of activities to do in Panama.

Birding. In Panama located are two of the world’s best birding locations: Pipeline and Achiote Road and Discovery Center in Panama Canal Rainforest. These sites are open 6am to 4pm every day. Go and challenge yourself to observe almost 800 species of birds on their 40m tower with awesome views of forest canopy. 

Kayaking and Rafting day tours. Traverse through Panama’s waterscape as you paddle across Chagres River and on a kayak tour in Canal Rainforest. This provides a unique opportunity to view wild monkeys in their natural habitat. Other animals would include turtles, crocodiles and three-toed sloths.

Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo. A vast botanical garden and zoo awaits everyone about 40 minutes from Panama City. It would be the best place to see vegetation and tropical animals. At summit, you can see a Harpy Eagle which is the world’s largest predator bird. 

Barro Colorado Island Tours. It is a lush jungle island with an outdoor tropical laboratory in Gatun Lake. Reservations have to be made beforehand to protect the island’s scientific research projects. The tour  can include boat ride and hiking that will definitely bring your hearts for nature out. 

Fishing. Gatun Lake, once the world’s largest man-made lake offers numerous fishes to catch. Don’t try to miss this experience since there are no limits or restrictions. This is a great tour for friends and families to enjoy the bounties of nature Lake Gatun offers.

The Difference Between a Zip line and a Canopy Tour

You might be confused between the two, but we can also use them together, - Zip line Canopy tour. A Zip line canopy tour consists of travelling through a canopy with the use of the equipment in a Zip line.

A Zip line is a system comprises of a rope which serves as the cable (in some cases made of steel) and a pulley that rolls on the cable. The pulley is attached with harness and straps through which the rider wraps around his body to secure his safety.

This enables the user propel by gravity to travel from top to bottom of the inclined table by holding onto the freely-moving pulley. It can be constructed to be less inclined or most inclined that is most suitable for adventure seekers.

On the other hand, the term canopy means the above ground portion of a plant community or crop. This is formed by crown of trees. The forest canopy offers an amazing route to zip line adventurers, as they soar above the rich family of trees, they can embrace the diversity of nature.

Some zip line adventures may not specifically offer a route above a canopy of trees. It can be one hilltop to another or even mountain cliffs. In the same way, that you can travel through a canopy with the absence of a zip line. This could mean a more relaxing trip through a canopy while travelling on a tram or platforms or even walkways that connects viewing areas.

Panama offers a variety of related adventures to those who seek the beauty and wildness of the forest at the same time wants to feel that exciting rush. May it be a zip thrilling ride or a more relaxed trip through a canopy, Panama offers the best of what your adventure nerves want.

Things to Do and Sights to See in Panama

Situated at the Southern most part of Central America, panama is a site to see and a country to explore. World’s famous for its panama canal but lo and behold, there’s a lot more to uncover in this beautiful country. A country house for beautiful mountains, luscious rain forest, highlands and beaches, no wonder tourists are adding this to their list of sights to see.

If you are planning to visit this country, here are some of the things you might want to check out and look forward to experience:

Take a Historic Tour of the Country

Panama is rich in culture, having been explored and discovered by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Take a tour of the country and take down memory lane as you explore the ruins of the 16th century.  You can opt to have a tourist guide to guide you along the historic places of Panama; Panama Viejo and the Panama Canal

Panama  Viejo

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Panama Viejo makes you see Panama when it was first colonized by the Spaniards. Housing ruins of buildings and old structures that define the country as it was back in the 16th century. Some building are now restored and several souvenir shops are seen around the place making tourist get a little memorabilia of the place.

Panama Canal

Known for it being the only ocean-to-ocean Regatta, Panama canal is a must see if you visit Panama.  You can do several activities like kayaking, padding or rowing. Tournaments are held on these activities and in 2001 the sports has been international, meaning even visitors can participate on sports events and not only enjoy it for their eyes.

Amador Causeway

Amador Causeway is made up of four connecting islands that guards the Panama canal’s entrance. Enjoy biking, jogging or just walk along the paths as you enjoy the breathtaking sceneries and the fresh air. Restaurants are also present in the area plus some souvenir shops along the way. See the skyline of Panama city through the Amador Causeway.

Dine and Enjoy the Night Life

Party and dine out on the city’s bars and restaurants marked as one of the top ten best Latin American cities for restaurants home for the best local cuisines that can satisfy your palette. You can  found most of the restaurants at the Casco Viejo or the Amador causeway. There are casinos also in the city where you can enjoy with your friend or the locals. Some casinos are the Marriott, Sheraton and the El Panama Hotel. You will definitely have a good time on the city’s casinos.

Take an Adventure to the Rainforest
Do hiking on the Ancon Hill and see the country’s local birds and animals. Also take part with the nature as you go along their rainforest. See the Metropolitan Park and experience canopy tour, a guided park tour and get up close with the wildlife and the trees. A tour guide will explain to you all that you’ll see in the park plus beautiful city view is waiting for you on the summit.