What’s in Our Bags: The Travel Gear Editors Are Loving This Summer
"A bustling capital city known for its modern skyscrapers, colonial architecture, and the famous Panama Canal. It's a city that blends history and modernity."
"I explored the 573-acre Metropolitan Natural Park and enjoyed its flora- and fauna-filled trails as a nature escape within Panama City." - Lauren Dana Ellman
Lauren Dana Ellman
Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content.
Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
A hike easy enough for the whole family. Various routes that take about 1 - 2hrs to navigate observantly. Steepest part is the final 10mins to get above the canopy where the reward is the view.
Can get hot and humid so bring water.
Sheila Black
Google
We arrived late - about 1/2 hour before official closing, but were told that we could go on one of the shorter trails if we were back by 5. Lovely walk, hot! But nice observation area at top of trail, and we saw an agouti(?) some turtles, butterflies, spiders, a small scorpion, and lots of cool flora. Go.
Cara Hultstrand
Google
Metropolitan Natural Park was such a great stop! It’s only $5 to enter, and there are about 5 miles of trails to explore. We did the hike to the scenic overlook — about 3 miles round trip — and it was very family-friendly. It’s uphill, but not too steep or difficult. The views at the top are amazing, with a full panorama of Panama City and the sea dotted with ships waiting to enter the canal. We even saw some monkeys along the way! Highly recommend if you’re looking for an easy nature escape right near the city.
Janice Edwards
Google
We loved this park and seeing all the animals! Hated seeing the flying cockroaches, but everything else was awesome.
Gwen Wild
Google
What a magnificent place right in the middle of Panama. This place is magical ✨️ I love how the rays of the sun gently kissed the plants. The air is clean, crisp, and fresh. Lots of Fauna and Flora. Colorful butterflies. The breathtaking views made this an amazing experience. It costs $2 for locals.
Gonzalo RCA (TRAIANVS)
Google
Beautiful park, perfect for some hike. Be aware that when they say moderate to describe the intensity of the trail it really means intense for kids or elders.
Jose L. Gerhartz
Google
A place in the city where you'll be in direct contact with nature and watch some charming species like the agouti (locally called ñeque) and sloths, besides a number of birds, turtles, insects and flowering plants.
Valerie Duhamel
Google
Love this place. The hike is great. Takes 2 hours if you do all the loops.