Metropolitan Natural Park

Panama City, Panama

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Metropolitan Natural Park in Panama City, Panama, is a 265-hectare urban wildlife refuge and the only tropical forest within a major city in Latin America.

Established officially as a national park in 1988 after initial conservation efforts began in the mid-1970s, it encompasses tropical dry forest, a rapidly diminishing ecosystem, and hosts an impressive diversity of wildlife including over 280 bird species, 45 mammals, numerous reptiles, and amphibians.

The park provides several hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints offering stunning views of Panama City and the Pacific Ocean, as well as a butterfly house. Despite being surrounded by urban development, it remains a vital sanctuary for both flora and fauna, presenting visitors with a rare opportunity to experience rich biodiversity close to the city center.

The park is popular for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and nature walks, blending natural beauty with ecological preservation within an accessible urban environment.