Camino de Cruces National Park

If you love nature, you want to explore a tropical forest for the first time, or you’re passionate about history, Camino de Cruces National Park should definitely be on your list of things to do when you visit our capital.

The History
 

When they arrived at the “South Sea,” the conquistadors understood that the Panamanian jungle would be the key point of connection on their trade routes. From then on, the ports of Portobelo, in Colon, and Panama Viejo, in Panama City, saw a large part of world trade pass through.

Camino de Cruces National Park protects the remains of the first part of this route, built in 1527. The journey was made in two parts: the first section was a path through the jungle built by hand and set with stones that formed a kind of “road” to make passage easier in extreme conditions. The second part continued by canoe, from Venta de Cruces to the Caribbean port.

The Biodiversity

Camino de Cruces National Park, along with Soberania National Park, Chagres National Park, and other protected areas, forms a real wildlife corridor that protects biodiversity in the Panama Canal watershed, from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean coast. This area is special because, just as it was key for world trade, it has also been a key natural point of contact between species.

Camino de Cruces follows almost the same route as the Panama Canal today, at the narrowest point on the continent. This allows species from the Pacific and Atlantic to coexist as they travel through rivers and natural lakes, as well as artificial bodies of water that feed into the canal. Some species stayed and evolved in this unique region while others keep arriving from both sides.

While exploring the park, you’ll see plant life typical of a tropical forest—trees like the cuipo, ceiba, barrigon, and wild cashew, as well as flowers, mosses, fungi, and much more. You’ll also be able to see a large variety of birds, such as oropendolas, toucans, trogons, and parrots, as well as mammals like monkeys, agoutis, coatis, sloths, anteaters, and if you’re really lucky, even lesser capybaras, locally known as “ponchos.” 

The best way to explore the park is by following one of its trails. You can do the easiest trails on your own, since they are short and well marked. To do the longer trails, it’s best to hire a specialized guide. This way, you’ll learn a lot and stay safe as you hike, with everything you need to enjoy the experience.

El Pescador Trail: Easy–Moderate

This 1.8-mile hike (3 km) is perfect if you want a slight challenge as you explore the jungle, but one you can easily complete, even if you’re not in great physical shape. You’ll walk under the shade of the trees for most of the hike, so the sun and heat won’t feel as strong.

At the end of the trail, there’s an area next to the river that’s perfect for enjoying the scenery and recharging before heading back. Remember that this river is home to crocodiles and snakes, so swimming is prohibited. During the green season, the forest teems with life and the river is at its most beautiful.

Buho de Anteojos Trail: Moderate

This 1.24-mile trail (2 km) is special for advanced bird-watchers or those who want to get into bird-watching. Although there are some steep sections on the trail, you don’t need special training. You’ll have many opportunities to spot different species of birds, including the trail’s namesake, the spectacled owl.

Camino de Cruces Trail: Moderate–Strenuous

This is the main trail in the park. If you do the whole trail, from the park entrance in Panama City to Venta de Cruces in Gamboa, you’ll see part of the original stone path. This 7.77-mile section (12.5 km) will lead you along rivers and through the jungle, with natural scenery full of history.

At the end of the trail, you’ll reach the Chagres River. Depending on the tour you’ve booked, your adventure may continue by kayak or boat to explore Chagres National Park before returning to the city.