Are Panama's parks and reserves well developed?
Panama’s national parks and nature reserves are moderately developed. All parks have at least a basic ranger station where visitors can register with park rangers, get maps, and learn about the park. The quality of the trails often depends on the accessibility of the park. Parks that see more visitors have better facilities, including handrails, benches/picnic tables, and identifiable boundaries. Trails in less accessible parks can be crudely made and confusing. Exploring parks with a guide is generally advisable.
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Fortuna Forest Reserve
The 58,185-acre (19,500-hectare) Fortuna Forest Reserve is one of the most extensive mid-elevation cloud forests in Central America. Set within Panama’s western highlands, the reserve protects over 1,000 plant species and has some of the best bird watching in the country.
Sarigua National Park
The Sarigua National Park is a sad example of deforestation in the tropics. This 20,000-acre (8,000-ha) national park is set 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Chitré. It was once the site of an ancient civilization, but these days is little more than a desert wasteland.
It's more than just having a good time or visiting beautiful places (although that's absolutely a part of it!), it's about being part of a unique experience that stays with you.
