About Gamboa Rainforest
Explore Panama
Overview
Nearby Soberanía National Park offers an exquisite habitat for the elusive jaguar, white-tailed deer, monkeys, raccoons and herds of wild pigs. And, of course, that grand marvel of human engineering, the Panama Canal, looms mightily in the distance. Its amazing Miraflores locks, whose water raises ships above sea level to enter the Canal, can be explored, along with Panama’s impressive Old Town.
Just south of Gamboa, Lake Gatun and the Chagres approach the Culebra Cut, where the Canal winds across the Continental Divide.
Even though Gamboa lies so close to Panama’s most visited site, the Panama Canal, its jungles remain largely untouched due to the area’s remoteness. There are a host of trails and activities available for visitors wanting to experience this magical rainforest up-close, including Embera and Wounaa reservations and an aerial tram above the forest for a bird’s-eye view of the jungle.
What To Do
Ride Panama’s only tram high above the rainforest in Gamboa. Tour the Mariposario Butterfly Farm and get a superb panoramic view of this lush forest from its observation tower.
Visit the Gamboa Wildlife Rescue Center, where injured animals are rehabilitated and released into the rainforest.
Hike along one of the region’s myriad trails, such as La Chunga or Laguna, where you may spot monkeys, toucans and other amazing wildlife. Go whitewater rafting along the Chagres River.
Explore the 55,000-acre Soberanía National Park, for a look at Panama’s wilder side. Learn about the native customs of the local Embera indigenous community. Meet some of their welcoming inhabitants who live along the banks of the Chagres River. Take home souvenirs of your Panamanian vacation from the Embera Market, featuring rosewood animal carvings, woven baskets and other unique native handicrafts.
When to Go
Temperatures in Gamboa generally range between 75 F and 85 F. There are two major seasons in Panama. The dry season begins at the end of December and continues until May. The rainy season occurs from May through December.
Fast Facts
During the 1940s, the military carved out a trail deep in the jungle meant to be an eventual petroleum pipeline route. It was never completed. However, a hike along the Pipeline Road today offers a rare chance to get a glimpse of more than 350 species of birds, butterflies, monkeys and other delightful wildlife. There are other intriguing sites such as the Butterfly Farm, Frog Pond and Orchid Nursery, where visitors can visit a microcosm of the wildlife that inhabits the glorious Gamboa rainforests.
The only road access to Gamboa is a single-lane iron-and-wood bridge that crosses the Chagres River.
Although Spanish is the official language of Panama, English is widely spoken.
Travel Tips & Tools
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