Location: 31 mi (50 km) Northwest of Penonome
5 mi (8 km) Northwest of El Cope
Tel. 997-9089, 997- 7538
Omar Torrijos National Park, commonly known as El Copé, is a remote and biodiverse protected area in central Panama, spanning 25,275 hectares (62,456 acres) across the Coclé and Colón provinces. Established by Executive Decree No. 18 on July 31, 1986, the park is named in honor of General Omar Torrijos Herrera, a pivotal Panamanian military and political leader who died in a mysterious plane crash near Cerro Marta within the park on July 31, 1981. Often referred to as Panama’s “most beautiful jungle,” the park encompasses primary forests, misty highlands, and critical watersheds along both the Pacific and Caribbean slopes of the Continental Divide. Its rugged terrain, rich biodiversity, and challenging access make it a haven for adventurers, birdwatchers, and eco-tourists seeking an authentic wilderness experience.
Omar Torrijos National Park is located approximately 180 km west of
Panama City, above the town of El Copé in Coclé Province, and extends
into Colón Province. The park lies along the easternmost part of
Panama’s main cordillera, contiguous with Santa Fé National Park and the
Golfo de los Mosquitos Forests. Its elevation ranges from a low of 80
meters on the Belén River to a high of 1,710 meters at an unnamed peak
near the western boundary, with Cerro Peña Blanca (710 m) marking the
eastern extent. The park’s diverse topography includes steep slopes,
misty peaks, and river valleys, with the Continental Divide creating
distinct Pacific and Caribbean microclimates.
Geographical
Features
Watersheds: The park protects the upper watersheds of
several rivers, including the Río Grande, Bermejo, Marta, and Nombre de
Dios flowing into the Pacific, and the Belén, Coclé del Norte, Blanco,
Guabal, Lajas, San Juan, and Concepción draining into the Caribbean.
These rivers are vital for regional water supply and ecological health.
Climate: The park has a tropical humid to very humid climate, with
temperatures averaging 20–25°C. The Pacific slope receives about 2,000
mm of rainfall annually, while the Caribbean slope gets up to 4,000 mm,
fostering lush vegetation. The dry season (December–April) is ideal for
hiking, while the wet season (May–November) brings heavy rains,
potentially raising river levels and complicating access.
Terrain:
The park features low montane rainforests at higher elevations,
transitioning to premontane rainforests and very humid tropical forests
on the wetter Caribbean lowlands. Its highest point, Cerro Punta Blanca
(1,314 m), and Cerro Marta (1,046 m), where Torrijos’s plane crashed,
are notable landmarks.
Geological Context
The park lies within
a karst landscape of limestone and volcanic rock, shaped by tectonic
activity along the Central American Volcanic Arc. The rugged terrain,
with cliffs and river-carved valleys, reflects millions of years of
erosion and uplift. The park’s isolation has preserved its primary
forests, though 5,000 hectares (20%) have been deforested, primarily in
the eastern valleys of the Guabal and Bermejo Rivers and along the Belén
and San Juan Rivers in the northwest.
Omar Torrijos National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, serving as a
sanctuary for endemic and threatened species within the Mesoamerican
Biological Corridor. Its diverse habitats—submontane forests, wet
evergreen lowland forests, and misty highlands—support a remarkable
array of flora and fauna, making it a priority for conservation.
Flora
The park’s vegetation includes:
Orchids and ferns, thriving
in humid conditions.
Imposing trees such as cedar, oak, and barrigón
(Pseudobombax septenatum), a species common in the region from which the
nearby village of El Barrigón takes its name.
Rubber trees, abundant
in the highlands.
Epiphytes and bromeliads, dotting cloud forests,
particularly along trails like those near Chorro Las Yayas.
Despite
deforestation, the park’s primary forests remain largely intact,
supporting a rich plant diversity that sustains its ecosystems.
Fauna
The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife:
Mammals: All five of Panama’s big cats (jaguar, puma, ocelot,
jaguarundi, margay) inhabit the park, though sightings are rare due to
their elusive nature. Other mammals include Baird’s tapir, white-lipped
peccary, water opossum, Central American wooly opossum, silky anteater,
northern naked-tailed armadillo, Geoffroy’s tamarin, Central American
spider monkey, Panamanian spiny pocket mouse, olingo, and neotropical
river otter.
Birds: The park is a BirdLife International Important
Bird Area (IBA), hosting 5 of 11 species from the South Central American
Caribbean Slope Endemic Bird Area (EBA) and 21 of 54 species from the
Costa Rica and Panama Highlands EBA. Notable species include:
Globally Threatened: Red-fronted Parrotlet, Three-wattled Bellbird,
Bare-necked Umbrellabird.
Near-Threatened: Resplendent Quetzal, Great
Curassow, Black Guan, Blue-and-gold Tanager.
Nationally Threatened:
Immaculate Antbird, Golden-olive Woodpecker, White-throated
Shrike-tanager.
Rare: Orange-breasted Falcon, with a breeding site
recently located, one of only five recorded in Panama.
Amphibians:
Endemic and endangered species include the Panama golden frog (Atelopus
varius, A. zeteki), Colosthetus flotator, C. inguinalis, Dendrobates
vicentei, Eleutherodactylus museosus, E. pardalis, and the salamander
Bolitoglossa schizodactyla. The park’s rivers and humid forests provide
ideal habitats.
Reptiles: Poisonous snakes, such as fer-de-lance and
bushmasters, are present, posing risks to hikers who stray off trails.
Deforestation: Approximately 20% of the park (5,000 ha) has been
cleared, primarily for agriculture and illegal settlements in the
eastern and northwestern valleys.
Hunting and Clearing: With only
five park guards assigned by Panama’s National Environmental Authority
(ANAM), controlling illegal activities is challenging.
Eco-Tourism
Potential: The park’s proximity to Panama City (180 km) offers
significant eco-tourism potential, but limited infrastructure and
difficult access hinder development. New visitor facilities, including a
visitor center and cabin, have been constructed recently to support
tourism.
The park’s role in protecting watersheds and endangered
species, such as the Panama golden frog and harpy eagle, underscores its
ecological importance. Conservation efforts focus on trail maintenance,
anti-poaching patrols, and community-based tourism to generate income
for locals.
Omar Torrijos National Park is deeply tied to the legacy of General
Omar Torrijos Herrera (1929–1981), a transformative figure in Panama’s
history. As the Maximum Leader of the Panamanian Revolution and
commander of the National Guard from 1968 to 1981, Torrijos led a coup
d’état in 1968, instituting social reforms and negotiating the 1977
Torrijos–Carter Treaties, which transferred control of the Panama Canal
to Panama by 1999. His commitment to sovereignty, social justice, and
environmental stewardship is commemorated in the park’s name.
Torrijos frequently visited El Copé, adopting the pueblo and
contributing to its economic development. His death in a plane crash at
Cerro Marta during a thunderstorm in July 1981 (not 1983, as some
sources incorrectly state) remains controversial, with theories ranging
from accident to assassination due to his nationalist policies. The
crash site, now part of the park, adds a layer of historical intrigue. A
museum in Coclesito, one of Torrijos’s former residences, displays his
personal items, and his image is present throughout the park, honoring
his love for nature and vision for a sustainable Panama.
The
park’s cultural significance extends to local communities, including
Ngäbe indigenous groups, who rely on the surrounding forests for
resources. Tourism supports economic development, with festivals like
the Manito Festival in nearby Ocú showcasing regional traditions such as
sancocho (a traditional soup) and tamales.
Omar Torrijos National Park is not a mainstream destination due to
its remote location and challenging access, but it rewards intrepid
travelers with pristine wilderness, rare wildlife, and a sense of
adventure. The park is best suited for hikers, birdwatchers, and
eco-tourists willing to navigate its rugged trails.
Access and
Transportation
Location: Approximately 180 km west of Panama City,
accessible via El Copé (161 km from Panama City) in Coclé Province, or
33 miles (53 km) west of Penonomé. The park is reached from the village
of El Barrigón, a 45-minute uphill hike or drive from El Copé.
By
Car: Take the Inter-American Highway to La Candelaria (Coclé), then a
well-maintained road to El Copé. From El Copé, an unpaved road to El
Barrigón requires a 4x4 vehicle, especially in the wet season when a
small river crossing may be impassable due to high water levels. Signs
guide visitors to Chorro Las Yayas and the park entrance.
By Public
Transport: Buses from Panama City to Penonomé (~$5 USD, 2 hours) or El
Copé (~$6 USD, 3 hours) are available. From El Copé, a bus to El
Barrigón costs ~$0.60 USD. Local trucks or taxis (~$10–20 USD) can
navigate the unpaved road if 4x4s are unavailable.
Guided Tours:
Operators like EcoCircuitos Panama offer customized tours (~$100–200
USD), including transport, guides, and meals, ideal for those avoiding
self-driving.
Entrance and Facilities
Cost: Entrance is $5 USD
for foreigners, payable at the ranger station near El Barrigón. Guided
tours or local marshals may be free or cost ~$7–10 USD/day.
Hours:
Open daily, typically 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, though early starts (6–7 AM) are
recommended for wildlife sightings and cooler temperatures.
Facilities:
Visitor Center and Cabin: Recently constructed for basic
lodging and information, though limited.
Albergue Navas and Cabaña
Navas: Provide basic accommodations and meals, requiring advance booking
via the ranger station. Camping is permitted with a permit.
Picnic
Areas, Restrooms, Parking: Available but minimal. Bring water, food, and
supplies, as options are scarce.
Rules:
Stay on designated
trails to avoid poisonous snakes and disorientation.
No littering or
feeding wildlife.
Respect park boundaries to prevent deforestation.
Activities
Hiking:
Trails: The park offers a network of
well-maintained trails, including a 1.5-hour loop near El Barrigón and
longer treks into the jungle. Trails are rough, muddy, and marked with
colored ribbons, requiring sturdy shoes. A 45-minute uphill hike from El
Barrigón reaches the entrance.
Chorro Las Yayas Waterfall: A nearby
attraction ($2 USD entry) offers a refreshing dip after hiking.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, with muddy paths and steep inclines,
especially in the wet season. Guides are recommended for deep jungle
treks to avoid getting lost.
Birdwatching: The road above El Copé is
a popular birding destination, with species like the Orange-breasted
Falcon and Resplendent Quetzal attracting enthusiasts. The dry season
maximizes sightings.
Wildlife Viewing: Spotting big cats or tapirs is
rare, but frogs, lizards, and birds are common. Bromeliads and orchids
enhance the visual experience.
Cultural Exploration: Visit the Omar
Torrijos Museum in Coclesito to learn about his legacy. Local festivals
in Ocú provide cultural immersion.
Highlights: The park’s “emerald gem” status stems from its lush
greenery, high humidity, and pristine forests, a stark contrast to
Panama’s drought-affected regions. Hikers report a sense of
accomplishment upon reaching the park, with marshals guiding visitors
through wild terrain.
Challenges: Limited signage, difficult 4x4
access, and muddy trails deter casual tourists. The wet season
(May–November) can ruin shoes and obscure ocean views due to clouds.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, especially for large mammals.
Duration: Plan 4–6 hours for a day visit, including hiking and waterfall
stops. Overnight camping or cabin stays allow deeper exploration.
Accommodations
Park: Albergue Navas and Cabaña Navas offer basic
lodging (~$10–20 USD/night), requiring advance reservations. Camping is
an option with permits.
El Copé/Penonomé: Small guesthouses (~$20–50
USD/night) or hotels like Hotel La Pradera in Penonomé (~$50–80 USD).
Panama City: For pre/post-trip stays, budget hostels (~$10–20 USD) or
mid-range hotels (~$50–100 USD) are 3 hours away.
Dining
Park:
Meals at Albergue Navas or Cabaña Navas are basic (e.g., rice, beans,
~$5–10 USD). Bring snacks and water due to limited options.
El Copé:
Local eateries serve sancocho and tamales (~$3–8 USD).
Penonomé:
Restaurants offer Panamanian cuisine (~$5–15 USD).
Access: The unpaved road from El Copé to El Barrigón requires a 4x4
vehicle, especially in the wet season when river crossings may be
impassable. Signage is scarce, and the left turn at the football field
in La Pintada is easy to miss.
Trail Conditions: Muddy, poorly
maintained trails with little signage can disorient hikers. The Peace
Corps-blazed trails have fallen into disrepair, requiring guides for
safety.
Safety: Poisonous snakes and rugged terrain pose risks. Stay
on trails and hire guides for deep treks. No ATMs are available, so
carry cash (USD, Panama’s currency).
Crowds: The park sees few
visitors, offering solitude but limited infrastructure. Weekdays are
quieter than weekends.
Weather: The dry season (December–April) is
ideal for hiking and clear views, though mornings are best to avoid
clouds. The wet season (May–November) brings rain, mud, and potential
river hazards.
Conservation: Illegal clearing and hunting threaten
biodiversity. With only five guards, enforcement is limited. Visitors
must adhere to rules to minimize impact.
Omar Torrijos National Park is a hidden gem for those seeking an
authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure in Panama. Its pristine
forests, home to all five of Panama’s big cats, rare birds like the
Red-fronted Parrotlet, and endangered amphibians like the Panama golden
frog, offer a glimpse into Central America’s biodiversity. The park’s
misty highlands, where both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans can be seen
on clear days, provide breathtaking vistas, while its trails immerse
visitors in a “wild, emerald gem” of untouched jungle.
The park’s
historical significance, tied to Omar Torrijos’s legacy and his tragic
crash at Cerro Marta, adds depth, with cultural touchpoints like the
Coclesito museum and local festivals. Despite challenging access and
minimal facilities, the sense of accomplishment, as noted by Tripadvisor
reviewers, and the chance to support local communities through
eco-tourism make it rewarding. For hikers, birdwatchers, or those
inspired by Panama’s history, Omar Torrijos National Park is, as one
source calls it, “a unique immersion into the heart of Central America’s
wilderness”.
Practical Tips:
Timing: Visit during the dry
season (December–April) for optimal hiking and wildlife viewing. Start
hikes at 6–7 AM to maximize daylight and avoid clouds.
Gear: Pack
sturdy boots, rain gear, insect repellent, 2 liters of water, snacks,
and a first-aid kit. A 4x4 vehicle is essential for access.
Guides:
Hire local marshals (~$7–10 USD/day) at the ranger station or through
operators like EcoCircuitos (+507 315-1305) for safety and navigation.
Budget: Entrance ($5 USD), meals (~$5–10 USD), and transport (~$20–50
USD round-trip) keep costs low. Guided tours (~$100–200 USD) are pricier
but comprehensive.
Combine: Pair with Chorro Las Yayas Waterfall ($2
USD), Penonomé markets, or Santa Fé National Park for a multi-day
itinerary.
Conservation: Follow rules (no littering, stay on trails)
to protect endangered species and support local eco-tourism.