Park or nature areaOutline guide

Darién National Park

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Photo: Simon Ruf, CC BY-SA 2.0 de via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Darien National Park is the largest national park in Panama and one of the most extensive in Central America, known for its incredible biodiversity and remoteness. Located in the eastern province of Darien, it has been designated as a and Biosphere Reserve.

Getting there and around

Getting there

Reaching the park is challenging, which has helped protect its ecosystem. Options include:

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Getting around

There are no roads inside the park. Transport is primarily by:

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Airports and nearby hotels

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Antonio Roldán Betancur Airport

Carepa · Regional · APO

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Read before you go to Darién National Park

Articles and travel topics about Darién National Park and Panama.

Nature & adventure

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Hiking

Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often on hiking trails.

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Full travel guide

Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.

UnderstandDarien National Park was established in 1980 and covers approximately 5,750 km². It includes a wide variety of ecosystems, such as tropical rainforests, mangroves, beaches, and mountain ranges.

Get inReaching the park is challenging, which has helped protect its ecosystem. Options include:

Fees and permitsEntry requires a certified guide and a permit from MiAMBIENTE, requested at least 72 hours in advance.

Get aroundThere are no roads inside the park. Transport is primarily by:

See

BuyThere are no shops inside the park, but in nearby communities you may find:

Eat and drinkFood options are limited. Bring non-perishable supplies. Some local agencies or communities offer:

Sleep

Stay safe

Go next

Los Katios National ParkLocated in Colombia, this protected area borders Darién National Park and shares similar ecosystems. Although it forms part of the same biogeographical region, crossing between the two parks is not permitted and is not recommended due to safety concerns in the border area.

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Darién National Park" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Darién National Park", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Simon Ruf, CC BY-SA 2.0 de via Wikimedia Commons

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