01 Apr Hiking Parque Metropolitano
By Natalie Warner
Panama has some great hikes. Many are within a 45 minute drive of the Playa Coronado area. This week, we are venturing a bit further. Parque Metropolitano in Panama City is about 90 minutes from Coronado. It is the second highest peak in the city and offers a variety of trails accessible to just about everyone.
Parque Metropolitano is located less than 5 km (3.2 mi) from Albrook Mall and was once part of the Panama Canal Zone. The trails vary in length and difficulty. Most of the trails (with the exception of Los Momótides which is a loop) connect to other trails. Trail lengths range from 0.7 km (0.4 mi) to 1.1 km (0.7 mi). All trails are easily marked and identifiable.
Los Momótides
Los Momótides is the second shortest hike of the 5 trails. The park rates this as an easy hike and is 0.9 km. (0.6 mi) and estimates that it will take somebody 45 minutes to walk. The trail head is across the street from the parking lot. The signs and trailheads are visibly marked and easy to find.
Although you cannot see it, the beginning of the trail goes along the road. Vehicle traffic can be heard among birds chirping in the trees. This trail has steps and is not completely flat. Tree roots skirt along the path as well, also impacting how level the trail is.
While it is a relatively easy hike, the steps and roots make this an easy/moderate hike in my opinion. Easy hikes are defined as being flat and accessible to people who need flat walking surfaces. The trail took roughly one third the amount of time that the park suggests, including time to take pictures and look for wild life.
El Roble
El Roble is the other easy trail at Parque Metropolitano. This is the shortest of the trails. 0.7 km. (0.4 mi). This trail is out and back, meaning you go back the same way you came in. It also is the trail needed to get to the top of the hill.
The majority of the trail skirts the road. Expect to hear birds, scuffling leaves from lizards, along with passing cars. The road is not visible for most of the hike. El Roble has a pond which has turtles. Signs reminding you not to feed the turtles are at the pond. Another landmark is the nursery which houses a variety of plants including bonsais, miniaturized trees.
This trail is ranked easy by the park, which I believe to be accurate. The trail is flat. While not paved, people with difficulty walking stairs should be able to hike this trail with minimal difficulty.
Los Caobos
Los Caobos is 0.9 km in length. Hikers can either start at the trailhead to the left of the visitors’ center or connect with it after hiking most of El Roble. Although you do not get you to the top of the hill with this trail, a view of Panama City is visible through trees at one point.
The trail is ranked as moderate with park estimations taking roughly an hour. The trail took about half that time, again taking in account some short breaks. Loos Caobos has a lot of stairs, making this the most difficult trail out of the 5 options.
La Cienaguita
La Cienaguita can be reached at the end of El Roble or toward the top of the hill at Mono Titi and is 1.1 km (0.7 mi) in length. Although one of the longer trails, the occasional stairs make this a moderate/easy hike. The park ranks it as a moderate hike.
La Cienaguita is a fun option for hikers wanting to explore more of the park while still hiking up to (or down from) Mirador Cerro Cedro.
Mono Tití
Mono Tití is the trail that anyone who wishes to reach the peak of the hill and see Mirador Cerro Cedro must eventually take. Hikers will come across a remaining building from the United States during World War II, El Castillo. It was used as a workshop to repair planes by the US. There are two platforms as well, which is believed to have been used as helipads.
The trail begins at the end of El Roble and gradually ascends up the hill until you get close to the peak (near the La Cienaguita turnoff). While still doable, your quads may be talking to you for a few hundred meters/yards. That is when you know you’re getting close to the top. Once there, hikers are able to get a view from the second highest point in Panama City, 156 m (512 ft), the tallest point being Ancon Hill.
Getting there and other “Good to Know” Information
The visitors’ center can be found using the GPS app, Waze by typing in Parque Metropolitano. You are getting close when you drive passed Albrook Mall. Guides are available by calling in advanced 507 232-5552, or (507) 232-5516.
Cost without a guide:
Nationals and residents:
Adults, students- $1.00
Children 3-17 years $0.50
Foreigners:
Adults, students $4.00
Children 3-17 years $2.00
The park is open daily 6:30am-4:30pm.
There are on sight bathrooms as well as a small gift shop. English and Spanish are spoken at the park.
Parque Metropolitano has a picnic area and a playground. Pets are not permitted.
As with all hikes, be sure to wear appropriate, close toed shoes. Carry water with you. Panama is a hot and humid country. Many of the trails provide some relief from the sun due to the trails. Bug spray, sun protection, and snacks are always a good idea to have on hand.
Mariposario Metropolitano
Another attraction at Parque Metropolitano is the butterfly attraction, Mariposario Metropolitano. While it is located at the Parque Metropolitano, entrance fees are separate of one another. Visitors can visit the butterflies without paying the Parque Metropolitano entrance fee.
The project was created by the Ministiry of the Enviornment (MiAmbiente) and the Parque Metropolitano board of trustees. Visitors can see over 30 species of butterflies native to Panama out of the 1,600 found in the country. Visitors can take a tour lasting approximately 15 minutes or explore the enclosure freely.
Hours are Tuesday-Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm.
Admission costs:
Foreigners: $5.00
Residents/nationals adults: $2.50
Residents/nationals children/jubliados: $1.25
Parque Metropolitano is a fun place to get out and explore Panama. While it may be a bit of a drive from Coronado, there is enough to see and do to make it worth anyone’s time. The park is located close to restaurants and the Albrook Mall if you are really wanting to make a full day out of the trip. Visit the Parque Metropolitano website (in Spanish only) for more information.