Chagres National Park, National park near Panama City, Panama.
Chagres National Park is a protected tropical rainforest area spanning mountains, rivers, and a large reservoir in Panama. The terrain supports hundreds of plant and animal species throughout its varied landscape.
The park was established in 1985 and includes sections of the Camino Real trail, a route that Spanish colonizers used to transport gold across the isthmus centuries ago. This historic path reflects the region's importance during the colonial era.
The Embera people maintain traditional villages along the shoreline and continue practicing their ancestral crafts and way of life. Visitors can observe how these communities keep their traditions alive in their daily activities.
The park is accessible from Panama City via roads and offers activities like kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching. Plan your visit during drier months when trails are more easily passable.
The park supplies freshwater to the Panama Canal through its river and lake system, making it essential infrastructure for one of the world's busiest shipping routes. This hidden function shows how the forest supports global commerce.
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