Flora & fauna

La Amistad International Park: One of Panama's largest parks. La Amistad includes the oldest and largest tract of primary forest in the country, much of it untouched since Man first arrived more than 20,000 years ago. With ten ecosystems ranging from tropical subalpine, the park has hundreds of species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else and a total bird population of more than 600 varieties.

Volcan Baru National Park: About a seven hour drive from the capital or a one hour flight, this 14,000-hectare park situated on the imposing 3,475-meter Volcan Baru, is one of Panama's most scenic regions, often called the Switzerland of Central America. On a clear day, both the Pacific and the Caribbean may be seen from the top of the volcano.

Reserva Forestal Fortuna: 19,500 hectares of highlands with more than 1,136 plants identified so far and some of the best bird-watching opportunities.

Humedal Lagunas de Volcan: 142 hectares 1,200 meters above sea-level, is the highest marsh ecosystem in Panama.

Playa de la Barqueta Agricola Wildlife Refuge: 5,935 hectares of mangroves, beaches and wetlands. An important nesting site for sea and shore birds and sea turtles, as well as an important roosting and feeding site for migrating birds.