×

Panama🇵🇦 | national parksAltos de Campana National ParkFirst national park, paved summit road, ridge lookout, golden frog | things to do and best time to go

Explore Camino de Cruces National ParkExplore Santa Fe National Park

Backpacking in Altos de Campana
👍 Recommendednational park ranked #8
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Altos de Campana is Panama’s first national park, protected in 1966, yet many travelers assume it is a sweeping cloud-forest wilderness; in fact it is a compact 4,816-hectare mountain block with a single paved road and a few short trails. It sits west of Panama City, in the province of Panamá Oeste, and the road climbs from the Pan-American Highway. That matters because the volcanic ridge catches moisture, so a morning start gets you clearer views and fewer clouds. Experienced walkers go early and carry rain gear for the same reason. When I arrived at the summit lookout, the Pacific plain lay flat and glittering below while parrots shrieked overhead, and I realized how quickly the city drops away. Wildlife is good, public transport is thin, and crowds are rare. It suits independent hikers with a car or a taxi plan, not anyone wanting long multi-day treks.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Panama Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #8 national park in PanamaThe unique appeal for travelers

Altos de Campana National Park appeals to backpackers because it is one of the few places near Panama City where you can reach real mountain forest on your own schedule. Independent exploration works well here: the trails are short, the ranger station is easy to find, and you don’t need a guide to enjoy the main walks. Birders and reptile fans come for the endemic Campana species, including the rare Panamanian golden frog, and the Cerro Campana summit at roughly 1,000 meters gives views over the Pacific coast on clear mornings. Because the park is small, you can hike in the morning and still be back on the highway by afternoon, which suits travelers building a route along the coast rather than committing days to one spot. Nearby hillside villages offer simple cabins and camping, so you can … read more 👉
Altos de Campana National Park appeals to backpackers because it is one of the few places near Panama City where you can reach real mountain forest on your own schedule. Independent exploration works well here: the trails are short, the ranger station is easy to find, and you don’t need a guide to enjoy the main walks. Birders and reptile fans come for the endemic Campana species, including the rare Panamanian golden frog, and the Cerro Campana summit at roughly 1,000 meters gives views over the Pacific coast on clear mornings. Because the park is small, you can hike in the morning and still be back on the highway by afternoon, which suits travelers building a route along the coast rather than committing days to one spot. Nearby hillside villages offer simple cabins and camping, so you can stay close to the trailheads without paying resort prices.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Altos de Campana

  1. Cerro Campana Summit Lookout: The park’s best-known sight, a viewpoint on the ridge where the Pacific coast, the islands off the shore, and on clear days the Panama City skyline open up below.
  2. Birdwatching along the access road: The paved road through the forest edge is a reliable place for tanagers, trogons, and parrots, especially in the early hours.
  3. Endemic amphibians and reptiles: The park shelters local species such as the Panamanian golden frog, best looked for with a guide after rain.
  4. Cloud forest edge on the upper ridge: Higher stretches hold mist-draped trees with bromeliads and orchids clinging to the branches.
Start with the summit lookout, since the views fade as clouds build later in the morning.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Altos de Campana National Park

Electric Bike Rental El Valle de Antón (Best Rated Activity)

Electric Bike Rental El Valle de Antón (Best Rated Activity)

5.0(47)
From €32
per personViator
Private Tour on E-Bike: Discover El Valle de Anton

Private Tour on E-Bike: Discover El Valle de Anton

4.9(36) 2h 15m
From €68
per personViator
Valle De Anton Rainfall Hot Springs and Nature Private Tour

Valle De Anton Rainfall Hot Springs and Nature Private Tour

4.8(26) 8h
From €86
per personViator
Adventure tour to Pozo Azul Waterfall

Adventure tour to Pozo Azul Waterfall

4.6(30) 4h
From €82
per personViator
Private Tour - Mountain Hiking within an Inhabited Volcano

Private Tour - Mountain Hiking within an Inhabited Volcano

4.9(19) 3h
From €59
per personViator
El Valle de Antón UTV Adventure to Pozo Azul

El Valle de Antón UTV Adventure to Pozo Azul

5.0(16)
From €104
per personViator
3 Hours Bike Rentals in Valle de Anton 9 am to 12 pm

3 Hours Bike Rentals in Valle de Anton 9 am to 12 pm

4.8(8)
From €13.61
per personViator
Private Tour - Alliance of E Valley Bikes and Valley Guides

Private Tour - Alliance of E Valley Bikes and Valley Guides

5.0(7) 3h
From €59
per personViator
Private Off-Road E-Bike Adventure (all levels)

Private Off-Road E-Bike Adventure (all levels)

5.0(5) 3h
From €91
per personViator
3 Hour Private Waterfall Hike in El Palmar

3 Hour Private Waterfall Hike in El Palmar

5.0(4)
From €59
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Dry Season (mid-December to April): Trails are firmest and the Panama City side stays mostly clear. Highs reach 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F) in the lowlands, while the ridge near the summit runs 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F). Daylight lasts roughly 11.5 to 12 hours. Weekends bring the most day hikers from the capital, and guesthouse rates rise a little.
  • Early Wet Season (May to July): Mornings are often dry, then storms build after midday. Trails get muddy and the cloud forest turns lush. Crowds thin out and lodging is easy to find.
  • Peak Rains (August to November): Rain falls most days and rivers swell. Views are often lost in cloud, and some tracks become slick. Prices are lowest and you may have the park to yourself.
Start hiking by 7 a.m. in any season, since afternoon cloud and rain arrive early on the ridge.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: good for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
panama-national-park-altos-de-campana-national-park
© Google |

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutPanama Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Panama
The digital guide (272 pages) contains:
✅ 89 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 5, 10 & 15-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

Altos de Campana has no lodging inside the park, so most backpackers sleep in the lowland towns along the Pan-American Highway and drive or taxi up. Capira and Campana sit closest to the park entrance, and both have a few basic guesthouses at roughly US$20 to 35 a night. Expect simple rooms, fans or air conditioning, and little English. Many travelers instead stay in Panama City, about 1 to 1.5 hours away by road. Casco Viejo and the Bella Vista area have hostel dorms from US$12 to 20 and plenty of tour operators who can arrange a driver. Coronado and San Carlos offer mid-range beach hotels at … read more 👉
Altos de Campana has no lodging inside the park, so most backpackers sleep in the lowland towns along the Pan-American Highway and drive or taxi up. Capira and Campana sit closest to the park entrance, and both have a few basic guesthouses at roughly US$20 to 35 a night. Expect simple rooms, fans or air conditioning, and little English. Many travelers instead stay in Panama City, about 1 to 1.5 hours away by road. Casco Viejo and the Bella Vista area have hostel dorms from US$12 to 20 and plenty of tour operators who can arrange a driver. Coronado and San Carlos offer mid-range beach hotels at US$50 to 90 if you want sea and cooler evenings. Camping at the park is limited, so ask rangers at the entrance about current options before bringing a tent. Book weekend rooms ahead in the dry season.
Best hostels in Panama


Best quality hotels in Panama

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)How expensive it really is

Altos de Campana National Park costs roughly US$43 to 100 per day for a backpacker using public transport and cheap lodging near the park. Most of the spend goes to getting there and sleeping nearby, since the entry fee is small. Prices are paid in US dollars, which Panama uses alongside the balboa.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$5 to 10Foreigners usually pay a small fee at the ranger post, in cash.
Accommodation (high season)US$20 to 35Simple guesthouses in Capira or Campana; Panama City dorms run US$12 to 20.
Local transportUS$8 to 25Bus from Panama City to Capira costs a few dollars, then a taxi to the trailhead adds US$10 to 20.
Food and suppliesUS$10 to 20Fondas serve a plate of rice, meat, and salad for US$4 to 7; bring snacks for the trail.
Guide (optional)US$0 to 30A local
… read more 👉
Altos de Campana National Park costs roughly US$43 to 100 per day for a backpacker using public transport and cheap lodging near the park. Most of the spend goes to getting there and sleeping nearby, since the entry fee is small. Prices are paid in US dollars, which Panama uses alongside the balboa.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$5 to 10Foreigners usually pay a small fee at the ranger post, in cash.
Accommodation (high season)US$20 to 35Simple guesthouses in Capira or Campana; Panama City dorms run US$12 to 20.
Local transportUS$8 to 25Bus from Panama City to Capira costs a few dollars, then a taxi to the trailhead adds US$10 to 20.
Food and suppliesUS$10 to 20Fondas serve a plate of rice, meat, and salad for US$4 to 7; bring snacks for the trail.
Guide (optional)US$0 to 30A local guide or bird guide is worth it for the cloud forest, with prices negotiated.
Total Daily BudgetUS$43 to 100About US$70 for a typical day with a taxi and a guesthouse.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsDiscover Altos de Campana's top trails and natural wonders

Altos de Campana National Park, the first national park created in Panama (1966), packs its hiking into a short, steep mountain ridge of volcanic rock, so walks here are about climbing, not distance. Trailheads sit on the road that climbs from the Pan-American Highway, and the visitor area near the entrance is where most walks begin.
  • Sendero La Cruz: Sendero La Cruz is the classic climb, roughly 2 km round trip and about 2 to 3 hours. It is steep and moderate to hard, over rocky, often slick ground, and it ends at a lookout with views across the Pacific coast, Panama City on clear days and the
… read more 👉
Altos de Campana National Park, the first national park created in Panama (1966), packs its hiking into a short, steep mountain ridge of volcanic rock, so walks here are about climbing, not distance. Trailheads sit on the road that climbs from the Pan-American Highway, and the visitor area near the entrance is where most walks begin.
  • Sendero La Cruz: Sendero La Cruz is the classic climb, roughly 2 km round trip and about 2 to 3 hours. It is steep and moderate to hard, over rocky, often slick ground, and it ends at a lookout with views across the Pacific coast, Panama City on clear days and the offshore islands.
  • Terrain: Expect basalt boulders, exposed roots and mud. Good-gripping shoes matter far more than poles or fancy gear, since the rock stays wet well into the day.
  • Wildlife: The park is known for endemic species, including the Panamanian golden frog, as well as birds such as the blue cotinga, plus howler monkeys, sloths and many butterflies. Early starts give the best chance of sightings, and the forest is quietest before midmorning.
  • Difficulty: Overall moderate. Fitness requirements come from the slope and humidity, not trail length, so carry plenty of water and start before the heat builds.
Getting there without a car takes some planning. Buses on the Pan-American Highway from Panama City stop at the turnoff near Capira, and from there the climb to the park entrance is steep, so most backpackers hire a local taxi or arrange a pickup. Weekdays are quiet, with weekends drawing a modest crowd of Panamanian day hikers. An entrance fee is charged, a few dollars for foreigners, and a local guide is easy to arrange at the ranger post if you want help with birds or route-finding.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Altos de Campana is straightforward for prepared hikers, but the main hazards are slick footing and sudden weather. The Cerro Campana trail climbs steeply over roots and wet rock, so wear shoes with real grip and carry a rain shell even on clear mornings. Cloud can drop quickly on the ridge, so stay on the marked path and start early. Bring at least 2 liters of water, since humidity drains you fast. Wildlife is mostly birds, monkeys, and the occasional snake, so watch where you place hands and feet and never feed animals. Leave valuables out of parked cars at trailheads. Hiking with a partner or a local guide is sensible on longer routes where signage is thin. Phone signal is patchy, so tell your lodging where you are headed and when you expect to be back.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Altos de Campana

One full day covers Altos de Campana National Park, and two days suit you better if you want birding and the longer ridge trails. The Cerro Campana trail takes about 2 to 4 hours round trip depending on pace. Panama City lies roughly 1 to 1.5 hours away, so an early start makes a day trip realistic. Staying overnight in Capira or Chica gives you the cool morning hours.
Yes, Altos de Campana National Park is reachable without a car, though the last stretch takes planning. Buses from Panama City’s Albrook terminal toward Capira or Chorrera run along the Pan-American Highway for a few dollars. From the turnoff you need a taxi or hitchhike for roughly 6 to 10 km uphill, which costs about US$10 to 20. Many travelers hire a driver from Panama City for US$60 to 100 round trip, which saves time.
Yes, Altos de Campana National Park charges a small entrance fee, typically around US$5 to 10 for foreign visitors, paid in cash at the ranger station. No advance permit is normally needed for day hikes on the main trail. Carry small bills, since change can be scarce, and bring your passport or a copy. Check ahead with the Ministry of Environment if you plan to camp or take a research or guided group.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Panamanian national parks near Altos de Campana

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Panama including Altos de Campana and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all national parks

Or checkout all Panama has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Panama
Country photo of Panama
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Altos de Campana National Park works best as a half-day stop between Panama City and the beaches of the Pacific coast, such as Coronado or Playa Blanca. I would hike early, then continue west toward El Valle de Antón or the coast. Bring a rain shell and binoculars, and skip it if you want a full-day trek.

✈️ When did I visit Panama?
Panama I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Panama, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story