The lifting of lockdown will allow citizens to get relaxed after more than 2 months of being confined in their homes. Activities like hiking walks and outdoors exercises have been highly recommended by the specialists to set the people free from the "post-traumatic" stress disorder generated by fear caused by the news, social media and much more overwhelming information coming from the internet but more than that, the concern about serious economic crisis generated by the quarantine in question.
The pandemic has brought travel restrictions and the health authorities have said there is no date yet to raise the security health checkpoints set around the metropolitan area. This post is intended to let you know some places where you may escape from the CROWD to find peace a bit without leaving the city, let's dive in.
Natural Metropolitan Park:
Considered an important green lung of Panama City, the Metropolitan Park covers more than 600 acres of tropical dry forest and it is surrounded 7 hiking trails that allow you to discover the magic of its flora and wildlife. The most popular trail is the Titi Monkey trail (Geoffroy tamarin) which lead you to the "Los Trinos" lookout (a birdwatching spot) and it will take you to "Cerro Cedro" lookout, the highest viewpoint of the hill, that place was developed by US army as heliport during Vietnam war training. From that viewpoint you will have some stunning views from Panama City and the former Clayton army base.
Ancon Hill:
This is another lush and green area located within Panama City limits, considered a national sovereignty sign and its big flag at the top outstands among the city so it's quite notorious. The road to the top is in good shape but make sure to have good lungs since the walk might take up to 50 mins. This is a great place to get in contact with nature and spot their endemic wildlife, in the morning is very common to spot several kinds of animals like agoutis, sloths, armadillos among some exotic birds like toucans, trogons and much more, so I would consider that is the best time to go. Once you get to the top, 3 lookouts will be waiting for you so make sure to bring your camera!
Baha'i Meditation House:
Located on the northern side of the city, this is a temple open for those who want to get relaxed through meditation. Built over Sonsonate Hill which is 180 meters above sea level, once you get to the top you will enjoy an amazing view from some exclusive neighborhoods in Panama and even you will watch how the planes approximate for landing and taking off in Tocumen airport. Surrounded by leafy trees which make it very fresh and the ideal place to spot some birds (woodpeckers and honeycreepers). If you want to take part in their faith, they make services on Sundays at 10 am.
Omar Park:
This park is based on a Panama City urban zone, often visited by San Francisco neighborhood residents since most of them have found on it an oasis in the middle of the busy city. Founded by General Omar Torrijos in 1973 this park is an open space of 135 acres approximately which allows the visitors to make several outdoor activities and physical exercises. It has green areas, play place for the kids, library, basketball court, baseball field even a pool but the most visited is its perimeter 2.5 miles trail. No doubt this is a place to escape from the routine and the crowd during the weekdays, if you decide to go on weekends take into consideration since it is the closest park to the city, it may be busy.
Gamboa:
For sure one of the greenest places around Panama City, located in the former Canal Zone within the Soberania National Park. This place is known for its birdwatching spots, definitely a must while in Panama. It is home of the Summit Botanical and Wildlife rescue center, once in Summit you will enjoy their trails through the greenery and will meet tropical wildlife species such as Jaguars, pumas, several kinds of monkeys and others mammals, macaws, parrots among others exotic birds (by the way, it's the only place in Panama to spot the Harpy Eagle). It is a great place whether you are coming with your kids or in a couple. Further to the rescue center you will find popular trails through the forest such as Plantation trail, Charco Trail, and Pipeline road (very wanted by birdwatchers). For those nature lovers, there is a hotel at Gamboa town (Gamboa Rainforest resort) where you can stay and enjoy much more of the lush forest, this hotel also offers some activities like the aerial tram, ziplining, boat tours and much more.
Ciudad Deportiva Kiwanis:
It's another place within Canal Zone but this one is located at the former Clayton army base. This is a more than 50 acres sports venue dedicated to wellness, fitness, and outdoor activities, surrounded by abundant greenery. Great place to have a walkthrough its perimeter trail in the morning or the afternoon. If you want to have a fun and relaxing time with your group this place has a basketball and tennis courts, soccer and baseball field, gym, pool even a driving range. To use those facilities you should reach the administration to book in advance, there are hourly rates and monthly packages
Cinta Costera:
Like Omar park, this is another well-known place among the citizens. It's a 64 acres reclaimed land on the Panama bayside, connecting the Seafood market with the new city. There is a bikeway and walkway surrounding the shore so you will get some stunning skyline views of downtown and will get relaxed by the sea view. This location offers a family atmosphere, there are play places, courts as well as fountains and green spots. It is also a great spot to watch the sunrise.
Felipe Motta Park:
Located at the exclusive neighborhood of Costa del Este, this is another small oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. Named in honor to the well known Panamanian entrepreneur and visionary Felipe Edgardo Motta, reminded by their great social liabilities projects. As soon as you get to this place you will be welcomed by their friendly hosts, a group of wild ducks which guard a small lagoon at the park entrance. This park is smaller than others in the city but is usually less visited, there is also some greenery and a paved trail around the park which allows you to have a relaxing walk.
Panama is diverse and there are so many places to discover in this paradise, yet I have chosen those sites based on their distance from city. Consider that some places are nearby the City center and preferred by locals. Sundays are day-offs in Panama so if you decide to visit them that day may be busier than weekdays.
Driving downtown unlike the countryside couldn't be easy for some people, sometimes may result in stressful and difficult. If you want to have a better experience, contact us so you can dedicate such an important time to have a great experience with your beloveds
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