Two National Parks in Santa Fe protect one of the last 'untouched' tropical rainforests

Santa Fe National Park, established in 2001, covers over 700sq km along the highlands of Central Panama, protecting both the carribbean and pacific slopes.    Researchers have identified over 1,000 unique species within the national park, with approximately 300 bird species and  endemic plants.  Most of the park is remote with no access roads or trails, but there are 8 official destinations within Santa Fe National Park.  Several hiking trails start outside the park, leading into the park. In addition, the new extendion of route 33 passes through the National Park.

Ranger Station: The ranger station is located along the new road to the Caribbean, approximately 10km form Santa Fe.  The station was established for protection of the national park, and does not have a visitor center.

What to Expect:  Breathtaking and Undeveloped. Park facilities are undeveloped.  Trails are not maintained.  There are options to explore on your own, or explore more with a formal guided activity.  Please see hike notes.

Hiking Trails:  Cerro Mariposa, Camino Historico de Chilagre, Loop at Ranger Station, Cascada Loma Grande, Cascada La Isleta, Cascada Bermejo

Viewpoints: Cerro Tute, Mirador

Fee: As of September 2020, the National Park has started collecting a fee, payable at the ranger station.  The fee is under $5 pp for day use, and varies based on age, nationality, student status.

Hector Gallegos National Park, formed in 2019, is the newest National Park in Panama’s National Park system, extending from the Caribbean border of Santa Fe National Park to the Caribbean.  It remains largely an “only on paper” park at this time.  There are no facilities nor developed destinations.  However, the newly completed route 33 boarders the edge of this new national park, and visitors can enjoy views of the national park, while driving to the Caribbean town of Calovebora.