Hiking

The hiking options near Panama City range from the 40-minute trek to the top of Cerro Ancón to more demanding expeditions into the vast lowland forest of Parque Nacional Soberanía. The Parque Natural Metropolitano has five well-marked trails covering a total of about 5 km (3 miles), which range from flat stretches to a steep road up to a viewpoint. Parque Nacional Soberanía has several trails ranging from the historic Camino de Cruces to the shorter Sendero el Charco, which is on the right after Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo .

Advantage Panama. The company can arrange custom tours for hiking enthusiasts. Llanos de Curundú, No. 2006, 507/6676–2466; www.advantagepanama.com.

EcoCircuitos Panama. Half- and full-day tours are offered that include hiking in Parque Natural Metropolitano, Parque Nacional Soberanía, or the hills around El Valle de Antón. Albrook Plaza, No. 31, Urbanización Albrook, 507/315–1305; 800/830--7142; www.ecocircuitos.com.