Panama, blessed by a wealth of rain forest, cloud forest, and pristine reefs, has been slow to recognise the tourism potential of her ecology. Even now, as more and more tourists are discovering Panama as a destination, ecotourism is in its infancy here.

There are national parks in Panama stretching from the highlands of Chiriqui right down to the center of the capital city itself. Each is different from the others with its own particular flora and fauna. All the parks can be accessed through the offices of ANAM, the National Environmental Authority. All have trails of varying lengths and grades of difficulty. Whatever your interest - plants, trees, insects, animals, birds you will find something new to enthral you. Marine parks in the Chiriqui Gulf, Bocas del Toro and Isla Grande offer unique experiences to divers.

Most of the ecological treasures are situated far from Panama City and those wishing to visit will need to consult local tour companies. However some are only a short drive from Panama City.

Barro Colorado is an island in the middle of Gatun Lake, isolated when the lake was created at the beginning of the 20th century to provide water for the operation of the Canal. The development of the flora and fauna there is of special interest and the island is run by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. You can obtain permission for a visit from the Institute or contact a local tour agency.

Soberania Park is near Gamboa, about 40 minutes drive from Panama City. It consists of 22,000 hectares of tropical forest with over 200 species of trees. More than 150 species of birds frequent the area of the park called "Pipeline Road" where the Panama Audubon Society conducts an annual bird count each December. The World Record Bird Count was established here in Christmas 1985.

The Metropolitan Natural Park is the only park in tropical Latin America with a natural forest located within a metropolitan capital.Visiting hours are from Tuesday through Sunday from 9.a.m. to 3.p.m. A visitor's center provides information about the reserve and guides to take you to the interpretative trails. The park covers 265 hectares and is located between Juan Pablo II Avenue and Friendship Road. Call 232-5552/232-5516.