Pirre Station
A ranger station in the mountains reached from El Real, with demanding trails. A guide and the permission of the Ministry of Environment are needed.
Darién · border with Colombia · Panama
Darién National Park
The largest national park in Central America, a UNESCO site of wild rainforest on the border with Colombia, visited only with permits and guides.
- UNESCO World Heritage, 1981
- About 575,000 ha
- Permit and guide required
- Remote, for experienced travellers
About the park
Darién is the largest national park in Central America and one of the most biodiverse places in the region: lowland and mountain rainforest, mangroves and rivers along the border with Colombia. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981 and is also a biosphere reserve.
The park is remote, with very few facilities. Visitors need a permit from the Ministry of Environment and an experienced guide, and only a few places, such as the Cana and Pirre stations, have basic services. The region is the home of Emberá and Wounaan communities and of the Darién Gap. Visits are for experienced, well-prepared travellers and depend on the security situation.
- The largest national park in Central America
- Pristine rainforest and mountain cloud forest
- Harpy eagle and many rare birds
- Emberá and Wounaan communities
Wildlife
Harpy eagleJaguar and puma, rarely seenBaird's tapirMany parrots and macawsGiant anteater
Gateways
Cana
A former gold-mining settlement in the forest with a station and trails, usually reached by a small plane.
Plan your visit
- Permit and guide
- A permit from the Ministry of Environment and a guide are required. We arrange them through specialist local operators.
- Security
- The area is on the border with Colombia. Governments publish travel advice for the region, and access can change. We advise on the current situation before any plan and do not offer trips that are not considered safe.
- Best time
- The dry season from January to April, when the trails are more stable. The wet season from May to November brings heavy rain.
- What to bring
- Strong waterproof boots, long light clothes, insect repellent, a hammock or sleeping bag for the stations, and all you need for several days.
Permits
Entrance to Darién needs a permit from the Ministry of Environment, arranged with a guide or an authorised operator, and not only a ticket on the online portal.
Ask us before planning: we advise on whether and how a visit is possible.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from UNESCO, the Panamanian Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) and public guides; they can change. We confirm the current conditions before any plan.
Getting there
By road and boat
The main road to the east of Panama City goes to Metetí and El Real; beyond that access is by boat or on foot.
By air
Small planes fly from Panama City to Cana and other airstrips.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit on my own?
No. A permit and a guide are required.
Is it safe?
Conditions on the Colombian border change; please check your government's travel advice and ask us before planning.
Do you offer this as a tour?
Not as a ready-made tour. We can advise on request.