Altos De Campana National Park
Altos De Campana National Park
Altos De Campana National Park
4.5
About
Panama’s first national park, this one was created thanks to a landscape created by the now-extinct El Valle de Antón volcano. Avid bird-watchers will love it here, as will visitors who want to take in the incredible views from the park’s lookout spots.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
83 reviews
Excellent
53
Very good
24
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
ricardo d
47 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
First of all, this hike can be either normal or terribly hard depending on your hiking level. What is true no matter how expert you are is, if you are to climb this, ask for a guide because it is not signalized and its very easy to get lost.
Getting there is fairly easy, as the road is in very good shape, but still some rough patches here and there, just enter the first street after panaderia cesarin in la via interamricana, once there just follow the road until you get to a store called ranbo (yes ranbo...) you can ask for further instructions here.
Back to the hike.
what to expect?
starts easy just a simple but heavily bushed forest hike up, but it then Turns into ups and downs, again its not signalized so its best to follow the guide.
eventually it turns into just uphills mostly and it remains like this for a long while.
our group had everything from super beginners to experts.
we entered at 915am and litterally just stayed like 40 min at the top, and by the time we got back to the starting point it was 340pm, the last segment of the hike is the most difficult, as its more mountain climbing, ropes are a must for inexperienced climbers, as you will need to climb a big rock at almost vertical, that is almost 6 meters in lengh, no other way around it, and once you do there is another point where you will need rope to get up if you are a good climber. once that part is done again you hike a more uphill portion than before and you are then in about 10 min.
Its not very roomy up there but we where 24 and we all fit and had our lunch up there.
expect the hike to be at least twice as hard if it rains, specially down. I TAKE THAT BACK up will be difficult as well.
its a rain forest so, you know what to expect, humidity, somewhat hot, but at least for most of the portion very shaded, so that's good, the top as expected is not so make sure to be protected against the sun.
As you get up the views get better and better.
this is more like climbing a rock that a mountain.
but its so worth it,
always go with friends and a guide, and let other know where you are, and enjoy yourself.
Getting there is fairly easy, as the road is in very good shape, but still some rough patches here and there, just enter the first street after panaderia cesarin in la via interamricana, once there just follow the road until you get to a store called ranbo (yes ranbo...) you can ask for further instructions here.
Back to the hike.
what to expect?
starts easy just a simple but heavily bushed forest hike up, but it then Turns into ups and downs, again its not signalized so its best to follow the guide.
eventually it turns into just uphills mostly and it remains like this for a long while.
our group had everything from super beginners to experts.
we entered at 915am and litterally just stayed like 40 min at the top, and by the time we got back to the starting point it was 340pm, the last segment of the hike is the most difficult, as its more mountain climbing, ropes are a must for inexperienced climbers, as you will need to climb a big rock at almost vertical, that is almost 6 meters in lengh, no other way around it, and once you do there is another point where you will need rope to get up if you are a good climber. once that part is done again you hike a more uphill portion than before and you are then in about 10 min.
Its not very roomy up there but we where 24 and we all fit and had our lunch up there.
expect the hike to be at least twice as hard if it rains, specially down. I TAKE THAT BACK up will be difficult as well.
its a rain forest so, you know what to expect, humidity, somewhat hot, but at least for most of the portion very shaded, so that's good, the top as expected is not so make sure to be protected against the sun.
As you get up the views get better and better.
this is more like climbing a rock that a mountain.
but its so worth it,
always go with friends and a guide, and let other know where you are, and enjoy yourself.
Written 10 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMaher2014
Atlanta, GA3 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
If you are traveling along the InterAmericana west of Panama City you will see a large and impressive mountain several miles off the north side of the highway. Those who like mountains will feel drawn toward it. A turn to the north from the small town of Capira will take travelers toward the peak.
A bit of adventurous exploring is necessary in order to find your way to the base of the mountain as directions are few and far between. Enlisting the aid of locals along the way is recommended.
Upon reaching the small community of Cerro Trinidad, marked by a large roadside boulder painted yellow, look for a trail that will lead the adventurous hiker to the top, a walk/climb of a couple of miles. The trailhead was difficult to locate and required the assistance of a roadside local who showed us the way to the trail, then went with us to the top. WARNING: This trail is very steep and difficult and not for the fainthearted! It took my friend and I four hours to reach the summit, two and a half hours to descend.
The adventure was well worth the effort and there were terrific views from the summit!
I recommend this adventure for those in good shape and willing to suffer the discomforts of serious forest adventure,
A bit of adventurous exploring is necessary in order to find your way to the base of the mountain as directions are few and far between. Enlisting the aid of locals along the way is recommended.
Upon reaching the small community of Cerro Trinidad, marked by a large roadside boulder painted yellow, look for a trail that will lead the adventurous hiker to the top, a walk/climb of a couple of miles. The trailhead was difficult to locate and required the assistance of a roadside local who showed us the way to the trail, then went with us to the top. WARNING: This trail is very steep and difficult and not for the fainthearted! It took my friend and I four hours to reach the summit, two and a half hours to descend.
The adventure was well worth the effort and there were terrific views from the summit!
I recommend this adventure for those in good shape and willing to suffer the discomforts of serious forest adventure,
Written 31 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CB
Texas43 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
This place is not far off the Interamerican Highway- the entrance is west of Capira on the mountain side of the road just past the Sinaproc building. There are a couple of outlooks with parking, and some people actually hike down toward the valley. You can see out over the mountains all the way to the coastline. It is a bit cooler up there, too!
Written 23 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EcreA
San Diego, CA289 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
I just love the views from the top of Cerro Campana, Panama. People around the area are also very friendly. Ocean views as we drive to the top of the mountain from diverse points. Planning for future asphalt roads are under way with electricity and water availability. Various B&B opening and a brand new boutique resort very soon. I have 3 hectares and absolutely love the area.
Written 1 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pacolino
Boston, MA181 contributions
Oct 2012
Great view and a good place for hiking. Not a tourist spot, therefore it makes it even a better place to visit. Not far from the city either.
Written 15 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
holeinonesummit
Bernieres-sur-Mer, France151 contributions
Mar 2011 • Business
I have walked from the bottom of Cerro Campana until the summit and continued throughout the National Park.Wwell worth a visit for anyone interested in the outdoors and likes to observe animals and birds in their natural habitat.
Written 5 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diego B
Panama City, Panama3 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Really cool set of hiking paths. The park starts at the top of a mountain overlooking a cliff. According to the park ranger, there are 11 large cliffs you can rappel. Apparently, you rappel down one, hike to the next and so on. Can't wait to try!!!
Written 23 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenneth N
London, UK3 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
We went to Campana on the advice of our tour guide. it is not very far from Panama City, and the climate is worlds away. It was nice and breezy with temps in the 70s. The view was amazing, we could see the city in the distance all the way around to the beach resort areas. we went to a waterfal that is 45 meters tall and the view from there was amazing.
Written 18 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelling-pianist
Toronto, Canada247 contributions
Jan 2012 • Couples
We went on a tour with Panama Roadrunner tours that they were just setting up, called 'Off the Beaten Path', which included a trip up the mountain to Campana national park....there were wonderful views of the lush countryside, and it was a welcome break to be away from the crowds at Decameron for the afternoon. You could hike trails if you wanted, but we just drove to the top, enjoyed the views, bought fruit from a roadside stand, and went back down again.
I'd highly recommend it!
I'd highly recommend it!
Written 5 February 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robbie M
Hopkins, Belize1,638 contributions
Jun 2019
Great view at the mirador just off the road. A couple of KMs up the road is the entrance to the Sender La Cruz. Based on the reviews i was expecting something more difficult, but it wasnt far or difficult. Its rustic, so it was a bit muddy and slippery, so i wouldnt recommend it for older people or ones that have difficulty with balance. But for avid hikers it should be a breeze. Took about 40 minutes up, and another half hour back. Beautiful views. Great spot for selfies, and apparently for locals looking to make out.
Best of all it was free! You can park right there and just walk right up, no problem!
Unfortunately we didnt have time to explore the rest of the park. But i would go back again!
Best of all it was free! You can park right there and just walk right up, no problem!
Unfortunately we didnt have time to explore the rest of the park. But i would go back again!
Written 14 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julissamartinez33
Panama City, Panama
Hola ¿se puede acampar en cerro la cruz?
Written 13 November 2017
Este parqud queda o esta ubicado en el area de Chicá que queda dsps de Capira
Written 8 June 2016
Abdel M
Panama City, Panama
Pero de igual manera puedes ponerlo en waze para llegar sin contratiempos
Written 14 March 2017
Are the trails fairly well marked and what fitness level is required?
Written 19 March 2015
No markings that I can remember. However it is a loop. Cannot get lost. Wear good runners/hiking shoes. Slippery in rainy season.
Written 6 September 2017
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