A Window Through the Trees – Panama’s Wild Heart

It’s an incredible feeling to be surrounded by tropical forest, listening to birdsong and rustling leaves, while knowing that just beyond the trees, a bustling metropolis is waiting. That’s what makes Parque Natural Metropolitano so special — a 265-hectare slice of wilderness right at the edge of Panama City.

This photo was taken from one of the park’s viewing points, where the dense green canopy opens up just enough to reveal a glimpse of the skyline. It’s a natural frame within a frame: the wild foliage wrapping around tall buildings, distant ships in the ocean, and the wide sky above it all. A reminder that the jungle is still here — alive, breathing, and watching.

Spending a few hours in this park felt like stepping back in time, to a version of Panama that existed long before concrete and glass took over. The trails are simple but well-maintained, and every turn offers something to discover — monkeys swinging overhead, birds calling out, and tiny plants hiding in the undergrowth.

It’s easy to forget how connected we still are to the natural world, even in a city. This trip was a good reminder that with a little effort — and a camera in hand — we can still find moments of wild beauty, even on the doorstep of modern life.