Darien National Park

 

 

Darien National Park is all that you could think of in a dense, moist rainforest anywhere in the world – tall trees with spreading canopy, bushy and tall grass and shrubs, untrodden jungle trails, wild flowers and parasitic climbers, smoky mountains, eerie swamps, exotic orchids, smells and sounds of all kinds, and hundreds of species of indigenous and exotic birds and animals thriving in the wild. The landscape comprising blue waters, white sands, black rocks, and green vegetation is indeed captivating. And when the forest canopy lights up with bright orange and yellow flowers, it’s an invitation to the heavens to darken the clouds and sent down showers.

 

Because the biosphere reserve connects the North American and South American continents, migratory birds and animals use the forest cover as a refuge and often roost in Darien or use the reserve forest as a transit country on their way up north or down south. Recognizing the importance of Darien to the sustenance of life and ecological balance, and due to the genetic diversity of flora and fauna, the park was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and later a biosphere reserve.

A network of rivers crisscrosses the dense jungles while breathing life and plenty into the moist rainforest and supporting abundant aquatic life. Adventurers, birders, and nature lovers have much to seek out in Darien. Serious fishing enthusiasts visit Darien not just to indulge in sport fishing but to try their hand at adding one or more records to the list of fishing world records. Renowned author Zane Grey’s case was different. He set out on a diving expedition off Pinas Bay looking for Black Marlin in the 1920’s and returned after discovering a new water world of coral reefs and vibrant marine life. That a Texas businessman chose Pinas Bay to carve his island getaway is no big surprise. Today, the oil baron’s home serves as a luxurious lodge in the middle of the tropical paradise surrounded by dense vegetation with a good view of the sea and a private beach. The lodge is well known for its unique seclusion, hospitality, food, and activities such as kayaking, hiking, birding, and a sneak peek into the life of tribal Indians.

During the peak of the gold rush in California, many an adventurous Spaniard had walked miles of rough mountain terrain and dense forests in search of fame and fortune. You could emulate them, if you are a hardcore adventurer by participating in a trek across the isthmus.

For birders, there cannot be a better place for bird watching than Darien National Park. On good days, you may not have to go in search of rare and endangered birds like the harpy eagle and tree runner. And macaws will never leave your sight, as though they don’t get tired of posing for the camera. Darien is also home to many endangered animals such as the shy tapir, jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarondi.