Visit Darien National Park: Exclusive Travel to Panama

Darien National Park

An expedition to the Darien offers the rare opportunity to witness the beauty of untamed jungle and the traditions of its indigenous peoples.

This is Central America’s wild southern frontier, thick with primeval forest and exotic wildlife.

Many of the region’s residents are Chocóe-Embera and Chocóe-Wounaan, with some still hunting with the barbasco poison dart method.

Through Pinogana, El Real and Pijivasal—to Pirre Station

South of Yaviza, terrestrial transportation routes are reduced to river and hiking trail, leading through Pinogana, El Real and Pijivasal to Pirre Station.

This area marks the northern border of Darién National Park, a world-class wildlife viewing destination.

More than 450 avian species populate this region, including:

Varieties of Macaws
Tanagers
Kites
Falcons
Jacamars

Boca de Cupe

A longer hike leads to Boca de Cupe (four hours), on to Cana (a rusty, former mining town), and the ANCON station on the cloud-forested eastern slopes of Cerro Pirre (two days).

Established in 1980, Darién is the largest national park in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its territory covers more than 2,200 square miles, protecting mangrove swamps, mountains, lowland rainforests, and Pacific beaches.

Wildlife Watching and Birding

Marquee species include:

Harpy Eagles
Five Types of Monkey
Jaguars
Pumas
Peccaries
Baird’s tapir

What to do in Wild Darien

The deeper reaches of the park can be accessed by air (airstrips at Boca de Cupe, Pucuro and Paya), hiking trail, and river.

Darien National Park requieres both experienced guides and ANAM permission (La Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente)—the rough Panamanian equivalent to the U.S. National Park Service.

The eight-mile canoe trip and hike from El Real to the Pirre Station also requires both a guide and permission from ANAM.

We can help you with both.

What is the Weather Like?

Wild Darién pulses with tropical intensity: in the lowland jungles daytime highs often reach 30–32 °C (86–90 °F), while evenings drop to 24–26 °C (75–79 °F). Higher elevations—cloud forests and ridgelines—cool things down considerably, with temps near 17–20 °C (63–68 °F) by night.

Rain is a constant companion; the wet season, from roughly May through November, brings heavy, frequent downpours, thick humidity, and rivers rising. The drier stretch between January and April offers more stable trails, clearer skies, and better wildlife visibility—ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure.

Getting There

Start your journey today

LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Wild Darien.