Camping or hiking in Portobelo National Park appeals to those interested in exploring the various features of the area. Located in Colon, the national park covers 35,929 hectares. While many visitors concentrate on the marine zone and the historic fortifications around the bay of Portobelo—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980—15,465 hectares consist of primary forests, offering chances for jungle hikes. This part of Panama is among the least developed, featuring the Sierra Llorona Mountain Range, characterized by its frequent rainfall, totaling 286 days each year. Cerro Bruja, the highest point of the range, reaches an elevation of 979 meters and is part of the continental watershed, where several rivers, including Guanche, Piedras, Iguanita, Iguana, Cascajal, and Brazuelo, originate.
The Salto de Las Ranas waterfall is accessible via a 15-kilometer hike of moderate difficulty, though the final stretch is more challenging. This journey takes approximately four hours to reach the waterfall and another four hours to return. The trek involves crossing rivers and traversing jungles within the park to arrive at an untouched waterfall.
The hike to Salto del Mono waterfall requires one night of camping within the national park. This challenging roundtrip trek spans 20 kilometers, starting in the town of Iguanita, just before Portobelo. The route follows the Guanche River, requiring multiple crossings that may leave hikers wet. The trail can be muddy, and it is easy to lose one’s way in the thick vegetation without a guide. The designated camping area is situated 1 kilometer before reaching the Salto del Mono waterfall, which has a height of 74 meters, making it the tallest waterfall in Panama’s Colon province.
Sierra Llorona, established as a national reserve in March 2026, encompasses 16,436 hectares of primary forests and unique ecosystems. This region acts as a biological corridor linking Chagres National Park, where visitors can participate in the Embera Indigenous Village Tour, and Portobelo National Park. Research within the reserve has recorded over 550 observations of mammals across 22 species, including prominent wildlife such as Baird’s tapir, jaguar, puma, ocelot, and peccary, alongside more common species like agouti, gray squirrel, and painted rabbit, all vital for ecological processes like seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Exploring Sierra Llorona generally requires camping for at least two nights, with options extending up to five nights.
Tour Info
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Guided
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English, Spanish
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No
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8 hours per day
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Clients must go to Portobelo in bus or car
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Not included
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Not included
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We recommend having travel insurance
Camping or Hiking in Portobelo National Park
Portobelo National Park in Colon, Panama, offers diverse exploration opportunities across its 35,929 hectares, blending marine zones and UNESCO-listed historic fortifications with 15,465 hectares of primary forests ideal for jungle hikes. The park features the frequent rainfall of the Sierra Llorona Mountain Range, with Cerro Bruja as its highest point. Accessible hikes include the moderate, eight-hour trek to Salto de Las Ranas waterfall, involving river crossings and jungle paths, and the challenging 20-kilometer, overnight hike to the 74-meter Salto del Mono waterfall, Panama’s tallest in Colon province. Sierra Llorona, a 16,436-hectare reserve, serves as a vital biological corridor, home to diverse mammal species like Baird’s tapir and jaguar, and typically requires multi-night camping for exploration.
Trip highlights
- Day hikes or overnight camping trips of one, two or three days.
- Salto de Las Ranas and Salto del Mono are two beautiful waterfalls within the Portobelo National Park.
- Chance to see animals and birds you've probably never seen before.
- Experienced guide who is also a conservationist, naturalist, and wildlife photographer.
