Located just 20 minutes outside of Panama City, Summit Gardens provides visitors with a opportunity to view many of the animal species found in Panama, as well as others found in the Central & South American region. While the name would lend you to believe that Botanical Gardens exist, they really don't. The facility has a small portion allocated for plants and orchids, however, the majority of the grounds are dedicated for animals and recreation. Jaguars, scarlet macaws, tapirs, monkeys, and numerous other animal species are all represented here, dispersed throughout the park. Encompassing nearly 700 hectares, signs point to areas of interest, often connected by narrow, well maintained trails. Bathroom facilities and soft drinks are available in the park.
Summit Gardens also has an impressive exhibit/museum of the beautiful Harpy Eagle, with interesting facts and photos of these magnificent birds of prey. As well, a male and female Harpy Eagle are on display just out back, which can be observed throughout the day.
Panama’s national bird, the Harpy Eagle, is one of the largest eagles in the world and is its most powerful bird of prey. Limited to Central and South American rainforests, these magnificent birds are carnivores, with their diets consisting of sloths, monkeys, birds, rodents and reptiles, among other animals.
Currently an endangered species, Harpy Eagles mate for life, can weigh up to 20 lbs., and have a wingspan of nearly 7 ft. The female can weigh up to 50 percent more than the male, reaching between 14-18 pounds (7-9 kg). Its talons, ideally suited for capturing prey while in flight, are curved and can reach lengths of 5 inches (12.5 cm,) about the same as the claws on a grizzly bear.
The entrance fee for adults is $1.00, and they are open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Trail maps are provided at the park entrance when you enter. The Harpy Eagle Exhibit is open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.locals and visitors alike.
How to get to Summit Gardens
via Car or Taxi - take the same road that leads you past Albrook Airport, Miraflores Locks, and Fort Clayton. Continue past the Centenary Bridge until you reach an intersection, the entrance to Soberania National Park will be on left corner. (can’t miss it, same road to Gamboa Resort). Make a left turn and continue along for a few minutes until you reach the park entrance on the right side.
via Public Bus - buses to Summit Gardens depart from the “SACA” bus terminal in Calidonia, which is near the very end of Via España. You can take either of the buses that read “Summit Gardens” or “Gamboa”. The bus for Summit leaves twice hourly and costs $0.55, and takes between 20-25 minutes. Normally, the bus will stop in front of the park, however, you might want to mention something to the driver beforehand. There is a bus stop directly in front of the Gardens on the opposite side for when you want to return to Panama City.