Metropolitan Natural Park, Panama City (must see)

The Metropolitan Natural Park is an oasis in the middle of the city. This 573-acre park allows visitors and locals to stretch their legs on hiking trails and see some of Panama's wildlife.

The park has five trails covering three miles. The Mono Tití Road takes hikers to the top of Cerro Cedro, which boasts fantastic views of Panama City. For a longer hike to the top of Cerro Cedro, try the Sendero La Cienaguita. Sendero Las Caoboas also offers vistas of the city and bay.

The park features 284 types of trees. Visitors will be amazed to find hundreds of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. Two-toed and three-toed sloths live here, but they are often well-hidden. Geoffroy's tamarin, South America's smallest monkey, also resides in the park.

Birds are plentiful, and you might see toucans or hummingbirds. Turtles, frogs, coatis, and agoutis are often seen. While ants usually aren't a must-see, visitors enjoy seeing the processions of leafcutter ants marching with leaves. Grab your water bottle, hiking shoes, and camera, and walk through this jungle in the city.