One of my favorite activities involved the great outdoors. It was visiting Summit Gardens Parque Municipal Summit in Panama.
Summit Gardens Parque Municipal Summit
Summit Gardens was created in 1923 by the U.S. (as a division of the Panama Canal Project). It was an Experimental Farm Summit to test the adaptation of plant species from different parts of the world to the tropical climate of Panama.
During the 1960s a small zoo was started within the botanical garden. The zoo increased gradually and now has about 300 animals.
The gardens were transferred back to Panama as part the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. Today it continues to be a research center for development of tropical biology and horticulture.
The specimens in the botanical garden are quite amazing.
Sweet Guy fell in love with this parrot and the feeling was mutual.
Harpy Eagle
Unlike American zoo’s you can get very close to some of the animals, reptiles and aviary specimens. So you must be careful.
This Harpy Eagle, the national bird of Panama, was just HUGE!
Indeed while walking on a fairly secluded garden path something rather large crossed in front of us and ran into the heavier jungle area. It was so fast I couldn’t even figure out what it was. After that, this guy was not allowed to be this far away from his smothering mother. #smother
We spent several hours at the gardens. I wish I could have bottled up the scent for you.
It was truly intoxicating.
Summit Gardens (Parque municipal summit) is located on the road to Gamboa in the canal area. Turn left off the main road approximately 5 miles (8 km) beyond Miraflores Locks. You can find it on the right-hand side just a short distance beyond the headquarters of Soberania National Park.
Up next, the Gamboa Rainforest.
Laura
Laura, your family sure picked a beautiful place to go for vacation. The colors in the plants and animals just knock my socks off!
It truly is another world out there! Love the beauty of nature!
I love how you have transported me into a different world. Just amazing pictures, I can only imagine what it must have been to be there.
Nonie
what a beautiful garden.
that eagle looked scary!
So beautiful. I love pretty gardens.
Besides all those wonderful colors, the smells and sounds must be unreal!
Interesting history associated with this garden. Very pretty space…
Just beautiful Laura and the best place to vacation. Gorgeous gardens!
Until you starting writing this series, I had no desire to go to Panama! You have opened my eyes to a new and wonderful destination!
Panama is truly a beautiful country filled with such treasure. I'm so glad you are giving us the grand tour.;-)