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Sarigua National Park
Sarigua National Park is a protected natural area on Panama's Pacific West coast. Most of the park is an eerie, barren landscape, but it is also the location of an archaeological site called La Mula.
Understand
[edit]The park preserves mangrove swamps, coastal beaches, and offshore marine environments. The onshore lands are a sorry example to the world of what happens when unfettered over-development is allowed in a fragile environment. The park is sometimes referred to as "Sarigua Desert" because nothing grows there, but it gets rainfall, but nothing grows in the poisoned soul saturated with salt.
History
[edit]The park was created on January 24, 1985, making it the first official "national park" in Panama.
Archaeological sitə
[edit]Archaeological studies conducted in 1984 revealed pre-Columbian settlements in Sarigua. A village dating back as early as 5000 BC was uncovered, along with various ceramic shards and stone tools. A nearby fishing settlement is thought to be twice as old.
Landscape
[edit]The park's landscape is a muddy dried up lakebed. Part of the park has abandoned pastures while part has short hills with signs of gullies and volcanic rocks. Erosion, sedimentation, and periodic flooding are evident. The park is affected by flows from the Santa Maria River and tidal influxes from the Parita Bay.
Flora and fauna
[edit]Climate
[edit]A dry tropical climate affects the park with a dry and a wet season. The average daytime temperature is 41 °C, but can reach 45 °C in the dry season. Nighttime low temperatures are about 19 °C. Bring water and wear a hat.
Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]Head to the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City and take a bus to Chitré, a trip that takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Once in Chitré, take another bus to Parita. From Parita, you’ll need to travel about 5.5 km to reach the park entrance. On foot, this takes around 1 hour and 14 minutes, while by car or taxi it takes approximately 8 minutes.
By car
[edit]From Panama City, take the Pan-American Highway heading toward Chitré. The route is approximately 240 km and takes about 4 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through the towns of Aguadulce, Divisa, and Parita. Once you reach Parita, turn toward Puerto Limón; note that the final kilometer is on an unpaved road. The park has a visitor center where the entrance fee is paid and guided hikes begin. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season. In dry conditions, a sedan is sufficient for the trip.
Fees and permits
[edit]- Panamanian nationals and legal residents (adults): B/. 4.00
- Retirees/pensioners: B/. 2.00
- Foreign adults: B/. 7.00
- Foreign children under 12: Free admission
- The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Reservations are mandatory and must be made at least 72 hours in advance via email.
Get around
[edit]Hike.
See
[edit]̈ Observation Tower - get a birds-eye view of the park
Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]Eat & Drink
[edit]In Parita or Chitré, you’ll find small local eateries where you can enjoy traditional Panamanian food.
Sleep
[edit]Stay safe
[edit]- Do not bring alcoholic beverages or smoke.
- Dispose of trash properly: either take it with you or use the park's designated bins.
- Do not touch, feed, or disturb wildlife.
- Do not light fires outside of designated areas.
- Do not damage or remove plants, animals, rocks, or any natural elements.
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