Metropolitan Natural Park
Unfortunately, today is our last full day in Panama. So in the morning we visit the Metropolitan Natural Park. FunkyCat wanted to get some hiking in and the Sister still wanted more sloth sightings. So with the natural park being a protected animal refuge and offering some great elevated views of the city it checked both boxes. The natural park itself is a pretty densely wooded area. We didn’t complain too much because the canopy offers a natural shield from the sun. This is especially useful given that there is still a high level of humidity. So even before we are halfway through, all of us are already drenched in sweat.
Sloths!
While the walk through the natural park isn’t too long, we did take extra time to scan the trees for Sloths. Often we would stop because one of us thinks we see a sloth. So all of us scan the trees trying to find it. If you were another person on the trail, you would probably wonder why this group of four would stop every hundred feet to look off to the side. Eventually though, we did spot a few Sloths! So check that box for the Sister. In fact, out of our group she is probably the premiere sloth spotter!
Natural Park Peak
After a little more walking we reach the highest point in the park which offers sweeping views of the City and the canal. At this point we’re all glistening in sweat, but the view is a great reward! While Panama City is a fairly well developed metropolitan city, seeing the amount of greenery within the city is quite nice and not something I expected. The hike itself isn’t terribly strenuous, but I think what makes it challenging is the heat and humidity. So as long as you can keep hydrated this hike should be doable by anyone.
Near the top, we also encountered a long line of leaf cutter ants doing their thing. All of us were fascinated by this because they carry all manner of things and they also go for very long distances. In addition to sloths, we also spent a lot of time just watching these ants go about their business. I think what’s also remarkable about them is that they travel such long distances. I think the last quarter of our hike crossed paths with this line of ants multiple times!
In addition to the interesting wildlife there is also some beautiful vegetation in this park. So even if you don’t end up spotting any cool animals (which is hard to miss), you will still find interest in all the different flora and fauna in this park.
Mentiritas Blancas
After making our way back to the start of our hike, our next stop is Mentiritas Blancas. This is a small coffee shop/café that looks well reviewed, so we went to check it out. I think after the sweaty hike, some food and good coffee really hit the spot. Being that its still Panama, another shot of geisha coffee seemed appropriate. This experience is also unique in that I’ve never had coffee from a wine glass before. I have to say that this coffee experience is very enjoyable, though I admit that it borders on the “over the top” when it comes to coffee for me!
Hotel Siesta
After lunch, we headed back to our hotel. With no solid plans we simply wanted to relax a little in the afternoon. For me, I did a little blogging before heading up to our rooftop pool for a dip. I even found time to squeeze in a nap. While we probably could have found something additional to do in this city, I’m not entirely upset about having the time to catchup and rest a little too!
El Trapechie
One of FunkyCat’s friends was also passing through Panama City and so he arranged to meet us for dinner at El Trapechie. El Trapechie is a Panamanian restaurant which has some great seafood offerings as well as live performances! We didn’t discover the live performances until it actually started while we were eating. So its a bit of a welcome (and startling) surprise. The food is quite tasty and I have no complaints about it. However, having been to the fish market a few days earlier, I think you do pay a premium here for the “restaurant” atmosphere. Nonetheless the food is tasty and we all enjoyed dinner meeting FunkyCat’s friend and becoming fast friends!
Casa Publica Panama
After dinner, we walked a little past El Trapechie and stumbled upon this very cool outdoor patio/bar type lot. There are multiple different food spots and bars setup with seating in the middle or upstairs. We ended up just settling here for the evening over drinks and continuing the conversation that started over dinner. We moved from bar to bar and really just enjoyed the ambience of the venue. Looking for it now is a bit difficult because its a collection of different shops. But I think the most accurate link I can give you, is this google maps link. I would highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for a bit of night life with a great vibe!
Panama Shake Down
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and that meant bidding farewell to our new friend and heading back to our hotel. We leave the next day and still have a little packing to do. We get an Uber and about 5 minutes into the drive, we get stopped at a police road check. And our Uber gets waved off to the side. The police officer has a brief conversation with the driver and I suspect what was an alcohol check turned into a tourist shake down opportunity. The police officer asks if anyone speaks Spanish and (unfortunately) FunkyCat does a little. he asks asks FunkyCat to get out of the car to talk. Ultimately because not all of us were “carrying our passports on us”, he threatens to take us in unless we pay a “fee”. So at this point we knew what was going down and so Gimpy, the Sister and I are already getting some cash ready for when they return. After some additional back and fourth, we hand over the “fee” and he lets us go on our way.
While experiencing this in Panama isn’t terribly surprising. It is a negative experience, and did mute what was a pretty great last evening in this country. To his credit, our Uber driver was very apologetic and angry that it provides a poor image of his country. Also to his credit FunkyCat kept it pretty cool being singled out by the police officer and pulled out of the car to chat. Nonetheless with all things travel, all experiences (good or bad) are ones that you learn and grow from. And at the end of the day, also provides another interesting story to tell!
After returning to the hotel, we spend a little time chatting and packing before turning in. The next day we head home.
The Journey Home
While not an early one, our flight out of Panama leaves in the late morning. But due to traffic and allotting enough time to clear security, we still needed to leave our hotel in advance of that. Thankfully, aside from a little hiccup with FunkyCat’s (he’s had some rough luck over the past 24 hours!) boarding pass, we had time to spare! And again, I was able to get my travelling companions into various lounges so they could enjoy their wait at the airport a little more! Oddly enough we actually ran into FunkyCat’s friend at our Gate. He was actually waiting for a flight at an adjacent gate. But it’s still neat to run into him again and get a chance for another good bye.
One of the things I especially enjoyed on our short layover in Mexico city is having a little time to hang out with The Sister in a lounge. While we don’t get to do our Sibling trips as frequently as we used to, I really did enjoy this trip with her. Especially doing almost a little debrief of it just for ourselves while waiting for our final flight back to Vancouver. And soon after, we were all aboard our flight returning home.
And That’s it, that’s our trip to Panama. In the next few posts, look for a few reflections from Gimpy, FunkyCat, The Sister and myself!
I forgot how sweaty we looked during that hike until i saw that pic again!
Also, I forgot about funkyalleycat’s boarding pass issue until you mentioned it again! All three of us were on the other side and we couldn’t do anything but watch and hope that funkyalleycat came through security!