Panama’s Chagres National Park reopened to visitors on September 1 after officials reviewed conditions in the Chagres River, Lake Alajuela and surrounding areas.
The Ministry of Environment lifted a precautionary closure that had restricted access and public activities in parts of the protected area during elevated river conditions. The decision followed recommendations from the country’s civil-protection system, SINAPROC.
Officials cautioned that reopening does not eliminate risk. Visitors, tour operators and nearby communities were asked to follow park-staff instructions and avoid any sector where changing conditions could threaten safety. The ministry said it would continue hydrological and weather monitoring and issue further alerts if necessary.
Normal visiting hours are listed as 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and visitors must register through the park administration and complete the applicable ecosystem-services payment process.
Chagres protects a landscape central to biodiversity, water and recreation. Its reopening is welcome, but travelers should treat official notices—not an earlier itinerary—as the final word when tropical weather affects rivers and access.
Source: Panama Ministry of Environment.