Summit Municipal Park and Zoo
A lush botanical garden and zoo offering a budget-friendly escape with diverse tropical plants and a variety of animals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Summit Municipal Park and Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lush botanical garden and zoo offering a budget-friendly escape with diverse tropical plants and a variety of animals.
"Beautiful and plenty of shade for hot days. Kids have areas all over to play."
Pack a Picnic Basket 🧺
Save money and enjoy the many shaded picnic spots by bringing your own food and drinks.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park and zoo, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tropical Plant Paradise
Botanical Gardens
Wander through lush greenery, discover exotic tropical plants, and find ample shade on warm Panama days.
Curious Monkey Encounters
Monkey Enclosures
Witness playful monkeys in their habitats; many visitors report lots of interaction and great photo opportunities.
Diverse Animal Sightings
Zoo Exhibits
See a variety of animals including jaguars, eagles, turtles, and alligators in well-kept enclosures.
Kid-Friendly Play Zones
Playgrounds
Multiple playgrounds are scattered throughout the park, offering fun spaces for children to play.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Affordable Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hiking trails in Panama?
Pack a Picnic Basket 🧺
Save money and enjoy the many shaded picnic spots by bringing your own food and drinks.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park and zoo, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Bring Insect Repellent :bug:
As a tropical environment, mosquitoes can be present, especially in shaded or wooded areas.
Camera Ready :camera_with_flash:
Many visitors capture great photos, especially of the curious monkeys and other animals.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Picnic Basket 🧺
Save money and enjoy the many shaded picnic spots by bringing your own food and drinks.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park and zoo, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Bring Insect Repellent :bug:
As a tropical environment, mosquitoes can be present, especially in shaded or wooded areas.
Camera Ready :camera_with_flash:
Many visitors capture great photos, especially of the curious monkeys and other animals.
Check Animal Sightings
Some animals, like the pumas, may not always be visible. Plan accordingly if seeing specific animals is a priority.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Summit Municipal Park and Zoo is praised for its affordability, abundant shade, and family-friendly atmosphere with multiple playgrounds. Visitors enjoy the variety of animals and the lush botanical gardens, though some express concerns about the size of certain animal enclosures. It's considered a great value for a day out, especially for families and budget travelers.
"Beautiful and plenty of shade for hot days. Kids have areas all over to play. Bathrooms were clean. Enclosures for animals were well kept. We saw everything except the Pumas, and it looked like the Capybara enclosure was shut down. Lots of interaction with curious monkeys, and I got lots of great photos. There are ice cream carts and concessions for food and drinks. It's $5 for tourists and $2 for citizens. I kind of wish they charged a bit more to tourists to help with animals. But it allows for more regular access as many families appear to come to lounge around and enjoy the abundance of shade and play areas for the kids. Many visitors were lounging in the chairs they'd brought. There are benches and covered picnic areas in a central area. You could spend the entire day there if you like. Such a wonderful investment of time. Especially for the money 🥰"
Justin Hesselsweet
"Nice park you will appreciate the sound of the woods, lots of walking and sun. You will see eagles, felines, monkeys, turtles, alligators, and more. Several parks for childrens and plenty of greens to lay a towel and rest or have a picnic."
Jesus Marval
"This was one of the best parks we've been to in panama. It had plenty of playgrounds throughout, snack vendors, animals to see (sad they were in small cages though 😓 especially the birds).
+Great picnic areas
+Trash bins throughout so no litter
+Very spacious and vast greenery with paths to walk theouought
+Clear map directions
+ 40 minutes (moderately easy) to complete the loop without stopping
+Stroller accessible in all parts.
We'll definitely be visiting again!"
Cathleen Zimmer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Summit Municipal Park and Zoo is located about 40 minutes from Panama City. Taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available. If driving, there is parking available on-site.
While specific bus routes might vary, taxis and ride-sharing apps are the most convenient public transport options from Panama City.
The drive from Panama City to Summit Municipal Park and Zoo typically takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors at the park and zoo.
Absolutely! The park is stroller accessible in all parts, making it easy to navigate with young children.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $5 for tourists and $2 for citizens. This affordable price makes it a great value for a day out.
Yes, citizens of Panama receive a discounted entrance fee compared to tourists.
Tickets can typically be purchased upon arrival at the park. Advance booking is usually not required.
The park is generally open throughout the day, offering ample time to explore. It's best to check local listings for specific hours, especially on holidays.
Yes, many visitors find that they can spend an entire day enjoying the zoo, botanical gardens, and picnic areas.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including monkeys, jaguars, eagles, turtles, and alligators. Some enclosures, like the pumas, may be temporarily closed.
While the park is well-maintained, some visitors feel that certain animal enclosures, particularly for felines and birds, could be larger.
The botanical gardens offer a variety of tropical plants and provide abundant shade, making them a pleasant area to explore.
Yes, there are ice cream carts and concessions for food and drinks available within the park.
The park features several playgrounds throughout and offers plenty of green space for kids to play and families to relax.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The monkey enclosures are popular for photos due to their active nature. The lush botanical gardens also offer beautiful backdrops.
Many visitors report getting great photos, especially of the monkeys. The lighting can be good in the morning, and the shaded areas offer softer light.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of any posted signs or staff instructions, especially near sensitive exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Pack a picnic and plenty of water, as concessions can add up. Comfortable shoes are essential for navigating the park's expansive grounds.
💰 Budget Travelers
The park offers a full day's worth of activities, from exploring the zoo to wandering through the botanical gardens, providing excellent value for your money.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Zoo Exhibits
The park's layout is designed for easy navigation, with clear map directions provided.
Animal Welfare Considerations
A recurring theme in visitor feedback is the concern for animal welfare, specifically regarding the size of some enclosures. While the park is praised for its cleanliness and maintenance, some guests feel that more could be done to provide larger, more naturalistic environments for the animals.
- Key takeaway: While the zoo offers diverse animal sightings, be aware of discussions regarding enclosure sizes.
- Tip: Focus on the more interactive exhibits like the monkeys for memorable experiences.
The Lush Botanical Gardens
The pathways through the botanical gardens are well-maintained and stroller-accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the lush surroundings.
Picnicking and Relaxation
The park is renowned for its excellent picnic areas, featuring numerous benches and covered spots.
- Highlight: The extensive shade makes the botanical gardens a perfect retreat on hot days.
- Recommendation: Combine a garden stroll with a picnic for a complete park experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit