The National Park is located in the eastern side of the Panama Canal, between the provinces of Panama and Colon. The total area covered under the park is approximately 129,000 hectares.
Established in 1985, the park features tropical rain forests, mountain terrain, lakes and numbers of river, which flow into Gatun Lake and Chagres River. Main aim behind the creation of this park was to preserve the natural forest that holds the water in sufficient quality and quantity to ensure the process of the Panama Canal. Canal supplies water and regenerate electricity for many cities like Colon, Panama and La Chorrera.
The park provides shelter to numerous mammals, which include the white-tailed deer, spider monkey, tapirs, jaguars, Bolitoglossa schizodactylas and Bolitoglossa, etc. Bird species include the evasive strip-cheeked woodpecker, harpy eagle, etc. More than 59 species of freshwater fish, crocodiles, otters, caimans, etc.
Beside its natural beauty, the Chagres National Park offers many outdoor activities, which include water-skiing, jet skiing, fishing, sailing, swimming adventures, camping, etc. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country.