Darién National State Park

Darién National State Park is a protected area in eastern Panama, forming part of the larger Darién region that links Central and South America. This hot, humid area is characterized by tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, and low mountain ranges with cloud forest vegetation. The park was established in 1980 to protect its diverse flora and fauna, and it was recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1981.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, capybaras, harpy eagles, and American crocodiles. It also protects indigenous groups such as the Embera, Wounaan, and Kuna. The region is known for its challenging terrain, with dense rainforests and swamps, and lacks established roads, making it difficult to traverse. The Pan-American Highway does not extend through Darién, effectively creating a barrier to land transportation between the Americas. The park also faces challenges from increased conflict and the influx of refugees from Colombia.