Why are tropical rainforests common on Panama’s Caribbean slopes?

Tropical rainforests are common on Panama’s Caribbean slopes primarily due to the region's high and consistent rainfall. These slopes face the rain-bearing trade winds, resulting in significantly heavier precipitation—ranging from 60 to 140 inches annually—compared to the leeward Pacific side.1

Unlike the Pacific region, which experiences a pronounced dry season, the Caribbean side receives rain almost throughout the entire year. This persistent moisture creates the ideal climatic conditions necessary to support the lush vegetation characteristic of tropical rainforests. In contrast, the seasonally dry areas found between the mountains and the Pacific coast are more conducive to the development of savannas.1