Secluded in the extreme southwest of the Azuero Peninsula, Cerro Hoya – an island of dense primary vegetation amid a sea of deforested land – receives only a handful of visitors. Yet ranging form offshore coral reefs to cool mountain heights, the park teems with precious wildlife.

Occupying 207 hectares, and with elevations ranging from sea level to 1559 metres atop Cerro Hoya, the park’s climate varies considerably. The forest resound with the calls of scarlet macaws and painted parakeets, two among 95 bird species recorded here. Sightings of tamanduas, sloths, agoutis, white-tailed deer, and squirrel, white-faced, and howler monkeys are regular rewards for adventure seekers, although big cats such as ocelots and jaguars are ever elusive.

Extending south into the Pacific Ocean, the park protects pristine coral reefs and mangrove swamps as well as a string of tiny offshore islands. By night, marine turtles arrive to nest on virginal beaches.