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A couple of kilometres north from the city centre in an area of the former Canal Zone that reverted to Panamanian control in 1983, the 2.65-square-kilometre Parque Natural Metropolitano is an unspoilt tract of primary rainforest which is home to more than 200 species of birds, as well as mammals such as titi monkeys, white-tailed deer, sloths and agoutis. You don't need a permit from ANAM to visit the park, which is officially open from 6am to 5.30pm, though there is nothing to stop you coming earlier and, as elsewhere, the best time to see wildlife, particularly birds, is early in the morning. The park office (Mon-Sat 8am-4pm) and main entrance are on Av Juan Pablo II, just off C Curundu not far from the Curundu domestic bus terminal - occasional SACA buses from Plaza Cinco de Mayo pass close by. There is a small exhibition centre and library here, and three-hour guided tours can be arranged (US$2 per person; book in advance), though you can easily walk the park's three short trails without a guide. The best of these is the 2km La Cienaguita trail , which leads to a viewing point 150m above sea-level with fantastic views across the forest to the city.
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