Chagres National Park reopens after authorities assess river and lake conditions

Chagres National Park reopened at 8 a.m. on Sept. 1 after Panama’s Environment Ministry assessed the Chagres River, Alajuela Lake and nearby areas.

The ministry lifted a preventive closure that followed a considerable increase in the river’s flow. The decision restored public activities in sectors that had been temporarily closed, including tourist sites affected by the shutdown.

Authorities urged domestic and foreign visitors, tourism operators and nearby communities to follow instructions from park staff. They also warned people not to enter areas that could threaten their lives or safety.

The park had closed preventively and indefinitely on Aug. 30. Its normal visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors must register at the administrative headquarters and arrange payment for ecosystem services through the Environment Ministry’s website.

The ministry and Panama’s National Civil Protection System will continue monitoring the area. Authorities also asked visitors to watch for changes in weather and hydrological conditions, which could prompt further preventive measures.