Did you know that less than an hour away from the Panamanian metropolis of Panama City lies an unspoiled eco-paradise where wildlife roams free and the town feels as if frozen in time?

At the beginning of the 20th century, during the construction of the Panama Canal, workers needed housing and,  therefore, a settlement began to take shape at the intersection of the Chagres River and Lake Gatún, giving birth to what is now known as Gamboa.

This town housed Canal workers, and after the canal’s inauguration, it was occupied by U.S. soldiers until 1999, when Panama’s government took control. After their departure, the number of residents declined, and Gamboa nearly became a ghost town, left frozen in time.

Yet in recent years, Gamboa has drawn new attention. Why? It offers unmatched adventures and a connection with nature that few places can match. The town is such a perfect haven for animal and nature lovers that the Smithsonian established a research center there.

One of the most popular activities is hiking, where wildlife roams freely alongside tourists. Small monkeys play in the branches of tropical trees, and if you’re lucky, you might spot capybaras and iguanas darting along the trails. For wildlife enthusiasts, the town also hosts a Sloth Sanctuary, part of a program to protect these endearing, slow-moving creatures.

Gamboa is also a paradise for birdwatchers! Panama boasts nearly a thousand bird species, many thriving in the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve.

So whether you’re hiking through emerald rainforests, spotting rare birds at dawn, or learning from the Emberá and Wounaan about their deep-rooted traditions, Gamboa doesn’t just show you Panama’s wild heart; it lets you step into it for a while. This is no ghost town, but a place where time slows down, and adventure waits around every corner.

Ready to learn more? Watch this special episode of  “Spotlight to Panama.”