Cerro Chucantí is the highest point in the Maje Mountain Range, at over 4,600 ft. Not only does the site show interesting examples of primary tropical rainforest typical from the Darien region, but it iss particularly interesting because there are no other mountains taller than 4,500 feet for more than 100 kilometers around.

This area has not been studied much at all, but preliminary field surveys of Cerro Chucantí by the Smithsonian Institution, the University of Panama, and the Gorgas Laboratory, as well as independent biologists continue to reveal the presence of unique fauna and flora, some of which are new records for the country of Panama, and several others which are undescribed species new to science, including new species of orchids, insects, and amphibians. 

Wildlife Highlights

In addition, the rainforests of Cerro Chucantí maintain populations of endangered wildlife such as the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguous) and Baird´s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) as well as vulnerable species such as the Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), Great Curassow (Crax rubra), Puma (Puma concolor), and Jaguar (Panthera onca), and other species of concern like the Black Spider Monkey (Ateles fusciceps robustus) and the Red Brocket-deer (Mazama americana) One of the most diverse groups of animals found around our Nature Reserve are hundreds of tropical bird species.

Studies conducted by the Panama Audubon Society have revealed a number of birds endemic to the Darién Highlands, such as the Beautiful Treerunner, Varied Solitaire, and Violet-throated Toucanet. 

For this reason it has been designated an Important Bird Area of high priority Birds within the Chucanti Nature Reserve The natural vegetation at Cerro Chucantí provides a continuous elevational gradient, ranging from mangrove forests on the Pacific coast, to lowland tropical rainforest, to mid-elevation and montane forest, and finally to cloud forest on the mountain’s summit . Moreover the site has an incredible scenic beauty. New facilities are available to stay while conducting research or just hiking to enjoy the natural wonders around Cerro Chucanti.