The Pacific Coast of Veraguas is a natural gem with two national parks and plenty of forested areas. There are eight trails that take you along the coast, through the mountains, and into the mangroves, revealing the incredible natural wealth of this special place in Panamá. Let's discover them and immerse yourself in their beauty!
1. Cascada del Rio Playita Trail
- Place: Cerro Hoya National Park
- Distance: 8.7 miles (14 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
At the core of a very natural setting and walking among the rocks along the river, this hike takes you to a perfect waterfall for a refreshing swim. While walking, look up at the treetops. During your tour, you'll see spider monkeys and capuchin monkeys, and you'll hear howler monkeys that live in that area. Pay attention, and you're sure to see birds like the orange-collared manakin (Manacus aurantiacus), the lance-tailed manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata), the Coiba wild pigeon (Leptotila battyi), an endemic species of the region. If you're lucky, you may spot the rare green macaws.
Tip
Keep in mind that this trail can only be hiked during the dry season ―from December to March― as it crosses the river and can't be flooded.
2. Cerro Hoya Trail
- Place: Cerro Hoya National Park
- Distance: 18.6 miles (30 km) to the top, or 12.4 miles (20 km) to the cloud forest
- Difficulty: Medium-high
Climb to the top of the highest mountain on the Azuero Peninsula, which is 5,114 feet above sea level (1,559 m). The hike is divided into two parts. The first day is a short but quite steep path. You'll ascend almost 3,280 feet above sea level (1,000 m) in 3.11 miles (5 km) of hiking. At the end, you'll reach a base camp where you'll rest and prepare for the next day.
The second part of the trail is the final climb― 5 hours to the summit of Cerro Hoya. At this point, the trail crosses a beautiful virgin cloud forest –full of life. There, you'll have the chance to spot the Azuero mountain gem hummingbird, the rare crowned eagle (Morphnus guianensis), and see the best panoramic views of the area.
Tip
Be prepared for rain; you're visiting a cloud forest and the weather will be very humid. Many operators offer complete packages with a specialized guide and accommodation at the base camp, for about US$450.
3. Pozos Termales Trail
- Place: Coiba National Park
- Distance: 2,460 feet (750 m)
- Difficulty: Low
Coiba Island has a fascinating history. For many decades, it was a prison where the most dangerous prisoners in Panamá served their sentences. Then, the prison was moved to the mainland and the island turned into the Coiba National Park. Start your hike from the old penal colony, southeast of Damas Bay, cross the beach and continue the trail until you reach the hot springs.
Although the water in the hot springs is unsuitable for bathing, the magic of this trail lies in the dense rainforest and mangroves around it. On this hike, you'll see many hummingbirds, including the blue-throated hummingbird and the stripe-breasted starthroat.
This hike is ideal for birdwatchers. Many people come here to see the Coiba spinetail, an endemic bird that is often seen on this trail. You'll also see the endemic wild pigeon, as well as howler and white-faced monkeys.
Tip
This trail is affected by the tides. If you don't know the path well, or the right time to do it, you could end up in the mud. Be sure to do your research before going, and always hike with a guide.
4. Cerro Gambute Trail
- Place: Coiba National Park
- Distance: 656 feet (200 m)
- Difficulty: Low
On Gambute Beach on Coiba Island, just outside the ANAM station, there is a trail that takes you to an incredible view of all the surrounding islands. On this short hike, you will pass through a smaller forest and then a larger one with giant trees. In this forest, you can see king vultures (Sarcoramphus papa) and red-rumped woodpeckers (Dryobates kirkii), as well as several kinds of monkeys that will follow you from the top of the trees.
5. Los Monos Trail
- Place: Coiba National Park
- Distance: 0.62 miles (1 km)
- Difficulty: Low
This trail is shaped like a U, which means you enter on one side and exit on the other. If you want to hike it, you'll need to ask your boatman to drop you off at the beginning of the tour and then pick you up at the end.
If you start at the Southern end of the trail, the path begins on a white sand beach with coconut palms along the sea. There you can appreciate local flora such as majaguillo shrubs, wild almonds, and an amazing ceiba.
Once inside the dense forest, you'll walk among the lianas hanging from the trunks and branches of mature trees such as María, secuara, tangare, maquenque, loquat, common daisy, and coconut monkey.
If you hear a roar in the distance while walking, don't be afraid. Instead, look for howler monkeys in the trees announcing their presence.
As you approach the end of the path, don't miss the enormous strangler fig. This curious tree catches everyone's eye with its movie-like look. Back by the sea, before returning to the boat, you'll find the fiddler crabs, mollusks, crustaceans, and other small creatures that say goodbye after this adventure.
6. Los Almacigos Trail
- Place: Cebaco Island
- Distance: about 4.9 miles (8 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Cross Cebaco Island from North to South to reach Playa Grande, a paradisiacal beach with white sand and turquoise water that will leave you speechless.
To begin with your journey to the beach, you must climb what seem to be long stairs that lead to the town's school. Once at the top, enjoy an amazing view of the coast before going on your journey. Although at the beginning the path is quite steep, don't worry! It gets flatter later on and the reward is worth it.
Tip
Take time to explore the town of Cebaco Island, a small fishing village steeped in history. Indigenous people, pirates, privateers, and even American soldiers lived there during the era of military bases.
Moreover, take advantage of the opportunity to book a sport fishing tour, a growing offer in this small town.
7. Alcornoque Trail
- Place: township of Quebro
- Distance: 1,312 feet (400 m)
- Difficulty: Low
This is a completely different plan. You'll be able to explore the mangroves on foot. With a local guide, you'll learn about the different levels of this rich ecosystem and the benefits of preserving mangroves. They protect coastlines and the wide variety of flora and fauna that live there.
You'll see how these trees have adapted to survive in a forest flooded by a mixture of fresh and saltwater. The tour lasts about an hour and is a unique adventure.
Tip
When visiting Quebro, book a tour of the Eco-ruta Tortuga and explore the beaches by moonlight, looking for sea turtles that are laying eggs or walking with the newly hatched turtles on their journey to the sea.
8. Seis Cascadas Trail
- Place: township of Quebro
- Distance: about 1.24 miles (2 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
The township of Quebro takes its name from its rugged geography, filled with waterfalls, streams, and rivers. Hike this trail, on a private farm, that will take you through the forest from waterfall to waterfall until you complete all 6.
After hiking for 1-2 hours, you can choose the waterfall you like the most and have a nice swim in the middle of a natural pool. Your guide will be with you and give you up to 30 minutes to enjoy the waterfall you chose. Enjoy the fresh air, the landscape of hills and small streams, and connect with nature.
No matter the destination, remember that whether you decide to go on a hike in the forest or the mangroves, the best way to do it is with a specialized guide who accompanies you and helps you have the best possible experience.
Explore the mountains, coasts, and mangroves of this beautiful and green province. Put on your comfiest shoes, pack your swimsuit, and visit an amazing and unique destination in Panamá.
Where to Stay in
Pacific Coast of Veraguas
