Los Cajones de Chame
Los Cajones de chame
Los Cajones de Chame is a canyon formed by the rushing waters of the Chame River. You will find this natural wonder located in the town of El Jobo.
El jobo is about 30 minutes from Coronado, Panama towards the Mountain community of Altos del Maria. Las Cajones is very accessible now that they did the brand new road. You evene have a restaurent now nearby and a parking lot a little fee is mandatory as the lot is private. You might be asked to pay a small fee at the entrance to park your car at the top of the hill as well, it is not mandatory as the land is public, however, you might want to just pay the small fee as these people will also be watching the cars at the entrance.
What to Bring to Las Cajones, Chame
This tourist destinations located in rural areas, Have now some facilities such as bathrooms or drinking water. For children, or people who are not strong swimmers bring life vests. The river current can be strong in the rainy season, and most of the water is deep, aside from a few shallow swimming pools in the craters of the rock formations. Other items to bring include sunblock, hats and a pair of runners for reaching the bottom.
Getting to Las Cajones, Chame
Once you turn off the highway at the entrance to Altos del Maria onto the Bejuco - Sora highway the drive is approximately 20 minutes.
The turn on to the Bejuco-Sora Highway
There are a couple of mini-supers on the road if you want to stop for cold drinks or snacks, the selection is limited so if you’re looking for something special stock up before you exit the highway. There are also no gas stations on the road once you turn off the highway so you should gas up as well.
On the Bejuco - Sora highway you will pass through the towns of Llano Grande before arriving in El Jobo. Las Cajones is located in El Jobo, where the river of Chame passes through
What to expect at Las Cajones
Since this is a natural swimming hole, expect to see some small fish in the cold water, while they might be a bit curious about you if your standing still, they will not bother you! Other creatures like snakes and spiders live here too (after all it is the wild), however since it is a location frequented by people you likely will not encounter one. However, it is always good to keep your eyes open or carry a stick which you can rustle the grass up ahead.
Like any river, the canyon offers deep pools which are deep enough for jumping. The most daring jump from heights up to 8 meters. If you wish to jump, it is best to ask a local where the best place to do it is.
TIP: If you want this natural beauty all to yourself try visiting during the week, or traveling down the road to a river crossing where there is another nice pool for swimming. Weekends usually bring a crowd to Las Cajones.
If you are looking to stay near Las Cajones it is best to stay in Coronado at the best BnB El litoral, the owner will be even happy to prepare you a P icnic Basket for your day at the Cajones de Chame.
( advice 24 h before please.)
Elle Valle de Anton
El Valle de Anton is a small town located in a luscious green valley of an inactive volcano crater – it’s the largest inhabited crater in the world! When the volcano blew its top a casual 3 million years ago, the crater became a lush, green valley surrounded on all sides by the remaining volcanic ridges. The volcano has sat dormant for thousands of years and now is a favorite weekend getaway for Panamanians and visitors looking to escape the city. It’s unique cooler micro-climate, abundance of hiking trails, and many unique environmental and natural attractions make El Valle a popular weekend destination, especially for local Panamanians. It draws adventurous Panama City crowds who want to get out to the “mountains” in only 45 minutes of Coronado .
There isn’t much nightlife or partying here and it’s a small outdoorsy town, so be prepared to have a relaxing and tranquil experience here.
CERRO LA GAITA, BUTTERFLY HOUSE AND CHORRO EL MACHO WATERFALL
After a very good breakfast you could hike Cerro La Gaita and be at the top for some amazing photos. The trailhead is about 20 minutes from El Valle and the hike to the top should take at the most, an hour, so plan accordingly. After you’ve had your fill, head back down the steep but short trail. Going down should take you less than half the time going up.
Next the Butterfly House to get some educational information about the life cycle of butterflies, what makes blue morpho butterflies so shiny, and about the many types of butterflies in Central America and Panama. You can also walk through the greenhouse and watch all the butterflies and even let them land on you. Entrance to the Butterfly House is $5 USD and the house is open from 9 am to 4 pm, with final entrance at 3:30 pm.
Next, it’s off to Chorro el Macho waterfall. Only a 30 minute walk from town, this waterfall is the tallest in the region. It has a pool big enough for swimming at the bottom so bring a bathing suit and towel. It’s $5 USD entrance to the waterfall and an additional $5 if you plan on swimming. Above the waterfall, there is a canopy and zip-line company. You could zip-line overhead and walk along the suspension bridges in the canopy for $53 USD per person. Make sure to give yourself enough time if you plan on doing both activities. The canopy tour lasts an hour and a half. The waterfall is open from 8 am to 5 pm everyday.
After a nice day in the nature you could come back at the BnB El Litoral and relax before your Ultimate culinaire experience and immerse yourself in the relaxed ambiance under the stars of our outdoor BBQ space, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature with a nice bottle of wine.
(please reserve 24 h before)
A trip to La Laguna from Coronado
A day trip to La Laguna is a great excursion if you are visiting Coronado Panama or the surrounding beach communities.
La Laguna is actually located in the district of San Carlos, despite being accessible from the Las Lajas road. In English, it’s the Lagoon of San Carlos. The Lagoon, or small lake, is located in the foothills of Mount Picacho sitting 850 meters above sea level.
The elevation offers a refreshing change from the beach offering climate. The fresh air mixed with a tranquil, safe, and equipped area makes this a great place to spend the day or night if you like camping.
At the entrance to La Laguna, you will also find the trailhead for Picacho, an intermediate hike to the summit of Picacho. If your up for a hike the views at the top are spectacular. Note that there is quite a bit of incline on this hike, if it’s rainy it can be slippery.
La Laguna has several camping sites, with ample space to spread out and enjoy the grounds. There are bathrooms and a Fonda (local restaurant). The facilities are free for visitors, but toilet paper is offered at a cost of $0.25. So either bring your own or buy before you go!
While the lagoon is a bit murky it is safe for swimming. You can also fish, apparently, there are some nice-sized tilapia which, locals use flour mixed with water on a small hook to catch. They also have a couple of little boats you can take out on the lake. If you have a stand-up paddle board this would be a great place to take it out!
If you are looking for a short hike you can walk around La Laguna. The trail is easy, apart from one section where it has been washed out. You will need to walk through a small amount of water to reach the other side, or you can head back the same way you came.
While bonfires are permitted, it is asked that you only have small fires and that they are kept at a safe distance from trees. La Laguna is also pet friendly!
While you can get into La Laguna at any time, if you want to use the facilities (restaurant, bathrooms, etc.) you will need to get there before 4:00 p.m. during the week. Saturday night someone stays on the grounds.
Cost of entry at la Laguna
Day Passes for adults are $1.00 and for kids $0.50 (5 - 10 years old). For camping at La Laguna, the cost is $5.00 per adult and $3.00 per child (5 - 10 years old). If you wish to bring a cooler there is a cost of $8.00 per cooler. and Parking is $3.00 - $10.00 depending on the size of the vehicle.
Boat rentals at La Laguna
You can rent a little paddle boat or row boat at La Laguna for $8.00 per 30 mins
Getting to La Laguna from Coronado .La Laguna of San Carlos is about 22.4 km, (40 minutes) from the entrance of Las Lajas, Pan Americana Highway, through Coronado.
After a nice day in the nature you could come and stay at the BnB El Litoral and relax with a nice home made sangria in a very nice ambiance under the stars or even reserve for our outdoor BBQ space called Ultimate culinaire experience with a nice bottle of wine. (please reserve 24 h before)
Hope to see you very soon
Anne Marie Bergeron