An Artificial Lake Full of Activities, Mountains, Rivers and Ecological Trails
Although this region of the country is part of the Province of Panama, due to its social and economic characteristics it differs from the metropolitan area of Panama City, and is made up of all the urban and rural areas that go from the East of the Tocumen International Airport to the border with Darien Province. The most important sectors covered by East Panama, in order from closest to the capital to furthest away, are 24 de Diciembre, Cerro Azul, Tanara, Chepo and Bayano. Tourism is growing, and there are several options to carry out ecological tours and experience a part of Panama that tourists are starting to discover.
Cerro Azul
One of the best destinations to get away from the stress and noise of the bustling center of Panama City is Cerro Azul. A mountain that rises 950 meters above sea level that is only 45 minutes by car from the Capital’s downtown and that has a cool weather full of nature and fresh air.
Activities:
In Cerro Azul you can walk along trails and live an ecological journey where you can visit viewpoints such as Atalaya. In the Chagres National Park, many visitors decide to explore the forests and their exotic natural landscapes. It is also possible to do sustainable hiking that leads to several waterfalls such as El Vigia where it is possible to enjoy a dip in warm and refreshing water. There is also a country club where visitors can enjoy a ride in its facilities that include a restaurant, a swimming pool and 8 horses. All with an incredible view of the mountains.
Where to stay:
You can find mountain cabins and hotels of different prices, all surrounded by a beautiful forest and a cool breeze. Another way to experience Cerro Azul is by renting a house, most of which are beautiful and in very good condition.
Where to eat:
Cerro Azul has several dining options, from barbecue where it is possible to eat high-quality meat to pizzeria. All hotels and cabins have their own restaurant.
How to get:
It is located an hour and a half from Panama City by car, on the Pan-American Highway, at 24 de Diciembre sector, take a detour to start giving up the mountain until you reach paradise.
Chepo
Located 1 hour east of Panama City, is home to the Bayano River, one of the largest in the country. It is also the point that connects with the land route that leads to the Kuna Yala Region and its impressive archipelago with white sand beaches.
Activities:
This sector of Panama Province is practically rural and has a natural potential that will expand its offer in the coming years. However, it has a wide range of places of interest where tour operators carry out tours to places like the Mamoni River, where visitors can refresh in its waters and explore it by boat. It is also possible to visit Chepillo Island, located at the outlet of the Chepo River in the Pacific, an ideal place to surf and enjoy its beautiful beaches.
Where to eat:
In the sector, the culinary offer focuses on local food where you can try delicacies such as plantain empanadas and lentil soup; plantain with fish and other varieties of shellfish that are very popular.
Where to stay:
This sector still does not have a hotel infrastructure, for this reason, most of the visits to this region are day trips or camping through tourism agencies that organize it, however, in Chepo town it is possible to find some Aibnb option.
How to get:
It is relatively easy, just drive towards Panama City’s international airport on Via Tocumen, and turn right towards 24 de Diciembre. From this point, drive straight until you enter the Chepo District.
Bayano Lake
It is an artificial lake created by damming the Bayano River in 1976 to generate the electricity that most of Panama City receives. This lake is the second largest in the country after Gatun and caused the mobilization of rural and indigenous communities, as well as wildlife to higher ground. Today, these communities live on the shores of the lake and are mainly engaged in fishing and tourism.
Activities:
Thanks to the construction of the dam, its location, climatic conditions and rock formations have allowed the development of an environment with abundant flora and fauna, as well as impressive landscapes that create the perfect conditions to promote different sports and outdoor activities for all tastes. From kayak excursions through the narrow channels characterized by the most varied rock formations that encourage professional climbers to open new routes, or guided walks along the Bayano caves that are located on the south side of the lake. A tour that includes a walk inside the cave until you reach a beautiful natural pool illuminated by sunlight.
Where to stay:
This lake is a very attractive point to visit and has several lodging options, from cabins near the shore of the lake to high points from where you can enjoy impressive views. Each point seeks to create an immersive natural experience.
Where to eat:
If you take a tour with a “tour” operator or stay in one of the “ecolodges” in the area, you can taste several of the traditional dishes of the area made with crayfish or tilapia, the fish that inhabits Lake Bayano. In the town of Bayano and the surroundings it is also possible to find restaurants with similar culinary offers.
How to get:
Located just over two hours from Panama City, it is a single straight road along Pan-American Avenue, first passing through December 24, Tanara, Chepo, until reaching Lake Bayano.
