On clear days, both the Pacific and the Caribbean can be seen from the Cerro Gaital Natural Monument. The Cerro rises to more than 1,185 meters above sea level. In the north of the Coclé region lie extensive highland areas, national parks and cloud-covered mountain peaks. This landscape perspective is a good starting point for getting to know Coclé not only through individual attractions, but also through protected natural areas and hiking trails.
Highlands and Protected Nature
The Parque Nacional General de División Omar Torrijos Herrera protects 25,275 hectares of primary forest and is part of the National System of Protected Areas, under the supervision of the Ministry of the Environment. The park has a network of hiking trails, including Los Helechos, Sendero Marta, Las Ranas and Cuerpo de Paz. Two aspects of the natural environment meet here: the protection of primary forest and a network of trails for hiking.
At the Cerro Gaital Natural Monument, the educational trail serves recreation and environmental education, as well as providing visitors from Panama and abroad with safe, responsible access to regional biodiversity. The views of two oceans and the trail’s educational offerings provide different highlights.
Hiking Trails and Getting There
The Ruta de La Caldera de El Valle de Antón is 30 kilometers long and is intended for hikes with or without a guide. A project progress report from 2022 noted that trail junctions had been fitted with direction signs. Check the current condition of the signage before your hike.
To reach the Parque Nacional General de División Omar Torrijos Herrera from Panama City, take a road that branches off the Inter-American Highway at the entrance to the community of La Candelaria, in the direction of El Copé. The route is approximately 30 kilometers long. A dirt road then heads north to the community of Barrigón; from there, a trail of about four kilometers climbs to Cerro Calvario in the park. As road conditions can change, check them before you travel.
As a rough guide to the region, Coclé’s beaches are about 72 miles from Panama City, and El Valle is about 80 miles away. The drive along the Pan-American Highway takes approximately two hours; traffic and road conditions affect the actual travel time.
Crafts and Archaeology
In the district of La Pintada, the Museo del Sombrero Pintao showcases the lives and techniques of artisans, as well as hats from different periods. The Sombrero Pintao is also part of Panama’s cultural calendar: the country observes its civil and commemorative day every year on October 19.
The Museo del Parque Arqueológico El Caño offers another perspective on the past. Its permanent documentary exhibition presents original artifacts and replicas from finds in the tombs of El Caño to the public. Together, the two museums reveal different facets of Coclé’s culture: on the one hand, crafts and hats from several periods; on the other, archaeological finds and their replicas.
Discover more destinations: Antón, El Farallón Del Chirú, Aguadulce, Rio Hato, Coclé, El Cope, Penonomé, Ola, Anton Valley, El Chirú, El Roble, Ojo De Agua, Juan Diaz, Chiguirí Arriba, Pajonal, Llano Grande, Membrillo
For the main travel overview: Panama.
