Things to see and do Darién Province

This private nature reserve of more than 30,000 ha is located about an hour by lancha from La Palma. Created in 1992, it is managed by Ancon Expeditions, an offshoot of the NGO Ancon, which handles all the logistics from Panama City, with transportation by airplane, or by land and river. The lodge offers a spectacular view of the gulf. 10 comfortable cabañas, with air conditioning and private showers (warm water), at the doors of the primary forest. Naturalist guides introduce you to the flora and fauna of the marine coast and the primary forest, before taking you to an Emberá community that lives on the banks of the Mogué River, whose mouth is nearby. Punta Patiño is a must for birders. A great variety of birds inhabit the mangrove and the trees of the reserve: Tangara, Black Crab Hawk, American Oystercatcher, Blue Heron, Black-tailed Trogon... without forgetting the Fierce Harpy, the largest eagle on the planet, the national bird of Panama. You can also observe the carpincho, the largest rodent in the world, as well as the Geoffroy's tamarin, the smallest monkey in Central America, or the three-toed sloth. The jaguar also frequents the area, but you would be very lucky to get close to it. Guided day and night hikes are available, as well as boat trips through the mangroves. And to rest, long deserted black sand beaches are waiting for you!

The Serranía Filo del Tallo is a hydrological reserve of almost 25,000 hectares, made up of a tropical rainforest and home to springs and streams that supply several villages in the area. There is a wide variety of animals, huge trees and enchanting jungle landscapes. It is recommended that you take a guide and wear boots when venturing here, especially because of the snakes. Ask the staff at MiAmbiente de Metetí for more information. The offices are located before the crossroads when coming from Panama.

In the south of the lake, half an hour by lancha from Puente Bayano, the caves of Bayano are one of the few places where you can practice speleology in Panama. Excursions are offered by agencies from Panamá City, but you can also contract the transport-guide service directly on site. The program includes exploration of the Río Tigre canyon, before entering the caves with beautiful shiny or translucent rock formations, home to bats. Underground path of about 40 minutes before arriving at a beautiful natural pool.

Capuchin Father Pablo Kasuboski is an American religious who has lived in Panama since the late 1980s. He has created trails in this tropical forest, which is very rich in birds. In addition to the conservation of the primary forest, he has built three aqueducts with the communities that cross the mountains to provide running water to the inhabitants of the region. The main trailhead is about 1 km from the house, and goes to a small lagoon.