Panamá Province - Panama - page 171

Burbayar works with local schools and local communities. The lodge recycles all
trash, uses solar power and filters water. A tiny generator provides some electricity, but
gas lanterns and candles lend a rustic appeal. Booking in advance is essential. If you
don't have your own car, note that the price includes round-trip transportation from
Panama City (leaving at 8am and returning the following afternoon at 5pm). It's on the
road to Cartí at the 17km mark, roughly 96km from Panama City and 24km from Cartí.
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Lago Bayano
Created when the Río Bayano was dammed in 1976, the artificial Lago Bayano nonethe-
less is a great nature excursion. The lake takes its name from Bayano, the man who led
the largest slave revolt of 16th-century Panama. The area, with little development and
lots of waterbirds, is home to Emberá, Wounaan and Kuna communities.
On the south side of the lake, visiting the Bayano Caves is an excellent day trip.
Cavers wade up Río Tigre through a sculpted Paleolithic cave that's 850m long, full of
bats and amphibians. At times it's necessary to wade or swim, depending on water levels.
Exploring the cave requires round-trip boat transportation, a guide, headlamps and hel-
mets.
Guided tours are available through Panama City tour agencies or Kuna guide Igua
Jiménez ( 6700-3512; [e-mail]) ; tours usually include a visit to a nearby in-
digenous community as well. It's located 1½ hours east of Panama City via the In-
teramericana.