Coclé Province - Panama - page 204

Activities
Hiking
Next to the ranger station you'll find two side-by-side trails - the leftmost trail follows
the ridgeline and summits a nearby mountain in about an hour. Here you'll be rewarded
with panoramic views of both oceans and the surrounding canopy.
If you take the rightmost trail, you'll be following the Caribbean slope of the contin-
ental divide, though be advised that this trail does not end, and should under no circum-
stances be attempted without a guide. However, if you can arrange a guide through the
ranger station, this is a fantastic trail that passes several rivers, winds up and down sever-
al mountain peaks and penetrates deep into the heart of the forest.
Behind the ranger station you'll find the entrance to a short interpretative trail that
points out local species of trees and plants. This trail is only about 500m in length, but
it's a great introduction to the flora of the region.
Another hiking option is to spend a night with the Navas family (see below).
Be advised that there are poisonous snakes in the park including the infamous fer-de-
lance - as a precaution, inform others of your intentions, always hike in boots and stick
to the trails.
Sleeping & Eating
About 200m up the road from the ranger station is a small ANAM cabin (campsite US$5, r
per person US$5) with four beds and a kitchen with simple cooking facilities and basic toi-
let and cold-water shower. It also has a loft and living room, allowing a total of 10 to
sleep comfortably if you have your own gear. Either way, you'll need a sleeping bag - it
cools off at night in the mountains so bring some warm clothing as well. If you've
brought your own tent, there is a groomed spot alongside the cabin where you can pitch
for the night.
Another excellent way of visiting the park is taking advantage of the services of the
friendly Navas family. They rent rooms in their house (Casa Navas; 983-9130; Barrigon;
per person incl 3 meals & guide US$35) in Barrigon or cabaña Albergue Navas (
983-9130; La Rica; per person incl 3 meals & guide US$35) in La Rica, a beautiful community
inside the park. Accommodations at both places are rustic, but very well maintained and
inexpensive, with all meals included. The family - Santo and Anna Navas and their sons
- work as guides, as they have done in the past for scientists and bird-watchers. They