El Copé, Coclé: Rural, peaceful community in the beautiful cloud forest (Part I)
(examiner.com) Would you like to visit a rural, Interior community in the amazing cloud forest of Panama? Let me recommend El Copé (of La Pintada) in Coclé province in the Republic of Panama. El Copé, named for a local tree with strong, waxy leaves, is a quaint community of about 1000 people that has electricity, general stores, a couple of restaurants, and the local health clinic. A second, although more remote, community called El Copé is located near Ola, but has limited access.
Location and Transportation
The location of El Copé in central Panama is ideal, just 2 ½ hours from Panama City and 28 kilometers (17 miles) off from the Interamerican Highway. Turn at the green Farmacia, right just 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) after Penonomé (coming from the East) or left about 7 kilometers (4 miles) after Nata (coming from the West). You also can arrive on a comfortable, direct bus from Panama City ($5.50 one way) that is air conditioned and each person has a seat. Other local, but typically smaller, buses travel from Penonomé ($1.50) or Aguadulce ($2.00). Local transportation to other communities, Omar Torrijos National Park, and nearby towns is available through La MICA Biological Station.
Once You Arrive
Most guests hop off the bus in the center of town, across from the Catholic Church at a descent-sized store called M/S del Pueblo (this is usually the first stop where most people will get off). The store boasts a large, overhanging roof (good for rainy times) and stocks pretty much whatever you can desire or need (or perhaps not need): meat and vegetables, dried foods, toiletries, and bottled water, rubber boots and machetes, and yes, even a kitchen sink.
The Surrounding Natural World
Cool mountain temperatures and beautiful waterfalls are just a couple of attractive features of the area. The mystical cloud forests that surround El Copé are home to over 350 species of birds, amazing orchids, beautiful butterflies, and even jaguars (although very good luck is required to see one!). Omar Torrijos Herrera National Park is located just 8 kilometers (5 miles) from El Copé and the beautiful Las Yayas Waterfall is nestled between the community and the park. Part II of this article, to be posted soon, will feature information on local attractions.
The People
Local people, traditionally subsistence farmers, are hardworking and kind people that are often impoverished, yet welcoming and hospitable to guests. Many communities near El Copé continue a lifestyle without electricity or road-access; at times residents walk six hours to purchase basic supplies! The local culture and interactions with the natural environment are strong, especially among the elders of the local communities. Traditional medicines and vast knowledge of the flora and fauna are common, in particular in the more remote of areas.
The Food
Local dishes include arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), sancocho (chicken soup), and gallo pinto (rice and beans with vegetables) and are carefully prepared with delicious spices. Chicha (juice) made from the local fruits, including papayas, mangos, oranges, starfruits, nance, and lemons, are as nutritious as savory. El Copé has three small restaurants with very reasonably priced meals (less than $2) served in descent portions. Meals include chicken, beef, pork, and locally-caught fish, served with rice, beans or lentils, and a small salad. Eggs or additional beans can be substituted for the meat. Local stores carry some familiar treats like ice cream, Snickers, and pancake mix. The variety of available foods allows for the accommodation of most diets and all guests should be able to find something they like on the menu.
To be continued…Part II will feature tips on local lodging and attractions! Become a subscriber by clicking above and receive an alert when articles useful to your upcoming travels in Panama are published!
Julie Ray is an Examiner from Norfolk. You can see Julie's articles on Julie's Home Page.
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Original Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-12916-Norfolk-Panama-Travel-Examiner~y2009m6d5-El-Cope-Cocle-Rural-Peaceful-Community-in-the-Beautiful-Cloud-Forest-Part-I
Date Retrieved: June 12, 2009.
