El Copé, Coclé: What to do, where to go (Part II)
(examiner.com/) Has your interest been peaked about just want you could do in El Copé, Coclé in the Republic of Panama? Read on, my amigo! Please note that I have categorized each of the attractions and provided prices (which are always subject to change) when possible.
Parque Nacional General de División Omar Torrijos Herrera (Nature, Culture)
Parque Nacional General de División Omar Torrijos Herrera, or Omar Torrijos H. National Park (in English), or formally El Copé National Park…lets call it by its local name, Parque Omar, is located 7.5 kilometers (5 miles) from El Copé. Three natural trails wind through impressive cloud forest and provide spectacular views. Birds and insects, including incredible blue morpho butterflies, are frequently observed and other animals, such as frogs, sloths, and howler monkeys can be seen or heard with a little luck. Parque Omar is one of the few places where you can view both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by simply turning your body! Inquire with La MICA Biological Station, AGLAC Ecotours or the Navas Family of Barrigón (featured in Part III) about visiting one of the remote communities still carrying on a traditional lifestyle within Parque Omar.
The details: The gravel road leading to the park office is serviced by a small bus (50 cents/person/one way) only to the community of Barrigón (located between El Copé and the park), making its last stop a 45-minute (uphill) walk from the park. To travel all the way to the park you will need a vehicle with four-wheel drive and high clearance. Private transportation ($20/1-4 people/one way [driver will often wait, charging just $20 total) is available through La MICA Biological Station. Parque Omar has a cabin (see Part III for details) and a visitor center, which can be opened by inquiring with the sole park ranger manning the park office. Entrance fees are $3.50/person/day for Panamanians and $5.00/person/day for international visitors. Contact La MICA Biological Station or AGLAC Ecotours to hire a local guide. This is hands down one of the most amazing places I have visited. I highly recommend working out the logistics in order to visit, especially if you are a birder or avid nature-lover.
Santa Marta (History, Culture)
Santa Marta is a quaint community (with limited road access and no electricity) located at the base of Cerro Marta, one of the tallest peaks in Parque Omar. General Omar Torrijos tragically died in 1981 when his plane crashed into the mountain during unfavorable flying conditions. The local people are constructing a trail to visit the crash site, where the plane remains today. Enjoy a home-stay with a local family and share in traditional foods and music in the evening.
The details: Santa Marta can be accessed by private car ($20/1-4 people/one way), by local “chiva” (a covered pick-up truck with benches in the bed; $1.50/person/each way), or inquire with La MICA Biological Station about riding a horse from the entrance road to the community (7 kilometers; 5 miles). This is a great place to visit for the history buff or to enjoy some local culture.
Chorro Las Yayas (Nature, Swimming)
Las Yayas is located in Barrigón on the road that leads to Parque Omar. The beautiful waterfall cannot be seen from the road, but a paved trail loops past the cascading water and provides marvelous views. A crystal-clear pool is perfect for swimming and covered benches are great for picnics or simply relaxing. A small cabin is available for rent (see Part III for details) and local people manage the attraction, thus directly helping the community.
The details: Las Yayas can be access by a private ride ($15/1-4 people/roundtrip) through La MICA Biological Station or local bus (50 cents/person/each way). Entrance fees are 50 cents for residents of Barrigón, $1.00 for Panamanians, and $2.00 for international visitors. I highly recommend stopping to visit the waterfall on your way to or from Parque Omar.
Granja (Culture, Swimming)
The Granja, located in the community of Barrigón, is a family-run, organic farm that operates without modern machinery (they still use horses and hand tools!). This is an incredible experience for any visitor as you can partake in activities like preparation of sugar cane, view the orchards and rice patties, take a ride on a horse, or swim in a small waterfall. Enjoy the taste of local fruits and vegetables raised with no chemicals.
The details: Contact AGLAC Ecotours to arrange for an affordable tour and personally choose which activities you would like to try.
La MICA Biological Station (Nature, History, Culture)
La MICA Biological Station, which is currently under development, aims to enhance conservation and education in the natural areas around El Copé. The station will facilitate students, researchers, and tourists while supplying much-needed work for the local people. At this time La MICA offers logistical support (transportation, guides, food) for tourists and will soon have lodging on a private plot of land located in El Copé.
Plant Nurseries (Nature, Culture)
A couple of small plant nurseries are local to El Copé. One nursery will provide tours, explanations about the usage of plants for medicinal purposes, and demonstrations on how the famous Panamanian sombreros are made.
The details: Contact La MICA Biological Station for more information or to arrange a tour.
Local Artisans (Culture)
Several local people make various artisan products, including paintings of native animals, Panamanian sombreros, jewelry, and even furniture (the latter with an amazing water-powered mill).
The details: Contact La MICA Biological Station for more information or to arrange a tour.
El Copé offers a little bit for every visitor, while featuring restaurants, stores, and even a local clinic to provide all of the necessary comforts and securities every traveler desires (see Part I for details). Tune in for Part III to find out where you can rest your head after a long day of exploring!
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~y2009m6d8-El-Cope-Cocle-What-to-Do-Where-to-Go-Part-II
Date Retrieved: June 12, 2009.
