A trip to La Laguna from Coronado
A day trip to La Laguna is a great excursion if you are visiting Coronado Panama or the surrounding beach communities. And if you have the gear, it’s also a wonderful place to camp near Coronado.
La Laguna is actually located in the district of San Carlos, despite being accessible from the Las Lajas road. In English, it’s the Lagoon of San Carlos. The Lagoon, or small lake, is located in the foothills of Mount Picacho sitting 850 meters above sea level. The elevation offers a refreshing change from the beach offering climate. The fresh air mixed with a tranquil, safe, and equipped area makes this a great place to spend the day or night.
At the entrance to La Laguna, you will also find the trailhead for Picacho, an intermediate hike to the summit of Picacho. If your up for a hike the views at the top are spectacular. Note that there is quite a bit of incline on this hike, if it’s rainy it can be slippery.
La Laguna has several camping sites, with ample space to spread out and enjoy the grounds. There are bathrooms and a Fonda (local restaurant). The facilities are free for visitors, but toilet paper is offered at a cost of $0.25. So either bring your own or buy before you go!
While the lagoon is a bit murky it is safe for swimming. You can also fish, apparently, there are some nice-sized tilapia which, locals use flour mixed with water on a small hook to catch. They also have a couple of little boats you can take out on the lake. If you have a stand-up paddle board this would be a great place to take it out!
If you are looking for a short hike you can walk around La Laguna. The trail is easy, apart from one section where it has been washed out. You will need to walk through a small amount of water to reach the other side, or you can head back the same way you came.
While bonfires are permitted, it is asked that you only have small fires and that they are kept at a safe distance from trees. La Laguna is also pet friendly!
TIP: Visit La Laguna during the week. While the area is meant to be tranquil, it isn’t always. The weekend can be noisy as often people bring along sound systems which kinda kills the vibe. Also, bring ample food, the restaurant has limited hours and sometimes they don’t keep to them.
Note: You cannot drive into La Laguna. If your camping setup is attached to your car, however, you can use the two lots that are in front of the parking. Make a left-right after the entrance. The second lot with the mango tree has a great ocean view!
Other things you might want to bring to La Laguna include Bug spray (normal mosquito repellent is fine), sunblock, water, snacks or food if you are spending the night, walking shoes, a swimsuit, and warm clothes if you are spending the night.
Hours of operation at La Laguna
While you can get into La Laguna at any time, if you want to use the facilities (restaurant, bathrooms, etc.) you will need to get there before 4:00 p.m. during the week. Saturday night someone stays on the grounds.
Cost of entry at la Laguna
Day Passes for adults are $1.00 and for kids $0.50 (5 - 10 years old). For camping at La Laguna, the cost is $5.00 per adult and $3.00 per child (5 - 10 years old). If you wish to bring a cooler there is a cost of $8.00 per cooler. and Parking is $3.00 - $10.00 depending on the size of the vehicle.
Boat rentals at La Laguna
You can rent a little paddle boat or row boat at La Laguna for $8.00 per 30 mins
Getting to La Laguna from Coronado
La Laguna of San Carlos is about 22.4 km, (40 minutes) from the entrance of Las Lajas, Pan Americana Highway, through Coronado.
Most of the trip is by road and is in good condition, the last kilometer is a dirt road. You do not need a 4x4.
