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26 Amazing Waterfalls In Panama: The Ultimate Guide

26 Amazing Waterfalls In Panama: The Ultimate Guide

Panama is an awesome country to explore if you love hiking and chasing waterfalls. I spent 100 days in Panama and explored my way from the east to the west. My three favorite towns to base if you are a hiking and waterfall enthusiast are Boquete, Santa Fe, and El Valle de Anton. In this blog post, I’ll share all of my favorite waterfalls in Panama!

jaguar falls kalu yala panama

I explored all of the waterfalls below and I’m sure you will enjoy them all! I have categorized them by region so it is a bit easier for you to plan out which ones you would like to visit. I’ve written an individual blog post for almost all of the waterfalls on this list. You can click on any of the links throughout each section to go to a more detailed recap of the waterfall, with suggestions, photos, and tips.

3 MOST POPULAR TOURS IN PANAMA

These are the three most popular activities for tourists in Panama. Personally, I love the San Blas Islands boat trip!

  • San Blas Islands Boat Trip: Explore the tropical paradise of the San Blas Islands, the most beautiful region in Panama. Easily the most amazing activity I did in Panama.
  • Taboga Island Catamaran Cruise: Admire Panama from the water on a sightseeing catamaran cruise to Taboga Island. Admire the city skyline, dive from the boat for a swim, relax on a beach in Taboga, and enjoy snacks and an open bar.
  • Half-Day City Tour & Panama Canal: Connect with the beautiful and modern Panama City on this shared or private city tour. Stroll the narrow streets of the Old Town and watch ships sail through the Panama Canal

THE BEST WATERFALLS IN PANAMA

I hope you enjoy my list of the best waterfalls in Panama. I endured quite a lot of scratches, falls, mishaps, and awesome memories while exploring all of these waterfalls!

CHIRIQUI PROVINCE

THE LOST WATERFALLS TRAIL

On one of the most stunning jungle trails in Panama, we looked for the three lost waterfalls. Through the dense but luscious jungle, we trekked along muddy paths.  From one patch of wildflowers to the next we discovered beautiful vistas until we reached three, breathtakingly powerful and mind-blowingly beautiful waterfalls. One after the other the waterfalls blew us away. It was our first day in Chiriqui and it set the benchmark for the natural beauty of the region.  The Lost Waterfall Trail Hike is one of my favorite things waterfalls in Panama.

The Lost Waterfalls Trail is the first thing most visitors do in Boquete. It is a $7 entrance but quite easy to get to and only a short trail. It gives great value, rewarding you with three amazing waterfalls.

View the full blog post: THE LOST WATERFALLS TRAIL HIKE

the lost waterfalls boquete
the lost waterfalls boquete

THE PIPELINE TRAIL

The Pipeline Trail is another great hike and one of the best things to do in Chiriqui, just outside of Boquete Town. Walk alongside a river through the jungle until you reach a massive yet slow-descending cascade at the end of the trail. On the way, you will discover a thousand-year-old tree and some unique wildlife. The trail takes about two hours and is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon when you are staying in Boquete town.

The Pipeline Trail is a short walk through the jungle, with a great chance of spotting a Quetzal bird. They say this is one of the best things to do in Boquete for spotting the Quetzal. We also spotted a snake, caterpillars and lots of beautiful plants along the way.

The waterfall is quite high but more of a trickle than an aggressive flow like those on The Lost Waterfalls Trail.

View the full blog post: THE PIPELINE TRAIL

pipeline trail boquete hike
pipeline trail boquete hike
pipeline trail boquete hike

ROMELIO & KIKI WATERFALL

I’m standing behind a waterfall, watching the droplets majestically float down right before my eyes. I feel like I am inside the earth, inside a chamber watching the raw power of mother nature from the inside out. I am within the heart of Kiki Waterfall in the Ngäbe-Buglé region, Chiriqui. It was the second waterfall of the day after visiting Romelio Falls earlier with two local tour guides and a group of new friends.

These two waterfalls are a little tough to reach but if you can organize a crew it is an epic adventure for a day of waterfall chasing. I have linked the details of the guides in the full blog post which is linked below. If you can make it happen this is by far one of my favorite things to do in Chiriqui. I have all the instructions and details for how to contact the guides in the blog post below.

View full blog post: ROMELIO & KIKI WATERFALL IN NGÄBE-BUGLÉ REGION

kiki waterfall romelio waterfall chiriqui panama
kiki waterfall romelio waterfall chiriqui panama
kiki waterfall romelio waterfall chiriqui panama
kiki waterfall romelio waterfall chiriqui panama

CHOCLON WATERFALL

Choclon Waterfall is a beautiful twin falls at the end of a small gorge. The tiny amphitheater is the perfect place for a short hike and to hang out in the afternoon with friends on a sunny day. The water has a beautiful blue tinge to it and vines grow all around the walls of the waterfalls giving this spot a magical atmosphere. I really love this little amphitheater and hanging out here for the afternoon in the sun is one of my favorite things to do in Chiriqui.

View full blog post: CHOCLON WATERFALL IN CHIRIQUI

CHOCLON WATERFALL IN CHIRIQUI, PANAMA
CHOCLON WATERFALL IN CHIRIQUI, PANAMA

CASCADA DEL TRUENO WATERFALL

When the destination of the day is ‘Thunder Waterfall (Cascada Del Trueno) you know the crew is heading somewhere aggressive, powerful, and possibly a little bit extreme! Bundled into the back of a pickup truck, we wound our way through Chiriqui to Cordillera to begin the short trail. The 30-minute hike led us down into the amphitheater of dreams as the Thunder Waterfall lived up to its name, slapping a rage of spray at anything that came within a 20m radius with pure fury.

View full blog post: CASCADA DEL TRUENO (THUNDER WATERFALL)

CABELLO DE ANGEL WATERFALL

After jumping a few barbed-wire fences, we made it down to the river in about fifteen minutes. It was here that we could hear the sound of the howler monkeys who weren’t happy about us invading their river. They never came too close to us. I stood and watched them for about 20 minutes. Every time I moved position slightly, they would climb around the trees and find a little hole to view me from. If we made eye contact they would jump away and climb to a new vantage spot. We played this game for a while and eventually I managed to grab a frame of one of the monkeys before they leaped away.

Cabella de Angel waterfall was huge! If you are looking for mighty waterfalls this may well be one of the best things to do in Chiriqui! It flowed from two different sides and then converged into one, an almighty powerful force that rocketed into the pool below. The mist blew everyone and the rocks were incredibly slippery, which made it a fun experience but incredibly hard to shoot.

View full blog post: CABELLO DE ANGEL WATERFALL

Cabello de Angel Waterfall Chirqui
Cabello de Angel Waterfall Chirqui

SINDIGO WATERFALL

Sindigo Waterfall is a great little spot with cliff jumping, a rope swing, and beautiful blue water. What I am saying is… welcome to paradise!

The waterfall is in the Gualaca region and is unmarked from the road. We jumped a barbed wire fence and headed down a small path. After hiking down a little path for 10 minutes we arrived at Sindigo Waterfall. Gualaca is about an hour from Boquete but it is worth the drive as this is one of the coolest little rope swings and things to do in Chiriqui.

The scene was magical. Moss-covered boulders created a swimming pool, which a sweet little waterfall poured into. From the top of the boulders, you can jump in from about 4 meters. This epic little spot even had a rope swing, which flung you all the way out into the middle of the pool.

View full blog post: SINDIGO WATERFALL IN CHIRIQUI

sindigo waterfall

JOGUATA WATERFALL

After more than a week in the town of Boquete, I had visited many waterfalls but none so far had a sizeable cliff jump. That all changed when I paid a visit to Joguata Waterfall in Caldera. An 8-meter jump from beside a waterfall into the pool below was enough to get my adrenaline pumping for the day. Caldera is about an hour away from Boquete and is worth the journey as this cliff jump is one of the best things to do in Chiriqui.

The scenery was insane but I don’t like when I have to jump out over a ledge. Even if the ledge is small it still isn’t super fun when backflipping out over rocks. Having said that, I think I cleared it by a lot. It isn’t dangerous but be careful as always. Jumping forward and feet first is quite safe and easy! The water is quite deep and the waterfall crashes into the pool so aim just to the left of that but check the conditions first as you never know what lurks beneath the surface.

View full blog post: JOGUATA WATERFALL CLIFF JUMP

joguata waterfall cliff jump panama
joguata waterfall cliff jump panama

VERAGAUAS PROVINCE

ALTO DE PIEDRA WATERFALL HIKE

Alto de Piedra waterfall hike is one of the most popular things to do in Sante Fe, Veraguas. Because it is such a short hike it is frequented by a lot of travelers in the area. There are several short trails to different waterfalls all in the same little area.

The first waterfall was a beautiful 20-footer that quietly flowed into a small blue pool. Vines and ferns crowd the small amphitheater in what as a very peaceful spot. I hung out here for almost half an hour by myself taking photos and then I just sat on the rocks taking the tranquility in.

At the bottom of the third trail was a huge waterfall, the biggest of the day. I felt like the waterfalls in this region just never ended but that’s Panama for you. A shallow pool once again collected the water at the bottom of this pool. It wasn’t the best place for swimming in waterfall pools. However, there were lots of swimming spots along the route. Just none at the foot of a waterfall per se. Having a shower under the waterfall would definitely be possible.

Read the full blog post: ALTO DE PIEDRA WATERFALLS HIKE

alto de piedra waterfall santa fe
alto de piedra waterfall santa fe
alto de piedra waterfall santa fe

SALTO EL SUBI WATERFALL

El Salto Subi Waterfall is quite amazing with the flow crashing down in multiple directions. I always love when a waterfall is chaotic and smashes down the drop in different directions and different levels! It isn’t too far from Santa Catalina, which makes it a great little adventure if you get sick of sun and sand.

Read full blog post: SALTO EL SUBI WATERFALL

BERMEJO WATERFALL HIKE

Bermejo Waterfall was a scene of beautiful destruction. As I sat atop a wet rock, alone in the amphitheater of Bermejo, I could only envision the events that had unfolded over the years to leave this magical place in the state it remains today. Boulders the sizes of houses are covered in moss with trees growing readily from their surface. Freezing cold water swirls viciously, inviting you to test the danger. And then there is the waterfall itself. A multi-tiered, dual-directional flow of pure aggression, which slices through the earth in the middle of the Santa Fe Jungle with an exclamation point.

It’s an aggressive waterfall without a place to swim directly below it. However, the first pool is deep enough to at least cool off. I definitely suggest packing lunch and hanging out in this area for a few hours to appreciate the region and recover from your trek in!

Read full blog post: BERMEJO WATERFALL HIKE

bermejo waterfall santa fe hike
bermejo waterfall santa fe hike

EL SALTO WATERFALL HIKE

On my last day in Santa Fe, I decided to head out to find El Salto Waterfalls. It was an incredibly hot day and a pretty strenuous hike up some serious hills. However, after arriving in the small village, what I found was nothing short of amazing. El Salto is a collection of 22 waterfalls (if not more) in the middle of the mountains near Santa Fe. I explored two by foot and one other with the drone. It is possible to explore all of them but takes expert knowledge of the area, ropes, and some serious skills and planning.

The first falls were a great little spot with two waterfalls coming down into a small pool. This is the spot where I swam in the refreshing water. The striking part about El Salto was the huge boulders that were scattered throughout the canyon.

The second waterfall was where things started to get very impressive. Three waterfalls streamed down the flat cliff. It was almost like a water feature. It wasn’t a booming fall like Golondrinas, it was an elegant, triple waterfall tucked away in a corner. From the observation spot of the second waterfall, I spotted the third.

Read full blog post: EL SALTO WATERFALLS

el salto waterfalls santa fe alto
el salto waterfalls santa fe alto

EL SALTO DEL LIMON WATERFALL

Multiple streams poured over the edge of the cliff, like lines of tears seeping out of the earth. El Salto del Limon is a beautiful waterfall that has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere rather than an aggressive show of raw power like many of the other waterfalls in Panama.

Read full blog post: EL SALTO DEL LIMON WATERFALL

EL SALTO DEL LIMON WATERFALL

LA SILAMPA WATERFALL HIKE

A rocky path carves its way through the rolling hills of Calobre. For an hour of steep trekking, curious hikers can only imagine what paradise may be found at the end of their journey. The trail finally ends, and what is found is truly an oasis, a crystal clear oasis. Flowing down for a river through the mountains, a waterfall cascades into the azure blue water, which then flows into several small lagoons before finally free-falling into another waterfall to disappear into the river below. This my friends is a mountain paradise.

Silampa is one of my favorite places in Panama and it’s the perfect location for an all-day hangout with a packed lunch and good company. The trek is only an hour one-way, which makes it the perfect weekend.

Read full blog post: LA SILAMPA WATERFALL HIKE

LA SILAMPA WATERFALL

LOMA GRANDE WATERFALL HIKE

Loma Grande Waterfall near Santa Fe, Veraguas is one of the most spectacular little spots to visit in the region. Not only is this waterfall an epic natural sight but the amphitheater within which it is found is out of this world. Slopes on either side are covered in tropical plants, dripping from the spray of the waterfall. Moss-covered rocks are scattered throughout the stream that leads up to the fall. The best bit, however, is the unexplainable pool of blue water that sits to the side of the waterfall.

The trail down to Loma Grande Waterfall is pretty raw. Along the way, you will find banana plants and huge century-old trees. I was waiting for a jaguar, a huge snake or something to jump put the whole way. I really felt deep in the jungle and I guess I was. Santa Fe was miles away and so was Guabal. There was nothing out here except the promise of an epic waterfall.

A few cuts and bruises later, I laid my eyes on Loma Grande, and what a sight she was. This amphitheater really blew me away. It was almost like the pool of youth next to the fountain of youth. An unbelievably blue pool sat still, next to the beast of a waterfall, which came crashing down just meters away. I think this might have just been my favorite Santa Fe hiking trail.

Read full blog post: LOMA GRANDE WATERFALL

LOMA GRANDE WATERFALL GUABAL SANTA FE
LOMA GRANDE WATERFALL GUABAL SANTA FE

LAS GOLONDRINAS WATERFALL

I had heard about this goliath waterfall but never envisioned it to be quite so epic. Las Golondrinas Waterfall is a mammoth falls near Santa Fe, Veraguas. The trek to the falls takes only 20 minutes but leads you through a wonderland of vines and river crossings before revealing the gigantic waterfall.

You need to cross the river at least two times to reach the waterfall if you access the waterfall from the left trail. It was pouring anyway so it didn’t matter to us. After about ten minutes we got our first glimpse of the waterfall. From this far back, it looked incredible.

Finally, after lots of photos, rain, and adrenaline running high, we reached Las Golondrinas Waterfall. What a beauty! There was a slalom at the very top of the waterfall that weaved in and out before it all came crashing down with extreme force into the pool of blue water below.

Read full blog post: LAS GOLONDRINAS WATERFALL TRAIL

LAS GOLONDRINAS WATERFALL GUABAL SANTA FE
LAS GOLONDRINAS WATERFALL GUABAL SANTA FE
LAS GOLONDRINAS WATERFALL GUABAL SANTA FE

COCLE PROVINCE

POZO AZUL WATERFALL CANYON

In what seems to be the middle of a quiet farmland region is one of the wonders of Panama. A lot of places around the world get hyped up but surprisingly Pozo Azul was spoken of as a nice spot but I didn’t expect to encounter such an epic location. In the depths of the jungle, a series of waterfalls flow down from one level to the next into crystal-clear azure pools. Rock climbing, cliff jumping, and the ultimate waterhole await you at Pozo Azul in Cocle, Panama.

Need more information? Full blog post: POZO AZUL WATERFALLS

pozo azul cocle panama

AGUILA FALLS AND CANYON

Aguila Waterfalls is one of those locations that take you into another world. I found myself wading through knee-deep in crystal clear blue water while staring up at huge walls of ferns and vines as sunlight crept in through the canopy, lighting up the canyon. This is an Indiana Jones type of adventure.

Need more information? Full blog post: AGUILA WATERFALLS AND CANYON

aguilar falls panama

30KM TIFE WATERFALL TREK

A journey of 30km with over 2000 meters of incline through the forest of Omar Torrijos National Park to reach the epic Tife Waterfall in Panama. It isn’t for the faint-hearted but it is an incredible experience and off the beaten path, to say the least! If you are game the adventure to Tife Waterfall challenges you!

Need more information? Full blog post: 30KM TREK TO TIFE WATERFALL

tife waterfall hike

FILIPINAS WATERFALLS

Filipinas waterfalls is a series of five different waterfalls easily accessible along a short, but interesting trail that leads you through the jungle to each spot!

The fifth and final waterfall is a double-tiered beauty. At the end of a short but narrow canyon, a slim waterfall shoots down into a little pool of blue water. It is possible to climb up the left side but it is very slippery and can be quite dangerous. However, if you do make it to the top the view is beautiful!

Need more information? Full blog post: FILIPINAS WATERFALLS IN SORA

NATIVA WATERFALL IN SORA

Nativa Waterfall is an amazing wall of water like nothing else in Panama! It’s a really unique waterfall as it is a rounded wall that pours into a tiny little pool and then shoots off sideways down the river

This huge water wall was one of my favorite waterfalls in Panama because it is just so different from the regular style of a waterfall. It’s deep enough to swim in the pool below, even though it is only a 3-meter wide pool!

Need more information? Full blog post: NATIVA WATERFALL IN SORA

nativa waterfall sora panama

LOS VALLES WATERFALL CLIFF JUMP

Los Valles Waterfall cliff jump is by far one of my favorite places to hang out in all of Panama. Taking in the sun while laying on the rocks in between massive cliff jumps is heaven on earth for me!

The biggest cliff jump is 15m and other spots are possible to jump from throughout the watering hole. The biggest factor to point out is that this is not an easy place to cliff jump. Especially on the big 15-meter jump, you need to run and really push off to reach the middle of the pool below. It is dangerous if you are scared and only do a small jump or back out halfway. Don’t take this place lightly.

Need more information? Full blog post: LOS VALLES WATERFALL: THE BEST CLIFF JUMP IN PANAMA

los valles waterfall cliff jump panama

OLA WATERFALLS

The waterfalls of Ola are a spectacle that could be argued to be among the best series of waterfalls in Panama. Two huge waterfalls are accompanied by many smaller cascades and watering holes, which on clear days boast beautiful blue waters.

The main waterfall was a sight to behold. It was aggressive and the pool it flowed down into was a scene of carnage. Huge rocks were littered everywhere from previous falls most likely and the water smashed down onto one of the rocks spraying up with pure force.

Need more information? Full blog post: THE AMAZING WATERFALLS OF OLA

OLA WATERFALLS COCLE

MANGLARITO WATERFALL

Manglarito Waterfall in Chame begins with an insane canyon drop, which flows down into an amphitheater with the main waterfall. Both of the waterfalls are beautiful and this jungle atmosphere is one of my favorites in Panama.

Need more information? Full blog post: MANGLARITO WATERFALL IN CHAME

manglarito waterfall chame

WATERFALLS NEAR PANAMA CITY

PLANTATION TRAIL IN SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK

Panama City can get quite crazy at times amidst the traffic and the urban jungle. However, the beauty of Panama is that you are never far from the jungle or an adventure. Just a 28km drive from Panama City is Soberania National Park. Inside the park, you will find several trails with one of the most popular being the 14km Plantation Trail.

READ THE FULL BLOG POSTTHE PLANTATION TRAIL IN SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK

plantation walk in soberania national park

 JAGUAR FALLS HIKE IN KALU YALA

Jaguar Falls is a beautiful waterhole and waterfall at the end of a 5.3km hike through the jungle. It’s called Jaguar Falls because it is indeed a site where the Jaguar is present at night. It is not known how many but sightings are not uncommon. During the day, however, it is safe to visit Jaguar Falls. There is a great cliff jump of about 8m or even higher at the falls too! This is my favorite hike near Panama City.

READ THE FULL BLOG POSTJAGUAR FALLS HIKE AT KALU YALA

jaguar falls kalu yala panama

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT MY OTHER PANAMA GUIDES

I hope you enjoy my guides and have a great time exploring Panama!

cerro picacho ola panama

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Yoli

Sunday 23rd of October 2022

Thank you for the amazing collection of waterfalls in Panama. I have been to many of them, and look forward to discover those you recommend.. beautiful pictures as well!

Grimsa

Thursday 20th of December 2018

The experience looks so thrilling..The picture itself speaks volumes!!