One of the destinations that has gained a lot of attention this year is Lake Bayano, and its many activities that will lead you to its rural and jungle area. This artificial lake was created to supply water to both the Panama Canal and the Bayano Hydroelectric since 1976.
Its proximity to the capital city (two hours), extends an invitation to tourists to practice caving (study of caves and caves), or visit indigenous communities Guna or Emberá. It is also a perfect stop before spending the night in San Blas, but you must leave Bayano before 2:30 pm, because the entrance to the Chagres Park closes at four in the afternoon.
Point of Departure
If you reserve your tour, the tour operator will give you directions to meet with the group. But if you woke up wanting to know Lake Bayano, you can get to the bridge that crosses this lake before 8:00 am, and reach an agreement with a tour guide to join the tour.
To reach this platform you must take the South Corridor, pass the Tocumen international airport, the Chepo district and reach the town of Cañitas. From there, turn left directly to Tortí and Darién, until you reach the bridge. Right next to it is the port where you can leave your car. Another alternative is to go to the Albrook terminal, and take a bus to get off the bridge.
Visit Indigenous Communities
Upon arriving at the bridge you will notice that on the right is the Madugandí region, and on the left side the Emberá, you will have to take a boat upstream.
To visit the Emberá you must book a tour that will take you to El Corotú port on Lake Alajuela, where some natives will transfer you in a canoe through the jungle. On the walk you can enjoy the sighting of species, and bathe in a waterfall. Upon arrival in the Emberá community, you will be greeted with traditional dances, cultural events, handicraft sales and taste a lunch with the catch of the day.
There are other boat trips on the islands, where you can request a walk through the gates of the dam, go fishing, visit the tilapia hatcheries, or visit the Chepillo beach and go surfing.
Adventure Through the Caves
Lake Bayano is famous for its caves. There are three, but the busiest is the first. You must depart from the port to the Bayano Adventure resort (30 minutes), a current dairy farm where they will keep part of your luggage while you are enjoying this adventure.
If you go during rainy season you can get closer to the cave by boat, otherwise you will arrive walking. Be sure to wear some aquashoes, carry a flashlight, insect repellent, wet clothes and a whole cloth change. The tour guide will provide life jackets, but those who know how to swim will enjoy more the water.
As soon as you enter the passageways and huge caverns with hanging limestone formations, take it slow, remember that you will enter a community of bats, don’t be alarmed by their flutters, is better to see well where you step in this low visibility section.
The main cave tour in Lake Bayano has an approximate one kilometer in length , where it will be ideal to take pictures with the occasional sun rays that sneaks between the open and rocky spaces. This tourist challenge that can take between five to seven hours will surprise you with its dynamic aquatic and terrestrial contact with Panamanian nature.
