For many years, this exuberant natural destination was full of myths and legends, a place where few had access, except for a few expeditions from foreign countries. Despite the little knowledge about this place, as early as 1998, tourists in various parts of the world began to comment on the impressiveness of this waterfall. But the real tourism boom began in 2010, and by 2017 communities in the surrounding areas organized, began providing orientation services, and laid out appropriate trails to access this amazing waterfall.
Kiki’s Origin
There are myths and legends that are related to the name of this impressive waterfall in popular slang, however, the most interesting ones relate it to a large fish that several locals observed and they exclaimed in their language “there it was”, “here it happened”, “is here”. Although the word “kiki” has no translation, the “Ki” is related to coming or going, even seeing and observing in the sense of a location. Other people suggest that the correct word is “Kigüi”, however, these myths are diluted when facing the largest waterfall in Panama.
An Experience of Large Proportions
Panama is full of spectacular natural places, but Kiki has an element that attracts the attention of local and foreign Visitors, is the largest waterfall in the entire country, both in height and amount of water. This is because it is located right on the waist of the Kiki River, generating a force that creates an imposing impact of water when falling on the rocks and the natural pool that is formed at the bottom.
All the Visitors who arrive are impressed by seeing and feeling the magnitude of this waterfall. They are also pleased with walking along the trails that the local community has traced to the point that you can walk behind the waterfall without getting wet, since inside there is a large cave that shelters everyone. An anthology experience since you can see a large curtain of water with amazing movements that allow you to observe multiple rainbows, created by the rays of the sun and the mist.
Where is it and How to get There
The Kiki Waterfall is located in the Ngäbe Bugle District of Besiko, at 1 hour and 45 minutes from David City, Chiriqui Province. To get there, it is necessary to travel to the Soloy community on a David-Soloy bus route or by private car. However, already being in Soloy it is necessary to hire a 4×4 vehicle or wait for the transports from the Soloy route to Cerro Banco.
The waterfall is located in the region therefore it is developed and promoted by its members. The average cost to enter is between $4.00 and $ 5.00 dollars.
Community Tourism
The area has guides and a whole tourist circuit focused on community tourism, sustainable and in harmony with the environment. They have a restaurant (Mrö-Café restaurant) that offers an excellent service with accessible and pleasant gastronomy. From this point, the best tourist experiences are also organized with expert guides in culture and hiking. All this information and much more can be obtained by going to: www.destinosoloy.com.
