Tavida Waterfall

The Tavida falls drop into a series of pools in a forested valley below Chiguirí Arriba in the Coclé highlands, reached on a steep descent from the village through farmland and then forest, taking around forty minutes down and rather longer back up. The pools are deep enough to swim and the rock around them is worn smooth. The surrounding country is a mix of small farms and remnant forest with the highlands rising behind.

What you actually see

• The falls - the drop into the pools at the foot of the valley.
• The pools - deep swimming water among smooth worn rock.
• The descent - the steep forty-minute walk down from the village.
• The highland country - the mix of farms and forest around Chiguirí Arriba.

When to go

December to April is drier with safer footing. Rain makes the descent slippery and the river dangerous. Weekends bring local groups.

Honest expectations

The climb back up is steep and hard in heat. The trail is unmarked and a local guide is worth taking. There are no facilities at the falls.

Nearby

Penonomé is south, and Omar Torrijos National Park is west.