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What’s in Calobre?

Mountains, adventure, nature and more.

Located in Veraguas Province

Calobre and surrounding region is a destination worth at least 3 days of exploring, enjoying and disconnecting from the world to reconnect with nature.

It’s located at about 3.5-4 hours driving from Panama City (you can hire our ground transportation services to Santiago and get there super fresh) or you can get there in minutes via Charter flight to Santiago de Veraguas and we’ll get you to Calobre in no time.

Living History in

San Francisco de la Montaña

San Francisco de la Montaña boasts a National Historic Landmark that everyone should visit. While its exterior architecture is modest, its interior houses one of the greatest artistic treasures of American Baroque: breathtaking altars and reredos hand-carved from fine precious woods by Indigenous and Spanish artisans during the 17th and 18th centuries. The level of detail in the sacred imagery is astonishing.

San Francisco (Veraguas) is also known for its festivals, with the Dessert Festival being the most famous.

This festival is held annually in late January, where local communities showcase traditional and new recipes for tasting and purchase.

Contact us for tours including Calobre
Camping and Pine Forest Trails in

La Yeguada

Ascend to the ancient volcanic crater lake of La Yeguada National Park. Up here, the weather changes drastically into a crisp, cool mountain breeze. The main activities include camping under dense Caribbean pine forests, hiking the circular trail that loops around the lagoon, and enjoying early-morning birdwatching.

La Yeguada has a very well maintained camping area with access to bathrooms, faucets, grill spots and Park Rangers.

It is important to register at the Government’s Environmental Ministry page and pay your access and/or camping permits.

Close to the camping area, there are many trails and access to near-by waterfalls.

Camping in Calobre?
What to bring

High-Traction Footwear: Rocks around El Bejucal and the San Juan River can be extremely slippery due to constant humidity. Pack sturdy hiking shoes or boots with deep treading. Flip flops or Crocs-style shoes are not recommended at all and some Vibram sole boots may lose grip on slippery surfaces.

Low-Denomination Cash: As you immerse yourself in the genuine rural tourism of San Francisco and Calobre, keep in mind that local convenience stores, traditional eateries (fondas), and community guides do not accept electronic payments or credit cards.  

Layered Clothing: Bring light, breathable clothes for hiking under the intense midday sun in the lowlands, and a reliable windbreaker or jacket for the chilly nights if you plan to camp up in La Yeguada.

See more about rules to follow in National Parks

Visiting National Parks?

Read our guide on rules to follow to access National Parks and how to pay for your permits.

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Red-eyed frog in Santa Fe Veraguas

Santa Fe National Park

Established in 2001, Santa Fe National Park is a massive protected area spanning over 72,000 hectares across the Central Mountain Range (Cordillera Central) in the Veraguas province. This vast wilderness acts as an essential ecological bridge, directly connecting the Pacific and Caribbean slopes of the country. Characterized by its dense, primary cloud forests, rushing rivers, and an incredible collection of more than 50 majestic waterfalls, it is highly regarded by nature enthusiasts as one of the most untouched and biodiverse rainforest reserves in the region.

The park’s unique geographic positioning creates  extraordinary favorable conditions for wildlife and flora. 

Travelers exploring the moss-covered trails have the opportunity to see more than 300 bird species, including the elusive glowing quetzal and the endangered toucanet, alongside rare jaguars, pumas, and tapirs. 

For plant lovers, the area is famously recognized for its exceptional floral diversity, playing host to hundreds of species of native orchids that thrive in the cool, high-humidity mountain environment.

For all hiking and adventuring activities, it’s most recommended going with a certified guide you can hire with us.

Other activities and places next to Calobre