La Yeguada Forest Reserve is a 1,125-square-kilometer protected area under the administration of the Ministry of Environment.
Known as one of the best camping sites in the country, this famous forest reserve is home to a myriad of waterfalls, hiking trails, lakes, rivers, thermal wells, and breathtaking mountainous scenery.
In La Yeguada you’ll be able to experience Panama’s usual hot weather during the daytime, at about 82°F (28°C) if it’s cloudier and up to 92°F (33°C) if it’s bright and sunny. At around 5 p.m. it starts getting chilly, with temperatures between 75°F (24°C) and 64°F (18°C) at its lowest during early morning hours.
It’s the perfect place to spend quality time with friends and family. This is where you disconnect from the city, get in touch with nature, and grow a closer bond with your loved ones.
I camped in La Yeguada de Calobre with some friends and witnessed first-hand the stunning beauty of this area. Let me tell you a little bit about this incredible place…
Some Backstory On La Yeguada
Inside La Yeguada Forest Reserve is the famous and very photographed La Yeguada Lagoon. This lagoon was born from a volcanic crater from a primitive stratovolcano that once erupted. The lagoon has a maximum depth of 6.5 meters and its waters lead to a drainage basin that’s 638 square kms long.
This drainage basin sustains the hydroelectric power plant of La Yeguada, which powers the town of Calobre. The hydroelectric plant was inaugurated in 1967 under the administration of General Omar Torrijos Herrera.
This same year the government planted the pines that adorn the lagoon surroundings. This marks it as one of the oldest reforestation efforts with Pinus caribea in Central America. It has over 2,000 hectares of pines in the harvesting state.
Along the length of the lagoon, fishermen catch their sustenance. This happens through the communities of El Satro, La Laguna, La Yeguada, and El Hato. Most of the catch is Tilapia fish, which is commercialized and sold fresh to the surrounding communities.
Where Is La Yeguada And How To Get There
La Yeguada is a community located in the district of Calobre in the Veraguas province.
The trip from Panama City to La Yeguada is about a 4-hour-and-a-half drive, and if you’re already in Santiago, it’s about an hour-and-a-half drive.
When trying to get to La Yeguada from Panama City, Google maps might tell you to go through El Cristo entrance in Veraguas. However, this is a longer route, and the road is not in great condition. I would suggest that you take a 4×4 vehicle.
If you’re coming from the city, all you need to do is go straight through the Panamerican Highway and then take the entrance called el Juaguito. The entrance sign is about 15 minutes after Aguadulce. You’ll drive about 30 kms into Calobre and then about 20 kms until you reach La Yeguada. You will see signs along the way, so there should be no problem getting there. In any case, using the Waze app and searching for “Reserva Forestal La Yeguada” will take you there easily.
There’s a second campsite in this forest reserve, which you can find on the Maps app as Area para campamentos del ANAM. This means ANAM (the Ministry of Environment acronym in Spanish) camping grounds. It’s only an extra seven minutes away from the first one. You can check both out before deciding where you want to set up your camp, or in case one or the other is too full of people for your liking.
If you’re taking public transportation, you can take a $10 bus ride from the Albrook transport terminal to Calobre. The bus to Calobre parts every day at 8 a.m., but make sure to get there early before it fills up. When in Calobre, you can take a chiva (a smaller bus) to La Yeguada for $4.50.
Once you get there, approach the Ministerio de Ambiente post right at the entrance. The MiAmbiente guide that you’ll find there will sign you in. This is to keep count of how many people are coming and going to the site and in case of any emergencies, they’ll have you on record.
Come Prepared For Your Outdoor Adventure
My friends and I didn’t have much camping experience… and it showed. Signs that we were unprepared for this trip came to light every step of the way. Maybe you’re already an experienced camper and don’t need these tips. But in the case that you’re like us, here’s the real deal on La Yeguada.
1.There’s no cellphone signal at the campsite.
Did we know this beforehand? Absolutely not. The look of surprise on many of our faces when we realized we couldn’t immediately post on social media the views that welcomed us was certainly laughable.
2.Keep in mind the camping site rules before packing for the trip.
It’s forbidden to drink alcohol, make bonfires, bring pets, and smoke. Although you cannot make a bonfire, you can still bring your barbecue grill to prepare your meals. This will save you from eating only sandwiches, snacks, and cereal for the rest of the trip. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything.
If you get tired of sandwiches and need something more substantial (like we did), and you don’t own a barbecue grill (like we did not), the fonda’s got your back. You can get a full meal of rice and beans, meat, and salad for $4.50. The fonda is all the way back in the Calobre town, which is about a 20-minute car ride. It doesn’t take long, and the drive is a full-on spectacle. Beautiful mountain views will surround you every step of the way. We didn’t mind.
You can find another fonda called the Cerro Castillo Restaurant, where you can get meals, desserts, and drinks. It’s only a 5-minute drive after you reach the first La Yeguada campsite. We didn’t go there unfortunately, but they have rave reviews. You can get fried seafood, fried plantains, salad, natural juices, coffee, and delicious desserts for inexpensive prices.
Make sure you also bring a cooler to keep all your perishables and drinks fresh and cool. If you buy a big block of ice (if available) instead of the bag of ice cubes, it will last you longer.
3.Sleeping arrangements.
You usually have three options: a tent, a tarp, or a hammock. If you go for the tent route, make sure you bring an air mattress that fits well inside it. Don’t think that your sleeping bag will cut it, because you’ll end up waking up every hour, trying to find a comfortable sleeping position and failing miserably.
A tarp or a tent big enough to fit a cot inside might be the most comfortable option in my opinion, but it depends on what you already have or how much you’re willing to spend on camping equipment.
Many people swear that sleeping in a hammock is the most comfortable option. You’ll most likely have no problem finding a spot to tie it around, as the trees all stand close together on the campsite. If you choose the hammock life, make sure you wear mosquito repellent, as you’ll be out in the open all night.
4.If you’re not used to the cold, bring sweats, a hoodie, and a blanket for the nighttime.
It doesn’t necessarily get cold, but it gets chilly. But don’t forget the usual summer attire for the daytime, as by then it’s back to the usual Panama heat.
5.Do not swim in the lake.
This is for your own protection, as they don’t have a lifeguard on duty. People have drowned in the past, which is why MiAmbiente added this rule.
6.Do not litter.
Pick up and take with you any trash you collect during your stay.
7.Be respectful and do not play loud music or be raucous.
This is not a party spot; it was conceived to be a family-friendly place for rest and relaxation.
If you’re an outdoor junkie or just want to get away from the routine-oriented, day-to-day life of the hectic city, this is the place for you. La Yeguada is one of Panama’s wonders and cannot be overlooked. Bring your friends, family, or spend time with yourself on one of the most beautiful campsites in the country.
Sincerely
