04 Nov Hiking Around Paraiso Escondido
By Natalie Warner
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Hiking and seeing different aspects of Mother Nature is the ultimate cure all. This time of the year can be fun and stressful, especially with the holidays in full swing. Hiking around Paraiso Escondido in Chicá, Panama, is located less than 30 minutes from Nueva Gorgona, and was just what the doctor ordered…. or maybe we can assume she did.
This trip is great for anyone looking for a guided hike in hopes of seeing a variety of Panamanian scenery. The many waterfalls you can expect to see along the path are the highlight of hiking Paraiso. There are two hiking options.
The first option is to view one waterfall, located roughly 15 minutes away from the parking lot. This part of the hike is an easy-moderate hike. This trail is an out and back style trail, meaning you take the same trail each way. The first half of the hike is primarily downhill. Although it can seem a bit steep at times, a rope acting as a railing is available as needed. The steepest part of the trail accounts for about 5 minutes each way.
Steepest part of hiking option 1. Courtesy of Lee Perkins
The waterfall of hiking option 1. Courtesy of Lee Perkins
The second hike is a loop trail and includes the first waterfall. This hike is a moderate hike and having shoes with a good grip is imperative. While good hiking shoes are always important, this holds particularly true for this hike.
Expect to cross along streams; you’ll rely on your balance, your hiking buddies, and your guide to help you get across them. There is also a point in the hike where you have the option of seeing a smaller waterfall. To get there you must scale down a near-vertical rock that is approximately 3.5m (11ft). As a side note, hikers take the same way back up. The guide provides rope for this portion of the hike. These sections of the hike are relatively short but change an easy hike into a moderate hike.
Crossing a stream for hiking option 2. Courtesy of B. Chrisse Harwanko
Scaling a rock during hiking option number 2. Courtesy of Lee Perkins
Expect to see a variety of scenery. From mountains and meadows, to streams and waterfalls—regardless of the hike you choose to do. The guide was knowledgeable about various animal tracks, wildlife, and plants. Hikers can go swimming, if desired, in some of the natural pools. Homemade popsicles are also for sale for anyone wanting to cool off during or after their hike! We took a few breaks relaxing by waterfalls and completed the hike within two hours.
It may also be worth nothing that although dogs were permitted on the hike, it may be a good idea for yours to skip this hike if you are planning on doing hike option #2.
Those interested in visiting Villa Escondido must call in advance. The guide is Spanish speaking only and can be contacted via phone at 6661-3085, or by email at [email protected]. Cost for the hike is $3 for the first waterfall and $5 for the longer option. Bathrooms are available at the beginning of the hike. The location can be found via GPS app Waze or via Google Maps by entering “Chica Paraiso Escondido.”
A special thanks to B. Chrisse Harwanko and Lee Perkins for allowing the use of their photos.